Abstract:
There is disclosed a data processing apparatus which uses a visual element to recognizably provide a system environment which flexibly and quickly changes in response to any request for the grasping of the constitution and operation situation of the entire system or the constitution and operation situation of a favorite device registered by each user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus which can perform data communication with various data processing apparatuses connected on a predetermined communication medium, a display processing method, and a memory medium in which a computer-readable program is stored. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     In recent years, in a network system environment, peripherals such as a PC and printer, scanner, and digital camera have spread, and there have increased needs for reading image data to prepare an electronic document, and for editing and printing the document. Moreover, networks such as LAN have spread, and there also have increased needs for sharing a printer, modem, and image scanner on the network. By sharing the peripherals such as the printer and scanner on the network, expenses are depressed, and the installation place of the peripheral can be minimized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     When a very large number of peripherals are connected on the network, however, the user cannot easily identify his necessary peripheral. Moreover, since the connection information, and the like of the peripherals are displayed by every type of peripheral, the user has to check the connection situation of each peripheral, and the operation is difficult and intricate. 
     Furthermore, since the user&#39;s host computer checks the states (information) of all the peripherals on the network, the network is loaded, and it sometimes takes time to check the states. 
     The present invention has been developed to solve the above-described problems. According to the present invention, when the user desires to see the constitution of a network system as occasion demands, simply by switching/designating a normal display and a favorites display, the entire constitution of the network system and the operation situation of the peripheral can be grasped, or with respect to favorite devices (peripherals) registered by the respective users, the operation situations of the devices can be grasped. 
     Furthermore, any display can present a freely changing network system environment so that it can visually easily be seen. 
     Specifically, according to the present invention: (1) the recognizability of the network system environment is remarkably enhanced; (2) with the enhancement of the visibility of the network system environment, the user can efficiently utilize the respective peripherals and other data processing apparatuses; and (3) the user can efficiently perform various data processings executed by utilizing the entire network system environment or favorite network system environment. 
     Moreover, according to the present invention: (4) the user&#39;s data processing apparatus can obtain favorite information managed by the other data processing apparatuses, and incorporate the information on a favorites display screen; (5) each user can recognize his favorite network system environment with any data processing apparatus; and (6) when the network peripheral is utilized from the other data processing apparatuses to perform a data processing, the user can operate an intended device in the same operation environment as the operation environment of his data processing apparatus. 
     Furthermore, according to the present invention: (7) the network system environment (favorite network system environment) customized in the certain data processing apparatus can be reflected on the other data processing apparatuses; (8) the device registration operation necessary for displaying the same favorite network system environment to the respective users is remarkably alleviated; and (9) the user can arbitrarily handle the favorite network system environment with a simple operation. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the system constitution of network devices including a data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the constitution of the data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one example of a favorites display edition screen displayed on CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of a structure for storing the information registered in the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one example of a first favorites display screen displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a second favorites display screen displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a normal display screen displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a pop-up menu for performing an instruction of register/delete on the favorites edition screen shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing one example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites display screen in the data processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites display screen in the data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one example of the structure of favorites display setup data in the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one example of a message window displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 14 is a diagram showing one example of the message window displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 15 is a diagram showing one example of the message window displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites edition display screen in the data processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites display screen in the data processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a diagram showing one example of the structure of the favorites display setup data in the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 20 is a diagram showing one example of a window displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 21 is a diagram showing one example of the window displayed on the CRT of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing one example of a third data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 is a diagram showing one example of a sender setup window in the data processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing one example of a fourth data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of the memory map of a memory medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     &lt;Favorites Display&gt; 
     FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the network system constitution by the network devices including a data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     In FIG. 1, a printer  102  is a printer including an open architecture, and is connected to a network via a network board (NB)  101 . The NB  101  is connected to local area networks (LAN)  100 ,  120 ,  130  via local area network interfaces such as Ethernet interface  10 Base- 2  including a coaxial connector, and  10 Base-T including RJ- 45 . 
     A plurality of personal computers (PC) such as PC  103 , PC  104 , PC  111 , PC  112  are also connected to LAN  100 ,  130 . These PCs can communicate with the NB  101  under the control of a network operating system. 
     Therefore, one of the PCs, for example, the PC  103  can be used as a network device managing PC. Moreover, a printer  105  can locally be connected as a local printer to the PC  104 . 
     Moreover, PC  106  functions as a file service. The PC  106  is connected to the LAN  100 , and controls the access to a file stored in a network disk  107  with a large capacity (e.g., 10 billion bytes). 
     The PC  104  functions as a print server. The PC  104  controls the printing to the locally connected printer  105 , or to the printer  102  in a remote place. 
     Similarly, a scanner server PC  115  manages a locally connected scanner  117 , or a scanner  110  in the remote place. The scanner  110  is connected to the LAN  100  via the network board, and the like. Moreover, a copying machine  118  provides the function of the printer or the scanner under the management/control of an image processing unit  119 . 
