JP2008123496A - Image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus management system for sufficiently maintaining and managing a plurality of digital multifunction machines connected to a network. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of image forming apparatuses connected onto the network to form a group are set as a first managing image forming apparatus 1 which takes on the role of a server for managing updating software and setting information of each image forming apparatus, and a second managing image forming apparatus 2 is set as the backup of the first managing image forming apparatus 1. The second managing image forming apparatus 2 is automatically selected from image forming apparatuses 3 by the first managing image forming apparatus 1. The second managing image forming apparatus 2 quickly and substitutively performs a management function when the first managing image forming apparatus 1 is out of order. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system connected to a network.

  A document is read by a scanner, image data of the document is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk, and output to another printer via a network, or print data is input from an external computer (for example, a personal computer) 2. Description of the Related Art A digital copying machine equipped with a plurality of functions such as a print function for printing out and a FAX (facsimile) reception function from a public line is known.

  In Patent Document 1, the model, the system configuration, and the version of each software of the manuscript are transmitted to the management server, and the update program is downloaded and updated based on information on the appropriate combination received from the management server. A management system for registering a difference program in an HDD or the like is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when an instruction is given from the information terminal device to the digital copying machine, the transfer source digital copying machine backs up its own setting information to the storage means via the management server and also transfers the transfer destination. A system is disclosed in which the information terminal device stores the setting information of the digital copier received via the management server in the information terminal device.

JP 2004-42304 A JP 2004-80292 A

  However, in the above-described invention, when the management server fails, normal system management cannot be performed until the management server is restored, which is very inconvenient for the user. In addition, if the backup data is deleted due to a failure of the management server or information terminal device that stores the backup data, sufficient maintenance is required until the backup data is stored again in another information terminal device, etc. There was a problem that a digital copier that failed during this period could not be recovered.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus management system for sufficiently maintaining and managing a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals connected to a network.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus management system of the present invention is an image forming apparatus management system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are connected via a network. The image forming apparatus includes first network connection means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the second image forming apparatus connected via the network, and first setting information unique to the first image forming apparatus. A first setting information storage unit that stores first setting information and second setting information that is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus received via the first network connection unit; A first control software storing means for storing first and second control software for controlling various operation functions corresponding to each of the first and second image forming apparatuses; and the first control software For the second image forming apparatus that manages the update status of the first and second control software stored in the air storage unit and uses control software older than the second control software. , Based on the second setting information stored in the first setting information storage means, the second control software is transmitted via the first network connection means, and the first setting information storage means First update management means for managing the first and second setting information stored in the server, and at least the first control software and backup data having the first setting information as the first network connection means. First backup cooperation control means for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus via the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus includes the network. The second network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first image forming apparatus connected in this manner, and the second setting information that is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus are stored. Second setting information storage means, second control software storage means for storing the second control software received via the second network connection means, and storage in the second control software storage means When second control software that is newer than the second control software is received from the first image forming apparatus, the second control software is stored in the second control software storage means. When the second setting information stored in the second setting information storage unit is updated, the updated second setting information is stored in the first image forming apparatus. A second control that manages the update status of the second control software stored in the second control software storage means and the second setting information stored in the second setting information storage means Of the backup data transmitted by the update management means and the first backup cooperation control means, the first setting information is stored in the second setting information storage means, and the first control software is stored in the second control information storage means. And a second backup cooperation control means for storing in the second control software storage means.

