JP2001043177A - Data processor, print controller, data processing method, and record medium stored computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically determine a server which is managing a printer driver of the latest version corresponding to the kind of a printer when a printer driver is revised to the latest version. SOLUTION: With a command that a Core command control part 401 issues to a printer, internal information stored in an internal memory of the printer is obtained and a command for obtaining the printer driver of the latest version is issued to the server specified with the obtained internal information; and the printer driver of the latest version of the matching machine name stored on the specified server is obtained and stored in the internal memory 404; and a non-Core part 405 holding the existent printer driver is replaced by a Core control part 403 with the printer driver of the latest version stored in the internal memory 404.

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 capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium, a print control apparatus for controlling the printer, a data processing method, and a computer. Is related to a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a data processing apparatus obtains the latest printer driver for driving and controlling a printing apparatus for printing print information, a driver main body is connected to an external medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a Web. It was obtained from a site.

[0003]

Among these, in order to obtain the latest printer driver from the Web site, the user refers to a printer manual or the like, and the data processing device starts the browser and accesses the Web site. Therefore, there is a problem that the printer driver intended by the user cannot be efficiently downloaded in a short time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to store internal information stored in an internal memory of a printer by a command issued from a printer driver to the printer. Obtain and issue a command to obtain the latest version of the printer driver to the server specified by the obtained internal information,
The printer driver of the latest version having the same model name stored in the specified server is acquired and stored in the internal memory of the data processing device, and the memory area holding the existing printer driver is stored in the internal memory. By replacing with the latest version of the printer driver,
When upgrading the printer driver to the latest version, the burden of inputting the address of the server to which the user should input the download destination is greatly reduced, and the latest version of the printer driver corresponding to the printer model can be input with simple operation instructions. Automatically determine the server that manages the printer driver, efficiently download the latest version of the printer driver from the determined server, and automate a series of update operations to upgrade the existing printer driver to the latest version. Even if the server address information for managing the latest version of the printer driver is changed due to various reasons, the changed server address information is transferred to the printer and the server address information stored in the internal memory is rewritten in a timely manner. Server Data processing apparatus and a printing control apparatus and a data processing method and a computer that can also respond flexibly to less change is to provide a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0005]

A first invention according to the present invention is a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium (network), First storage means for storing the printer driver (the non-core unit 40 shown in FIG. 4)
5) and second storage means (internal memory 40 shown in FIG. 4) for storing internal information obtained from the printer based on an obtainment command issued from the printer driver.
4).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver to a specific server in accordance with internal information stored in the second storage means, the latest information is sent from the specific server. Acquiring means for acquiring the version of the printer driver information and holding the acquired information in the second storage means (the Core command control unit 4 shown in FIG. 4)
01, Core control unit 403) and replaces and controls the contents of the printer driver in the first storage means based on the latest version of printer driver information acquired by the acquisition means and held in the second storage means. And a control unit (a core control unit 403 shown in FIG. 4).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the obtaining means determines a specific server from which the latest version of printer driver information should be obtained based on the server address in the internal information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the printer driver includes: a function processing unit that obtains the internal information from the printer based on an obtainment command issued from the printer driver; A first driver processing unit (Cor shown in FIG. 4) for instructing execution of a function process for acquiring the version of printer driver information
e unit 406), and replaces the contents of the printer driver in the first storage unit based on the latest version of the printer driver information acquired and held in the second storage unit, and instructs execution of the function processing. (The non-core unit 405 shown in FIG. 4).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a command for rewriting the internal information based on the input user information is issued from the printer driver to the specific printer.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the printer driver presents a user interface for inputting the user information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a printing control device capable of communicating with a printer driver of a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (network). A storage unit (internal memory 201 shown in FIG. 2) for rewritably storing internal information for connecting to a specific server, and the internal information stored in the storage unit based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver (A printer control unit 202 shown in FIG. 2).

A ninth invention according to the present invention has a rewrite means (printer control unit 202 shown in FIG. 2) for rewriting the internal information stored in the storage means based on a rewrite command issued from the printer driver. Things.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver.