     In the network shown in FIG. 1, network software such as Novell and UNIX can be used to efficiently perform communication among various network members. For example, software NetWare (registered trademark of Novell Co., hereinafter omitted) of Novell Co. can be used. Since the software package is described in detail in on-line documentation contained in NetWare package (contained in the NetWare package from Novell Co.), the description thereof is omitted here. 
     Each of the PC  103  and PC  104  can generate a data file, transmit the generated data file to the LAN  100 , or receive a file from the LAN  100 , and further display and/or process the files. 
     FIG. 1 shows the personal computer devices (PC), but other computer devices suitable for execution of the network software may be used. For example, when the UNIX software is used, UNIX workstations may be connected to the network. These workstations are used together with the shown PCs. 
     The LAN  100  usually presents services to relatively local user groups, for example, to the user groups, and the like on one floor or on a plurality of continuous floors in one building. On the other hand, when the users are present in different buildings or prefectures, that is, when the users are far from one another, a wide area network (WAN) may be constructed. 
     Basically, the WAN is formed by connecting several LANs via high-rate digital wires such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN). The WAN is an aggregate of LANs. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the WAN is formed by connecting the LAN  100  to the LAN  120  via a back bone  140 . The devices connected to the LAN  100 , LAN  120 , LAN  130  can access the functions of devices connected to other LANs via the WAN connection. 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the data processing apparatus of the present invention. The data processing apparatus is constituted so that communication can be performed with other data processing apparatuses locally connected to predetermined peripherals (including the printer, scanner, modem, composite image processing apparatus, and the like) via communication media (not shown) such as Ethernet and another LAN in accordance with a predetermined protocol. 
     FIG. 2 shows a system bus  1 , and respective components described later are connected to this system bus  1 . Numeral  2  denotes a central processing unit (CPU). 
     Numeral  3  denotes a program memory (abbreviated as PMEM). The program for the present processing is appropriately selected from a hard disk  10 , read to the PMEM, and executed by the CPU  2 . Moreover, the data inputted via a keyboard  12  is stored as code information in the PMEM  3  which also serves as a text memory. 
     A communication controller  4  controls input/output data in a communication port  5 . A signal outputted from the communication port  5  is transmitted to the communication port of another device  7  on the network via a communication line  6 . 
     The communication with the printer or the image scanner shared on the network is performed via the communication controller  4 . Additionally, the network such as LAN is described in the present embodiment, but the communication port and communication line connected to the communication controller  4  may comprise general public lines. 
     An external storage controller  8  controls the access to data file disks such as a floppy disk (abbreviated as FD)  9  and hard disk (abbreviated as HD)  10 . 
     An input controller  11  is connected to the keyboard  12  and a mouse or another input device  13 . By operating the keyboard  12 , an operator can transmit an operation command to the system. Numeral  16  denotes a CRT, and a pointing device (abbreviated as PD) is used for the user to designate the processing of image information on the CRT  16 . In the present embodiment, the mouse  13  is used as the pointing device. 
     The user uses the mouse  13  to arbitrarily move a cursor on the CRT  16  in X, Y directions, and selects a command icon on a command menu to designate the processing. Additionally, the edition object, drawing position, and the like are also designated. 
     Numeral  14  denotes a video image memory (abbreviated as VRAM). The drawing data (bit map data) to be displayed on the CRT  16  is developed to the VRAM  14 . The drawing data is appropriately read via a display controller  15  and the content is displayed on the CRT  16 . A printer controller  17  controls the data output to a connected printer  18 . 
     An image scanner controller  1 A controls the image scanning of a connected image scanner  1 B. Additionally, an external device controller  19  controls the operation of an external device via the printer controller  17  or the image scanner controller  1 A. 
     Additionally, the constituting elements of the image scanner controller  1 A and image scanner  1 B are essential for the image scanner server device in the present invention. However, the client-side device can use the same constituting elements on the server side via the communication controller  4  and communication port  5  as described above. 
     Furthermore, in the constitution of FIG. 2, the image scanner controller  1 A and image scanner  1 B are physically separate components. However, even when the image scanner  1 B is one component including the image scanner controller  1 A, a similar function is provided. 
     Additionally, the program stored in the ROM in the present embodiment may also be stored in memory media such as the hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (FD) directly connected to the device. Furthermore, the program may be stored on the other devices connected via the network. Moreover, the program of the present invention can be supplied to the system or device via the memory media such as the hard disk (HD) and floppy disk (FD) or the network. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one example of a favorites display edition screen displayed on the CRT  16  of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . This screen is displayed while an application for visually displaying the state of the network system environment is operating. 
     In FIG. 3, numeral  301  denotes an edition screen. The edition screen is constituted of a menu, tool bars  301   a  to  301   c , a main window  303  in which icons indicative of PCs and peripherals are displayed, and a favorites display window  302 . Additionally, the tool bars are different from those in the subsequent drawings such as FIG. 5, and comprise icons for edition (icons indicating open, save, and exit). 
     Numeral  302  denotes the “favorites display” window. The PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display are displayed. In the “favorites display” window  302 , icons  302   a  to  302   h  indicate the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display. The method of displaying these icons has been described above. 
