Remote maintenance and servicing of a network peripheral device over the world wide web

• US 6,473,788 B1
• Filed: 11/15/1996
• Issued: 10/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Kodimer, Marianne L., Danknick, Dan, Kim, Joohae, Mahajan, Rakesh
• Primary Examiner(s): Rinehart, Mark H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Thompson, Marc D.
• Application Number:
  US08/749,637
• Time in Patent Office: 2,174 Days
• Field of Search: 709/223, 709/224, 709/219, 709/209, 710/8, 710/10, 710/14, 710/15, 710/18, 710/19, 395/114, 714/44, 714/25, 714/26, 714/27, 714/28, 707/501, 707/507, 707/513, 358/400, 358/401, 358/406, 358/1.15
• US Class Current: 709/209
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/5079 for maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0709 in a distributed system consisting of a plurality of standalone computer nodes, e.g. clusters, client-server systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0733 in a data processing system embedded in an image processing device, e.g. printer, facsimile, scanner
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0748 in a remote unit communicating with a single-box computer node experiencing an error/fault remote testing G06F11/2294
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0253 using browsers or web-pages for accessing management information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0853 by actively collecting configuration information or by backing up configuration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/75 Indicating network or usage conditions on the user display
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A network peripheral device connected to a network via a router obtains remote servicing instructions over the network. Initially, a first packet sent from a remote service organization is received by a network peripheral device via the network, the first packet including a request for servicing information from the network peripheral device. Next a second packet is sent automatically upon receipt of the first packet from the network peripheral device to the remote service organization via the network, the second packet including the requested peripheral servicing information. Thereafter, a third packet sent from the remote service organization to the network peripheral device via the network is received by the network peripheral device, the third packet including an instruction to execute a peripheral servicing function. Finally, the peripheral servicing function is executed by the network peripheral device automatically in response to the third packet.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, the method comprising:

sending a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function;

receiving a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file including the function information;

displaying the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, the display including the function information; and

responding to user selection to reset the peripheral from the displayed function information, the response including a step of sending a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, wherein the peripheral executes the reset function in response to the second request.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein data responsive to execution by the peripheral of the selected function is generated, further comprising the step of receiving a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the network interface through insertion of the result data into one of the plural files stored on the network interface;

and

displaying the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, whereby result data is displayed to the user.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function, or upgrading firmware function.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the file including function information further includes navigation links to plural files, and wherein the navigation links are displayed by the browser, the method further comprising the step of responding to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links to one of the plural files stored on the network interface, said responding step including the steps of sending a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, receiving the corresponding file from the server to the browser, and displaying the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to the user, the display including navigation links to other ones of the plural files stored on the network interface.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said steps of sending and receiving includes sending and/or receiving over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

8. A method for obtaining instruction on a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, the method comprising:

receiving a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function;

generating a file that includes the function information;

sending the generated file over the network from the server to the browser;

receiving a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral; and

in response to the second request to reset the peripheral, executing the reset function.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

10. A method according to claim 8, wherein result data responsive to execution by the peripheral of a selected function is generated, further comprising the step of sending a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the peripheral through insertion of the result data into one of plural files stored on the peripheral.

11. A method according to claim 8, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function, or upgrading firmware function.

12. A method according to claim 8, wherein the file including function information further includes navigation links to plural files, and wherein the navigation links are displayed by the browser, the method further comprising the step of responding to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links, said responding step including the steps of receiving a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, and sending the corresponding file from the server to the browser.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

14. A method according to claim 8, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said steps of sending and receiving includes sending and/or receiving over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

15. An apparatus for controlling a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, comprising:

sending means that sends a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function;

receiving means that receives a file over the network from the server to the browser, wherein the file includes the function information;

displaying means that displays the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, the display including the function information; and

responding means that, in response to user selection of resetting the peripheral from the displayed function information, sends a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, wherein the peripheral executes the reset function in response to the second request.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the result data responsive to execution by the peripheral of the selected function is generated, further comprising receiving means that receives a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the peripheral through insertion of the result data into one of the plural files stored on the peripheral, and displaying means that displays the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, whereby result data is displayed to the user.

18. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function or upgrading firmware function.

19. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the file including the function information further includes navigation links to plural files, and wherein the navigation links are displayed by the browser, further comprising responding means that responds to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links to one of the plural files stored on the peripheral, said responding means including sending means that sends a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, receiving means that receives the corresponding file from the server to the browser, and displaying means that displays the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to the user, wherein the display includes navigation links to other ones of the plural files stored on the network interface.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

21. An apparatus to claim 15, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said sending and receiving means sends and/or receives over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

22. An apparatus for obtaining instruction on a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the apparatus having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, comprising:

receiving means that receives a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function;

generating means that generates a file that includes the function information;

sending means that sends the generated file over the network from the server to the browser;

receiving means that receives a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral ; and

instructing means that, in response to the second request to reset the peripheral, instructs the peripheral to execute the reset function.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein result data responsive to execution by the peripheral of a selected function is generated, further comprising sending means that sends a file over the network from the server to the browser, wherein the file is generated by the apparatus through insertion of the result data into one of plural files stored on the peripheral.

25. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function, or upgrading firmware function.

26. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the file including function information further includes navigation links to plural files, and wherein the navigation links are displayed by the browser, further comprising responding means that responds to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links, said responding means including receiving means that receives a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, and sending means that sends the corresponding file from the server to the browser.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

28. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said sending and receiving sends and/or receives over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

29. Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said computer-executable process steps for controlling a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral being connected to a network interface having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, said computer-executable process steps comprising process steps executable (a) to send a first request over the network from the browser to the server, wherein the first request includes a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function, (b) to receive a file over the network from the server to the browser, wherein the file includes the function information, (c) to display the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, wherein said display includes the function information, and (d) to respond to user selection to reset the peripheral from the displayed function information, said response including sending a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, wherein the peripheral executes the reset function in response to the second request.

30. Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said computer-executable process steps for obtaining instruction on a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, said computer-executable process steps comprising process steps executable (a) to receive a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function, (b) to generate a file that includes the function information, (c) to send the generated file over the network from the server to the browser, (d) to receive a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, and (e) in response to the second request to reset the peripheral, to instruct the peripheral to execute the reset function.

31. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 30, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

32. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 30, wherein result data responsive to execution by the peripheral of a selected function is generated, wherein said process steps further comprise a step (f) to send a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the network interface through insertion of the result data into one of plural files stored on the peripheral.

33. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 30, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function, or upgrading firmware function.

34. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 30, wherein the file including function information further includes navigation links to plural files and the navigation links are displayed by the browser, and wherein said process steps further comprise a step (g) to respond to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links, by receiving a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, and sending the corresponding file from the server to the browser.

35. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 34, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

36. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 30, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said steps of sending and receiving includes sending and/or receiving over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

37. A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps for controlling a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral being connected to a network interface having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, said computer-executable process steps comprising process steps executable to (a) to send a first request over the network from the browser to the server, wherein the first request includes a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function, (b) to receive a file over the network from the server to the browser, wherein the file includes the function information, (c) to display the file by the browser at the remote apparatus to a user, wherein said display includes the function information, and (d) to respond to user selection of resetting the peripheral from the displayed function information, said response including sending a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, wherein the peripheral executes the reset function in response to the second request.

38. A computer-readable medium which stores computer-executable process steps, the computer-executable process steps for obtaining instruction on a peripheral from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral having a server and a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a connection to the network, said computer-executable process steps comprising process steps executable (a) to receive a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information identifying a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral, including a reset function, (b) to generate a file that includes the function information, (c) to send the generated file over the network from the server to the browser, (d) to receive a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to reset the peripheral, and (e) in response to the second reset to reset the peripheral, to instruct the peripheral to execute the reset function.

39. A computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the peripheral comprises a copier.

40. A computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein result data responsive to execution by the peripheral of a selected function is generated, and wherein said process steps further comprise a step (f) to send a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated through insertion of the result data into one of plural files stored on the peripheral.

41. A computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function, diagnostic function, wire cleaning function, or upgrading firmware function.

42. A computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the file including function information further includes navigation links to plural files and the navigation links are displayed by the browser, and wherein said process steps further comprise a step (g) to respond to user selection of a displayed one of navigation links, by receiving a request from the browser to the server for a file corresponding to the selected navigation link, and sending the corresponding file from the server to the browser.

43. A computer-readable medium according to claim 42, wherein at least one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance and servicing of the peripheral.