  An image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus management system to which a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, and another third image forming apparatus are connected via a network. The first image forming apparatus includes first network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the second and third image forming apparatuses connected via the network, and the first image. First setting information that is unique setting information of the forming apparatus, and second and third setting information that are unique setting information of the second and third image forming apparatuses received via the first network connection unit. The first setting information storage means for storing the setting information and the first to third control software for controlling various operation functions corresponding to the first to third image forming apparatuses are stored. Managing the update status of the first control software storage means and the second and third control software stored in the first control software storage means, and older than the second or third control software For the second or third image forming apparatus using control software, the first network is based on the second or third setting information stored in the first setting information storage unit. First update management means for transmitting the second or third control software via the connection means and managing the first to third setting information stored in the first setting information storage means; Backup data having at least the first and third control software and the first and third setting information via the first network connection means. First backup cooperation control means for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus is connected to the first and third image forming apparatuses connected via the network. A second network connection unit that transmits and receives data; a second setting information storage unit that stores the second setting information that is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus; and Second control software storage means for storing the second control software received via the network connection means, and second newer than the second control software stored in the second control software storage means Is received from the first image forming apparatus, the new second control software is stored in the second control software storage means, and the previous control software is stored. When the second setting information stored in the second setting information storage unit is updated, the updated second setting information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, and the second setting information is stored. The second control software stored in the control software storage means, the second update management means for managing the update status of the second setting information stored in the second setting information storage means, Of the backup data transmitted by the first backup cooperation control means, the first and third setting information are stored in the second setting information storage means, and the first and third control software are stored in the second backup information storage means. Second backup cooperation control means for storing in the second control software storage means, and monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the first image forming apparatus is operating normally, The third image forming apparatus includes a third network connection unit that transmits and receives data to and from the first and second image forming apparatuses connected via the network, and a unique setting of the third image forming apparatus. Third setting information storage means for storing the third setting information, which is information, and third control software storage for storing the third control software received via the third network connection means And the third control software that is newer than the third control software stored in the third control software storage means is received from the first image forming apparatus. When software is stored in the third control software storage unit and the third setting information stored in the third setting information storage unit is updated, The updated third setting information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, and the third control software stored in the third control software storage unit and the third setting information storage unit Third update management means for managing an update status of the third setting information stored therein, and the second image forming apparatus is configured so that the first image forming apparatus is normally connected via the monitoring means. If it is detected that the third control software is not in operation, the second update management means manages the update status of the third control software stored in the second control software storage means, and the third control For the third image forming apparatus using control software older than the software, the second network is based on the third setting information stored in the second setting information storage means. The third control software is transmitted through the connection unit, and the third setting information stored in the second setting information storage unit is managed, and the first image forming apparatus is replaced with the first setting information. 3 image forming apparatuses are managed.

  In the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the first image forming apparatus has a first management function software storage unit storing management function software for managing other image forming apparatuses on the network. The first backup cooperation control unit selects a second image forming apparatus candidate from the third image forming apparatus, and sends the second image forming apparatus candidate selected as the second image forming apparatus candidate to the third image forming apparatus. The third image forming apparatus that has transmitted the management function software and has been selected as the second image forming apparatus candidate stores the received management function software, whereby the second update management means, When it is detected that the first image forming apparatus is not operating normally by having a second backup cooperation control unit and functioning as the second image forming apparatus, Characterized in that it functions as a first image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus management system for sufficiently maintaining and managing a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals connected to a network.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a network configuration for managing various software and the like operable on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention via a network.
In the present embodiment, one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses that are connected to the network and form a group serve as a server that manages the update software and setting information of each image forming apparatus. Set as an image forming apparatus. In the claims, for example, the first setting information storage means is the first setting information storage section 20 and the all setting information storage section 28, and the first control software holding means is the first software. The install unit 16 and the update software storage unit 30, and the first update management means are the first update software providing unit 24, the setting information management unit 18, and the all setting information management unit 26.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a first image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a first management image forming apparatus) 1 and a first management image forming apparatus 1 are operated due to a failure or the like in a network 8 including a LAN or the like. As a second image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a second management image forming apparatus) 2 that replaces management of the image forming apparatus on the network 8 when it becomes impossible, and a plurality of other normal image forming apparatuses 3, The third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b are connected. Further, the administrator host PC 4 and other ordinary host PCs 6 are connected to the network 8 so as to be communicable with the image forming apparatuses on the network 8.

  When the first management image forming apparatus 1 is operating normally, the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the normal image forming apparatus 3 are connected via the network 8 to the first management image forming apparatus 1. Collectively managed by the image forming apparatus 1.

Next, the first management image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first management image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for storing control software and the like. Note that a memory, an HDD, or the like is used for each installation unit, storage unit, storage unit and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first management image forming apparatus 1 includes a network connection unit (first network connection) that transmits and receives data to and from a host PC connected to the network 8 and other image forming apparatuses. (Means) 9, first control software 34 for controlling various operations such as a control unit 10 constituted by a CPU, a memory, etc., a scanner, a copy, a facsimile, etc. of the first management image forming apparatus 1 is installed. 1 software installation unit 16.

