CN100334578C - Network system - Google Patents

Network system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN100334578C
CN100334578C CNB031457789A CN03145778A CN100334578C CN 100334578 C CN100334578 C CN 100334578C CN B031457789 A CNB031457789 A CN B031457789A CN 03145778 A CN03145778 A CN 03145778A CN 100334578 C CN100334578 C CN 100334578C
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
information
output device
electronic equipment
device information
equipment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CNB031457789A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN1472661A (en
Inventor
高桥一彰
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2002194744A external-priority patent/JP3617508B2/en
Priority claimed from JP2002279739A external-priority patent/JP3780991B2/en
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Publication of CN1472661A publication Critical patent/CN1472661A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN100334578C publication Critical patent/CN100334578C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)

Abstract

To provide a network system or the like by which the state of equipment is learned by only referring to an equipment name. When a Bluetooth communication module in a composite device (MFP) receives a retrieval command (inquiry) from a PC, the CPU of the composite device obtains the Bluetooth device name of self-equipment from an NVRAM (S220). Then, a text '(under standby)' is added to the Bluetooth device name (S240) when the processing state of the self-equipment is in the standby and the processing is shifted to S290. Meanwhile, a text '(under reception of FAX reception)' is added to the Bluetooth device name when the FAX is under reception (S260). In addition, a text '(under printing)' is added to the Bluetooth device name when the processing state is under printing and the processing is shifted to S290. Then, the S230-S280 states-added Bluetooth device name is transmitted from the Bluetooth communication module 27 (S290). (C)2004,JPO.

Description

Network system
Technical field
The present invention relates to network system, comprise electronic equipment that each has communication function and receive its internal information and show the announcement apparatus of received breath from these electronic equipments.
Background technology
By convention, as above the network system of indication is very general.Usually, announcement apparatus has display, and for convenience of the user, is presented at icon, title and/or other analog information of each electronic equipment in the network.
The example of such network equipment shown in Figure 8.Network system shown in Figure 8 comprises personal computer 100a and 100b and one group of multifunction peripheral (MFP) 200a-200c, and each has according to BlueTooth (bluetooth) communication function, BlueTooth It is the standard of well-known short-distance wireless communication.
When personal computer 100a searches for the equipment that can communicate by letter and detects some routine as shown in Figure 9 images that are presented on its screen.Especially, when the user clicks the Equipment Inspection button be presented on the personal computer 100a screen, it broadcasts a request signal that is used to detect the electronic equipment that can communicate by letter.Receive request signal when each equipment that searches (being personal computer 100b, MFP200a-200c), it just transmits an answer signal that is loaded with its address (being bluetooth device address), device name and device type information.Checkout equipment (being PC100a) is received the answer signal that comprises address and device type information and will be shown together corresponding to the icon of device type information and the device name of corresponding each detected electronic equipment.
Multi FunctionA) and a notebook-PC (device name: in the time of Note PC), be presented at the example image on the screen Fig. 9 illustrates when detecting as shown in Figure 8 three multifunction peripherals (device name:.When showing the electronic equipment that can communicate by letter, the user specifies the equipment that will connect, and uses various available services.
But in Fig. 9, only shown icon and device name, and the user does not know the state of each electronic equipment.For example, the user recognizes one to have name and is called the equipment of " Multi Function A ", but can not know its running status from screen.That is to say that it is to have multi-functional equipment that the user recognizes each equipment that name is called " Multi FunctionA " in can the slave unit title.But, the user can not know its running status.In order to make the user understand the state of each equipment, require the checkout equipment equipment of communication facilities (but promptly detect) to have the function that obtains each equipment state except that address, device name and the device type information of above-mentioned each equipment.
As shown in figure 10, have OS (operating system), it obtain respectively to be connected to PC (personal computer) printer title and its state and show the information that is obtained simultaneously.
According to conventional system as shown in figure 10, it is possible display device title and their state.But, must obtain device name and their state respectively.Equally, the quantity increase of data communication operation just increases the burden (data volume of the network of promptly flowing through increases and/or be used for the power consumption increase of data communication) of communicating by letter.
Figure 21 is another sample window 50 that is used to show detected electronic equipment.Window 50 has an Equipment Inspection button 52, a device display area 54 and a service display window 56.
Multi FunctionA) and notebook-PC (device name: Note PC) and when showing in the zone 54 at window 50, be shown in the example image on the PC100a screen Figure 22 illustrates when detecting as shown in Figure 8 three multifunction peripherals (device name:.
When selecting to be presented at one of icon in the zone 54 with mouse, and when being dragged and dropped into it on the icon that shows in service viewing area 56, PC100a requesting selected equipment provides the service corresponding to the icon that icon was placed on of selected equipment.For example, if the icon of corresponding " Note PC " is dragged and dropped to the icon of corresponding " LAN " in the zone 56 in zone 54, then PC100a request PC100b uses bluetooth that LAN is provided Connection Service.That is to say that PC100b uses bluetooth to be connected to LAN (LAN (Local Area Network)).
If the user wants to allow MFP200a carry out printing, the icon of corresponding MFP200a must be applied to then that label is on the icon of " COM " in zone 56, " COM " refers to printer., all MFP200a, 200b are to show with identical title " Multi Fucntion A " with identical icon with 200c.Therefore, the user can not discern MFP200a.As mentioned above, if, then be difficult to the equipment that allows User Recognition want according to identical device name display icon.
Usually, give identical device name for the equipment of same type.Therefore, the problems referred to above just take place in the equipment when introduce one group of same type in network system.
For fear of such problem, having known has a system automatically to change device name when one group of equipment has identical title.
The example of such system is disclosed in Jap.P. provisional application HEI11-282728.The open textual description of this part be connected to the image scanner of network.Scanner communicate by letter with other image scanner and with the name storage of other scanner in memory.Then, identical with its title if it detects the title that is stored in the memory, the title during then this scanner title of changing it automatically makes it and is stored in memory is different.
In such system of the disclosure text,,, then use original title just to become unlikely if changed original title because this scanner has changed the title that is stored in the memory.In some cases, the owner of the equipment that title has been changed or user are very likely confused by the automatic change of title.
Especially, when using short distance radio communication system such as bluetooth to communicate (but for example communication range is that to have radius one be in several meters the circle), but the communication facilities in communication range may change quite continually.Under such a case, if use said system, the title of equipment may change too frequent, makes to be difficult to management equipment.
Similar problem not only also can take place in aforesaid general networks system in bluetooth equipment but also at various device (such as the management equipment of the use SNMP that is used for the network equipment).Also have another network system, each electronic equipment is exported its ID (sign) information in network, and announcement apparatus shows the title corresponding to the ID that receives from electronic equipment.In such network system, because the electronic equipment of same type generally has identical ID, therefore still the problems referred to above can take place in such system.
Summary of the invention
The present invention helps addressing the above problem, and can be with the state notifying search equipment of each equipment and do not increase the burden of communication.
The present invention also helps provides announcement apparatus, assists in from one group of equipment and discerns the equipment of being wanted, and do not change its original title.
According to one aspect of the present invention, network system is provided, one group of electronic equipment that connects network is equipped with, and the announcement apparatus that connects described network, this announcement apparatus can be communicated by letter with each electronic equipment of this group electronic equipment by this network.Each electronic equipment of this group electronic equipment is equipped with the storer of storage existing equipment information; The output device information generating system generates output device information according to the existing equipment information that is stored in the storer; And transmission system, transmission output device information is to announcement apparatus.Announcement apparatus is equipped with information receiving system, receives the output device information of being transmitted from each electronic equipment of electronic equipment group; And display system, show the output device information that receives by information receiving system.
Under this configuration, can from one group of equipment, discern the equipment of being wanted easily with reference to according to the output device information that facility information produced.Owing to produce and transmission output device information according to existing equipment information, do not change the existing equipment information of giving each electronic equipment so put up a notice.
Alternatively, the existing equipment information that is stored in storer comprises the character string that relates to the electronic device types with this storer, and is characterized in, output device information comprises the character string that is stored in the existing equipment information.
In addition alternatively, the output device information generating system produces output device information according to the performance of electronic equipment.
Still alternatively, the output device information generating system produces output device information according to the running status of electronic equipment.
Also can select, the output information generation system can generate output device information, makes it to comprise fix information and variable information.
In particular case, network may be according to Bluetooth The wireless network of standard.
Still alternatively, each electronic equipment is equipped with input system, allows user's input information, and the output device information generating system produces output device information according to the information by this input system input.
