Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an information processing system, and an information processing method.  
         [0002]     Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-163902A discloses an information processing system in which a plurality of information processing devices such as computers, printers, and scanners are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network).  
         [0003]     In this information processing system, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses each used for specifying a computer or an information processing device in the network have been registered beforehand, whereby a user specifies the computer by way of a control panel of the information processing device, to thus cause the computer to execute specific processing.  
         [0004]     The method for specifying a computer or an information processing device in a network includes another method using an application which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-335366A. This application stocks in a file server with scanned data which have been obtained by scanning an original by use of a scanner, and then enables the user to make an access the data from the user&#39;s computer. This application has been installed in the server in advance. For instance, when the user makes an access to the file server, the server transmits the scanned data to the computer.  
         [0005]     In the case of the information processing systems described in the above publications, in order to remotely operate the computer from the information processing device, the user has a smaller chance of skipping between the computer and the information processing device. However, the user can remotely operate only the previously-registered specific computer. Further, the user cannot ascertain, from the information processing device, whether or not the registered computer has been activated. Thus, the information processing systems are deficient in terms of convenience.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an information processing system and an information processing method which enable to locate a computer connected to a network without having specified the computer or an information processing device in the network beforehand.  
         [0007]     In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention, there is provided an information processing system, comprising:  
         [0008]     a first information processing device;  
         [0009]     a second information processing device, connected to the first information processing device by way of a network;  
         [0010]     a communicator, provided in the first information processing device and adapted to establish communications with the second information processing device; and  
         [0011]     a communications protocol, provided in the second information processing device, and configured to transmit a search signal indicative of a searched object to the network,  
         [0012]     wherein the communicator is adapted to transmit a response indicative of a search result with respect to the search signal to the second information processing device.  
         [0013]     With this configuration, a respondable first information processing device can be located in the network from the second information processing device, Therefore, it is possible to establish communications between the first information processing device and the second information processing device without specifying the first information processing device in advance.  
         [0014]     The communicator may be operable to search an application which has been installed in the first information processing device. In this case, since such an application can be recognized at the side of the second information processing device, it is not necessary to directly operate the first information processing device to search the application.  
         [0015]     Here, the application may be adapted to control the second information processing device. In this case, data acquisition from the second information processing device can be executed from the first information processing device with the application capable of controlling the second information processing device.  
         [0016]     Alternatively, the application may be adapted to process data transmitted from the second information processing device. In this case, it is possible to easily recognize a first information processing device capable of processing data owned by the second information processing device.  
         [0017]     Further, the second information processing device may comprise an instruction provider adapted to provide a first instruction, and a display. The search signal may be transmitted in accordance with the first instruction, and the display is adapted to display the search result.  
         [0018]     With this configuration, a user can select a first information processing device capable of processing data owned by the second information processing device in accordance with the displayed search result.  
         [0019]     Here, the second information processing device may comprise a data storage. The instruction provider may be adapted to provide a second instruction which is input in accordance with the search result displayed in the display so as to include first information about the first information processing device second information about the second information processing device and third information about the application. The communications protocol may be configured to transmit the first information, the second information, and the third information in accordance with the second instruction. The first information processing device may be configured to activate the application in accordance with the third information, and to acquire data stored in the data storage in accordance with the second information.  
         [0020]     The second information processing device may comprise an image processor. In this case, data produced by image processing performed in the second information processing device can be utilized in the first information processing device. A scanner and a digital camera are exemplified as such a second information processing device.  
         [0021]     The first information processing device may comprise an image processor. In this case, image processing can be performed in the first information processing device to process data acquired from the second information processing device. A printer and a projector are exemplified as such a first information processing device.  
         [0022]     According to the invention, there is also provided an information processing device adapted to be connected to a network, comprising:  
         [0023]     an instruction provider, adapted to provide a first instruction including a searched object;  
         [0024]     a communications protocol, configured to transmit a search signal to the network in accordance with the first instruction, and adapted to receive a response indicative of a search result with respect to the search signal; and  
         [0025]     a display, adapted to display the search result.  