     The “normal display” window  303  displays all PCs and peripherals on the network. In the “normal display” window  303 , icons  303   a  to  303   x  indicate all the PCs and peripherals on the network. In this example, for the convenience of the screen, all the icons are not displayed. However, the user can move a scroll bar SB disposed beside the screen to confirm all the PCs and peripherals. Moreover, the icons  303   c ,  303   i ,  303   l  of the PCs and peripherals already registered in the favorites display are displayed with changed display shapes. Therefore, the user can check the PCs and peripherals which are registered in the favorites display. 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of a structure for storing the information of the PCs and peripherals in the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . In FIG. 4, numeral  41  denotes a header section. The header section  41  is constituted of the number of data  41   a  of the registered PCs and peripherals and a comment  41   b.    
     Numeral  42  denotes a data section. The data section  42  stores the information on N devices (PCs or peripherals). Numerals  43 ,  44 ,  45  denote the information on one device. The name of the registered device is stored in  43   a . The name data  43   a  includes, for example, “XXX123”, and indicates the device type, and the like. Attribute data  43   b  is data for identifying PC, printer, scanner, FAX modem, and the like. Status information  43   c  includes information such as “being operated”, “paper shortage”, “driver is not installed”. Screen display position information  43   d  indicates the position on the screen in which each registered device is displayed. Comment  43   e  includes a comment on this device. The data section  42  stores the number of registered data (the data comprises one set of the above-described  42   a  to  42   e ) as shown by the number of data  41   a . Additionally, this structure stores the information of the PCs and peripherals of the entire network, or stores the information of the PCs and peripherals registered in the edition screen. 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one example of a first favorites display screen (favorites display window) displayed on the CRT  16 . This screen corresponds to the favorites edition screen (FIG. 3) displayed during the operation of the application for visually displaying the state of the network system environment. 
     In FIG. 5, numeral  501  denotes an application screen. The screen  501  includes a main window  502  in which the menu, tool bars  51   a  to  51   j , and icons  502   a  to  502   h  indicative of PCs and peripherals are displayed. The tool bars  51   a  to  51   j  have certain functions, respectively. 
     The icon  502   a  represents an own machine (data processing apparatus on which this window is displayed). Additionally, the icon shapes differ with device types such as the PC, printer, scanner, and FAX modem. Moreover, since the own machine is a special device, it is distinguished from other PCs on display. Additionally, in the present embodiment, smile is displayed on the screen of the icon  502   a . The user may generate a favorite icon clearly distinguishable from the icons of other devices, and use the icon as the icon indicative of the own machine. 
     The icons  502   b  to  502   h  represent the registered PCs or peripherals, respectively. The user can select the icons to execute various processings by the operation of the mouse  13  or the key operation of the keyboard  12 . 
     For example, when the user selects the tool bar  51   g  on the screen  501  shown in FIG. 5, the screen display of the CRT  16  can be switched to the normal display (corresponding to the display form described later and shown in FIG.  7 ). Moreover, when the tool bar  51   h  is selected, the mode is switched to a favorites display edition mode. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, during the favorites display, the icon is disposed on a circle so as to facilitate the operation. The user can freely change the icon position by the mouse operation. 
     FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a second favorites display screen displayed on the CRT  16 . This screen corresponds to the favorites edition screen displayed during the operation of the application for visually displaying the state of the network system environment. Additionally, the respective functions are the same as those of FIG.  5 . In the screen of FIG. 6, the positions in which the icons are disposed are divided by the device types such as the printer, scanner, FAX modem, and PC. Specifically, since the icons are distinguished from one another by the device type, the user operability and visibility are enhanced in the screen display. 
     FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a normal display screen displayed on the CRT  16 . The same components as those of FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 7, numerals  71   a  to  71   j  denote tool bars. The functions of the respective tool bars and icons are the same as those of FIG.  5 . In the display screen of FIG. 7, when the user operates the mouse to designate the tool bar  71   g  with the cursor, the display screen is switched to the favorites display screen shown in FIG. 5 or FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a pop-up menu for performing an instruction of register/delete on the favorites edition screen shown in FIG.  3 . 
     In FIG. 8, when the favorites display window is displayed, a “register” item is displayed in gray so that the item is not selected. When the normal display window is displayed, a “delete” item is displayed in gray so that it is not selected. Moreover, when the “register” is selected during the display of the favorites display window, the icon is registered on the left upper position of the favorites display window. When the icon is already present in this position, the icon is registered in a registerable position closest to the point. 
     FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing one example of a first data processing in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, S 901  to S 911  denote the respective steps. 
     First, in step S 901 , a display method is judged. For example, the method is judged in accordance with display method setup data stored on the PMEM  3 . Additionally, as the types of the display method, in the present embodiment, there are a “normal display” to display all PCs or peripherals on the network, and a “favorites display” to display only the registered PCs or peripherals. 
     Therefore, it is concretely judged in the step S 901  whether the “favorites display” is selected. When it is judged that the “favorites display” is selected, the flow advances to step S 902 . Here, the registration information (information of PCs and peripherals registered in the edition screen) stored in memories such as the hard disk  10  is read, and the connection state, operation situation, and other information on these devices are obtained. Here, instead of performing the obtaining processing with respect to all the PCs or peripherals on the network, the processing is performed with respect to only the registered PCs or peripherals. 