  The control unit 10 includes a main control unit 12 that controls the entire system. The main control unit 12 includes a first software update management unit 14 that manages the update of the first control software 34, and a first setting. An information management unit 18 is connected. The first setting information management unit 18 differs depending on each device, such as the IP address of the first management image forming apparatus 1 stored in the first setting information storage unit 20, the administrator password, and the update status of various settings. The first setting information 37 such as unique information, model code, control software type / version information, etc. is managed.

  The main control unit 12 includes a first backup cooperation control unit (first backup cooperation control means) 22, a first update software providing unit 24, a first all setting information management unit 26, and first software. A reconverter 32 is connected.

  The first backup cooperation control unit 22 is connected to the first software installation unit 16 and the first update software storage unit 30, and is the second management image forming apparatus 2 to be managed on the network 8. The control software of the image forming apparatus 3 and the first management image forming apparatus 1 is backed up in cooperation with the second management image forming apparatus 2.

  The first update software providing unit 24 is connected to the first all setting information management unit 26 and the first update software storage unit 30, and the second management image forming apparatus 2 to be managed and the image The model code of the forming apparatus 3 and the type / version information of the control software are managed and grasped, and control software corresponding to each apparatus is transmitted to the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3.

  The first all setting information management unit 26 includes setting information (second setting information) 38 of the second management image forming apparatus 2 stored in the first all setting information storage unit 28, and the image forming apparatus 3. As the setting information (third and fourth setting information 39a, 39b) 39, a model code, control software type / version information, and the like are managed. In other words, the first all setting information management unit 26 makes the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 to be managed regularly (predetermined timing) to the first management image forming apparatus 1. Setting information 39 transmitted by the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 based on a transmission signal or a setting information inquiry signal (instruction signal) transmitted by the first all setting information management unit 26 Is stored in the first all setting information storage unit 28. Hereinafter, the predetermined timing is, for example, a timing set in advance when the image forming apparatus is started up or via the host PC or the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  The first update software storage unit 30 includes control software (second control software) 35 of the second management image forming apparatus 2 to be managed, and control software 36 (third control software) of the image forming apparatus 3. And third and fourth control software 36a and 36b) which are control software of the fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b are stored.

  The first software re-conversion unit 32 converts the file format so that the first control software 34 already installed in the first software installation unit 16 can be transmitted to another image forming apparatus via the network 8. For example, the control software used by the image forming apparatus on the network 8 that is the same model as the first management image forming apparatus 1 is the same as the first control software 34 used by the first management image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first control software 34 already installed in the first software installation unit 16 is converted via the first software reconversion unit 32 and transmitted to the target image forming apparatus. .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the first management image forming apparatus 1 and the third image forming apparatus 3a are the same model, the third control software of the third image forming apparatus 3a. 36 a is not stored in the first update software storage unit 30 and is shared with the first control software 34. Therefore, the number of control software for the image forming apparatus stored in the first software installation unit 16 and the first update software storage unit 30 is minimized.

  Also, the second control software 35 stored in the first update software storage unit 30 and the control software 36 of the image forming apparatus 3 can be managed by the administrator from the administrator host PC 4 and newly created. The updated control software difference file or new control software file is updated by being uploaded to the first update software storage unit 30 via the administrator host PC 4. Note that the first update software storage unit 30 stores not only newly created update difference files but also previous difference files. The same applies to the first control software 34, which is installed in the first software installation unit 16 by the administrator.

  When the update control software is uploaded to the first management image forming apparatus 1, the first software update management unit 14 or the first update software providing unit 24 manages the update control software. The image is transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus among the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b. For an image forming apparatus using control software similar to that of the first management image forming apparatus 1, for example, the third image forming apparatus 3 a, update control software is provided in the first software installation unit 16. At the time of installation, control software for update before installation may be transmitted to the target image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the update control software may be converted into a redistributable format via the first software reconverter 32 and transmitted after the installation is completed.

  Further, the first backup cooperation control unit 22 transmits the control software updated in the first update software storage unit 30 and the first software installation unit 16 to the second management image forming apparatus 2. Accordingly, the second management image forming apparatus 2 holds backup data of control software for the first management image forming apparatus 1, the second management image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 3.

  Note that the first software update management unit 14 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 is not necessarily provided, and the update status may be managed by the first update software providing unit 24.