         [0026]     The instruction provider may be adapted to provide a second instruction which is input in accordance with the search result displayed in the display so as to designate an external device connected to the information processing device by way of the network The communications protocol may be configured to transmit information to the external device in accordance with the second instruction.  
         [0027]     According to the invention, there is also provided an information processing device adapted to be connected to a network, comprising:  
         [0028]     an application, being installed in advance; and  
         [0029]     a communicator, adapted to receive a search signal indicative of a searched object from an external device connected to the information processing device by way of the network, to search the application as the searched object, and to transmit a response indicative of a search result with respect to the search signal to the external device.  
         [0030]     The communicator may be adapted to receive a request for activating the application from the external device, and to acquire data from the external device when the application is activated in accordance with the request.  
         [0031]     According to the invention, there is also provided an information processing method, comprising:  
         [0032]     connecting a first information processing device and a second information processing device by way of a network;  
         [0033]     causing the second information processing device to locate the first information processing device in the network and to search an application which has been installed in the first information processing device;  
         [0034]     causing the first information processing device to transmit a response indicative of a search result to the second information processing device; and  
         [0035]     causing the second information processing device to display the search result.  
         [0036]     The information processing method may further comprises:  
         [0037]     causing the second information processing device to transmit information including an instruction which is input in accordance with the displayed search result, to the first information processing device; and  
         [0038]     causing the first information processing device to activate the application in accordance with the instruction, and to acquire data from the second information processing device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0039]     The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an information processing system according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multifunction apparatus in the information processing system;  
         [0042]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the information processing system;  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing a method for searching an application and a method for transmitting scanned data, which are executed in the information processing system;  
         [0044]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged plan view of a control panel of the multifunction apparatus;  
         [0045]      FIGS. 5B  to  5 F are enlarged views of exemplified screens displayed on a display panel in the control panel;  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing processing executed by when a net scan module in the computer is activated;  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing discovery processing executed by the net scan module;  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing processing executed by the net scan module when a start button in the control panel is actuated;  
         [0049]      FIGS. 9A  to  9 F are enlarged views of exemplified screens displayed on a display panel in a control panel according to a modified example; and  
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing event processing executed by a net scan module according to another modified example.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]     Embodiments of the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in an information processing system  1  according to one embodiment of the invention, a multifunction apparatus  2  having three functions (a scanner function, a printer function, and a copy function) is connected to a plurality of computers  3   a,    3   b,  and  3   c  by way of a LAN cable  4 .  
         [0053]     The multifunction apparatus  2  comprises a scanner section  5  for reading scanned data (image data) from an original; and a printer section  6  for printing an image on a print medium, such as a sheet of paper, on the basis of the scanned data. The multifunction apparatus  2  has a control panel  7  serving as a user interface operated by the user for performing various operations.  
         [0054]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the scanner section  5  is situated above the printer section  6 , and has an original table  8  on which an original to be scanned is placed; and a cover  9  which covers the original table  8  from above. A carriage, or the like, on which an ink cartridge is to be mounted is positioned in the printer section  6 . The scanner section  5  is pivotably attached to a rear upper end of the printer section  6  by way of a hinge section. The inside of the printer section  6  is exposed by lifting the scanner section  5  upward. By doing so, maintenance operation, such as replacement of an ink cartridge, or fixing of an error, such as a paper jam, can be performed.  
         [0055]     A feeder  10  for feeding a sheet to a printer section  6  is provided on the back of the multifunction apparatus  2 . The feeder  10  is provided with a sheet feeding tray  11  for holding sheets. An ejector  12 , from which a sheet having been subjected to printing performed by the printer section  6  is ejected, is provided at a lower position of the front side of the multifunction apparatus  2 . The ejector  12  has a sheet ejecting tray  13  adapted to close an ejection port.  
         [0056]     For instance, a LAN port  14  is provided for establishing connection with an external device, on a side section of the multifunction apparatus  2 . In this embodiment, the LAN port  14  connects the multifunction apparatus  2  to the plurality of (three in this embodiment) computers  3   a,    3   b,  and  3   c  by way of the LAN cable  4  (through LAN connection). As a result of having been connected to the computers  3   a  to  3   c,  this multifunction apparatus  2  can execute print processing (driver printing) or scan processing (driver scanning) on the basis of a control command issued by any of the computers  3   a  to  3   c.    