     Subsequently, in step S 903 , the icons indicative of the PCs and peripherals are displayed on the screen of CRT  16  based on the registration information, for example, in the form shown in FIG. 5 or  6 . 
     On the other hand, when it is judged in the step S 901  that the favorites display is not set, the flows advances to step S 904  by judging that the normal display is set. Subsequently, in the step S 904 , the information such as the connection state and operation situation of all the PCs and peripherals on the network are obtained. Then, in step S 905 , based on the obtained information, the icons indicative of all the PCs and peripherals are displayed on the screen of CRT  16  in the form shown in FIG.  7 . 
     Subsequently, after the icons of the PCs and peripherals on the network are displayed, it is judged in step S 906  whether the favorites display is edited. To edit the favorites display, the user selects the item indicative of edition from the menu, or selects the icon-displayed tool bar  51   h  shown in FIG.  5 . Here, when it is judged that the favorites display edition is not instructed, the flow advances to step S 911 . 
     On the other hand, when it is judged in the step S 906  that the favorites display edition is instructed, the flow advances to step S 907 . In the step S 907 , the information of the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display are read from the registration information, and the information (connection state, operation situation, and other information) of all the PCs and peripherals on the network are also read. Subsequently, the favorites display and normal display are simultaneously displayed as shown in FIG.  3 . 
     Subsequently, in step S 908 , the registration operation of the PCs and peripherals to the favorites display is performed. The registration operation includes the operation by the mouse  13  shown in FIG.  2 . In the present embodiment, for example, by dragging/dropping each icon (selecting and moving the icon) to the favorites display window  302  from the normal display window  303 , the icon can be registered in a position in which the click button of the mouse  13  is released. Moreover, conversely, by dragging/dropping the icon to the normal display window from the favorites display window, the registration of the device can be deleted from the favorites display. Moreover, as another operation, by displaying the pop-up menu shown in FIG. 8 on the icon of each window, the registration or deletion can be performed. 
     Next, it is judged in step S 909  whether an instruction for exit of the favorites display edition is performed. Additionally, the operation of finishing the favorites display edition comprises selecting the exit item from the menu, or selecting the exit icon  301   c  of the tool bar. 
     Here, when it is not judged that no exit instruction is given, the flow returns to the step S 908  to continue the edition processing. On the other hand, when it is judged in the step S 909  that the exit instruction is given, the flow advances to step S 910 . At this time, the registration information of the edited favorites display (the information of the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display) is saved in the memories such as the hard disk  10  and PMEM  3 . 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 911  whether the exit instruction is given to this application. When it is judged that no exit instruction is given, the flow returns to the step S 901 . When it is judged that the exit instruction is given, the processing based on the application is finished. 
     According to the above-described embodiment, only the PCs and peripherals registered by the user are displayed. Moreover, in order to perform the registration, the edition screen can be displayed in which the window for displaying all the PCs and peripherals shared on the network and the window for displaying only the PCs and peripherals registered by the user are displayed on the same screen so that the windows are easily seen and recognized. Therefore, the user can efficiently utilize the devices on the network, which enhances the operation efficiency. 
     In the above embodiment, it has been described that the user moves/indicates the icons of the intended devices (PCs and peripherals) to a favorites display area to register the favorite devices (the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display) on the favorites edition screen. It has also been described above that the window for displaying only the devices registered on the favorites display and the window for displaying the devices of the entire network system are switched/controlled. 
     &lt;Reading of Favorites Display Setup Data&gt; 
     In the following constitution, the information of the favorites devices sent from other data processing apparatuses and the information of the favorite devices of the own machine may be displayed/controlled on the same screen. The embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of the favorites display screen in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. The favorites display application corresponds to the favorites display screen being operated. 
     In FIG. 10, numeral  5501  denotes a main window. This window displays the menu, tool bars, and icons indicative of PCs and peripherals. 
     Tool bars  551   a  to  551   j  have respective functions. Numeral  5502   f  denotes an icon indicative of an own machine. The icon shape changes with device types such as PC, printer, scanner, and FAX modem. Moreover, since the own machine is a special machine, it is displayed distinctively from the other PCs. 
     Additionally, the icons other than the icon  5502   f  indicate the respective registered PCs and peripherals. By performing the mouse operation, or the key operation with respect to these icons, various processings can be performed. 
     For example, by selecting the tool bar  551   g , the display state can be switched to the “normal display” from the “favorites display”. Moreover, the selection of the tool bar  551   h  enables the switch to the favorites display edition mode. Furthermore, when the double-click operation of the mouse  13  is performed on an icon  5502   k  of scanner, the image data can be read from the scanner. 
     In the present embodiment, there is one server machine (corresponding to an icon  5502   d ), and each of A to F owns one PC. FIG. 10 shows the favorites display prepared by the machine (corresponding to the icon  5502   f ) in the network system environment in which the printer, scanner, and the like are shared. Furthermore, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the machines are arranged in order of actual A to F&#39;s seats. 