The eleventh and twenty-first inventions according to the present invention relate to a printer driver (non-Core unit 405, C
or a data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a specific printer by an ore unit 406) or controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program readable by the printer, wherein the internal information obtained from the printer is stored in a second storage based on an obtainment command issued from the printer driver stored in a first storage means. It has a storage step (steps (1) to (5), (7), (8) shown in FIG. 11) for storing in the means.

The twelfth and twenty-second inventions according to the present invention are arranged such that the printer driver issues a command to the specific server based on the internal information stored in the second storage means. An acquisition step (steps (8) to (19) shown in FIG. 11) for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver information from the server and storing the information in the second storage unit; A rewriting step of replacing the contents of the printer driver in the first storage means based on the latest version of the printer driver information held in the storage means (FIG. 11)
(19) to (22)) shown in FIG.

In the thirteenth and twenty-third inventions according to the present invention, the obtaining step determines a specific server from which the latest version of printer driver information is to be obtained based on a server address in the internal information. .

According to a fourteenth and a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the printer driver has a function processing step of obtaining the internal information from the printer based on an obtainment command issued from the printer driver; A first driver processing step (steps (1) to (5), (7), (8) to (8) to (8) to (5) in FIG. 11) instructing execution of a function processing for acquiring the latest version of printer driver information from the server
(16), (19)) and replaces the contents of the printer driver in the first storage means with the latest version of the printer driver information obtained and held in the second storage means, and executes the function processing. Instructed second driver processing step (steps (20) to (22) shown in FIG. 11)
And

According to the fifteenth and twenty-fifth aspects of the present invention, the printer driver issues a command for rewriting the internal information to the specific printer based on the input user information.

In a sixteenth and a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the printer driver presents a user interface for inputting the user information.

In the seventeenth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver.

The eighteenth and twenty-eighth aspects of the present invention relate to a data processing method in a print control device capable of communicating with a printer driver of a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (network). A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a print control device capable of communicating via a printer driver of a data processing device via a communication medium, wherein the program is rewritten based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver. And a return step (step (6) shown in FIG. 11) of returning internal information for connecting to a specific server in order to replace the printer driver stored in a possible storage unit with the latest version.

The nineteenth and twenty-ninth aspects of the present invention provide a rewriting step (step (39) shown in FIG. 18) for rewriting the internal information stored in the storage means based on a rewriting command issued from the printer driver. ).

In the twentieth and thirtieth inventions according to the present invention, the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver.

[0025]

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing system to which a data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a host computer, which starts various applications by a predetermined OS, and a printer driver is operated for a print request. 10
Reference numeral 2 denotes a printer which communicates with the host computer 101 via a network 103 using a predetermined protocol to exchange print information. A server 104 provides the latest printer driver on the network 103.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an internal memory, which functions as a rewritable memory for storing address information of a server holding a latest printer driver and a printer model name. A printer control unit 202 processes data transferred from the host computer 104. A printing unit 203 performs a printing process on a recording medium that is actually fed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory structure of the internal memory 201 of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 2, wherein (a) shows a memory area and (b) shows stored data.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer model name, which corresponds to a case where, for example, the printer name “printer1” is stored as an initial value. Reference numeral 302 denotes server address information, for example, the server address “aaa: // 1 /
23.45.67.8 "is stored as the initial value.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer driver for controlling the printer 102 operating on the host computer 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a core command control unit for issuing a command to the outside. 402 is Core
The UI provides an interface to the user. 403
Is a Core control unit that controls each element in the printer driver. Reference numeral 404 denotes an internal memory of the printer driver, which temporarily holds the latest driver, and stores the current driver version, printer model name, and server address information. Note that the above 401 to 404 are collectively referred to as Core.
The unit is 406.

A non-core unit 405 is updated by the latest driver module. In the present embodiment, installation of the latest driver module is referred to as non-Co
This means that the re unit 405 is updated.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the data structure of the internal memory 404 of the printer driver shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5A, a printer model name area 501 stores a printer model name. 50
Reference numeral 2 denotes a version information area in which version information of the current non-Core driver module is described. 503
Is a server address information area in which server address information is described. Reference numeral 504 denotes a new driver storage area in which the latest downloaded driver is stored.