         [0057]     The control panel  7  has a display section  7   a  on which a setting screen, such as a sheet size, a print counter, or the like, is displayed, and an operating section  7   b  consisting of a plurality of operation buttons. The operating section  7   b  comprises: a power button  7   c  used for activating/deactivating the multifunction apparatus  2 ; a scan button  7   d  used for initiating an original-reading function of the scanner section  5 ; a start button  7   e  used for initiating copying operation or operation for reading an original; and an OK button  7   f  used for, for example, activating a function for locating the computers  3   a  to  3   c  in the LAN or a function for searching for an application (described later in detail).  
         [0058]     When an original is set on the scanner section  5  and the scan button  7   d  is actuated, the multifunction apparatus  2  serves as a scanner for reading scanned data (image data) from the original by use of the scanner section  5 .  
         [0059]     As a result of being connected to the computers  3   a  to  3   c  by way of the network, the multifunction apparatus  2  serves also as a printer for effecting printing operation by use of the printer section  6  on the basis of print data transferred from the computers  3   a  to  3   c.  When the original is set on the scanner section  5  and a copy button  7   g  is actuated, the multifunction apparatus  2  serves also as a copier, In this case, the multifunction apparatus  2  reads scanned data from the original by use of the scanner section  5 , coverts the scanned data into print data, and prints an image on the basis of the print data by use of the printer section  6 .  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in the information processing system  1 , the multifunction apparatus  2  and the computer  3   a  (the computers  3   b,    3   c  are omitted for the sake of convenience) are connected together by the LAN cable  4 .  
         [0061]     The multifunction apparatus  2  comprises: the scanner section  5 ; the printer section  6 ; the control panel  7 ; a CPU  21  for controlling these elements; a ROM  22 ; a RAM  23 ; an image processor  24 ; and an interface (I/F)  25  used for establishing a connection with the LAN. In addition, the multifunction apparatus  2  comprises a network TWAIN protocol  26  and a searching protocol  27  which acts as a protocol used for locating a computer in the LAN. This searching protocol  27  transmits a search signal to the network.  
         [0062]     The CPU  21  is mounted in a built-in ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)  28  provided in the multifunction apparatus  2 . Along with the CPU  21 , a scanner input circuit  5   a,  a head controller  6   a,  the previously-described image processor  24 , and the interface  25  are mounted in the ASIC  28  along with the CPU  21 . These circuits are connected together by way of an internal bus  29 . The above-described ROM  22 , the RAM  23 , and the control panel  7 , which are to be externally connected to the ASIC  28 , are also connected to the internal bus  29 .  
         [0063]     The ROM  22  stores various control programs which are necessary for the CPU  21  to execute processing. The RAM  23  is utilized as a working memory employed when the CPU  21  executes processing, and acts as a buffer for temporarily storing scanned data or print data.  
         [0064]     The scanner section  5  comprises the scanner input circuit  5   a,  an analog-to-digital converter  5   b,  and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device)  5   c.  The scanner input circuit  5   a  drives an unillustrated scanner motor in a scanner mode and a copy mode on the basis of a control command output from the CPU  21 , and generates RGB image data from an RGB image signal read by the CCD  5   c.    
         [0065]     The printer section  6  comprises the head controller  6   a  and a printing head  6   b.  The head controller  6   a  performs, e.g., ink ejection control of the printing head  6   b  or drive control of an unillustrated sheet feeding motor or a carriage motor, in the copy mode and the printer mode on the basis of the control command output from the CPU  21 .  
         [0066]     The image processor  24  operates as a color converter, a halftoning processor, and a microweaving processor. More specifically, the color converter converts multi-level RGB image data to multi-level image data of seven colors in a CMY system; i.e., cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY). The halftoning processor binarizes the multilevel image data of the respective colors to thus generate print image data. The microweaving processor sorts raster lines of the halftoned print image data of the respective colors on the basis of the number of nozzles, the number of scans performed by the printing head, the feeding amount of the sheet, and the like, thereby generating print data. According to the provision of the image processor  24 , the multifunction apparatus  2  can internally convert image data into print data to execute printing even when the multifunction apparatus  2  is not connected to the computer  3   a.    