In addition alternatively, if there is one group of output device pieces of information with identical content, then output device information generating system generation output device information makes this group output device pieces of information will become different mutually.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the electronic equipment that can be applicable to network system is provided, this network system comprises one group of electronic equipment and the announcement apparatus that is connected this network of connecting network, and this announcement apparatus can be by network from each electronic equipment receiving equipment information of this group electronic equipment and according to the facility information display notification of receiving from each electronic equipment.Electronic equipment is equipped with the output device information generating system, imports explanation according to the performance of the running status of facility information and this electronic equipment, this electronic equipment and user and wherein produces one of at least output device information; And transfer system, the output device information that transmits this output information generation system generation is to announcement apparatus.
According to another one of the present invention aspect, network system is provided, one group of electronic equipment that connects a network is equipped with; And the announcement apparatus that connects this network, this announcement apparatus is by this network each electronic equipment reception output device information from this group electronic equipment.In addition, this announcement apparatus is equipped with the transmission Request System, asks this group electronic equipment to transmit output device information; Information receiving system receives the output device information that is transmitted from each electronic equipment of this group electronic equipment; And reporting system, the output device information that receives according to this information receiving system produces a notice.In addition, each electronic equipment of this group electronic equipment is equipped with the storer of storage existing equipment information; The request receiving system receives the request of transmission from this announcement apparatus; The information acquisition system, the output device information of other electronic equipment that acquisition can be communicated by letter with this electronic equipment when this request receiving system receives the transmission request; The output device information generating system produces output device information according to the output device information of corresponding miscellaneous equipment with the result who is stored in the existing equipment information comparison in the storer; And transfer system transmits output device information to this announcement apparatus.
Alternatively, if there is one group of output device pieces of information with identical content, the output device information generating system produces output device information makes this group output device pieces of information will become different mutually.
In addition alternatively, if there is one group of output device pieces of information with identical content, the pre-defined rule that the output device information generating system is shared according to this group electronic equipment that is included in this network system produces output device information.
Still alternatively, electronic equipment is equipped with announcement apparatus identification information receiving system, receives the announcement apparatus identification information that is used for identification request output device notification of information equipment; And request historical storage system, be relevant to the announcement apparatus identification information of the output device information stores of output device information generating system generation by the acquisition of announcement apparatus identification information receiving system.In addition, the output device information generating system produces output device information according to the announcement apparatus identification information that is stored in this request historical storage system about the relation between the output device information.
According to another aspect of the present invention, be provided for the announcement apparatus of network system.This announcement apparatus is equipped with information receiving system, receives the output device information of this electronic equipment from the electronic equipment that can communicate by letter; Reporting system, the output device information that receives according to information receiving system produces notice; And the notice form determines system, determines the form of this notice when the notice that is produced according to the output device information notifying system.In addition, if there is one group of output device pieces of information that receives by information receiving system, if and this group output device pieces of information comprises identical output device information, then when generation was relevant to this notice of organizing identical output device pieces of information, the notice form determined that system makes employed form difference.Under this configuration, reporting system is relevant to the notice that this organizes identical output device pieces of information according to multi-form generation.
Alternatively, reporting system produces a title notice according to output device information, and notice form decision systems is determined different titles.
In addition alternatively, information receiving system is from each electronic equipment receiving equipment identification information of the electronic equipment group that can communicate by letter with transmit the output device information of the electronic equipment of this equipment identification information.In addition, announcement apparatus is equipped with notice form historical storage system, be relevant to and the output device information corresponding equipment identification information of notifying according to the form that is identified by notice form identification information, storaging mark is determined the notice form identification information of the determined form of system by the notice form, and the notice form determines that system determines the form notified according to being stored in equipment identification information in this notice form historical storage system and the relation between the notice form identification information.
Still alternatively, reporting system can further comprise the services request system, to the electronic equipment requests service; And use the historical storage system, store the use historical information relevant with the history of the service of receiving from electronic equipment.The notice form determines that system is according to using historical information to determine the notice form.
According to another aspect of the present invention, network system is provided, comprise one group of electronic equipment and reporting system.Each electronic equipment is equipped with storer, the device name information of store electrons equipment; And the device name message transfer system, the transfer equipment name information is to announcement apparatus.In addition, announcement apparatus is equipped with information receiving system, the device name information of the electronic equipment that is transmitted from the electronic equipment receiving equipment name information transfer system that can communicate by letter; Reporting system produces notice according to the device name information that information receiving system received; And the notice form is determined system, when producing notice according to device name information, reporting system determines the form of this notice, if the device name pieces of information that exists a group of received system to be received, if and this group device name pieces of information comprises identical device name information, the notice form determines that system makes employed form difference when producing the notice that is relevant to this group identical device name information segment.In addition, reporting system produces the notice that is relevant to this group identical device name information segment according to different forms.
According to another aspect of the present invention, for network system provides the electronic equipment that connects a plurality of other electronic equipments and announcement apparatus, announcement apparatus can be communicated by letter with a plurality of other electronic equipments by the described electronic equipment of network and each.Electronic equipment provides storer, storage original device information; The output device information generating system generates the output device information that meets described electronic equipment characteristic, and transfer system, transmits output device information to announcement apparatus, and announcement apparatus is configured to show the output device information that is transmitted by described transfer system.
When providing suitable procedure also this program to be carried out by personal computer, multifunctional equipment and other like device, can realize according to equipment of the present invention and system.Such program can be stored in storer such as ROM, HDD or other recording medium such as floppy disk, CD-ROM, storage card.Replacedly or alternatively, such program can be by network such as the Internet redistribution.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is a structural drawing, and the configuration according to a network system of the present invention is shown;
Fig. 2 is the exemplary screen image when carrying out the bluetooth equipment search utility;
Fig. 3 is a process flow diagram, and the bluetooth equipment search procedure is described;
But Fig. 4 illustrates the example of communication range;
Fig. 5 A and 5B illustrate process flow diagram, and answering performed in MFP is described;
Fig. 6 illustrates the exemplary screen image when carrying out the bluetooth equipment search utility;
Fig. 7 A and 7B illustrate exemplary screen image other when carrying out the bluetooth equipment search utility;
Fig. 8 illustrates the bluetooth equipment search operation;
Fig. 9 illustrates the exemplary screen image when carrying out the bluetooth equipment search utility in the general networks system;
Figure 10 illustrates the printer name of demonstration printer and the conventional screen image of state;
Figure 11 illustrates and is used for setting the setting window that whether uses the enhancing nodename and be included in the item in the MFP nodename;
Figure 12 is a process flow diagram, illustrates according to second embodiment by the performed main procedure of personal computer;
Figure 13 is a process flow diagram, and the detection/procedure for displaying that calls in process shown in Figure 12 is described;
Figure 14 is a process flow diagram, and the equipment that uses the process of being called in process shown in Figure 12 is described;
Figure 15 is the device information update process of calling in process shown in Figure 12;
Figure 16 is a synoptic diagram, but the position relation of the MFP of communication range and the personal computer of relevant personal computer is shown;
Figure 17 illustrates the exemplary screen image that personal computer shows detected bluetooth equipment;
Figure 18 is a process flow diagram, and the main procedure of being carried out by MFP is described;
Figure 19 is a process flow diagram, and the answering of calling in the process flow diagram shown in Figure 180 is described;
Figure 20 is a process flow diagram, and the device name assignment procedure that calls in the process flow diagram shown in Figure 180 is described;
Figure 21 is the sample window of conventional announcement apparatus; And
Figure 22 shows the sample window of the conventional announcement apparatus of detected equipment.
Embodiment
Hereinafter, describe according to embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a structural drawing, and the configuration according to a network system of the present invention is shown.Network system 1 generally comprises one group of personal computer 10 and one group of MFP20.In this example, one of personal computer 10 moves as an announcement apparatus.In Fig. 1, a personal computer and a MFP20 have been shown as announcement apparatus operation.
Personal computer 10 is equipped with CPU11, ROM12, RAM13, HDD (hard disk drive), has the display unit 15 of display and comprises keyboard and the operating unit of mouse.Personal computer further is equipped with bluetooth communication 17, carries out wireless telecommunications according to bluetooth standard.Personal computer 10 uses the general-purpose operating systems, and is set to and the various programs among the HDD14 of being stored in are written into RAM13 and are carried out by CPU11.