  Next, the second management image forming apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second management image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the claims, for example, the second setting information storage means is the second setting information storage section 48 and the all setting information storage section 58, and the second control software holding means is the second software. An installation unit 46 and an update software storage unit 60; the second update management unit is a second software update management unit 44 and a setting information management unit 48; and the second backup cooperation control unit is a second backup management unit. They are the backup cooperation control unit 52 and the third setting information management unit 72.

  The second management image forming apparatus 2 has a configuration similar to that of the first management image forming apparatus 1 and is configured by a network connection unit (second network connection means) 40, a CPU, a memory, and the like. Section 41 and a second software installation section 46 in which the control software 35 of the second management image forming apparatus 2 is installed.

  The control unit 41 includes a main control unit 42 that controls the entire system. The main control unit 42 includes a second software update management unit 44 that manages the update of the second control software 35, and a second setting. An information management unit 48 is connected. The second setting information management unit 48 manages the second setting information 38 stored in the second setting information storage unit 50, and also stores the second setting information 38 in the first management image forming apparatus 1. At a predetermined timing.

  The second software update management unit 44 accesses the first management image forming apparatus 1 at the time of startup, periodically, or based on an instruction signal from the first management image forming apparatus 1, and this access. Sometimes, control software that corresponds to the second management image forming apparatus 2 and that is newer than the second control software 35 already installed in the second software installation unit 46 is added to the first management image forming apparatus 1. If it has been updated, the new second control software 35 is received via the network 8 and installed in the second software installation unit 46.

  The second setting information management unit 48 also changes the IP address or the administrator password or the like due to the installation location of the second management image forming apparatus 2 or the manager in charge. The changed second setting information 38 is transmitted to the first management image forming apparatus.

  The main control unit 42 is connected to a second backup cooperation control unit 52, a second updated software providing unit 54, a second all setting information management unit 56, and a second software reconversion unit 62.

  The second backup cooperation control unit 52 and the second all setting information management unit 56 are connected to the second software installation unit 46, the second update software storage unit 60, and the second all setting information storage unit 58, respectively. The control software and setting information of the image forming apparatus connected to the network 8 are backed up in cooperation with the first management image forming apparatus 1.

  The second update software storage unit 60 stores the backup control software transmitted from the first management image forming apparatus 1 via the second backup cooperation control unit 52. The second all setting information storage unit 58 stores backup setting information transmitted from the first management image forming apparatus 1.

  Here, the second control software 35 and the second setting information 38 of the second management image forming apparatus 2 are stored in the second software installation unit 46 and the second setting information storage unit 50, respectively. In the second update software storage unit 60, the control software 13 and 15 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 are stored. In the second all setting information storage unit 58, the first setting information is stored. 37, third and fourth setting information 39a and 39b are stored, respectively.

  Note that the broken line arrow shown in FIG. 4 does not function as a circuit when the first management image forming apparatus 1 is operating normally. It functions as a circuit when it becomes inoperable due to a failure. Accordingly, the second update software providing unit 54 and the software re-converting unit 62 function when the first management image forming apparatus 1 is not operated due to some failure.

  Therefore, in the second management image forming apparatus 2, the second backup cooperation control unit 52 accesses the first management image forming apparatus 1 periodically, for example, every minute, for the first management image forming apparatus 2. When the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 is recognized and the first management image forming apparatus 1 is operating normally, the operation of the scanner, copy, facsimile, etc., and control software and settings of each image forming apparatus Back up information. When it is recognized that the first management image forming apparatus 1 has stopped operating, the management function is automatically activated, so that the image forming apparatus 3 on the network 8 is replaced with the first management image forming apparatus 1. Manage. When it is recognized that the first management image forming apparatus 1 has stopped operating, the manager host PC is notified of this, and the administrator manually manages the management function of the second management image forming apparatus 2. May be activated.

  Next, a normal image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a normal image forming apparatus 3 which is a management target of the first embodiment according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, the third image forming apparatus 3a will be described as an example.

  The third image forming apparatus 3 a includes a network connection unit 64, a control unit 65, and a third software installation unit 70.

  The control unit 65 includes a main control unit 66 that controls the entire system. The main control unit 66 includes a third software update management unit 68 that manages the update of the third control software 36a, and a third setting. An information management unit 72 is connected. The third setting information management unit 72 differs depending on each device, such as the IP address of the first management image forming apparatus 1 stored in the thirteenth setting information storage unit 74, the administrator password, and the update status of various settings. The third setting information 39a such as unique information, model code, control software type / version information and the like is managed.