         [0067]     The interface  25  is connected to an interface  35  of the computer  3   a  by way of the LAN cable  4 . On the basis of the control command from the CPU  21  of the multifunction apparatus  2 , the interface  25  stores, into the RAM  23 , the print data transferred from the computer  3   a  during the printer mode. On the basis of the control command from the CPU  21  of the multifunction apparatus  2 , the interface  25  transfers the scanned data read by the scanner section  5  to the computer  3   a.    
         [0068]     Upon receipt of an input of an operation signal output as a result of the user having actuated the start button  7   e,  the CPU  21  determines the current mode to be the scan mode and provides a command. Upon receipt of an input of an operation signal output as a result of the user having actuated the copy button  7   g,  the CPU  21  determines the current mode to be the copy mode and provides a command. Upon receipt, from the computer  3   a,  of a report to the effect that the print data have been received, the CPU  21  provides a command for print processing. Moreover, on the basis of the operation signal output from the operating section  7   b  of the control panel  7  or a processing status, such as the status of execution processing, display control of the display section  7   a  is performed.  
         [0069]     The network TWAIN protocol  26  is for establishing communication with a TWAIN driver  42  of the computer  3   a  in the LAN. Upon receipt of a scanner command from the TWAIN driver  42 , the CPU  21  of the multifunction apparatus  2  controls the scanner section  5 , to thus transmit the scanned data to the TWAIN driver  42 .  
         [0070]     The searching protocol  27  is for establishing communication with a net scan monitor  43  of the computer  3   a  in the LAN. In accordance with operation of the control panel  7 , the multifunction apparatus  2  transmits a search signal, to thus locate the computer  3   a  to  3   c  whose net scan monitors  43  are in operation. When the user has pressed the scan button  7   d  on the control panel  7 , a ID signal which locates the computer and the application in the LAN is transmitted to the net scan monitor  43  of the computer along with various scanning conditions of the control panel  7 .  
         [0071]     The computer  3   a  comprises: a CPU  31 ; a ROM  32 ; a RAM  33 ; and the interface (I/F)  35  for use in connection with the LAN. For instance, an unillustrated hard disk has the TWAIN driver  42  used for operating the multifunction apparatus  2  from the computer  3   a  as an application  41  incorporated (installed) in the computer  3   a.  In addition, as the application  41 , the hard disk contains a net scan module  45  consisting of: the net scan monitor  43  for establishing communication with the multifunction apparatus  2 ; and an event manager  44  for reporting a computer in operation to the multifunction apparatus  2 . The net scan monitor  43  transmits to the multifunction apparatus  2   a  result of response to the search signal. The application  41  additionally includes, as other applications  41  capable of processing scanned data (image data) read by the scanner section  5  of the multifunction apparatus  2 , mail software, word-processing software, drawing software, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software, and the like. The term “processing” used herein means that, in the case of mail software, scanned data read by the scanner section  5  are attached to a transmission message as an appended file. Alternatively, the term means that, in the case of wordprocessing software or drawing software, the scanned data read by the scanner section  5  are pasted to, e.g., a newly-created file. In addition, the application  41  includes driver software other than the TWAIN driver  42  used for operating the multifunction apparatus  2 . This driver software is an application for controlling a peripheral device (an information processing device) other than the multifunction apparatus  2  from the computer  3   a.  For instance, the application includes driver software for operating a printer or a facsimile machine.  
         [0072]     The CPU  31  serves as a known central processing unit for controlling the computer  3   a.  The ROM  32  stores various types of control programs which are necessary for the CPU  31  to execute processing. The RAM  33  is utilized as a working memory employed when the CPU  31  executes processing, and acts as a buffer for transmitting or receiving data.  