MFP20 comprises CPU21, ROM22, RAM23, HDD24, has the display unit of LCD, the operating unit with numerical key and function key, bluetooth communication 27, the print unit 28 of printable character and image on printer paper.In addition, MFP20 is equipped with telephone network linkage unit 29, carries out network control for control telecommunication signal and by public telephone network reception/transmission facsimile data.RAM23 comprises non-volatile NVRAM, is stored as the required various parameters/setting of operation of MFP20.Setting comprises the nodename (being device name) of MFP20.According to first embodiment, revise original nodename and it is sent to announcement apparatus (being personal computer 10).Therefore, the title that is sent to announcement apparatus is called the output node title, and the title that will originally give is called original nodename.As the default setting of output node title, " Multi Function A " is stored in (being that original nodename is " Multi Function A ") among the NVRAM of RAM23.The user can change the output node title when the order of the change title by operating unit 26 input.Should notice that original nodename generally is unmodifiable, and be that each equipment is intrinsic.But in some cases, the user also can change original nodename.But under these circumstances, require special operation changing original nodename, and therefore generally original nodename is considered as unmodifiable title.
The CPU21 execution of MFP20 is stored in the program of HDD24 and/or RAM22 to carry out, for example:
Receiving course, MFP20 receives print datas by bluetooth communication 27 and/or by telephone network linkage unit 29 data of receiving faxes in this process, and with the data storage received in HDD24; And
Print procedure, MFP20 control print unit 28 is carried out printing according to the print data of receiving in this process.
In addition, MFP20 carries out the facsimile data transport process, be used for by via public telephone line network network facsimile data being sent to another facsimile equipment according to the Data Control telephone network linkage unit of receiving via bluetooth communication 27 29, and data transfer procedure, be used for being stored in the data of HDD24 to personal computer 10 via bluetooth communication 27 transmission.According to present embodiment, the CPU21 of MFP20 can handle batch processing by enough multitask runnings, therefore can carry out the process of one group of its resource mutually noninterfere simultaneously.
Personal computer 10 is carried out:
Data transfer procedure, in this process, by control bluetooth communication 17, will the print procedure when carrying out an application program in print data and/or the facsimile data of the HDD14 that is stored in be sent to MFP20; And
DRP data reception process, the data that personal computer 10 receives by MFP20 transmitted by bluetooth communication 17 in this process.
HDD14 memory device search utility is used to search for the bluetooth equipment of having carried out above-mentioned data transmission process and/or is used to check the state that is positioned at personal computer 10 bluetooth equipment on every side.The bluetooth equipment search procedure is used for showing with a tabulation nodename of bluetooth equipment.Each bluetooth equipment has the output node title, represents the title of bluetooth equipment and is transferred into checkout equipment.When personal computer 10 is searched for the bluetooth equipment that can communicate by letter and the output node title that receives each bluetooth equipment, use bluetooth communication 17 to obtain the output node title of each bluetooth equipments.
When carrying out such search operation, each MFP20 carries out an answering, and MFP20 is before the output node title with it is sent to personal computer 10, with its performance information and/or the running status output node title that is added to it in this process.Answering describes in detail with reference to Fig. 2 to 6.
Fig. 2 is typical case's image of a window 50, and is shown on display unit 15 when personal computer is carried out the bluetooth equipment search utility.When the Equipment Inspection button 52 shown in the click window 50 of user's operating operation unit 16, CPU11 begins to search for the operation of bluetooth equipment.
First embodiment
Fig. 3 is that a flowchart text bluetooth equipment is carried out the bluetooth equipment search procedure by CPU11.
In S110, CPU11 control bluetooth communication 17 transmits (broadcasting) search commands (as inquiry) wirelessly searching for other bluetooth equipment, and the reception answer signal.The transmission scope of bluetooth communication is in radius is the circle of several meters (for example about 5 meters).For example, the transmission scope of the bluetooth communication 17 of personal computer 10a is in the scope that is illustrated by the broken lines in Fig. 4.In situation shown in Figure 4, MFP20a, 20b and 20c and personal computer 10b are positioned at the transmission scope of personal computer 10a, and MFP20d and personal computer 10c and 10d are positioned at outside the transmission scope of personal computer 10a.In this example, MFP20a, 20b and 20c and personal computer 10b response are sent to personal computer 10a by the search command of bluetooth communication 17 outputs with the BD address.Then, bluetooth communication 17 receives the response signal of indication BD address.At S120, computing machine 11 control bluetooth communication 17 transmit the signal of replying nodename and arrive each bluetooth equipment that receives the BD address.In each MFP, XM title output procedure in each MFP.
Fig. 5 A and 5B illustrate the process flow diagram that explanation CPU21 carries out the title output procedure.
According to first embodiment, strengthen nodename and make nodename comprise (a) original nodename, (b) performance information and (c) status information.In addition, can use be set or not use enhancing nodename (promptly whether using the output node title or the original nodename that comprise performance information and/or status information) by the user.Figure 11 is illustrated in the window on the display unit 25, selects whether to use the enhancing nodename by this window user, and use to comprise when strengthening nodename which.
As shown in figure 11, according to first embodiment, device window display items (a) is when the maximal rate of MFP20 as its a maximum printing speed of printer operation interval scale, (b) the colour/monochrome setting of indication MFP20 printing or color image or monochrome image (for example soot-and-whitewash), (c) MAC Address, (d) IP address, (e) whether whether the position of MFP20 (for example installation site) and the printer function that comprises MFP just are included in the output node title as the part of output node title in whether the receiving faxes running status that transmits of the facsimile function of print image or MFP20 at present.Make setting by operating operation unit 26, and click is presented at the button in each left side to switch ON/OFF.Clicking " OK " button after options comes into force setting.Come into force if click " CANCEL " button then can not make to be provided with, and the setting before using.
Describe the nodename output procedure in detail now with reference to Fig. 5 A and 5B.
In S210, CPU21 determines whether bluetooth communication 27 receives the request (promptly having an inquiry) to nodename.Before bluetooth communication 27 was received request to nodename, control repeated to judge in S210.
(when having inquiry) (S210:YES) control proceeds to S211 when bluetooth communication 27 is received request to nodename.
In S211, at first, CPU21 is with original nodename, and the default node name that promptly is stored in the NVRAM of RAM23 claims, is set to the output node title that will be transmitted when replying the search signal of receiving.
In S212, CPU21 determines whether maximum speed information is added to the output node title according to the setting of making by device window shown in Figure 11.When maximum speed information being added to output node title (S212:YES), CPU21 will represent that the literal of the maximum printing speed of MFP20 is added to the output node title, and control proceeds to S214.When not adding maximum speed information (S212:NO), control is skipped S213 and is proceeded to S214.
In S214, CPU21 determines whether to add color information.When CPU21 determines not add color information (S214:NO), control to proceed to S216.When CPU21 determines and color information (promptly colored or monochromatic) will be added to output node title (S214:YES), control and proceed to S215.
In S215, CPU21 will represent that the literal of " colour " or " monochrome " is added to the output node title, and control proceeds to S216.
In S216, CPU21 determines whether MAC Address is added to the output node title.MAC Address is not added to output node title (S216:NO) when CPU21 is definite, control is skipped S217 and is proceeded to S218.MAC Address will be added to output node title (S216:YES) when CPU21 is definite, CPU21 will represent that the literal of MAC Address is added to output node title (S217).
In S218, CPU21 determines whether the IP address to be added to the output node title.When CPU21 determines the IP address not to be added to output node title (S218:NO), control and skip S219 and proceed to S220.The IP address will be added to output node title (S218:YES) when CPU is definite, CPU21 will represent that the literal of IP address is added to output node title (S219).
In S220, CPU21 determines whether positional information to be added to the output node title.Positional information is not added to output node title (S220:NO) when CPU21 is definite, control is skipped S221 and is proceeded to S222.Positional information will be added to output node title (S220:YES) when CPU is definite, CPU21 will represent that the literal of positional information is added to output node title (S221).
In S222, CPU21 determines whether status information to be added to the output node title.When CPU21 determines status information not to be added to output node title (S222:NO), control is skipped the S230-S280 that is used for status information is added to the output node title and is proceeded to S290.When CPU determines status information to be added to output node title (S222:YES), control and proceed to S230.
In S203 to S280, CPU21 checks the running status of MFP20, and will represent that the literal of state is added to the output node title.
At first, in S230, CPU21 determines whether MFP20 works as MFP20 (S230:YES) in holding state in holding state, control proceeds to S240.Should notice that when MFP20 is in holding state it is neither printing neither be carried out in the transmission of receiving faxes.