44. A computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein said network is comprised of the internet, and wherein each of said steps of sending and receiving includes sending and/or receiving over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

45. A peripheral apparatus being connected to a network interface card having a web server and a connection to a host computer having a web browser over a network, the network interface card comprising:

first receiving means that receives a first request over the network from the browser to the web server, the first request including a request to provide function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral apparatus;

generating means that generates data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow a user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral apparatus;

first sending means that sends the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

second receiving means that receives a second request over the network from the browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

instructing means that instructs the peripheral apparatus to execute the selected function.

46. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein one of the functions is a wire cleaning.

47. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein one of the functions is reboot.

48. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein one of the functions is to diagnose an operation problem of the peripheral apparatus.

49. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, further comprising second sending means that generates result information responsive to the execution by the peripheral apparatus of the selected function and that sends data including the result information.

50. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, further comprising third sending means that sends data described in a predetermined language corresponding to a navigation link selected by a user from among a plurality of navigation links which are displayed by using the data generated by said generating means.

51. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 50, wherein one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance.

52. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said generating means generates the data corresponding to the navigation link selected by the user in response to a request from the browser to the web server for the data corresponding to the selected navigation link.

53. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the peripheral apparatus is a printer.

54. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the peripheral apparatus is a copier.

55. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the web server is an HTTP server.

56. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said generating means generates a file described in HTML.

57. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said generating means generates the data by inserting function information into a template stored in the peripheral apparatus.

58. The peripheral apparatus according to claim 45, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function.

59. A network interface card providing a web server and a connection to a network and a peripheral device, comprising:

first receiving means that receives a first request over the network from a web browser on a remote computer to the web server, the first request including a request to provide function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

generating means that generates data described in a predetermined language to display the retrieved function information on the browser and to allow a user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

first sending means that sends the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

second receiving means that receives a second request over the network from the web browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

instructing means that instructs the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

60. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein one of the functions is a wire cleaning.

61. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein one of the functions is a reboot.

62. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein one of the functions is to diagnose an operation problem of the peripheral apparatus.

63. The network interface card according to claim 59, further comprising second sending means that generates result information responsive to the execution by the peripheral device of the selected function and that sends data including the result information.

64. The network interface card according to claim 59, further comprising third sending means that sends data described in the predetermined language corresponding to a navigation link selected by a user from among a plurality of navigation links which are displayed by using the data generated by said generating means.

65. The network interface card according to claim 64, wherein one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance.

66. The network interface card according to claim 64, wherein said generating means generates the data by inserting function information into a template stored in the peripheral device.

67. The network interface card according to claim 64, wherein said generating means generates the data corresponding to the navigation link selected by the user in response to a request from the browser to the web server for the data corresponding to the selected navigation link.

68. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein the peripheral device is a printer.

69. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein the peripheral device is a copier.

70. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein the web server is an HTTP server.

71. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein said generating means generates a file described in HTML.

72. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function.

73. The network interface card according to claim 59, further comprising retrieving means that retrieves the function information from the peripheral device, wherein the generating means generates the data to display the retrieved function information.

74. The network interface card according to claim 59, wherein the network interface card includes a network interface board.

75. A method of instructing a peripheral device to execute functionality of the peripheral device, the peripheral device being connected to a network interface card having a web server and a connection to a network, the method comprising:

receiving a first request over the network from a web browser on a remote computer to the web server, the first request including a request to provide function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

generating data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow a user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

sending the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

receiving a second request over the network from the web browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

instructing the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

76. A method according to claim 75, wherein one of the functions is a wire cleaning.

77. A method according to claim 75, wherein one of the functions is a reboot.

78. A method according to claim 75, wherein one of the functions is to diagnose an operation problem of the peripheral device.

79. A method according to claim 75, further comprising:

generating result information responsive to the execution by the peripheral device of the selected function and sending data including the result information.

80. A method according to claim 75, further comprising sending data described in the predetermined language corresponding to a navigation link selected by a user from among a plurality of navigation links which are displayed by using the data generated in said generating step.

81. A method according to claim 80, wherein one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance.

82. A method according to claim 80, wherein said generating step generates the data corresponding to the navigation link selected by the user in response to a request from the browser to the web server for the data corresponding to the selected navigation link.