     In FIG. 11, the main window  5501  displays the menu, tool bars, and icons indicative of PCs and peripherals. 
     The tool bars  551   a  to  551   j  have respective functions. In FIG. 11, numeral  5502   j  denotes an icon indicating the own machine. Moreover, since the own machine is a special machine, it is displayed distinctively from the other PCs. Numerals  5502   a  to  5502   n  denote icons. The icon shape changes by the device types such as PC, printer, scanner, and FAX modem. 
     FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one example of the structure of the setup data for the favorites display (FIGS. 10 and 11) in the data processing apparatus. In FIG. 12, a header section  441  is constituted of a machine name  441   a  which has prepared data, a data user  441   b , a data preparation date  441   c , the number of data  441   d , a comment  441   e , and the like. Additionally, the machine name  441   a  may be a machine appellation or an IP address of TCP/IP protocol as long as it can univocally determine the device on the network. 
     Moreover, the data user  441   b  may be an appellation logged on the machine or any other arbitrary appellation. Furthermore, the number of registered PCs or peripherals is set to the number of data  441   d.    
     Numeral  442  denotes a data section. In the data section  442  of FIG. 12, N devices (PCs and peripherals) are registered. Additionally, numeral  443  or  444  denotes data on each device. The data  443  is constituted of name data  443   a , attribute data  443   b , device ID  443   c , status information  443   d , display position information  443   e , and comment  443   f.    
     The names of the registered devices are stored in the name data  443   a . Moreover, the data indicating the device types is stored in the attribute data  443   b . Concretely, the PC, printer, scanner, FAX modem, and the like are stored. When the device comprises PC, the device ID  443   c  is the same as the machine name  441   a . For the other devices, the machine name of the PC connected to the devices is stored. 
     Furthermore, the status information  443   d  includes information such as “being operated”, “paper shortage”, “driver is not installed”. In the display position information  443   e , the position on the screen in which the icon indicating the device should be displayed is stored. 
     FIGS. 13 to  15  are diagrams showing examples of the message window displayed on the CRT  16  of the data processing apparatus. 
     FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, S 1601  to S 1611  denote respective steps. Moreover, the display form includes two types, “normal display” for displaying all the PCs or peripherals on the network and “favorites display” for displaying only the registered PCs or peripherals, and the data for the “favorites display” is hereinafter referred to as “favorites display setup data”. 
     First, it is judged in step S 1601  whether the favorites display setup data is received when the application starts (the received favorites display setup data is referred to as the received data). The judging method comprises checking the received data area on the determined PMEM  3  to judge whether the data is received, or judging whether or not the received data is present in the directory on the determined PMEM  3 . 
     When it is judged that the favorites display setup data is received, the message is displayed to remind the user of the instruction on whether or not to read the received setup data. For example, a message  13601  shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. 
     Furthermore, when there is received data, it is judged based on the received data whether the favorites display is displayed. For the display, the flow advances to step S 1602  to analyze the favorites display setup data. For example, a case will be described in which A&#39;s favorites display setup data shown in FIG. 10 is sent to D. 
     The preparation machine of the header section of the received favorites setup data indicates “A&#39;s machine”, and the user indicates “A”. Here, it is obtained from the setup information of the own machine that the read machine is D&#39;s machine owned by D. Therefore, the preparation machine in the header section of the received favorites setup data is corrected to “D&#39;s machine”, and the user is corrected to “D”. Subsequently, in step S 1603 , the corrected favorites display setup data is set to the machine. 
     On the other hand, in the step S 1601 , no favorites display setup data is received, or the data is received, but no favorites display is displayed based on the received data, then the flow advances to step S 1604 . 
     Subsequently, in the step S 1604 , the respective devices are actually displayed in accordance with the favorites display setup data set to the machine. In this case, the connection state and status information of the PCs and peripherals on the network are obtained, and the icons of the respective devices are appropriately displayed based on these information. 
     In the above-described example, when the A&#39;s favorites display setup data shown in FIG. 10 is sent to D, the display screen is as shown in FIG.  11 . In the screen of FIG. 11, the scanner of icon  5502   e  is changed to “A&#39;s color scanner”, the PC of icon  5502   f  is changed to “A&#39;s machine”, the scanner of icon  5502   k  is changed to “color scanner”, and the PC of icon  5502   j  is changed to “my machine”. 
     With respect to the scanner of icon  5502   k  and PC of icon  5502   j , the data stored in the favorites display setup data section indicate “D&#39;s machine”, “D&#39;s color scanner”, respectively. However, since the device ID agrees with the preparation machine, the display is changed. 
     Subsequently, various operations are performed in step S 1605 . Here, for example, the image is read using the scanner as described above, or the FAX modem is utilized to perform a FAX transmission processing. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 1606  whether the user designates the reading of the favorites display setup data from another PC. The reading designation operation is performed by the item of menu  5501  shown in FIG.  10 . Here, when it is judged that the reading is designated, the flow advances to step S 1607 . 
