JP2007213150A - Network compatible information processor, network setting method and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly identify a target product to which a user intends to set a network by using network setting information. <P>SOLUTION: When a USB flash memory 34 in which a network setting file is stored exists on a data path connected through a USB port 26, and a memory 34 is connected through a USB hub 30 where its own device is connected as a host to the data path, a print server 10 is connected through a radio LAN board 22 to the network based on the network setting file stored in the memory 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network-compatible information processing apparatus, a network setting method, and a program thereof.

Conventionally, as a network-compatible information processing apparatus, for example, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, a USB flash drive storing network setting information including setting information necessary for network setting is connected to a USB port. Thus, it is known that the network is automatically set based on the network setting information (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).
Microsoft Corporation, “Windows Connect Now Technology”, [searched on January 13, 2006], Internet <URL: http: //www.microsoft.com/japan/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx>

  By the way, when an external hub is connected to a USB port of a network-compatible host computer, and a USB flash memory storing network setting information is connected to a plurality of USB ports of the external hub and a network-compatible printer. The user cannot properly determine whether the target product for which network setting is to be performed using the USB flash memory is a host computer or a printer.

  The network-compatible information processing apparatus, the setting method thereof, and the program thereof according to the present invention appropriately determine whether or not the target product for which the user intends to execute the network setting using the network setting information is himself / herself. With the goal.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The network compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention
Network connection means connectable to the network;
Setting contents storage means for storing setting contents necessary for the network connection means to connect to the network;
Determining means for determining whether or not a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path of a tree structure having itself as a host and the host as a vertex;
When the determination unit determines that the storage medium is present on the data communication path, when a network compatible device is not connected in series in the path connecting the host and the storage medium in the data communication path Is a network setting unit that creates the setting content based on the network setting information that the storage medium has, and stores the setting content in the setting content storage unit;
It is a summary to provide.

  In this network-compatible information processing apparatus, when it is determined that a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path having a tree structure with the host as a host and the host as a vertex, the host in the data communication path If the network compatible device is not connected in series in the path connecting the storage medium and the storage medium, the setting contents necessary for the network connection means to connect to the network based on the network setting information possessed by the storage medium Create and store the setting contents in the setting contents storage means. In other words, if there is a storage medium with network setting information on the data communication path of the tree structure with itself (host) as the apex, and no network compatible device is connected in series between itself and the storage medium, Assuming that the user is trying to execute the network setting, the network setting is executed. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the target product for which the user intends to perform network setting using the network setting information is himself.

  In the network-compatible information processing device of the present invention, the network setting unit determines that the storage medium exists on the data communication path by the determination unit, and the host and the storage medium in the data communication path. When the network compatible devices are connected in series in the path connecting the two, the setting contents based on the network setting information that the storage medium has may not be created. In such a case, the target product for which the user is trying to set up the network using the network setting information may be a network-compatible device included in the path connecting itself and the storage medium. Do not set up your own network.

  In the network compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention, the network compatible device may be a device having a function of automatically creating the setting content based on the network setting information. In this way, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the target product for which the user intends to perform network setting using the network setting information is himself.

  In the network-compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention, the network may be a wireless network (for example, a wireless LAN, Bluetooth, IrDA, etc.). The network setting information may be a WCN setting file. The data path may be a data path formed by USB.

A setting method for a network-compatible information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A network setting method for a network-compatible information processing apparatus, comprising: network connection means connectable to a network; and setting content storage means for storing setting contents necessary for the network connection means to connect to the network. ,
(A) determining whether a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path having a tree structure with the network-compatible information processing apparatus as a host and the host as a vertex;
(B) When it is determined in step (a) that the storage medium exists on the data communication path, network-compatible devices are connected in series in a path connecting the host and the storage medium in the data communication path. If not, creating the setting content based on the network setting information possessed by the storage medium and storing the setting content in the setting content storage means;
It is made to include.

  In this setting method for a network-compatible information processing apparatus, when it is determined that a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path having a tree structure with the host as a host and the host as a vertex, the data communication path If the network compatible device is not connected in series in the path connecting the host and the storage medium, the network connection means is necessary for connecting to the network based on the network setting information of the storage medium. Setting contents are created and the setting contents are stored in the setting contents storage means. In other words, if there is a storage medium with network setting information on the data communication path of the tree structure with itself (host) as the apex, and no network compatible device is connected in series between itself and the storage medium, Assuming that the user is trying to execute the network setting, the network setting is executed. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the target product for which the user intends to perform network setting using the network setting information is himself. In the setting method of the network compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention, a step for realizing the function of any of the network compatible information processing apparatuses described above may be added.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing one or a plurality of computers to execute the steps of the network setting method for the network-compatible information processing apparatus described above. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by one computer, or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, the same effect as the setting method described above can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a printing system including a print server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the present embodiment includes a print server 10 including a main controller 12 and a USB controller 24, a USB hub 30 as an external hub to which a plurality of USB devices can be connected, and ink. An inkjet recording apparatus 46 that can discharge and print on paper P, and a multifunction printer 40 that includes a scanner 48 that can read a document placed on a glass table.