83. A method according to claim 75, wherein the peripheral device is a printer.

84. A method according to claim 75, wherein the peripheral device is a copier.

85. A method according to claim 75, wherein the web server is an HTTP server.

86. A method according to claim 75, wherein said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

87. A method according to claim 75, wherein said generating step generates the data by inserting function information into a template stored in the peripheral device.

88. A method according to claim 75, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function.

89. A method of controlling a peripheral device from a host computer over a network, the peripheral device having a web server and a connection to the network, the host computer having a web browser and a connection to the network, the method comprising the steps of:

transferring a first request over the network from the browser to the web server, the first request including a request to provide a user with function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

generating data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow the user select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

transferring the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

transferring a second request over the network from the browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

instructing the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

90. The method according to claim 89, wherein the web server is an HTTP server and said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

91. A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for instructing a peripheral device to execute functionality of the peripheral device, the peripheral device being connected to a network interface card having a web server and a connection to a network, the process steps comprising:

a receiving step to receive a first request over the network from a web browser on a remote computer to the web server, the first request including a request to provide function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a generating step to generate data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow a user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a sending step to send the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

a receiving step to receive a second request over the network from the web browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

an instructing step to instruct the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

92. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein one of the functions is a wire cleaning.

93. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein one of the functions is a reboot.

94. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein one of the function is to diagnose an operation problem of the peripheral device.

95. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, further comprising:

a generating step to generate result information responsive to the execution by the peripheral device of the selected function and sending data including the result information.

96. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, further comprising a sending step to send data described in the predetermined language corresponding to a navigation link selected by a user from among a plurality of navigation links which are displayed by using the data generated in said generating step.

97. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance.

98. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 96, wherein said generating step generates the data corresponding to the navigation link selected by the user in response to a request from the browser to the web server for the data corresponding to the selected navigation link.

99. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein the peripheral device is a printer.

100. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein the peripheral device is a copier.

101. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein the web server is an HTTP server.

102. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

103. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein said generating step generates the data by inserting function information into a template stored in the peripheral device.

104. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 91, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function.

106. A computer-readable memory medium according to claim 97, wherein the web server is an HTTP server and said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

105. A computer-readable memory medium in which computer-executable process steps are stored, the process steps for controlling a peripheral device from a host computer over a network, the peripheral device having a web server and a connection to the network, the host computer having a web browser and a connection to the network, the process steps comprising:

a first transferring step to transfer a first request over the network from the browser to the web server, the first request including a request to provide a user with function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a generating step to generate data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow the user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a second transferring step to transfer the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

a third transferring step to transfer a second request over the network from the browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

an instructing step to instruct the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

107. Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said computer-executable process steps for instructing a peripheral device to execute functionality of the peripheral device, the peripheral device being connected to a network interface card having a web server and a connection to a network, said computer-executable process steps comprising the steps of:

a receiving step to receive a first request over the network from a web browser on a remote computer to the web server, the first request including a request to provide function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a generating step to generate data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow a user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a sending step to send the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

a receiving step to receive a second request over the network from the web browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

an instructing step to instruct the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

108. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein one of the functions is a wire cleaning.

109. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein one of the functions is a reboot.

110. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein one of the functions is to diagnose an operation problem of the peripheral device.

111. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, further comprising:

a generating step to generate result information responsive to the execution by the peripheral device of the selected function and sending data including the result information.

112. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, further comprising a sending step to send data described in the predetermined language corresponding to a navigation link selected by a user from among a plurality of navigation links which are displayed by using the data generated in said generating step.

113. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 112, wherein one of the navigation links includes a link to remote maintenance.

114. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 112, wherein said generating step generates the data corresponding to the navigation link selected by the user in response to a request from the browser to the web server for the data corresponding to the selected navigation link.

115. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein the peripheral device is a printer.

116. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein the peripheral device is a copier.

117. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein the web server is an HTTP server.

118. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

119. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein said generating step generates the data by inserting function information into a template stored in the peripheral device.

120. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 107, wherein one of the functions is a maintenance function.

121. Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said computer-executable process steps for controlling a peripheral device from a host computer over a network, the peripheral device having a web server and a connection to the network, the host computer having a web browser and a connection to the network, said computer-executable process steps comprising:

a first transferring step to transfer a first request over the network from the browser to the web server, the first request including a request to provide a user with function information which identifies a plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a generating step to generate data described in a predetermined language to display the function information on the browser and to allow the user to select a function from the plurality of functions provided by the peripheral device;

a second transferring step to transfer the data over the network from the web server to the browser;

a third transferring step to transfer a second request over the network from the browser to the web server, the second request including a request to execute a function selected from the function information; and

an instructing step to instruct the peripheral device to execute the selected function.