     In step S 1607 , the window for designating a sender to obtain the favorites display setup data from the machine, such as a sender setup window  15801  shown in FIG. 15, is displayed on the PC display. When the user selects the sender machine and selects execute, the processing of obtaining the favorites display setup data of the machine is executed. During the execution, the message indicating the operation, such as a window  14701  shown in FIG. 14, is displayed. Here, when the user instructs cancel, the reading processing is canceled. 
     When the favorites display setup data is obtained in this manner, the flow advances to step S 1608 . In the step S 1608 , the processing similar to that of the step S 1602  is performed. Furthermore, in steps S 1609 , S 1610 , the processing similar to that of the steps S 1603 , S 1604  is performed, and the screen is displayed based on the changed favorites display setup data. 
     On the other hand, when it is judged in the step S 1606  that the reading instruction is not given, the flow advances to step S 1611  without executing these processings. It the step S 1611  for judging whether or not the exit instruction of the application is given, when it is judged that no instruction is given, the flow returns to the step S 1605  to continue the processing. When it is judged that the exit instruction is given, the processing based on the application is finished. 
     According to the above-described embodiment, by displaying only the PCs and peripherals registered by the user, receiving the setup data from another PC on the network, or designating another PC to obtain the data, and analyzing the data to correct the setup to an optimum setup suitable for the own machine constitution, the devices shared on the network can easily be utilized in the same setup environment on any PC. This can prevent wrong operations such as the wasteful setting operation and the use of wrong devices, and can enhance the operation efficiency. 
     &lt;Receiving of Favorites Display Setup Data&gt; 
     FIG. 17 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites edition display screen in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     In FIG. 17, a main window  4301  displays the menu, tool bars, and icons indicating the PCs and peripherals. Numerals  4301   a  to  4301   d  denote the tool bars. Particularly, the tool bar  4301   d  is a tool bar for starting a reception processing. A “favorites display” window  4302  displays the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display. Icons  4302   a  to  4302   h  indicate the PCs and peripherals registered in the “favorites display”. The method of displaying these icons are as described above. 
     A “normal display” window  4303  displays all the PCs and peripherals on the network. Icons  4303   a  to  4303   x  indicate all the PCs and peripherals on the network. In this example, all the icons are not displayed for the convenience of the screen, but all the PCs and peripherals can be confirmed using the scroll bar disposed beside the screen. 
     Moreover, the PCs and peripherals already registered in the favorites display as shown by the icons  4303   c ,  4303   i ,  4303   l  are displayed with changed icon display shapes (display forms). Thereby, the user can confirm the registered devices. 
     Additionally, the favorites display setup can be edited on the display screen. For example, by dragging/dropping each desired icon to the favorites display window  4302  from the normal display window  4303  by the operation of the mouse  13 , the dragged icon can be registered in the position where the click button of the mouse  13  is released. 
     Moreover, conversely, by dragging/dropping the icon to the normal display window  4303  from the favorites display window  4302 , the registration can be deleted from the favorites display. 
     FIG. 18 is a diagram showing one example of the favorites display screen in the data processing apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the favorites display screen during the operation of the favorites display application. 
     In FIG. 18, a main window  4501  displays the menu, tool bars, and icons indicating the PCs and peripherals. The tool bars  451   a  to  451   j  have respective functions. 
     An icon  4502   a  indicates an own machine. The shape of the icon  4502   a  changes by the device types such as the PC, printer, scanner, and FAX modem. Moreover, since the own machine is a special device, it is displayed distinctively from other PCs. 
     Icons  4502   b  to  4502   h  indicate the registered PCs or peripherals. By performing the operation of the mouse  13 , or the key operation of the keyboard  12  with respect to these icons  4502   b  to  4502   h , various processings can be performed. 
     For example, by selecting the tool bar  451   g  by cursor designation, the display can be switched to the normal display. Moreover, by selecting the tool bar  451   h  by the cursor designation, the display switches to the favorites display edition mode. The present embodiment illustrates an example in which the devices used in common by the respective users on the network are displayed on the screen. Additionally, the user can freely change the positions of the respective icons  4502   b  to  4502   h  by the mouse operation. 
     FIG. 19 is a diagram showing one example of the structure of the favorites display setup data in the data processing apparatus. In FIG. 19, a header section  4441  is constituted of a machine name  4441   a  which has prepared data, a data user  4441   b , a data preparation date  4441   c , the number of data  4441   d , a comment  4441   e , and the like. Additionally, the machine name  4441   a  may be a machine appellation or an IP address of TCP/IP protocol as long as it can univocally determine the device on the network. 
     Moreover, the data user  4441   b  may be an appellation logged on the machine or any other arbitrary appellation. Furthermore, the number of registered PCs or peripherals is set to the number of data  4441   d.    
     Numeral  4442  denotes a data section. In the data section  4442  of FIG. 19, N devices (PCs and peripherals) are registered. Additionally, a section  4443  is constituted of name data  4443   a , attribute data  4443   b , status information  4443   c , display position information  4443   d , and comment  4443   e . The names of the registered devices are stored in the name data  4443   a.    