  The print server 10 is a computer that plays a role of sharing the multifunction printer 40 connected to itself with other computers on the network so that the multifunction printer 40 can be used from other computers. The print server 10 includes a main controller 12 that controls the entire server, a wireless LAN board 22 that can be connected to a wireless LAN, and a data path that is connected via a single USB port 26. A USB controller 24 for controlling various USB devices existing on the USB bus and an input / output port 27 for inputting a signal from an input device 28 such as a mouse or a keyboard are provided. Is possible. The main controller 12 is mainly configured by a CPU 14 that executes various processes, and includes a ROM 16 that stores programs, a RAM 18 that temporarily stores data, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 20, and the like. The ROM 16 includes a print server such as a network setting program 16a for performing network settings for connection to the wireless LAN via the wireless LAN board 22, the manufacturer, product name, serial number, and device type (server in this case) of the print server 10. Ten unique information 16b and the like are stored. Here, the wireless LAN board 22 is a board that allows data to be transmitted and received wirelessly to and from a device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standards. The USB controller 24 identifies various USB devices existing on the USB bus connected via the USB port 26, assigns a device address to each USB device, reads a data structure called a descriptor from the USB device, and Recognize the configuration. The print server 10 may be a print server dedicated machine that is not a general-purpose device such as a personal computer.

  The USB hub 30 has one upstream port 31 and a plurality of downstream ports 32, and the upstream port 31 is connected to the USB port 26 of the print server 10 via the USB cable 36 and has a plurality of downstream ports. One of 32 is connected to the multi-function printer 40 via the USB cable 37. That is, the USB hub 30 is connected so that the print server 10 becomes a host. In addition, the USB flash memory 34 stores a network setting file (in this case, a WCN setting file) used when performing settings for connecting the print server 10 or the multifunction printer 40 to a wireless LAN that has already been constructed. It can be detachably attached to the downstream port 32. As described above, the USB hub 30 is used when the number of USB devices connected to the USB port 26 of the print server 10 is increased.

  The multi-function printer 40 is mounted on a glass stand, one USB port 42, a wireless LAN board 45 that can be connected to a wireless LAN, an inkjet recording device 46 that can eject ink and print on paper P, and the like. And a scanner 48 capable of reading a document, and has a scanner function and a copy function in addition to a printer function. The USB port 42 of the multi-function printer 40 can be detachably mounted with the USB flash memory 34 described above. The multi-function printer 40 has a function of automatically setting a wireless LAN based on a network setting file of the USB flash memory 34 when the USB flash memory 34 is attached.

  2 and 3 illustrate a USB bus topology using the print server 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above as a host. 2 shows a USB bus topology when the USB flash memory 34 is inserted into the USB hub 30, and FIG. 3 shows a USB bus topology when the USB flash memory 34 is inserted into the USB port 42 of the multifunction printer 40. . In any USB bus topology, the print server 10 is a host, and a plurality of devices (USB hub 30, USB flash memory 34, and multifunction printer 40) are connected in a tree structure with the host as a vertex. . 2 is not connected in series with the multifunction printer 40 capable of automatically setting the wireless LAN based on the network setting file between the print server 10 and the USB flash memory 34, whereas FIG. A multifunction printer 40 is connected in series between the printer 10 and the USB flash memory 34.

  Next, on the basis of the operation of the print server 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, in particular, a setting for connecting the print server 10 to the already constructed wireless LAN based on the network setting file stored in the USB flash memory 34. The operation at the time of performing will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a network setting routine executed by the main controller 12 of the print server 10. This routine is executed based on the network setting program 16 a stored in the ROM 16, and is executed when a new USB device is connected to the USB bus connected to the USB port 26.

  When the network setting routine of FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 14 of the main controller 12 first inputs information related to a new USB device on a USB bus having a tree structure connected to the USB port 26 and having the print server 10 as a vertex. (Step S100). Here, the main controller 12 outputs a command to the USB controller 24 to collect information on the USB device, and the USB controller 24 that has input this command executes enumeration and assigns a unique address to the new USB device. At the same time, if the device type is acquired or if the device is a storage, information such as folders and files stored in the storage is acquired and then output to the main controller 12, which is input by the main controller 12. It was decided to.