In S240, CPU21 is added to the output node title with literal " STAND-BY ", and the control process is to S290.
When CPU21 determines MFP20 is not in holding state (S230:NO), and then it determines that MFP20 is receiving faxes to transmit or carrying out printing.
For example can by witness marker determine MFP20 whether receiving faxes transmit or MFP20 whether just in printing.That is to say that MFP20 is feasible to be provided with the facsimile reception sign when MFP20 is receiving faxes when transmitting if set, or the printing sign is set, as long as the such sign of reference just can judge in S230 when MFP carries out printing.Available similar methods witness marker judges in S250 and S270.
In S250, CPU21 determines whether just to receive faxes data in the facsimile reception process.The data (S250:YES) of receiving faxes when at present, control proceeds to S260, at this CPU21 " (RECEIVING FAX) " literal is added to the output node title, and controls and proceed to S270.When MFP20 is not the data (S250:NO) of receiving faxes, control to proceed to S270.
In S270, CPU21 determines whether just to carry out printing in print procedure.If carrying out printing (S270:YES), then control proceeds to S280, at this CPU21 " (PRINTING) " literal is added to the output node title, and control proceeds to S290.When MFP20 is carrying out printing (S270:NO), control to proceed to S290.
In S290, literal that can indication performance information and/or running status be added to the output node title, transmits the BD address of MFP20 and device type information to reply the search signal among S210 from bluetooth communication 27.
For example, according to setting shown in Figure 11, maximum printing speed, color information and running status are added to the output node title.Therefore, CPU21 is added to the output node title with maximum printing velocity information (for example 28ppm).In addition, when CPU21 determines that MFP20 is not at holding state (S230:NO), data of receiving faxes (S250:YES) rather than carrying out printing (S270:NO), the output node title is read " MultiFunction A (28ppm) is (RECEIVING FAX) (MONO) " after modification.As in this example, indicate the word of the running status of MFP20 by using bracket and adding, can easily distinguish the literal of device name and indication running status.
The bluetooth communication 17 of personal computer 10 receives amended like this output node title, and CPU11 obtains the output node title and is stored in RAM13 (S120 of Fig. 3) from bluetooth communication 17.In the S130 of Fig. 3, CPU11 shows that on display unit 15 the output node name that obtains like this is referred to as the announcement apparatus title.Especially, CPU11 shows the output node title that is obtained as illustrated in fig. 6, but they are to receive from the equipment in the communication range of bluetooth communication 17., for each icon, device type information (original nodename) is gone first and is shown, and shows running status at second row.In this example, do not comprise performance information in the output node title.
As mentioned above, owing to will comprise that the literal of equipment state is shown as announcement apparatus title (output node title), as long as the user is by watching shown title just can easily grasp each equipment running status.That is to say that in the window of as shown in Figure 9 conventional system, the user only knows nodename, and in window shown in Figure 6, the user can easily recognize the state of attachable bluetooth equipment.In addition and since needn't for obtain equipment running status repeatedly with bluetooth devices, so communication system is not increased other burden.
In first embodiment, optionally will be added to the output node title as maximum printing speed, execution colour print or monochromatic printing, MAC Address, IP address and the position of performance information.The present invention is not limited in the above-mentioned configuration.That is to say that the information that will be added to the output node title is not necessarily limited to top pointed those, and can alternatively or alternatively various information be added to the output node title.
In first embodiment,, show holding state, facsimile reception state and print state as the state of MFP20.But, the present invention is not limited in such configuration, can be alternatively or show various states such as paperboard alternatively, lack recording chart, lack ink powder, memory is full and other similar state.
In the above-described embodiment, MFP20 is called electronic equipment, and personal computer 10 is called announcement apparatus.But, the present invention is not limited in such configuration, and can be alternatively or use various types of equipment as electronic equipment and/or announcement apparatus alternatively.
In addition, in the above-described embodiments, show the literal of nodename and indicating equipment state for notice.But, the present invention is not necessarily limited in the configuration that is used for display message.For above-mentioned configuration alternatively or alternatively, information can be used sound (for example can realize the text-to-speech function) indication.
The output node title that transmits from each bluetooth equipment can comprise the title of replacement equipment and the ID numeral of state, and announcement apparatus can be stored the relation between ID numeral and the corresponding character string.Can set announcement apparatus make when it when each electronic equipment is received the state that comprises ID numeral and equipment, announcement apparatus obtains the character string corresponding to the ID numeral of receiving, and the character string and the state of the such acquisition of notice.
In the above-described embodiments, the icon and the nodename that in gui environment, show each electronic equipment.But, the present invention is not limited in such system.As shown in Figure 7, can only show and comprise its performance information and/or running status device name and display icon not.The announcement apparatus of the display that such configuration is particularly suitable for having smaller display unit and/or low resolution as cell phone or PDA are employed.
Can use the state of the icon of indication shown in Fig. 7 B of simplification, replace showing the state of receiving from electronic equipment itself with display device.
Second embodiment
Network system according to second embodiment will be described below.According to similar to according to first embodiment of the structure of each equipment of second embodiment, therefore, will the operation of equipment only be described.
Figure 21 is a sample window 50 when carrying out the services selection program on personal computer 10, and is similar to the announcement apparatus window of routine.Figure 12 is a process flow diagram, and the service selection process according to second embodiment is described.
When personal computer 10 power-on, automatically perform process shown in Figure 12.When the Equipment Inspection button 52 (seeing Figure 21) in the click window 50 (S1002:YES) of user's operating operation unit 16 of personal computer 10, can be in S1006 by user's desired time actuating equipment detection/procedure for displaying.
Figure 13 is the process flow diagram at detection/procedure for displaying that S1006 called of Figure 12.
In S2110, but the detection signal (i.e. inquiry) of CPU11 control bluetooth communication output search bluetooth equipment in the communication range of bluetooth communication 17.But each bluetooth equipment in the communication range of communication module 17 (for example MFP20) transmits bluetooth device address (being called as the BD address from here on) to bluetooth communication 17.But bluetooth communication 17 receives the BD address from the bluetooth equipment in communication range, and the BD address of receiving is stored in RAM13.
In S2120, CPU11 control bluetooth communication 17 sends signal, obtains and be stored in each bluetooth equipment requesting node title of the BD address of RAM13 in S2110 to correspondence.Bluetooth communication 17 is from bluetooth equipment receiving node title (being device name) then, and the nodename of receiving is relevant to the BD address is stored in RAM13.
In S2130, CPU11 determines whether the nodename that is stored in RAM13 comprises identical title.When having the identical nodename that is stored in RAM13 (S2130:YES), control proceeds to S2140.When not having the identical nodename that is stored in RAM13 (S2130:NO), control proceeds to S2190.
In S2140, CPU11 request user imports the relevant remarks that one of have at least the equipment of same names.When having imported suggestion, with this one of at least the nodename of equipment be revised as the remarks of importing that comprise as an output node title part.It is noted that the user can add note any (or all) in the same names, to distinguish nodename.Certainly, the user can not change identical title in S2140, and changes title in S2150-S2180.
In S2150, CPU11 further determines whether to exist the identical title that is stored in RAM13.When not having the identical title that is stored in RAM13 (S2150:NO), control proceeds to S2190.When also having identical title in RAM13 (S2150:YES), control proceeds to S2160.
In S2160, one of identical nodename is changed into different nodenames.Especially, if the corresponding detected BD address in the past of one of identical nodename, and different name storage are in the request history to equipment that should the BD address, then should the difference title be used as the new nodename of one of this identical nodename.Device request history was stored during actuating equipment detection/procedure for displaying before S2170, was storing to be used to show the output node title that is relevant to the BD address.BD address by will receiving and be stored in RAM13 in S2110 and be stored in the historied BD of Equipment Inspection address relatively determines that whether nodename is corresponding to former detected equipment.
In S2170, will be corresponding to the nodename of the BD address that is stored in device request history in being stored in the nodename of RAM13, being relevant to indication request history is that available flag is stored in RAM13.
In S2180, will be relevant to the new detected device flag of indication and be stored in RAM13 corresponding to the BD address nodename that is not stored in device request history in being stored in the nodename of RAM13.When S2180 finished, control turned back to S2150, and repeating step S2150-S2180 dissimilate up to the title of all storages (S2150:NO).