In this embodiment, the printer model name printer1 and the server address aaa:
// If the version 1.00 of the non-Core driver module is installed, the version information 505 is stored in the internal memory of the printer driver as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the CoreUI unit 40 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an install tag page screen generated and displayed by No. 2;

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes driver information in which current driver information is described. Reference numeral 602 denotes server address information in which currently specified server address information is described. A push button 603 functions as a button for urging the user to install the latest driver. A push button 604 functions as a push button for changing a server address.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server 104 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes an external command control unit for recognizing and executing a command issued from a printer driver. Reference numeral 702 denotes internal table data which stores a non-Core driver to be installed.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the structure of the internal table data shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 8A, reference numeral 801 denotes a printer model name portion which stores an installable printer model name. Reference numeral 802 denotes a version part, which is a stored non-C
Stores the version of the ore driver. A driver unit 803 stores a non-core driver.

In this example, printer0 to pr
If the non-Core driver version 2.0 up to intern is stored in the server, the structure of the internal table data is as shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a command issued to the printer 102 by the core command control unit 401 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a command;
The re command control unit 401 issues the command to the printer 102.

Reference numeral 1002 denotes an argument, and in the command 1001, an area where a variable printer Data is set.

Reference numeral 1003 denotes a variable area, which includes a printer model name 1004 and an area in which a server address 1005 is stored.

Reference numeral 1006 denotes the contents of the variable area, in which the stored printer model name is "printer1" and the server address information is "aaa: //123.45.6".
7.8 ”. Reference numeral 1007 denotes the content of the internal memory, which is stored in the internal memory of the printer driver based on the content 1006 of the variable area.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the latest driver version income command issued from the host computer 101 to the server 104 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1101 denotes a latest driver version income command, which is issued from the host computer 101 to the server 104. Reference numeral 1102 denotes a variable.
This is the case where a “sion” is added.

Numeral 1103 denotes a variable structure part of the variable version, which is an area 110 storing a printer model name.
4 and driver version 11 of the latest driver on the server
05 is stored.

Reference numeral 1106 denotes a variable, in which the latest driver version 1105 searched by the server 104 is set. Specifically, the external command control unit 701 of the server receives the command 1101 from the host computer 101, and reads the model information (print) from the variable version.
ter1), the internal table data 702 is searched, and the latest driver version 2.00 of the corresponding model name printer1 is stored as a variable version.

In this example, since the latest driver version of the printer printer1 existing on the server 104 is 2.00, the variable version is set to “2.
"00" is returned to the host computer 101.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (22) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), the user displays a UI at the time of normal driver setting, and in step (2),
CoreUI 402 of the displayed printer driver
The installation tag is opened from the user interface (UI) generated by.

Next, in step (3), the CoreUI unit 402 displays the install tag page shown in FIG. 6 to a user on a display device (not shown).

Then, it is assumed that the user clicks the latest driver installation button 603 in step (4). Next, in step (5), the core command control unit 401 issues, to the printer 102, an information acquisition command for acquiring, for example, server address information and printer model name information shown in FIG.

Then, in step (6), the printer control unit 202 in the printer receives the information acquisition command. In step (7), the variable p of the argument unit 1002 shown in FIG.
The information of the internal memory 201 is stored in “interter Data”.

Next, in step (8), the command control unit 401 of the printer driver sends the latest driver version acquisition command (GetP) to the corresponding server based on the server address information obtained from the printer 102.
issuer version). In response, in step (8), the server 104 sets the variable
receiving the model information “printer1” from the ION,
The internal table data 702 is searched, and step (1)
In 0), the latest driver version 2.0 of the corresponding model name “printer1” is written in the variable version.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the server 10
Since the version of the latest driver of the printer 1 existing on the printer 4 is “2.00”, the variable ver
As for “sion”, “2.00” is set in the variable 1106 as shown in FIG.
Will be replied to.

Next, in step (11), the core control unit 403 of the printer driver compares the latest driver version information obtained from the server 104 with the current driver version information 505 in the version area 502 in the internal memory 404. By comparing the two, it is determined whether or not the two version information match, and if it is determined that they do not match, for example, if the version of the driver on the server has been increased, the process shown in FIG. CoreUI
The user is prompted to install the latest driver via the dialog shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (11) that the two version information are identical, step (1)
In 3), the user is prompted to reinstall the latest driver installation via the dialog shown in FIG. 12B through the Core UI unit 402 shown in FIG.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a driver installation prompt dialog displayed on the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 12A shows a dialog for prompting installation to the latest version, and FIG. The dialogue for prompting the user to reinstall the version is shown on the display device (not shown) by the Core UI unit 402. Note that since the driver version on the server 104 has been increased, the user selects the “Yes” button in the displayed dialog.