  Subsequently, the USB device information input in this way is analyzed to determine whether or not the USB storage storing the network setting file exists on the USB bus (step S110). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a network setting file (WCN setting file). This network setting file is a file created in advance by another computer (not shown) and is described in the XML language. The network setting file includes a unique number configID given for each network setting file, a unique number configAuthorID of the program that created the network setting file, a program name configAuthor of the program that created the network setting file, and a group name ssid of the wireless LAN to be connected. , A connection type connectionType indicating whether the print server 10 is connected to another computer (not shown) one-on-one or the print server 10 is connected to another computer via an access point such as a router, authentication type authentication, and communication are performed. Encryption type encryption for exchanging encrypted data between devices, encryption key ne for encryption WorkKey, the key automatically generated keyProvideAutomatically indicating whether to automatically generate key cryptography includes IEEE enable information ieee802Dot1xEnabled indicating whether to enable IEEE802.1x as user authentication standards.

  When a USB storage having a network setting file exists on the USB bus, it is determined whether or not a network compatible device is connected in series between the USB storage and the print server 10 in the USB bus (step S120). When the network compatible devices are not connected in series, the network setting file is input from the USB storage via the USB controller 24 (step S130), the contents of the network setting file are analyzed, and the setting based on the contents of the file is performed. It is reflected in each part of the print server 10 (step S140), and the setting contents are stored in the EEPROM 20 (step S150). Thereafter, a device information file is created from the unique number configID of the network setting file used for setting and the unique information 16b stored in the ROM 16 (step S160), and the created device information file is stored in the USB flash memory 34 (step S160). S170), this routine is finished. Here, the device information file is a file indicating that the setting based on the network setting file has been completed. By reconnecting the USB storage to the computer that created the network setting file, the device information file can be transferred to the existing wireless LAN. It newly plays a role to convey information about the print server 10. With the above procedure, the network connection setting is completed, and the print server 10 can be connected to the wireless LAN already established via the wireless LAN board 22. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a device information file. The device information file includes a unique number configID of the network setting file used for setting, a manufacturer manufacturer of the print server 10, a product name modelName of the print server 10, a serial number serial number of the print server 10, and a device type deviceType of the print server 10. Is included as content.

  Consider a case in which a USB flash memory 34 that is a USB storage is attached to the downstream port 32 of the USB hub 30. In this case, the USB bus topology is configured as shown in FIG. 2, and the network compatible multifunction printer 40 is not connected in series between the print server 10 and the USB flash memory 34 in the USB bus. Accordingly, a negative determination is made in step S120, and the print server 10 automatically sets the wireless LAN based on the network setting file that the USB flash memory 34 has (steps S130 to S150), and then creates a device information file and creates the USB flash memory 34. (Steps S160 and S170). Even when the USB flash memory 34 is directly attached to the USB port 26 of the print server 10, since a negative determination is made in step S 120, the print server 10 determines the wireless LAN based on the network setting file that the USB flash memory 34 has. Automatic setting is performed, and then a device information file is created and stored in the USB flash memory 34 (steps S130 to S170).

  In step S120, when a network compatible device is connected in series between the USB storage having the network setting file and the print server 10, the print server 10 tries to set the network for the network compatible device. This routine is finished as it is.

  Consider a case where a USB flash memory 34, which is a USB storage, is attached to the USB port 42 of the multifunction printer 40. In this case, the USB bus topology is configured as shown in FIG. 3, and a network compatible multifunction printer 40 is connected in series between the print server 10 and the USB flash memory 34 in the USB bus. Accordingly, an affirmative determination is made in step S120, and the print server 10 ends this routine as it is without performing automatic wireless LAN setting based on the network setting file of the USB flash memory 34.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The wireless LAN board 22 of this embodiment corresponds to the network connection unit of the present invention, the EEPROM 20 corresponds to the setting content storage unit, and the main controller 12 and the USB controller 24 correspond to the determination unit and the network setting unit. The USB bus corresponds to a data communication path, and the multi-function printer 40 corresponds to a network compatible device. In the present embodiment, an example of the network setting method of the network-compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the print server 10.