         [0073]     The interface  35  is connected to the interface  25  of the multifunction apparatus  2  by way of the LAN cable  4 . On the basis of the control command output from the CPU  31  of the computer  3   a,  the interface  35  returns a response signal in response to the search signal sent from the multifunction apparatus  2 . Further, on the basis of the control command from the CPU  31  of the computer  3   a,  a control command is sent to the peripheral device of the multifunction apparatus  2 .  
         [0074]     The TWAIN driver  42  is a driver for operating the multifunction apparatus  2  from the computer  3   a.  In this embodiment, this driver functions so as to transmit a control command for the multifunction apparatus  2  and receive scanned data from the multifunction apparatus  2 .  
         [0075]     The net scan monitor  42  is an application for effecting communication on the basis of the searching protocol  27  of the multifunction apparatus  2 , and responds to the search signal output from the multifunction apparatus  2 . The net scan monitor  43  receives a ID signal which locates the computers  3   a  to  3   c  and the application in the LAN from the multifunction apparatus  2 , and sends a report to the event manager  44 .  
         [0076]     The event manager  44  is activated when the computer  3   a  logs on to the LAN. The event manager  44  stays resident in the computer  3   a,  and reports to the multifunction apparatus  2  that the computer is in operation. When the event manager  44  has received the ID signal from the net scan monitor  43 , a software application capable of processing scanned data (image data), such as mail software, is activated.  
         [0077]     When the application has been launched, the TWAIN driver  42  is read, and a control command for the multifunction apparatus  2  is sent.  
         [0078]     Next, a method for searching an application and a method for transmitting scanned data will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 4 through 5 F. These methods are executed under control of the CPU  21  of the multifunction apparatus  2  and the CPU  31  of the computer  3   a.    
         [0079]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the net scan module  45  is first activated at the starting-up of the computer  3   a  (step  101 ). Next, the user brings a document to the multifunction apparatus  2  (step  102 ).  
         [0080]     As shown in  FIGS. 5A  to  5 C, the user effects the scan mode by actuating the scan button  7   d,  and selects “networked computer” from a menu appearing on the display section  7   a  (step  103 ). When the OK button  7   f  is pressed, the searching protocol  27  sends a search signal to the network. The search signal is subjected to so-called multicasting, and the multifunction apparatus  2  sends the same search signal to the computers in the LAN.  
         [0081]     The respective computers having received the search signal search for applications incorporated in the computers, and return to the multifunction apparatus  2 , as a reply, the result of search of a computer and an application from the net scan monitors  42  (step  104 ).  
         [0082]     As shown in  FIGS. 5D  to  5 F, lists of computers and applications are displayed on the control panel  7  of the multifunction apparatus  2  when the reply has been received (step  105 ). The user selects a computer and an application from the list (step  106 ), and selects scanning conditions, such as a file format, a sheet size, and a document type (step  107 ) After having selected scanning conditions including a computer name and an application name, the user presses the start button  7   e  (step  108 ).  
         [0083]     The multifunction apparatus  2  transmits, to the thus-selected computer, the ID signal including the various scanning conditions and information about the multifunction apparatus (the name of the multifunction apparatus and a network address). The selected computer reports to the event manager  44  the ID signal received by the scan net monitor  43  (step  109 ). On the basis of the event manager  44 , the CPU  31  launches software (an application) capable of processing the scanned data (image data) specified in the ID signal (step  110 ). The CPU  31  invokes the TWAIN driver  42  while taking launching of the application as a trigger (step  111 ). A method for invoking the TWAIN driver  42  while taking launching of an application as a trigger includes a method for additionally providing a link application to be interposed between an application and a TWAIN driver.  
         [0084]     On the basis of the information about the multifunction apparatus, the CPU  31  transmits the control command to the multifunction apparatus  2  by way of the TWAIN driver  42 . In accordance with the received control command, the multifunction apparatus  2  starts scanning operation. A processing progress bar is displayed on the control panel  7  of the multifunction apparatus  2 , and scanning is completed (step  112 ). The scanned data are temporarily stored in the RAM  23 , which acts as data storage means, under control of, e.g., the CPU  21 . Subsequently, the scanned data are transmitted to the computer that has sent the control command by way of the network TWAIN protocol  26 . The CPU  31  saves the scanned data into a file (step  113 ). The user brings the document to the computer (step  114 ), and manages the scanned data saved in the file by use of the application (step  115 ).  