Next, in step (14), that is, when the dialog shown in FIG. 12A is displayed,
"Yes" button (OK button) or "Cancel"
It is determined whether any of the buttons is selected, and “Ca
ncel ”, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (14) that the “Yes” button (OK button) has been selected, in step (16), the Core command control unit 401 transmits the download start command shown in FIG. Issue a command (Get Driver).

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step (13) after step (11), that is, in step (b) of FIG.
Is displayed, it is determined whether the “Yes” button (OK button) or the “Cancel” button has been selected, and if it is determined to be “Cancel”, the processing ends. I do.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (15) that the “Yes” button (OK button) has been selected, in step (16), the Core command control unit 401 sends the server 101 a download start command shown in FIG. Issue a command (Get Driver).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the download start command (Get Driver) issued from the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1 to the server 104 and the returned variable information.

In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a download start command, which is constituted by adding a variable section 1302.
The variable unit 1302 includes an area 1303 storing the name of the printer model to be installed and a driver area 1304 storing the latest driver to be downloaded. Reference numeral 1305 denotes a printer driver internal memory area, which is variable information (printer model name, version information, server address, latest driver module body) returned from the server 104 based on the download start command 1301.

Next, in step (17), the server 104
Receives the download start command 1301, searches the model information 1303 for the internal table data 702,
In step (18), the printer name "printer1"
Driver version 2.00 driver module is stored in the variable driver of the variable section 1302 of the download start command 1301.

Next, in step (19), the Core control unit 403 on the host computer 101 side
The obtained version and the latest driver information are stored in the version information 502 of the internal memory 404 and the new driver storage area 504. Thus, the contents of the internal memory 404 are stored in the printer driver internal memory area 1 shown in FIG.
305 is updated.

Next, in step (20), the Core control unit 403 uses the old non-Cor of version 1.0 currently in use.
The e-driver 405 is unloaded (copiable), and the latest driver module held in the new driver storage area 504 shown in FIG. 5 is copied to the non-Core unit 405 in step (21).

Then, in step (22), the latest version 2.00 non-Core driver is loaded, and the version 2.0 non-Core driver is enabled. As a result, the latest version 2.00 driver is installed in the non-core unit 405.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the case where the latest version of the driver module is downloaded based on the server address information stored in the printer has been described, the configuration may be such that the server address information in the internal memory 201 of the printer is updated by the printer driver. Good. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where the old server address: aaa: //123.45.67.8 is changed to the new server address: aaa: //111.22.33.4.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views showing an example of a server address designation dialog in the data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
This is displayed when the button 604 is instructed on the latest driver installation dialog of the I unit 402.

In the figure, reference numeral 1501 denotes a currently set server address, and 1502 denotes a text box to be entered by a user.

FIG. 16 shows the internal memory 404 shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of server address information stored in the “aaa: //” as the server address information.
111.22.33.4 "is stored.

FIG. 17 shows the configuration of the CoreUI unit 4 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the contents of an internal memory 201 of the printer based on a server address write command input via the command line 02.

In FIG. 17, reference numeral 1801 denotes a server address write command, which is issued to the printer 102 by the core control unit 403. The variable section 1802
Contains the server address data sev input by the user.
An area 1804 for storing the data is provided.

Reference numeral 1803 denotes input address data, for example, a case of "aaa: //111.22.33.4". Thus, the internal memory 201 on the printer 102
The contents of the server address 302 as the above variable data are stored in the memory contents 1 shown in FIG.
Rewritten to 805.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (31) to (39) indicate each step.

First, in step (31), the CoreUI unit 402 displays the latest driver installation dialogue user interface (UI) of the CoreUI unit 402 shown in FIG. 4 on a display device (not shown).

Next, in step (32), CoreUI
The installation tag is opened from the user interface generated by the unit 402, and in step (33), the UI shown in FIG.
The unit 402 displays a screen on a display device (not shown).