  The third software update management unit 68 accesses the first management image forming apparatus 1 at the time of startup, periodically, or based on an instruction signal from the first management image forming apparatus 1, and at the time of access. Control software newer than the third control software 36a corresponding to the third image forming apparatus 3a and already installed in the third software installation unit 70 is updated to the first management image forming apparatus 1. If so, the new third control software 36 a is received via the network 8 and installed in the third software installation unit 70.

  In addition, the third setting information management unit 72 performs the first management use when the IP address or the administrator password is changed due to a change in the installation location of the third image forming apparatus 3a or a manager in charge. The changed third setting information 39a is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to change the IP address or the administrator password from the first management image forming apparatus 1 side, the third setting information management unit 72 stores it in the third setting information storage unit 74. The set third setting information 39a is changed.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the update of the control software.

  Note that instructions such as printing to the first management image forming apparatus 1, the second management image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 can be issued from either the administrator host PC 4 or the host PC 8. . In addition, updating or installing control software for updating to the first management image forming apparatus 1 can be performed directly from the administrator host PC 4 or from a CD-R or memory. The setting information unique to each apparatus including the first management image forming apparatus 1 can be changed by, for example, direct operation from the operation unit of each image forming apparatus, or can be changed by centralized management from the management host PC 7.

  First, the operation when new control software is updated or installed in the first management image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 via the first software update management unit 14 at the installation location of the first management image forming apparatus 1 from the administrator host PC 4 or using a recording medium such as a memory. When new control software is installed or updated to the first update software storage unit 30 (step S1), the first update software providing unit 24 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 newly updates it. It is determined whether the control software that has been set is the first control software 34 (step S2).

  When the newly updated control software is the first control software 34, the model code of each image forming apparatus to be managed and the version information of the control software are grasped via the first all setting information management unit 26. (Step S3), and for the image forming apparatus to be managed of the same model as the first management image forming apparatus 1 (Step S4), the corresponding file of the first control software 34 is immediately extracted and extracted. Transmission is performed (step S5).

  The image forming apparatus of the same model as the first management image forming apparatus 1 that has received the first control software 34 starts update installation of the first control software 34 (step S6). Transmission information such as setting information such as address and administrator password, model code, version information for each control software is collected and transmitted to the first management image forming apparatus 1 (step S7).

  Receiving the updated transmission information, the first management image forming apparatus 1 stores and updates the setting information transmitted to the first all setting information storage unit 28 (step S8). Note that the image forming apparatus in which the new control software is installed is restarted when necessary.

  Here, as the corresponding file, the entire file 76 for replacing the control software “whole”, the version for each control software installed in each image forming apparatus currently managed, and the latest control software for updating There is a difference file 78 from which “difference” is extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the entire file 76 uses old control software when information is initialized due to a hardware replacement or the like due to a failure of the image forming apparatus to be managed, or when old control software before a certain time is used. This is used when the control software is replaced for the existing image forming apparatus.

  The difference file 78 is out of the management target of the first management image forming apparatus 1 for a certain period, for example, with the difference file 78a extracted from the latest update control software, and the update of the control software is delayed. Difference files 78b and 78c used when updating the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, if the newly updated control software is not the first control software 34 in step S2, or the first control software is used in step S4, the first management image forming apparatus 1 is used. The second management image forming apparatus 2 and the normal image forming apparatus 3 via the first update software providing unit 24 of the first management image forming apparatus 1. An instruction to update the transmission information is transmitted to (step S9).

  The second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 that have received the update instruction from the first management image forming apparatus 1 set their own IP address, administrator password, and other setting information, model code, and control software. Transmission information such as version information is collected and transmitted to the first management image forming apparatus 1 (step S10).

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 that has received the transmission information from the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 grasps the model code of each image forming apparatus and the version information for each control software ( In step S11), the corresponding file of the updated control software is extracted and transmitted to each image forming apparatus corresponding to the control software updated in the first management image forming apparatus 1 (step S5).

  The image forming apparatus to be managed that has received the updated control software corresponding file performs update installation after determining that the corresponding file can properly execute the program (step S6), and after the update installation is completed, the IP address And transmission information such as setting information such as an administrator password, model code, and version information for each control software are collected and transmitted to the first management image forming apparatus 1 (step S7). Further, the image forming apparatus updated with new control software is restarted when necessary.