         [0085]     Next, processing executed by the net scan module will be described below with reference to FIGS.  6  to  8 . Processing is executed under control of the CPU  31 .  
         [0086]     In  FIG. 6 , “event” shows processings (threads) performed in the computer which arises when the user presses the start button  7   e;  “communicator  46 ” shows communications performed between the net scan monitor  43  and the event manager  44 ; “event manager” shows operations executed by the event manger  44 ; and “discovery” shows search processings (threads) performed by the computer. The sequence in  FIG. 6  shows operations performed when the computer is activated, when the event manager  44  is launched after the activation of the computer, and when the net scan monitor  43  is activated by the launched event manager  44 .  
         [0087]     The sequence shown in this figure is for establishing a state waiting for “event” and “discovery”.  
         [0088]     The CPU  31  invokes a function (program) called “a net scan module start service” for the net scan monitor  43  by way of the event manager  44  (step  201 ), and prepares a thread used for establishing communication of “event” so that “event” can be awaited (step  202 ). The CPU  31  prepares a TCP socket (a network address of the transmission protocol) to await receipt of “event” (step  203 ), and reports completion of establishing a state waiting for receipt of an “event” request (step  204 ).  
         [0089]     Next, a thread used for establishing communication with “discovery” is prepared (step  205 ). A UDP socket (a network address of a user data program) is prepared, to make the CPU await receipt of “discovery” (step  206 ), and completion of the establishment of a state waiting for a “discovery” request is reported (step  207 ). Lasty, Return of the net scan module service function is sent back to the event manager  44  (step  208 ).  
         [0090]      FIG. 7  is a sequence chart showing search (discovery) processing. When the discovery request (a search packet) is transmitted to the net scan monitors  43  of computers from the multifunction apparatus  2  of the network through multicasting (step  301 ), the communications protocol  47  receives the discovery request under control of the CPU  31  (step  302 ). The communications protocol  47  analyzes the received data (step  303 ). Here, the term “communications protocol  47 ” is for establishing communication between the net scan monitor  43  and the event manager  44 . Communication is established between the net scan monitor  43  and the event manager  44  by way of the communications protocol  47 . The communications protocol  47  reports (sends a callback) to the event manager  44  that the search packet has been received (step  304 ). The event manager  44  searches an application installed in the computer (step  305 ). The event manager  44  returns the result of search to the communications protocol  47  (return of the callback; step  306 ). The communications protocol  47  prepares a response (step  307 ). The net scan monitor  43  sends a discovery response to the transmission source of the search packet (step  308 ).  
         [0091]      FIG. 8  is a sequence chart showing processing executed when the start button  7   e  of the control panel  7  is pressed.  
         [0092]     First, when the user has pressed the start button  7   e  on the control panel  7 , information about pressing of the start button  7   e  and information about actuation of the control panel (the previously-described ID signals such as various scanning conditions or the like) are sent to the net scan monitor  43  by way of a network (event requests are transmitted by use of TCPs: step  401 ). The communications protocol  47  receive the event requests under control of the CPU  31  (receipt of data: step  402 ), and the communications protocol  47  analyzes the data (step  403 ). The communications protocol  47  reports receipt of the ID signal (a callback) to the event manager  44  (step  404 ). The event manger  44  processes the thus-input event (step  405 ). The event processing corresponds to, e.g., initialization of software capable of processing scanned data (image data) read by the scanner section  5  of the multifunction apparatus  2 . The event manager  44  returns a result of event processing to the communications protocol  47  (return of a callback: step  406 ). The communications protocol  47  prepares a response (step  407 ). The net scan monitor  42  sends an event response to the transmission source of the event request (step  408 ).  
         [0093]     According to the above-described configurations, the following advantages can be obtained. 