Next, in step (34), the user
When the “change server address” push button 604 is selected from the latest driver installation dialog of the CoreUI unit 402 shown in FIG.
The UI unit 402 issues a dialog as shown in FIG. 14 to urge the user to input information of a new server address.

Then, in step (36), in this embodiment, the user inputs the address data shown in FIG. Next, in step (37), the core control unit 403 stores the content in the internal memory 404.

Next, in step (38), the Core command control unit issues a server address rewrite command 1801 to the printer. Then, step (3)
In step 9), the printer control unit 202 receives the server address rewrite command 1801 and, based on the variable of the server address rewrite command 1801, changes the server address information in the internal memory 201 of the printer 102 into the variable
The content is rewritten to the content of esss, and the process returns.

As a result, the internal memory 2 of the printer 102
01 is updated so that a new server address can be used when installing a printer driver on a new host.

According to each of the above embodiments, it is possible to always install the latest driver distributed by the printer driver distributor by writing the address information of the server having the latest driver on the printer.

Further, when the user installs the latest printer driver, it appears that the user installs the printer driver from the printer driver itself, and the user's awareness of updating the printer driver is reduced.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the data processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the data processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

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. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 11 and 18 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment 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.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. 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.

[0100]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the thirtieth aspect, the internal information stored in the internal memory of the printer is obtained by a command issued from the printer driver to the printer, and the latest information is transmitted to the server specified by the obtained internal information. Issue a command to acquire the latest version of the printer driver, acquire the latest version of the printer driver having the same model name stored in the specified server, store it in the internal memory of the data processing device, and Since the memory area holding the driver is replaced with the latest version of the printer driver stored in the internal memory, the address input operation burden of the server to which the user should input when downloading the printer driver to the latest version is required. Is greatly reduced, and with simple operation instructions,
Automatically determines the server that manages the latest version of the printer driver corresponding to the printer model, efficiently downloads the latest version of the printer driver from the determined server, and upgrades the existing printer driver to the latest version. A series of updating operations can be automated.

Even if the server address information for managing the latest version of the printer driver is changed due to various reasons, the changed server address information is transferred to the printer and the server address information stored in its internal memory is updated in a timely manner. Since it is possible to rewrite the address, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the address of the server.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system to which a data processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory structure of an internal memory of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer driver that controls a printer operating on the host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an internal memory of the printer driver shown in FIG.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an install tag page screen generated and displayed by the CoreUI unit illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the structure of internal table data shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command issued to the printer by the core command control unit illustrated in FIG. 4;

10 is a diagram showing an example of a latest driver version acquisition command issued from the host computer shown in FIG. 1 to the server.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a driver installation prompting dialog displayed on the host computer shown in FIG. 1;

13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between a download start command issued from the host computer shown in FIG. 1 to the server and returned variable information.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server address designation dialog in the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server address designation dialog in the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a diagram showing an example of server address information stored in the internal memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the contents of an internal memory of the printer based on a server address write command input via the CoreUI unit illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the data processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Host Computer 102 Printer 104 Server 405 Printer Driver Non-Core Unit 406 Printer Driver Core Unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 13/00 351 G06F 13/00 351H