  As described above in detail, in the print server 10 according to the present embodiment, the USB flash memory 34 having the network setting file exists on the USB bus having a tree structure with the host (host) as a vertex. When the multifunction printer 40 corresponding to the network is not connected in series, the user is assumed to perform the setting of the own network and the setting of the own wireless LAN is executed based on the network setting file. On the other hand, when the network compatible multifunction printer 40 is connected in series between itself and the USB flash memory 34, the USB flash memory 34 is regarded as being installed for setting the wireless LAN of the multifunction printer 40, and The print server 10 does not execute the wireless LAN setting. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the target product for which the user intends to perform network setting using the network setting information is himself.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the flowchart of FIG. 4 is adopted as the network setting routine, but the flowchart of FIG. 7 may be adopted. Among the processes in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, when a network compatible device is connected in series between the USB storage having the network setting file and the print server 10 in step S120, the network compatible device is a wireless LAN automatic setting function, that is, a network setting. It is determined whether or not it has a function of automatically setting the wireless LAN based on the file (specific processing is the same as steps S130 to S170) (step S125). When the network compatible device has a wireless LAN automatic setting function, the print server 10 determines that the user is trying to set the wireless LAN of the network compatible device, and ends this routine as it is. Whether the network compatible device has the wireless LAN automatic setting function is determined by whether the print server 10 outputs a confirmation request for the presence or absence of the wireless LAN automatic setting function to the network compatible device via the USB bus. Assume that the print server 10 makes a determination based on the content returned by the network compatible device. On the other hand, when the network-compatible device does not have the wireless LAN automatic setting function, the print server 10 determines that the user is setting his / her wireless LAN, and executes the processes of steps S130 to S170 described above. To do. By doing so, it is possible to determine in more detail whether or not the target product for which the user intends to execute the network setting using the network setting file is himself.

  In the above-described embodiment, the network setting file is a setting file for connecting the print server 10 to the wireless LAN. However, the network setting file is not particularly limited to this. For example, the network setting file is a network using Bluetooth or a network using IrDA. It may be a setting file for connection or a setting file for connection to a wired LAN. In the above-described embodiment, the network setting file is a setting file for enabling two-way communication. However, the network setting file may be a setting file for enabling only reception from other devices, or to other devices. It is also possible to use a setting file for enabling only transmission of.

  In the above-described embodiment, the network setting file is stored in the USB flash memory 34. However, the network setting file is not particularly limited to the USB flash memory. For example, the downstream port of the USB hub 30 via a USB cable is used. A portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a flexible disk inserted into a drive device connected to 32 may be used, or a non-portable storage medium such as a hard disk or RAM may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print server 10 is exemplified as the network-compatible information processing apparatus of the present invention. However, the print server 10 is not particularly limited to the print server. For example, the personal computer is used for a word processor, a spreadsheet, or the like. Alternatively, it may be a network compatible digital TV capable of USB connection.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction printer 40 is exemplified as the peripheral device. However, the multifunction printer 40 is not particularly limited thereto. For example, an inkjet printer or a laser beam printer having only a printing function may be used. It may be a scanner having only.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a printing system including a print server. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a USB bus topology using a print server as a host. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a USB bus topology using a print server as a host. The flowchart of a network setting routine. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a network setting file. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of an apparatus information file. The flowchart of the network setting routine of other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 print server, 12 main controller, 14 CPU, 16 ROM, 16a network setting program, 16b unique information, 18 RAM, 20 EEPROM, 22 wireless LAN board, 24 USB controller, 26 USB port, 27 input / output port, 28 input device , 29 bus, 30 USB hub, 31 upstream port, 32 downstream port, 34 USB flash memory, 36, 37 USB cable, 40 multifunction printer, 42 USB port, 45 wireless LAN board, 46 inkjet recording device, 48 scanner .

Claims (8)

Network connection means connectable to the network;
Setting contents storage means for storing setting contents necessary for the network connection means to connect to the network;
Determining means for determining whether or not a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path of a tree structure having itself as a host and the host as a vertex;
When the determination unit determines that the storage medium is present on the data communication path, when a network compatible device is not connected in series in the path connecting the host and the storage medium in the data communication path Is a network setting unit that creates the setting content based on the network setting information that the storage medium has, and stores the setting content in the setting content storage unit;
A network-compatible information processing apparatus. In the network setting unit, when the determination unit determines that the storage medium exists on the data communication path, a network compatible device is serially connected to a path connecting the host and the storage medium in the data communication path. If connected, do not create the setting content based on the network setting information that the storage medium has,
The network compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The network compatible device is a device having a function of automatically creating the setting content based on the network setting information.
The network compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The network is a wireless network;
The network-compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The data communication path is a data communication path formed by USB.
The network compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The network setting information is a WCN setting file (WCN is an abbreviation of Windows Connect Now, Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation).
The network compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 1. A network setting method for a network-compatible information processing apparatus, comprising: network connection means connectable to a network; and setting content storage means for storing setting contents necessary for the network connection means to connect to the network. ,
(A) determining whether a storage medium having predetermined network setting information exists on a data communication path having a tree structure with the network-compatible information processing apparatus as a host and the host as a vertex;
(B) When it is determined in step (a) that the storage medium exists on the data communication path, network-compatible devices are connected in series in a path connecting the host and the storage medium in the data communication path. If not, creating the setting content based on the network setting information possessed by the storage medium and storing the setting content in the setting content storage means;
Network setting method including.   A program for causing one or more computers to realize each step of the network setting method for a network-compatible information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

Images