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 that has received the updated transmission information stores and updates the transmission information in the first all setting information storage unit 28 (S8).

  In step S6, “after it is determined that the corresponding file can properly execute the program” is used. This determination is made in step S5 when the first management image forming apparatus 1 receives the transmission information. The update control software may be transmitted to the adapted image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the determination may be made when the administrator updates the control software to the first management image forming apparatus 1.

Next, the operation when the operation is started from the management target image forming apparatus side and new control software is acquired will be described with reference to FIG. This is because, for example, when new control software is updated in the first management image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus to be managed is turned off or malfunctioned. One example is when the software was not updated.
In addition, in the part which overlaps with description of FIG. 6, description is simplified.

  When the second management image forming apparatus 2 or the image forming apparatus 3 is activated, connected to the management network, or periodically updates the setting information (step S12), the setting information such as the IP address and the administrator password, the model Second, third and fourth setting information 38, 39a and 39b are transmitted to the first management image forming apparatus 1 as transmission information such as code and version information for each control software (step S13). Here, the interval of the periodic update can be arbitrarily set, for example, every minute.

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 that has received the transmission information from the second management image forming apparatus 2 or the image forming apparatus 3 receives the model code of each image forming apparatus to be managed and the version information for each control software. If the latest control software held in the first management image forming apparatus 1 is newer than the received version information for each control software (step S15), the first management image forming apparatus 1 is grasped (step S15). The management image forming apparatus 1 extracts and transmits the latest control software corresponding file to the second management image forming apparatus 2 or the image forming apparatus 3 corresponding to the updated control software (step S16). .

  The management image forming apparatus 2 or the image forming apparatus 3 that has received the latest corresponding file performs update installation (step S17), and after the update installation is completed, collects transmission information and transmits it to the first management image forming apparatus 1. (Step S18).

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 that has received the updated transmission information stores and updates the transmitted setting information in the first all setting information storage unit 28 (step S19).

  Next, a backup operation when the control software is updated or when the setting information is changed / updated will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control software stored in the first management image forming apparatus 1 has been updated at the installation location of the first management image forming apparatus 1 from the administrator host PC 4 or using a recording medium such as a memory. In some cases, setting information unique to each apparatus including the first management image forming apparatus 1 is changed by a direct operation from the control panel of each image forming apparatus, or is managed through the first management image forming apparatus 1. When the changed setting information is updated from the host PC 7 by the unified management, and the changed setting information is updated to the first setting information management unit 18 or the first all setting information storage unit 28 of the first management image forming apparatus 1. (Step S20), the first backup cooperation control unit 22 and the first all setting information management unit 26 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 update the control software, and The setting information respectively extracted, and transmits the second management for the image forming apparatus 2 (step S21). The data transmitted at this time may be the updated difference file or the entire difference file.

  The second backup cooperation control unit 52 and the second all setting information management unit 56 of the second management image forming apparatus 2 that have received the updated control software or setting information are respectively the second management image forming apparatus. The received data is stored in the second second update software storage unit 60 and the second all setting information storage unit 58 for backup (step S22).

  Next, the operation when a failure occurs in the first management image forming apparatus 1 and the function of the first management image forming apparatus 1 stops functioning will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, some failure occurs in the first management image forming apparatus 1 (step S23), the second management image forming apparatus 2 to be managed, and the image formation. When the apparatus 3 cannot be managed (step S24), the second management image forming apparatus 2 manages the image forming apparatus 3 on the network 8 in place of the first management image forming apparatus 1. Do.

  The second management image forming apparatus 2 periodically accesses the first management image forming apparatus, and there is no response from the first management image forming apparatus 1 or no access during the access. In some cases, it is recognized that the first management image forming apparatus 1 has stopped (step S25).

  The access interval to the first management image forming apparatus 1 is determined when the first management image forming apparatus 1 fails and the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 cannot be managed. In addition, for example, the second management image forming apparatus 2 performs the management function before a major failure occurs in the management system, for example, at intervals of one minute.