     Moreover, the data indicating the device types such as the PC, printer, scanner, and FAX modem are stored in the attribute data  4443   b . Furthermore, the status information  4443   c  includes information such as “being operated”, “paper shortage”, “driver is not installed”. In the display position information  4443   d , the position on the screen in which the icon indicating the device should be displayed is stored. 
     FIGS. 20,  21  are diagrams showing examples of the window displayed on the CRT  16  of the data processing apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . FIG. 20 shows a message window  20601  for confirming a setup change, and FIG. 21 shows a receiver list window  21701  for determining a receiver. 
     FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing one example of a third data processing in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, S 2201  to S 2210  denote respective steps. 
     Moreover, in the present embodiment, the display includes two types, “normal display” to display all the PCs or peripherals on the network, and “favorites display” to display only the registered PCs or peripherals. The information data for displaying only the specified device among the PCs or peripherals on the network is referred to as “favorites display setup data”. 
     First, it is judged in step S 2201  whether the favorites display setup data is received when the application starts. The judging method comprises a method of checking a predetermined data area to judge whether the data is received, or a method of judging whether the received data is present in a predetermined directory or not. 
     Here, when it is judged that the favorites display setup data is received, for example, the window  20601  shown in FIG. 20 displays the message, waiting for the instruction as to whether to read the received setup data. When “YES”, that is, the change is designated in the window  20601 , the flow advances to step S 2202 . Here, when the setup is not changed to that of the received data, the previous favorites display setup is unchanged. 
     Subsequently, in step S 2203 , the connection information of the PCs or peripherals are obtained in accordance with the set favorites display setup data. Then, the obtained information are stored in the memories such as PMEM  3  shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Furthermore, in step S 2204 , the information such as the operation situations of the respective devices are obtained, and the icons indicating the PCs and peripherals are displayed based on the information as shown in FIG.  18 . 
     Subsequently, after the icons of the PCs and peripherals on the network are displayed, it is judged in step S 2205  whether to edit the favorites display. To edit the favorites display, the item is selected from the menu, or the tool bar  451   h  shown in FIG. 18 is selected. Here, when it is judged that the favorites display edition is designated, the flow advances to step S 2206 . 
     In the step S 2206 , the data of the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display are read from the stored data of PMEM  3 , and the data such as the connection state and operation situation of all the PCs and peripherals on the network are also read. Subsequently, by displaying the screen as shown in FIG. 17, the favorites display setup is placed in an editable state. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 2207  whether there is an instruction for delivering the favorites display setup data presently set in the edition screen to another PC on the network or not. The instruction method comprises selecting the item in the menu  4301  shown in FIG. 17, or operating the mouse  13  to select the icon  4301   d . When the data is not delivered, the flow advances to step S 2209 . When the favorites display setup data is delivered, the flow advances to step S 2208 . 
     In the step S 2208 , the window for setting the PC to which the setup data is to be delivered, such as the window  21701  shown in FIG. 21, is displayed on the CRT  16  of PC. The user can deliver the favorites display setup data by selecting the receiver PC and designating the execution. 
     Here, when the receiver is designated and the favorites display setup data is received by the designated PC, the data indicating the reception is simultaneously written. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 2209  whether the exit instruction is given to the favorites display edition. The operation of finishing the favorites display edition comprises selecting the exit item from the menu  4301 , or selecting the exit icon  4301   a  of the tool bar. When it is judged here that no exit instruction is given, the flow returns to the step S 2207  to continue the edition processing. On the other hand, when it is judged in step S 2209  that the exit instruction is given, the flow advances to step S 2210 . In the step S 2210 , the registration information of the edited favorites display is saved in the memory (hard disk  10 , and the like), and the processing based on the application is finished. 
     In the above-described embodiment, it is judged whether the favorites display setup data is received at the start of the application, but another case can also be considered in which the user already executes the application and obtains the favorites display setup data set in another PC. Therefore, the constitution may comprise means for reading the favorites display setup data from another computer, and means for determining the sender. The embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
     FIG. 23 is a diagram showing one example of a sender setup window in the data processing apparatus of the present invention, and the window is displayed on each PC display, that is, the CRT  16  shown in FIG.  2 . In FIG. 23, a sender setup window  23901  is displayed when it is instructed to obtain the favorites display setup data of another PC. 
     FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing one example of a fourth data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, S 2401  to S 2412  denote respective steps. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the display method includes two types, “normal display” to display all the PCs or peripherals on the network, and “favorites display” to display only the registered PCs or peripherals, and the information data for displaying only the specified device among the PCs or peripherals on the network is referred to as “favorites display setup data”. 
     First, it is judged in step S 2401  whether the favorites display setup data is received when the application starts. The judging method comprises a method of checking a predetermined data area to judge whether the data is received or a method of judging whether the received data is present in a predetermined directory or not. 
     Here, when it is judged that the favorites display setup data is received, for example, the window  20601  shown in FIG. 20 displays the message, waiting for the instruction as to whether to read the received setup data. When “YES”, that is, the change is designated in the window  20601 , the flow advances to step S 4202 . 