122. Computer-executable process steps according to claim 121, wherein the web server is an HTTP server and said generating step generates a file described in HTML.

123. A method for servicing a peripheral device from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral device being connected to a server with a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and being connected to the network, the method comprising the steps of:

sending a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information showing functions available at the peripheral device;

receiving a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the server and including the function information;

the browser causing the file to be displayed at the remote apparatus, the displayed information including the function information;

responding to user selection from the displayed function information, the response including a step of sending a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to perform a diagnostic function of the peripheral device, wherein the server instructs the peripheral device to perform the diagnostic function; and

the browser causing results of the diagnostic function performed by the peripheral device to be displayed.

124. A method according to claim 123, wherein the received file causes the browser to send a request to the server for code to be executed by the remote apparatus to service the peripheral.

125. A method according to claim 123, wherein in addition to the diagnostic function, the function information comprises other remote maintenance and servicing functions to be performed by the peripheral device.

126. A method according to claim 125, wherein the other remote maintenance and servicing functions comprise a wire cleaning function and a firmware upgrade function.

127. A method according to claim 126, wherein the server responds to user selection of another function from the displayed function information, the response including a step of instructing the peripheral device to perform the other function.

128. A method according to claim 125, further comprising:

responding to user selection of another function form the displayed function information, the response including a step of sending a corresponding request over the network from the browser to the server, the request including a request to cause the peripheral device to perform the other function, wherein the server instructs the peripheral device to perform the other function.

129. A method for obtaining instruction on a peripheral device from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral device being connected to a server with a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a being connected to the network, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information showing functions available at the peripheral device;

generating a file that includes the function information;

sending the generated file over the network from the server to the browser;

receiving a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to execute a diagnostic function selected from the function information;

in response to the second request to execute the selected diagnostic function, instructing the peripheral device to execute the diagnostic function; and

sending results of the diagnostic performed by the peripheral device over the network to the browser.

130. A method according to claim 129, wherein the generated file causes the browser to send a request to the server for code to be executed by the remote apparatus to service the peripheral device.

131. A method according to claim 129, wherein in addition to the diagnostic function, the function information comprises other remote maintenance and servicing functions to be performed by the peripheral device.

132. A method according to claim 131, wherein the other remote maintenance and servicing functions comprise a wire cleaning function and a firmware upgrade function.

133. A method according to claim 132, wherein the server responds to user selection of another function from the displayed function information, the response including a step of instructing the peripheral device to perform the other function.

134. A method according to claim 129, wherein said network comprises the internet, and wherein each of said steps of sending and receiving includes sending and/or receiving over a router based on an IP network address and an HTTP protocol.

135. An apparatus for servicing a peripheral device from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral device being connected to a server with a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and being connected to the network, the apparatus comprising:

sending means that sends a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information showing functions available at the peripheral device;

receiving means that receives a file over the network from the server to the browser, the file being generated by the server and including the function information;

displaying means that causes the file to be displayed by the browser at the remote apparatus, the displayed information including the function information; and

responding means that responds to user selection from the displayed function information, the response including sending a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to perform a diagnostic function of the peripheral device, wherein the server is arranged to instruct the peripheral device to perform the diagnostic function,

wherein the displaying means causes the browser to display results of the diagnostic function performed by the peripheral device.

136. An apparatus for obtaining instruction on a peripheral device from a remote apparatus over a network, the peripheral device being connected to a server with a connection to the network, and the remote apparatus having a web browser and a being connected to the network, the apparatus comprising:

receiving means that receives a first request over the network from the browser to the server, the first request including a request to provide function information showing functions available at the peripheral device;

generating means that generates a file that includes the function information;

sending means that sends the generated file over the network from the server to the browser;

receiving means that receives a second request over the network from the browser to the server, the second request including a request to execute a diagnostic function selected from the function information; and

in response to the second request to execute the selected diagnostic function, an instructing means instructing the peripheral device to execute the diagnostic function,

wherein, the sending means is arranged to send results of the diagnostic performed by the peripheral device over the network to the browser.