  When the second management image forming apparatus 2 recognizes that the function of the first management image forming apparatus 1 has stopped, the broken-line arrow portion shown in FIG. The providing unit 46 and the software re-conversion unit 49 function. That is, the second management image forming apparatus 2 has the same function as the first management image forming apparatus 1 and performs the management function. Further, the administrator host PC 4 is notified that the management function has been performed (step S26).

  According to the first embodiment, the control software update, the update / change of the setting information unique to the apparatus can be collectively managed by using the first management image forming apparatus 1, and therefore the image forming apparatus There is no need to make individual settings, and the administrator's work efficiency is good. In addition, since the image forming apparatuses to be managed on the network 8 are collectively managed by using the first management image forming apparatus 1, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated management server separately, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, when the second management image forming apparatus 2 is backed up, and the first management image forming apparatus 1 fails, instead of this, normal system management can be performed by quickly substituting the management function. Because it is possible, it is very convenient for users. In addition, when the backup data of the first management image forming apparatus 1 is erased, the second management image forming apparatus 2 that already holds the backup data performs maintenance quickly instead. Can do.

  In addition, since the first management image forming apparatus 1 is used to manage the image forming apparatus to be managed, when the first control software 34 is updated, the same image as the first management image forming apparatus 1 is used. Since the image forming apparatus to be managed by the model has already been confirmed to operate properly, the transmission and installation of the control software is immediately started, so that the update workability is good.

  In step S9 in FIG. 6, an instruction to update transmission information is transmitted to the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the normal image forming apparatus 3 to be managed. Target image formation of updated control software based on setting information such as IP address and administrator password of each image forming apparatus stored in management image forming apparatus 1, model code, version information for each control software, etc. It may be sent only to the device. By doing so, congestion of the network line can be avoided, so the update workability is good.

  Further, there may be a plurality of second management image forming apparatuses 2, and the priority order is arbitrarily set for the second management image forming apparatus 2. When stopping, the management function may be substituted according to the priority order.

  The update status of the control software can be confirmed from the display of the administrator host PC 4 or the operation panel of the first management image forming apparatus 1. At this time, the update result displayed on the display or the operation panel of the first management image forming apparatus 1 is the information newly updated in step S8 or step S19. The color may be changed, or some symbol may be added.

  In the present embodiment, the setting information, model code, control software type / version information, and the like are stored in the all setting information storage unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all setting information is stored. Only the setting information is stored in the storage unit, and the model code, the type / version information of the control software, etc. are updated from the first management image forming apparatus 1 in all the image forming apparatuses to be managed. The management target image forming apparatus, which has been transmitted to the image forming apparatus and has received the update instruction, returns the information to the first management image forming apparatus 1 so as to grasp the information, and the first management image forming apparatus 1 The control software may be transmitted from.

  2 to 4, for example, in the first management image forming apparatus 1, the first setting information management unit 18, the first setting information storage unit 20, and the first all settings. Although the information management unit 26 and the first all setting information storage unit 28 are written separately, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting information 37, 38, 39 is stored in the first all setting information storage unit 28. And may be managed by the first all setting information management unit 26. The same applies to the second management image forming apparatus 2.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first management image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a second management image according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the first management image forming apparatus 1 selects and forms the second management image forming apparatus 2 from the image forming apparatus 3. Here, the selected image forming apparatus is the third image forming apparatus 3a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first management image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a first backup in addition to the first management image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The management function software storage unit 80 is connected to the cooperation control unit 22.

  The management function software storage unit 80 stores management function software 82 that forms a backup cooperation control unit, an update software providing unit, and an all setting information management unit in a memory or a hard disk. The management function software 82 is transmitted to the third image forming apparatus 3 a selected by the first backup cooperation control unit 22.

  When the management function software 82 is transmitted to the third image forming apparatus 3a, the management function software 82 is installed in the third image forming apparatus 3a. Further, the installed management function software 82 forms a backup cooperation control unit, an update software providing unit, and an all setting information management unit. That is, the third image forming apparatus 3a includes the second management image forming apparatus 2 including the second backup cooperation control unit 52, the second update software providing unit 54, and the second all setting information management unit 56. (See FIG. 12). The transmitted management function software 82 itself is stored in the management function software storage unit 84 formed by the second backup cooperation control unit 52.

  Next, the backup function according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the backup function according to the second embodiment.

  First, the first backup cooperation control unit 22 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 selects a candidate for the second management image forming apparatus 2 from the normal image forming apparatuses 3 to be managed. (Step S30). Here, it is assumed that the third image forming apparatus 3a is selected.