In S2190, the BD address that will in above-mentioned steps, store and corresponding BD address nodename, be stored in HDD14 with being relative to each other and go up additional data as device request history.
In S2200, CPU11 shows the nodename that is stored in RAM13 on display unit 15.When showing nodename,, except that each nodename, show the indication of " (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) " and " (NEWLY DETECTD) " according to S2170 or the set sign of S2180.That is to say, when input note in S2140, revised nodename itself.In addition, rely on the sign of corresponding requests history, display string except that the character of representation node title " (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) " and " (NEWLY DETECTED) ".Optionally, can show the icon of corresponding node title, and ask the mark of historical or new detection according to sign indication representative with nodename.
With reference to Figure 16 and 17, will explain said process.When personal computer 10a be positioned at one it can be with the position of using bluetooth (but communication range of with dashed lines indication) MFP20a to communicate by letter the time, BD address and the nodename of MFP20a are stored in device request history.If personal computer 10a moves to its position that can communicate by letter with personal computer 10b (indicated as dotted line) with MFP20a-20c, and carry out service selection process, then at first show window 50 as shown in figure 21 at personal computer 10a.Then, if user's pointing device test button 52 is then carried out process shown in Figure 13 (for example, the S1006 of Figure 12), and the display change of window 50 is for as shown in figure 17.
Especially, when pointing device test button 52, the CPU11 slave unit of personal computer 10a (i.e. MFP20a-20c and the personal computer 10b that surrounds with dotted line) obtains the BD address.If for example, the order such according to MFP20a, MPF20b, personal computer 10b and MFP2c receives the BD address from them, then CPU is stored in RAM13 with the BD address in this order.
Then, CPU11 obtains the nodename corresponding to the BD address that is stored in RAM13, and is relevant to the BD address that is stored in RAM13 and stores above-mentioned nodename.
If MFP20a-20c has identical title " Multi Fucntion A ", then give they one of add remarks (S2140), and give different title (S2160) to another.Should note before personal computer 10a moves to current position, having used MFP20, therefore use as the request historical storage in the BD address and the nodename (i.e. " Multi Function A ") of the previous use of HDD14.Therefore, the request of being stored in is historical nodename " Multi Function A " is relevant to the storage of BD address.Notice that in this example, the historical nodename of the request of being stored in does not change.But, if previously used title is a different title (for example " Multi Function A (3) ").Be relevant to BD address storage employed title in the past so.
About MFP20b and 20c, owing to do not store their BD address in request history, at first requiring the user is one of MFP (for example being MFP20b) remarks of input.The user can be by operating unit remarks of 16 inputs or a character string (for example " (1) ").Then, CPU11 is added to the character string of input on the nodename of the MFP20b that is stored in RAM13.
About MFP20c, can give its different title (for example " Multi Function A (2) ") as amended nodename, and the nodename of updated stored in RAM13.
In addition, be relevant to the sign of the nodename storage indication " PREVIOUSLY DETECTED " of MFP20a, and be relevant to the sign of the storage indication " NEWLY DETECTED " of MFP20b and 20c.Then, be stored in device request history on the HDD14 with being stored in the nodename of RAM13 and BD address with being relative to each other.
Below, as shown in figure 17, on window 50, show the nodename " MultiFunction A " of the corresponding MFP20a that is stored in RAM13 together with additional character string " PREVIOUSLY DETECTED " and the icon of representing multifunctional equipment.In addition, the upper left at icon has shown that also indication request history is available mark (being a circle) in Figure 17.
The nodename of crossing for MFP20b and additional character string " (NEWLY DETECTED) " and the icon of representing multifunctional equipment display update together " Multi Function A (1) ".Upper left at icon has also shown the mark of indicating new detected equipment.
In addition, the nodename " Note PC " that in window 50, shows the personal computer 10a that is stored in RAM13 together with the icon of representing personal computer.
The nodename of crossing for MFP20c and additional character string " (NEWLY DETECTED) " and the icon of representing multifunctional equipment display update together " Multi Function A (2) ".Upper left at icon has also shown mark " NEW ".
As mentioned above, show nodename " Multi Function A (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) ", " MultiFunction A (1) (NEWLY DETECTED) ", " Note PC " and " Multi Function A (2) " and corresponding icon and mark.
What like this, the user recognized the icon correspondence that is labeled as " Multi Function A (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) " is employed before the user.
When the mouse that uses operating unit 16 is selected one of shown icon in window 50 zones 54, and selected icon is dragged and dropped into the zone in 56 on one of shown icon, the service of the icon that CPU11 control bluetooth communication 17 request that transmits is put corresponding to selected icon is to the equipment of corresponding selected icon.Then, MFP20 provides the request of service with response personal computer 10a.
Print operation when the user wants to use the previously used MFP20a of user to carry out one, the user selects to be labeled as the icon of " Multi Function A (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) ", icon is dragged and dropped on the icon of the correspondence " COM " of representing print service.Then, send the print service request to MFP20a from communication module 17.When using bluetooth that print data is sent to MFP20a, MFP20a carries out printing.
As mentioned above, do not change the original nodename " Multi Function A " that is stored in MFP20a-20c, make the demonstration (being the historical character string of nodename, representative request and the mark of the upper left that is presented at each icon) on window 50 different.Therefore, comparing with routine demonstration shown in Figure 22, is very easy for corresponding which equipment of which icon of user's identification.Particularly, about MFP20a,, the user is very easy to the identical equipment of identification owing to provide " PREVIOUSLYDETECTED " to show.About MFP20b and 20c, as long as once service of the request of trying subsequently just can be discerned the relation between title " Multi Function A (1) " and " MultiFunction A (2) " and MFP20b and the 20c.In case recognized corresponding relation, the user can can't be taken place as obscuring in conventional system by their nodename identification equipment.
In a second embodiment, historical in S2190 storage request, and work as and determine that in S2160 request history is available, use to be stored in the nodename that previously used nodename conduct is used to show in the request history.In this configuration further, configurable personal computing machine 10a make when personal computer 10a when another equipment receives a service, can store BD address and service content as the history of serving with being relative to each other.Then, when in S2200, showing nodename,, then can show to be relevant to the service content that the BD address is stored if the BD address is stored in the history.
For example, when the user is placed on the icon of corresponding " Multi Function A (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) " on the icon of correspondence " COM ", service content (promptly printing) can be relevant to BD address that should icon is stored in RAM13.Then, when this process of execution, title will be shown as " Multi Function A (PREVIOUSLY DETECTED) (PRINTING) ".Like this, can be used for which task in the past by identification equipment, the user recognizes easily which icon is corresponding which equipment.
As mentioned above, when selected icon is placed on " COM " icon in 56 of zone, provide the printer function of selected MFP.Equally, when selected icon is placed on " FAX " icon in 56 of zone, provide the facsimile function of selected MFP.
When the service of having selected equipment and providing the user to set, print data and/or facsimile data are sent to MFP to carry out printing or facisimile transmission by them.After making such setting, the user can send instruction and carry out the operation of as above setting to use MFP.
In the S1003 of Figure 12, CPU11 determines whether to import the instruction of using MFP20.If imported such instruction (S1003:YES), then control proceeds to S1007, in this invocation facility use (shown in Figure 14).
In S2310, CPU11 determines that whether the user is by operating unit 16 input print commands.Import print command (S2310:YES) when, control proceeds to S2311, print data is sent to the MFP20 that print service is provided at this.Then, in S2312, storage comprises the use history of using the printing function fact.
Equally, in S2320, CPU11 determines whether to use MFP20 to send MFP20 to as the instruction of facsimile recorder with one.Import facisimile transmission instruction (S2320:YES) when, control proceeds to S2321, facsimile data is sent to the MFP20 that fax services is provided at this.Then, in S2322, storage comprises the use history of using the facsimile function fact.
In S2330, CPU11 determines whether to use the instruction of the function of MFP20 except that printer or facsimile recorder to be sent to MFP20 with one.Should notice that MFP20 can provide various other functions.For brief cause, in this process flow diagram, CPU11 determines whether to provide other function.But, for each function, carry out and step S2310-S2312 or the similar deterministic process of S2320-S2322.When input instruction (S2330:YES), carry out process corresponding to instruction, then, and in S2332, the use history of storage to instructing.
In the S1004 of Figure 12, CPU11 determines that whether the user is by information instruction of updating the equipment of operating unit 16 inputs.If imported such instruction (S1004:YES), then control proceeds to S1008, in this invocation facility information updating process (Figure 15).Otherwise (S1004:NO) control proceeds to S1005.