     Here, when the favorites display setup is changed, and the setup is not changed to that of the received data, the previous favorites display setup is unchanged. 
     Subsequently, in step S 2403 , the connection information of the PCs or peripherals are obtained in accordance with the set favorites display setup. Then, the obtained information are stored in the memories such as PMEM  3  shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Furthermore, in step S 2404 , the information such as the operation situations of the respective devices are obtained, and the easily recognizable forms such as the icons indicating the PCs and peripherals are displayed based on the information, for example, as shown in FIG.  18 . 
     Subsequently, after the icons of the PCs and peripherals on the network are displayed, it is judged in step S 2405  whether to edit the favorites display. To edit the favorites display, the item is selected from the menu, or the tool bar  451   h  shown in FIG. 18 is selected. Here, when it is judged that the favorites display edition is designated, the flow advances to step S 2406 . Here, the data of the PCs and peripherals registered in the favorites display are read from the stored data of PMEM  3 , and the data such as the connection state and operation situation of all the PCs and peripherals on the network are also read and simultaneously displayed as shown in FIG. 17, so that the favorites display setup is placed in the editable state. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 2407  whether there is an instruction for delivering the favorites display setup data presently set in the edition screen to another PC on the network or not. The operation method comprises selecting the item in the menu  4301  shown in FIG. 17, or operating the mouse  13  to select the icon  4301   d.    
     Here, when it is judged that no favorites edition is performed, the processing is finished. When it is judged that the favorites edition is performed, that is, when the favorites display setup data is delivered, the flow advances to step S 2408 . 
     In this case, the PC to which the setup data is to be delivered is designated. For example, the window  21701  shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the CRT  16  of PC. The user can deliver the favorites display setup data by selecting the receiver PC and designating the execution. 
     Here, when the receiver is designated and the favorites display setup data is received by the designated PC, the data indicating the reception is simultaneously written. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 2409  whether it is instructed to obtain the favorites display setup data of another PC. The instructing operation method comprises selecting the item of the menu  4301  shown in FIG. 17, and the like. When it is instructed to obtain the data here, the flow advances to step S 2410 . Here, the window for selecting the PC from which the favorites display setup data is to be obtained, such as the sender setup window  23901  shown in FIG. 23, is displayed. The user can change the favorites display setup by selecting the sender PC and executing the processing. 
     Subsequently, it is judged in step S 2411  whether the exit instruction is given to the favorites display edition. The operation of finishing the favorites display edition comprises selecting the exit item from the menu  4301 , or selecting the exit icon  4301   a  of the tool bar. 
     When it is judged here that no exit instruction is given, the flow returns to the step S 2407  to continue the edition processing. 
     On the other hand, when it is judged in the step S 2411  that the exit instruction is given, the flow advances to step S 2412 , the registration information of the edited favorites display is saved in the memory (hard disk  10 , and the like), and the processing based on the application is finished. 
     According to the above-described second to fourth data processings, by displaying only the PCs and peripherals registered by the user, receiving the setup data from another PC on the network, or designating another PC to obtain the data, and analyzing the data to correct the setup to the optimum setup suitable for the own machine constitution, the device shared on the network can easily be utilized in the same setup environment on any PC. This can prevent the wrong operations such as the wasteful setting operation and the use of the wrong device, and can enhance the operation efficiency. 
     The constitution of the data processing program readable by the data processing apparatus of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.  25 . FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of the memory map of the memory medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the data processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     Additionally, although not particularly shown, the information for managing programs to be stored in the memory medium, such as version information and user, are also stored, and the information dependent on OS, and the like on the program reading side, such as the icons for distinguishing/displaying the program, are also stored. 
     Furthermore, the data dependent on various programs are also managed by the above-described directory. Moreover, when the program for installing various programs in the computer, or the program to be installed is compressed, a thawing program, and the like may be stored. 
     The functions shown in FIGS. 9,  16 ,  22 ,  24  in the present embodiment may be fulfilled by a host computer in accordance with the program which is installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when the group of information including the programs are fed to the output device from the storage media such as CD-ROM, flash memory and FD, or from the external storage media via the network. 
     As described above, it is needless to say that the object of the present invention is attained also by providing the system or the device with the memory medium with the program code of the software for realizing the above-described function of the embodiment recorded therein, and reading and executing the program code stored in the memory medium by the system of the device computer (or CPU or MPU). 
     In this case, the program code itself read from the memory medium realizes the inventive function of the present invention, and the memory medium with the program code stored therein constitutes the present invention. 
     Examples of the memory medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetic optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, and the like. 
     Moreover, needless to say, the above-described function of the embodiment is realized not only by executing the program code read by the computer, but also by performing a part or the whole of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code by the operating system (OS) operating on the computer, and the like. 
     Furthermore, needless to say, the present invention also include a case in which the above-described function of the embodiment is realized by the processing comprising: writing the program code read from the memory medium to the memory mounted on a function extension board inserted to the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer; and subsequently performing a part or the whole of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code by the CPU, and the like mounted on the function extension board or the function extension unit.