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a first storage unit for storing the printer driver; A second storage unit for storing internal information obtained from the printer based on an issued obtainment command. 2. A method for acquiring the latest version of printer driver information from the specific server based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver to a specific server in accordance with internal information stored in the second storage means. Acquiring means to be stored in the second storage means, and a printer driver of the first storage means based on the latest version of printer driver information acquired by the acquisition means and held in the second storage means. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for replacing and controlling the contents. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit determines a specific server from which to acquire the latest version of printer driver information based on a server address in the internal information. 4. The printer driver according to claim 1, further comprising: a function processing unit that obtains the internal information from the printer; and obtains the latest version of printer driver information from the specific server. A first driver processing unit for instructing execution of the function processing; and a content of the printer driver of the first storage unit based on the latest version of the printer driver information acquired and held in the second storage unit. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second driver processing unit for instructing execution of the replacement function processing. 5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a command for rewriting the internal information based on the input user information is issued from the printer driver to the specific printer. 6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printer driver presents a user interface for inputting the user information. 7. The internal information includes the printer model name,
6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver. 8. A print control device capable of communicating with a printer driver of a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print control device includes internal information for connecting to a specific server in order to replace the printer driver with a latest version. A print control device comprising: a storage unit that stores the information in a rewritable manner; and a return unit that returns the internal information stored in the storage unit based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver. 9. The print control apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising rewriting means for rewriting the internal information stored in the storage means based on a rewriting command issued from the printer driver. 10. The print control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver. 11. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising: A data processing method, comprising: a storage step of storing internal information obtained from the printer in a second storage unit based on an issued obtaining command. 12. The printer driver obtains the latest version of printer driver information from the specific server based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver to a specific server according to internal information stored in the second storage unit. An acquisition step of causing the second storage means to store the data in the first storage means based on the latest version of the printer driver information acquired in the acquisition step and held in the second storage means. 12. The data processing method according to claim 11, further comprising a replacing step of replacing contents. 13. The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein said obtaining step determines a specific server from which the latest version of printer driver information is to be obtained based on a server address in said internal information. 14. A function processing step of acquiring the internal information from the printer based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver,
A first driver processing step for instructing execution of a function process for obtaining the latest version of printer driver information from the specific server; and a newest version of the printer driver information obtained and held in the second storage unit. 12. The data processing method according to claim 11, further comprising: a second driver processing step of instructing execution of a function process by replacing the contents of a printer driver in the first storage unit based on the first driver. 15. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein a command for rewriting the internal information based on the input user information is issued from the printer driver to the specific printer. 16. The data processing method according to claim 15, wherein the printer driver presents a user interface for inputting the user information. 17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the internal information includes server name information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest model of the printer driver and the printer model name. The data processing method according to any of the above. 18. A data processing method in a print control device capable of communicating with a printer driver of a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the storage device being rewritable based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver. A data processing method, comprising: a reply step of returning internal information for connecting to a specific server in order to replace the stored printer driver with the latest version. 19. The data processing method according to claim 17, further comprising a rewriting step of rewriting the internal information stored in the storage unit based on a rewriting command issued from the printer driver. 20. The data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver. 21. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with a specific printer by a printer driver selected via a predetermined communication medium, wherein A computer-readable program having a storage step of storing internal information obtained from the printer in a second storage means based on an obtainment command issued from the printer driver stored in storage means. Storage medium storing. 22. The latest version of printer driver information is acquired from the specific server based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver to a specific server according to internal information stored in the second storage means. An acquisition step of causing the second storage means to store the data in the first storage means based on the latest version of the printer driver information acquired in the acquisition step and held in the second storage means. 22. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 21, further comprising: a replacing step of replacing contents. 23. The computer readable computer according to claim 22, wherein said obtaining step determines a specific server from which to obtain the latest version of printer driver information based on a server address in said internal information. Storage medium storing various programs. 24. The printer driver, comprising: a function processing step of acquiring the internal information from the printer based on an acquisition command issued from the printer driver;
A first driver processing step for instructing execution of a function process for obtaining the latest version of printer driver information from the specific server; and a newest version of the printer driver information obtained and held in the second storage unit. 22. A computer-readable program according to claim 21, further comprising a second driver processing step of instructing execution of a function process by replacing the contents of a printer driver in said first storage means based on said program. Storage medium. 25. The storage according to claim 21, wherein a command for rewriting the internal information based on the input user information is issued from the printer driver to the specific printer. Medium. 26. The storage medium according to claim 25, wherein the printer driver presents a user interface for inputting the user information. 27. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to any one of the above. 28. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a print control device capable of communicating with a printer driver of a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, the program being issued from the printer driver. A computer-readable storage medium having a return step of returning internal information for connecting to a specific server in order to replace the printer driver stored in the rewritable storage unit based on the obtained command with the latest version A storage medium that stores programs. 29. A computer readable program according to claim 27, further comprising a rewriting step of rewriting the internal information stored in the storage means based on a rewriting command issued from the printer driver. Storage media. 30. The computer-readable computer according to claim 29, wherein the internal information includes the printer model name and server address information for specifying a server for acquiring the latest version of the printer driver. A storage medium that stores programs.