Figure 15 is a process flow diagram, devices illustrated information updating process.In this process, according to user's request, the facility information of updated stored in the NVRAM of RAM13.
As mentioned above, in the S2140 of Figure 13, user's remarks are added to nodename.If the user wants to revise remarks, carry out a predetermined operation by operating unit 16, the user can change the remarks of corresponding each equipment.Upgrade the such operations of remarks (S2410:YES) when CPU11 determines to carry out, then updated stored is in the remarks (S2411) of RAM13.It is noted that and in this process, can redistribute note.
For every kind of device type, store a predetermined icon, can in window 50, show.Can upgrade the icon of corresponding each type.When CPU11 determines the user by selecting icon and import the new route of icon use, send the instruction (S2420:YES) of upgrading icon, then use icon and update displayed (S2412) by the new route appointment.
When receiving other instruction (S2430:YES) of any updated stored, upgrade this facility information (S2413) in the facility information of RAM13.
In S1005, CPU11 determines whether that requirement produces any other incident of certain processing.If CPU11 determines to do certain processing (S1005:YES), then carry out this processing (S1009).Otherwise (S1005:NO) control is back to S1002, and repeating step S1002 to S1009.
The 3rd embodiment
From here on, will one network system be described according to the 3rd embodiment.
According to the 3rd embodiment, quite similar by the process that personal computer (announcement apparatus) is carried out to conventional system, and different by the performed process of MFP with conventional system.Because the other parts of this system configuration are similar to second embodiment's, the explanation of different piece will only the 3rd embodiment be provided.
When personal computer 10 is carried out the regular service option program, show window as shown in figure 21.When user's pointing device test button 52, the signal (promptly carrying out inquiry) that CPU11 control bluetooth communication 17 sends checkout equipments is with the BD address of the bluetooth equipment that obtains to communicate by letter.Then, bluetooth communication 17 transmits the signal of the nodename of each bluetooth equipment that can communicate by letter of request.
The CPU21 of MFP20 carries out main procedure as shown in figure 18.
When the CPU21 of MFP20 receives the signal (S2510:YES) of requesting node title from the bluetooth communication 17 of personal computer 10, carry out answering as shown in figure 19.Should be noted that when CPU21 receives the signal of requesting node title CPU21 is stored in RAM23 with the BD address of requesting service (being personal computer 10 requesting node titles).
In S2520, CPU21 determines whether to receive print request from personal computer 10.When receiving print request (S2520:YES), control proceeds to S2521, carries out print data at this and receives program to receive print data and to carry out printing from personal computer 10.Then, in S2522, storage comprises the use history that receives the print data fact from personal computer 10.
In S2530, CPU21 determines whether to receive the facsimile reception request from personal computer 10.When receiving facsimile reception request (S2530:YES), control proceeds to S2531, carries out facsimile data at this and receives program with the data of receiving faxes from personal computer 10.Then in S2532, storage comprises from the receive faxes use history of the data fact of personal computer 10.
In S2540, CPU21 determines whether to receive other request from personal computer 10.When receiving other request (S2540:YES), control proceeds to S2541, in the process of this execution corresponding to the request of being received.In S2542, store use history then to asking.
Figure 19 is a process flow diagram, and the answering of being called in the S2511 of Figure 18 is described.
In S2610, CPU21 retrieves the nodename of MFP20 from the NVRAM of RAM23, and further obtains to be stored in the BD address of MFP20 of the bluetooth communication 27 of MFP20.
In S2612, but CPU21 control bluetooth communication 27 transmits the signal of the BD address of the bluetooth equipment of request in the communication range of a bluetooth communication 27.Bluetooth communication 27 receives the BD address and above-mentioned BD address is stored in RAM23 from the bluetooth equipment that can communicate by letter then.
In S2614, CPU21 control bluetooth equipment module 27 each bluetooth equipment under the BD address that obtains and be stored in RAM23 in S2612 sends the signal of requesting node title.Bluetooth equipment module 27 receives the nodename transmitted from bluetooth equipment then, and above-mentioned nodename is relevant to the BD address is stored in RAM23.Should note this step is carried out in all BD addresses that are stored among the RAM23.
In S2616, whether CPU21 determines in S2614 to obtain and to be stored in the nodename of RAM23 to be comprised the nodename of above-mentioned nodename as the MFP20 that obtains in S2612.Comprise above-mentioned nodename (S2616:YES) in the nodename that is being stored in RAM23, control proceeds to S2620, carries out output node title assignment procedure at this, will be described later.Do not comprise above-mentioned nodename (S2616:NO) in the nodename that is being stored in RAM23, control proceeds to S2618, is set at output node title (S2618) at this nodename that will obtain from NVRAM in S2610.
The output node title assignment procedure that calls being described among the S2620.Figure 20 is a process flow diagram, and output node title assignment procedure is described.
In S2710, CPU21 determines whether to exist request historical.That is to say CPU21 determines whether comprise the equipment of requesting node title in the history and be stored in the BD address of RAM23 in request.This request history is to store in the S2628 of Figure 19, will be described later.
When the BD address (S2710:YES) that comprises the bluetooth equipment of requesting node title in request history, control proceeds to S2712.When the BD address (S2710:YES) that does not comprise the bluetooth equipment of requesting node title in request history, control proceeds to S2716.
In S2712, from ask history, retrieve previously used output node title, it is that to be relevant to the BD address of bluetooth equipment of request stored, and is set at the output node title.In S2714, whether comprise the nodename identical in the nodename that CPU21 determines to obtain in the S2614 of Figure 19 with the output node title.When having the nodename identical with the output node title that sets (S2714:YES), control proceeds to S2716.When the identical nodename of the output node title that does not exist and set at present (S2714:NO), output node title assignment procedure shown in Figure 20 finishes, and control proceeds to the S2622 of Figure 19.
In S2716, CPU21 determines whether the BD address of MFP20 is maximum.That is to say that the BD address of determining MFP20 is whether greater than any other BD address of the bluetooth equipment with same names.When the BD address of MFP20 is maximum (S2716:YES), the process of Figure 20 finishes, and control proceeds to the S2622 of Figure 19.When the BD address (S2716:NO) less than at least one other bluetooth equipment, the BD address of MFP20, control proceeds to S2718.
In S2718, change the output node title.For example, change the output node title of setting at present by adding a character string " (1) ".Then, a modification counter that is used to count the modification quantity of output node title increases by 1.
In S2720, CPU21 determines whether to carry out N time or the modification of more times output node title.That is to say that CPU21 determine to revise the digital the N whether value of counter equal to be scheduled to (for example 10) or more.When the value of revising counter is equal to or greater than N (S2720:YES), output node title assignment procedure finishes, and control proceeds to the S2622 of Figure 19.When the value of revising counter less than N (S2720:NO), control proceeds to S2722.
In S2722, CPU21 control bluetooth communication 27 detects the equipment that can communicate by letter, but and obtain to be positioned at the BD address of the communication range bluetooth equipment of bluetooth communication 27, as in the S2612 of Figure 19.
In S2724,, obtain nodename corresponding to the BD address that in S2722, obtains as in S2614.
In S2726, CPU21 determines in the nodename that whether the nodename nodename identical with the output node title of setting at present be included among the S2724 to be obtained.When existing and the identical nodename of setting at present (S2726:YES) of output node title, control is back to S2726.In the nodename that identical nodename is not included among the S2724 to be obtained (S2726:NO), the process of Figure 20 finishes, and control proceeds to the S2622 of Figure 19.
As mentioned above, MFP20 produces the output node title and transmits the bluetooth equipment of above-mentioned output node title to the requesting node title.Like this, MFP20 does not change the request of its original nodename response from miscellaneous equipment.
When the request history (S2710:YES) of the bluetooth equipment that has relevant requesting node title, if possible CPU21 uses used output node title in the past.
In addition, if finish output node title assignment procedure because the BD address of MFP20 is maximum (S2716:YES) CPU21.Therefore,, and in each MFP, carry out same program as shown in figure 20, guarantee that then their output node title is different each other even in the scope that can communicate by letter, there is one group of MFP with same names.Like this, in S2716, give the priority that each equipment is determined the output node title.
In the S2622 of Figure 19, it is historical that CPU21 determines whether to have stored use.That is to say that whether the BD address that definite request is stored in the bluetooth equipment of RAM23 is included in is used in the history.Use in the history (S2622:NO) when the BD address of request bluetooth equipment is included in, control proceeds to S2624.Should note when MFP20 for personal computer 10 provide service (for example receive print data, the data etc. of receiving faxes, history is used in storage in the time of as shown in figure 18).