    (1) Location of the computers  3   a  to  3   c  connected to the network can be carried out without previously specifying the computers  3   a  to  3   c  of the network.     (2) In addition to location of the computers  3   a  to  3   c,  search for the applications  41  of the computer  3   a  to  3   c  can also be carried out     (3) Search for driver software can also be carried out by utilization of search for the application  41  of the computer. Specifically, the multifunction apparatus  2  can ascertain which one of the computers connected to the network can operate which one of the peripheral devices.     (4) The scanned data read by the multifunction apparatus  2  are delivered to the software capable of processing the scanned data. As a result of the software saving the scanned data in a file, the user can perform so-called remote operation without going to the any of the computers  3   a  to  3   c;  namely, designation of the computer located by the multifunction apparatus  2 , designation of the application  41  of the computer, initiation of the application  41 , and storage of scanned data.     (5) As a result of the TWAIN driver  42  being invoked by the software (application) capable of processing the scanned data (image data), the multifunction apparatus  2  can be operated from the computer  3   a  without setting the IP address in the TWAIN driver  42  beforehand.    
 
         [0099]     This embodiment will be modified as follows:  
         [0100]     Network communication may be established by use of radio communication in lieu of the LAN connection embodied by the LAN cable  4 . The essential requirement for network communication is to connect the devices by way of a network.  
         [0101]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, an application is selected after selection of a computer. However, a step, such as that shown in  FIG. 9 , may also be adopted. Like  FIGS. 5A and 5B ,  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show that “networked computer” is selected, and a PC and an application are searched from a network ( FIG. 9C ). After completion of a search, an application, which is the destination of transmission of a scanned file, is selected as shown in  FIG. 9D . As shown in  FIG. 9E , the multifunction apparatus  2  displays the computer installed with the application selected on the basis of the result of search. The user designates a destination computer from the computers displayed in  FIG. 9E , and initiates scanning by designating scanning conditions. According to the present modification, the user can refer solely to the computer installed with the desired application, thereby providing enhanced convenience.  
         [0102]     Although the sequence chart ( FIG. 8 ) showing processing executed when the start button  7   e  on the control panel  7  is pressed is illustrated, processing to be executed when the start button  7   e  is pressed is not limited to such processing. As shown in.  FIG. 10 , for instance, a path used for returning, to the multifunction apparatus  2 , status information achieved during processing of an event may also be provided.  
         [0103]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an event start request is transmitted from the multifunction apparatus  2  (step  501 ). A sequence essentially analogous to that shown in  FIG. 8  is performed as an event start request. Partially contrasted with the sequence shown in  FIG. 8 , event processing (step  502 ) is not completed during the event start request, but is assumed to be completed during an event termination request to be described later. Further, according to the event start request, a result of receipt of the event start request is sent to the transmission source as a response (an event start response: step  503 ).  
         [0104]     The event manager  44  transmits, to the multifunction apparatus  2 , various status information items (e.g., error information and the like) acquired during event processing as a function (program) called “a net scan module send data” (step  504 ) by way of the communications protocol  47  (preparation of data to be transmitted: step  505 ) (step  506 ). In response to this data transmission, a reply from the multifunction apparatus  2  is received (step  507 ).  
         [0105]     The event termination request is received from the multifunction apparatus  2  (step  508 ), and a request for termination of the event is made. A result of receipt of the event termination request is returned as a response (step  509 ). In connection with this event termination request, a sequence substantially analogous to the sequence shown in  FIG. 8  is carried out. Partially contrasted with the sequence shown in  FIG. 8 , a callback of event processing is returned to the communications protocol  47 , and an event response is sent back to the multifunction apparatus  2 .  
         [0106]     Although the multifunction apparatus  2  is described as having the image processor the computers  3   a  to  3   c  may have the image processor.  
         [0107]     Instead of the computers  3   a  to  3   c,  any device may be adopted so long as the device has a communicator for establishing communication with an information processing device and being able to transmit a response result to the information processing device in response to the search signal. Such a device includes, e.g., a printer or a projector.  
         [0108]     Instead of the multifunction apparatus  2 , any device can be adopted so long as the device has a communications protocol for establishing communication with an information processing device and being able to transmit the search signal to the network. Such a device includes, e.g., a scanner or a digital camera.  
         [0109]     Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. Such changes and modifications as are obvious are deemed to come within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Category: 5