In S2624, character string " (NEWLY DETECTED) " is added to the output node title, and in S2626, character string " (CONNECTED PREVIOUSLY) " is added in the output node title.Behind S2624 or S2626, control proceeds to S2628.
In S2628, the storage request is historical.That is to say, be relevant to the BD address of the bluetooth equipment of present announcement apparatus name storage requesting service title.
In 2630, the bluetooth equipment that CPU21 control bluetooth communication 27 transmits the output node title such as sets above to request.
As mentioned above, according to the 3rd embodiment, response is from the requesting service title of bluetooth equipment, and MFP20 produces the output node title and transmits above-mentioned output node title.Consideration is positioned at the nodename of the bluetooth equipment around this MFP20 and determines the output node title.
With reference to Figure 16, will explain said process.When personal computer 10a is positioned at the position that it can be communicated by letter with MFP20 with bluetooth, the BD address of MFP20a and the nodename request of being stored in historical (but communication range of with dashed lines indication).If personal computer 10a is moved to the position (as the dotted line indication) that it can be communicated by letter with personal computer 10b with MFP20a-20c, and carry out the services selection program, then at first show window 50 as shown in figure 21 at personal computer 10a.In this example, suppose that the BD address of MFP20a is maximum, the BD address of MFP20b is second largest, and the BD address of MFP20c is minimum in three.When user's pointing device test button 52, show window 50 as shown in figure 17.Should be noted that according to the 3rd embodiment, the mark of icon upper left does not show.
According to the 3rd embodiment, be presented on the window 50 by the output node title that MFP20a-20c produced and transmitted.Particularly, MFP20a produces by character string " (PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED) " being added to nodename " Multi Fucntion A " and produces the output node title, and transmits above-mentioned output node title to personal computer 10a.MFP20b sets output node title " Multi Function A (1) " and (S2620) also further character string " (NEWLY DETECTED) " is added to output node title (S2624), and transmits above-mentioned output node title to personal computer 10a.MFP20c sets output node title " Multi Function A (2) " and (S2620) also further character string " (NEWLY DETECTED) " is added to output node title (S2624), and transmits above-mentioned output node title to personal computer 10a.
As mentioned above, do not change original nodename " Multi Function A ", each of MFP20a-20c transmits the output node title that they produced.Like this, in window, make demonstration different.Therefore, compare, the user is very easy to which icon of identification is corresponding which equipment with routine demonstration as shown in figure 22.Particularly, for MFP20a,, make the user easily discern above-mentioned output node title owing to provide " PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED " to show.As for MFP20b and 20c,, just can determine the relation between title " Multi Function A (1) " and " Multi Function A (2) " and MFP20b and the 20c as long as try to ask their services once.In case see clearly corresponding relation, the user just can be from their nodename identification equipment, and can not take place as obscuring in conventional system.
Though described the present invention with reference to three exemplary embodiments respectively, any appropriate combination of the characteristics of embodiment and any their suitable modification may be also within the scope of the invention.

Claims (40)

1. network system comprises:
One group of electronic equipment that connects network; And
One connects the announcement apparatus of described network, and described announcement apparatus can send each electronic equipment that sense command detects described one group of electronic equipment by described network;
Each electronic equipment of wherein said one group of electronic equipment is equipped with:
The storer of storage existing equipment information;
The output device information generating system generates output device information according to the existing equipment information that is stored in the described storer; And
Transfer system transmits output device information to described announcement apparatus in response to the described sense command that receives from described announcement apparatus,
Wherein said announcement apparatus is equipped with:
Information receiving system receives the output device information that transmits from each electronic equipment of described one group of electronic equipment; And
Display system, show receive by described information receiving system, corresponding to the output device information of each detected electronic equipment.
2. network system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the existing equipment information that is stored in the described storer comprises the character string that relates to the electronic device types with described storer, and wherein output device information comprises the character string that is stored in the existing equipment information.
3. network system as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, described display system shows the corresponding tentation data that is included in the electronic device types of the character string representative in the output device information that described information receiving system receives.
4. network system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, tentation data comprises an icon representing electronic device types.
5. network system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information according to the performance of described electronic equipment.
6. network system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information, a character string of the performance that makes this information comprise to represent described electronic equipment.
7. network system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates output device information, makes it to comprise fix information and variable information.
8. network system as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information, the fix information that makes this information comprise to represent described electronic device types and according to the variable variable information of the performance of described electronic equipment.
9. network system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information according to the running status of described electronic equipment.
10. network system as claimed in claim 9, it is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates output device information, so that comprise the fix information of representing described electronic device types and according to the variable information of described electronic device works state variation.
11. network system as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described display system shows the tentation data of the running status of the electronic equipment that is included in the character string representative in the output device information that described information receiving system receives.
12. network system as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, tentation data comprises an icon representing running status.
13. network system as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information makes it comprise the running status of representing described electronic equipment.
14. network system as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described announcement apparatus is equipped with the request signal transfer system, transmits the signal of request output device information each equipment to described one group of electronic equipment,
Each equipment configuration of wherein said one group of electronic equipment:
Detection system detects and whether receives request signal; And
The status checking system checks the running status of described electronic equipment when described detection system detects request signal,
Described output device information generating system produces output device information according to the running status of described status checking systems inspection.
15. network system as claimed in claim 14, it is characterized in that, described reporting system comprises input system, allows user input instruction with notice electronic equipment on network, described request signal transfer system transmission request signal when by described input system input instruction.
16. network system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information, makes it comprise the fix information of representing described electronic device types and according to the variable variable information of the state of described electronic equipment.
17. network system as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, fix information comprises the character string of the described electronic device types of an expression, and described variable information comprises the character string of the state of the described electronic equipment of an expression.
18. network system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that network is a wireless network according to Bluetooth  standard.
19. network system as claimed in claim 1,
It is characterized in that each electronic equipment of described electronic equipment is equipped with the input system that allows user's input information, and
Wherein said output device information generating system produces output device information according to the information by described input system input.
20. network system as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system produces output device information makes it comprise the character string of representative by the information of described input system input.
21. network system as claimed in claim 19, it is characterized in that described output device information generating system produces output device information makes it comprise the fix information of representing described electronic device types and the variable variable information of importing according to described input system of information.
22. network system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, if there is one group of output device pieces of information with identical content, described output device information generating system produces output device information makes this group output device pieces of information will become different mutually.
23. can be applicable to the electronic equipment of network system, this network system comprises one group of electronic equipment and the announcement apparatus that is connected this network of connecting network, this announcement apparatus can be by network from each electronic equipment receiving equipment information of this group electronic equipment and according to the facility information display notification of receiving from each electronic equipment, and described electronic equipment comprises:
The output device information generating system is imported explanation according to the performance of the running status of facility information and described electronic equipment, described electronic equipment and user and is wherein produced one of at least output device information; And
Transfer system transmits the output device information of described output information generation system generation to announcement apparatus.
24. network system comprises:
One group of electronic equipment that connects network; And
The announcement apparatus that connects described network, described announcement apparatus receives output device information by described network from each electronic equipment of described electronic equipment group,
Wherein said announcement apparatus is equipped with:
Transmit Request System, ask described electronic equipment group to transmit output device information;
Information receiving system receives the output device information that is transmitted from each electronic equipment of described electronic equipment group; And
Reporting system, the output device information that receives according to described information receiving system produces a notice,
Each electronic equipment of wherein said electronic equipment group is equipped with:
The storer of storage existing equipment information;
The request receiving system receives the request of transmission from described announcement apparatus;
The information acquisition system, the output device information of other electronic equipment that acquisition can be communicated by letter with described electronic equipment when the described request receiving system receives the transmission request;
The output device information generating system produces output device information according to the output device information of corresponding miscellaneous equipment with the result who is stored in the existing equipment information comparison in the described storer; And
Transfer system transmits output device information to described announcement apparatus.
25. network system as claimed in claim 24, it is characterized in that, if there is one group of segment with output device information of identical content, described output device information generating system produces output device information makes this group output device pieces of information will become different mutually.
26. network system as claimed in claim 25, it is characterized in that, described output device information generating system, by using described information acquisition system to obtain the output device information of other electronic equipment, and with the output device information of the output device information that produces and other electronic equipment relatively, determine as the output device information of generation whether different with the output device information of other electronic equipment.
27. network system as claimed in claim 24, it is characterized in that, if there is one group of output device pieces of information with identical content, the pre-defined rule that described output device information generating system is shared according to this group electronic equipment that is included in the described network system produces output device information.
28. network system as claimed in claim 27,
It is characterized in that described electronic equipment is equipped with precedence information and obtains system, obtain the precedence information of the change of relevant output device information from other electronic equipment, and
Wherein said pre-defined rule regulation if the priority of the precedence information representative of other electronic equipment of priority ratio of the precedence information representative of described electronic equipment is low, is revised the output device information of described electronic equipment.
29. network system as claimed in claim 24,
It is characterized in that described electronic equipment is equipped with:
Announcement apparatus identification information receiving system receives the announcement apparatus identification information that is used for identification request output device notification of information equipment; And
Request historical storage system is relevant to the output device information that described output device information generating system produces, the announcement apparatus identification information that storage is obtained by described announcement apparatus identification information receiving system, and
Wherein said output device information generating system produces output device information according to being stored in announcement apparatus identification information in the described request historical storage system about the relation between the output device information.
30. the announcement apparatus that is connected with network, described announcement apparatus can detect the electronic equipment in the network, and described announcement apparatus comprises:
Information receiving system receives the output device information corresponding with this electronic equipment that is detected from the electronic equipment that is detected;
Reporting system, the output device information corresponding with this electronic equipment that is detected that receives according to described information receiving system produces notice; And
The notice form is determined system, when the form of the definite notice of the notice of being done according to the described reporting system of output device information,
Wherein, if the output device pieces of information that exists one group of described information receiving system to receive, if and this group output device pieces of information comprises identical output device information, then when generation is relevant to this notice of organizing identical output device pieces of information, described notice form determines that system makes employed form difference, and
Wherein, described reporting system is relevant to the notice that this organizes identical output device pieces of information according to multi-form generation.
31. announcement apparatus as claimed in claim 30,
It is characterized in that described reporting system produces a title notice according to output device information, and
Wherein said notice form decision systems is determined different titles.
32. announcement apparatus as claimed in claim 30,
It is characterized in that described information receiving system from each electronic equipment receiving equipment identification information of the electronic equipment group that can communicate by letter with transmit the output device information of the electronic equipment of this equipment identification information,
Wherein said announcement apparatus is equipped with notice form historical storage system, be relevant to and the output device information corresponding equipment identification information of notifying according to the form that is identified by notice form identification information, storaging mark is determined the notice form identification information of the determined form of system by the notice form, and
Wherein said notice form determines that system is according to being stored in the form that equipment identification information in the described notice form historical storage system and the relation between the notice form identification information are determined notice.
33. announcement apparatus as claimed in claim 30,
Further comprise:
The services request system is to the electronic equipment requests service; And
Use the historical storage system, store the use historical information relevant with the history of the service of receiving from electronic equipment,
Wherein said notice form determines that system is according to using historical information to determine the notice form.
34. network system comprises the one group of electronic equipment and the announcement apparatus that connect with network, described announcement apparatus can detect the described one group of electronic equipment in the network,
Each described electronic equipment comprises:
Storer, storage and detected electronic equipment corresponding equipment name information; And
The device name message transfer system, the transfer equipment name information is to described announcement apparatus; And
Described announcement apparatus comprises:
Information receiving system receives the device name information of the electronic equipment that described device name message transfer system transmitted from the electronic equipment that can communicate by letter;
Reporting system produces notice according to the device name information that described information receiving system received; And
The notice form is determined system, determines the form of this notice when described reporting system produces notice according to device name information,
Wherein, if there is one group of device name pieces of information that described receiving system received, if and this group device name pieces of information comprises identical device name information, described notice form determines that system makes employed form difference when producing the notice that is relevant to this group identical device name information segment, and
Wherein said reporting system produces the notice that is relevant to this group identical device name information segment according to different forms.
35. be used for the electronic equipment of network system, connecting a plurality of other electronic equipments and announcement apparatus, this announcement apparatus can be communicated by letter with each electronic equipment and a plurality of other electronic equipment by network,
Wherein said electronic equipment provides:
The storer of storage existing equipment information;
The output device information generating system generates output device information according to described electronic equipment performance; And
Transfer system transmits output device information to described announcement apparatus, and configuration notification equipment is to show the output device information that is transmitted by described transfer system.
36. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates output device information, so that comprise the fix information of representing described electronic device types and along with the variable information of described electronic equipment performance change.
37. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates output device information, so that comprise fix information and variable information.
38. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates the output device information that meets described electronic device works state.
39. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates the output device information that meets described electronic equipment performance.
40. electronic equipment as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, described output device information generating system generates output device information, so that comprise the fix information of representing described electronic device types and along with the variable information of described electronic equipment performance change.
CNB031457789A 2002-07-03 2003-07-03 Network system Expired - Fee Related CN100334578C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2002194744 2002-07-03
JP2002194744A JP3617508B2 (en) 2002-07-03 2002-07-03 Network system, electronic equipment, program
JP2002279739A JP3780991B2 (en) 2002-09-25 2002-09-25 Network system, electronic equipment, program, recording medium
JP2002279739 2002-09-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN1472661A CN1472661A (en) 2004-02-04
CN100334578C true CN100334578C (en) 2007-08-29

Family

ID=34196494

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CNB031457789A Expired - Fee Related CN100334578C (en) 2002-07-03 2003-07-03 Network system
CN 03272738 Expired - Lifetime CN2655530Y (en) 2002-07-03 2003-07-03 Network system

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN 03272738 Expired - Lifetime CN2655530Y (en) 2002-07-03 2003-07-03 Network system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CN (2) CN100334578C (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4075885B2 (en) * 2004-11-17 2008-04-16 ブラザー工業株式会社 COMMUNICATION DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE SETTING METHOD
CN102637240B (en) * 2012-02-09 2015-09-30 北京山海树科技有限公司 A kind of disposal system and disposal route thereof strengthening equipment interactivity

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001042894A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-06-14 Axis Ab Method and system for presenting information
WO2001091505A1 (en) * 2000-05-22 2001-11-29 Sony Corporation Data transmission method, data transmission system, and data transmission device
CN1348272A (en) * 2000-10-13 2002-05-08 国际商业机器公司 Voice-enable blue-teeth equipment management and access platform, and relative controlling method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001042894A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-06-14 Axis Ab Method and system for presenting information
WO2001091505A1 (en) * 2000-05-22 2001-11-29 Sony Corporation Data transmission method, data transmission system, and data transmission device
CN1348272A (en) * 2000-10-13 2002-05-08 国际商业机器公司 Voice-enable blue-teeth equipment management and access platform, and relative controlling method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1472661A (en) 2004-02-04
CN2655530Y (en) 2004-11-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN102469232B (en) Image processing system with ease of operation
US7272407B2 (en) Display on wireless mobile device
KR20040074964A (en) Service attribute based filtering system and method
KR20040074959A (en) System and method for searching for wireless devices
WO2001033367A1 (en) Data output controller
EP2534761A1 (en) Indentifying printers
KR20040074960A (en) Wireless device imaging
US9342476B2 (en) Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, and information processing system
CN113271389B (en) Multifunctional peripheral equipment management system and method
EP1482697A2 (en) Remote service provision using a chat protocol
JP2011019199A (en) Information processor
US20100218102A1 (en) Display Management System
CN100334578C (en) Network system
JP3780991B2 (en) Network system, electronic equipment, program, recording medium
US8379242B2 (en) Service retrieval method
KR101900373B1 (en) Method and system for maintaining multifunction printer
JP4467342B2 (en) Printing support system, printing support method, and computer program
JP5108291B2 (en) Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
US20070291299A1 (en) System and method for generating location based content
JP6809573B2 (en) Mobile terminals and programs
CN110392177B (en) Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium
JP5833393B2 (en) Transmitting apparatus, addressing method, and addressing program
EP4167555A1 (en) Apparatus, information processing system, carrier means, and method for troubleshooting
EP4007251A1 (en) Server, management system, managing method, and carrier means
EP3975534A1 (en) Management apparatus, management system, method for managing facsimile data, and carrier means

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
C06 Publication
PB01 Publication
C10 Entry into substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
C14 Grant of patent or utility model
GR01 Patent grant
CF01 Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee
CF01 Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee

Granted publication date: 20070829