  When the third image forming apparatus 3a is selected, the first backup cooperation control unit 22 transfers the management function software 82 stored in the management function software storage unit 80 via the network 8 to the third image forming apparatus. It transmits to 3a (step S31).

  The third image forming apparatus 3a that has received the management function software 82 installs the management function software 82 in, for example, the HDD (step S32). When the management function software 82 is installed, the third image forming apparatus 3a includes management functions such as a second backup cooperation control unit 52, a second update software providing unit 54, and a second all setting information management unit 56. Each component for performing is created (step S33).

  Of the second backup cooperation control unit 52, the second update software providing unit 54, and the second all setting information management unit 56 created in the third image forming apparatus 3a, the second backup cooperation control unit. 52, the second update software storage unit 60 and the management function software storage unit 84 are created, and the second all setting information management unit 56 creates the second all setting information storage unit 58 (step S34). ). That is, the candidate third image forming apparatus 3 a of the second management image forming apparatus 2 is the second management image forming apparatus 2.

  Here, since the third image forming apparatus 3a is the second management image forming apparatus 2, in the following description, the first and second management image forming apparatuses 1 connected via the network 8 are used. Image forming apparatuses other than 2 are defined as third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b.

  When the management function software storage unit 84 and the second all setting information storage unit 58 are formed in step S 34, the management function software storage unit 84 is stored in the first management image forming apparatus 1 in the second management image forming apparatus 2. Since the first control software 34 and the third and fourth control software 15a and 15b are transmitted, the second backup cooperation control unit 52 stores this in the second update software storage unit 60, The management function software storage unit 84 stores the management function software 82 and performs a backup operation. In addition, the second all setting information management unit 56 includes the first setting information 37 of the first management image forming apparatus 1 transmitted from the first management image forming apparatus 1, and the third and fourth settings. The setting information 39a and 39b of the image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b is stored in the second all setting information storage unit 58 and a backup operation is performed (step S35). When the first management image forming apparatus 1 is operating normally, the broken line arrow portion does not function as a circuit as shown in FIG. 12, and therefore the second update software is provided. Part 54 is also not functioning.

  When a failure occurs in the first management image forming apparatus 1 and the management function stops operating (step S36), the second management image forming apparatus 2 is replaced with the first management image forming apparatus 1. When the function stop is recognized (step S37), the broken-line arrow portion shown in FIG. 12 functions as a circuit, and at the same time, the second update software providing unit 54 and the second software reconverting unit 62 function. Therefore, the second management image forming apparatus 2 has the same function as the first management image forming apparatus 1 and performs the management function (step S38), and serves as the first management image forming apparatus 1. Functions (step S39).

  On the other hand, when no failure occurs in the first management image forming apparatus 1 in step S36 and no failure occurs in the second management image forming apparatus 2 (No in step S40). In the second management image forming apparatus 2, backup that is a normal management operation is continued.

  Further, when some trouble occurs in the second management image forming apparatus 2 and the second management image forming apparatus 2 loses the backup function (Yes in step S40), the first management image forming is performed. The apparatus 1 newly selects a candidate for the second management image forming apparatus 2 from among the third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3 a and 3 b to be managed connected to the network 8.

  The selection of candidates for the second management image forming apparatus 2 can be arbitrarily set. For example, among the third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b to be managed, the candidate is selected from the image forming apparatuses with more resources. Or a method of selecting an image forming apparatus that is least frequently used from the number of print counts or the like.

  According to the second embodiment, the first management image forming apparatus 1 automatically selects the second management image forming apparatus 2 candidates from the third and fourth image forming apparatuses 3a and 3b. Therefore, when a failure occurs in the first management image forming apparatus 1, the second management image forming apparatus 2 performs the function, and a failure occurs in the second management image forming apparatus 2. In this case, the new second management image forming apparatus 2 can quickly function, and one of the first and second management image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 managing the network has failed. However, it becomes possible to make substitutes one after another. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of management work such as loss of backup data and control software update, so that the workability of recovering an image forming apparatus in which a failure has occurred is good. In addition, the system failure can be suppressed to a small one, and the operation and maintenance are very high.

  In the second embodiment, when the second management image forming apparatus 2 breaks down, a new second management image forming apparatus 2 candidate is automatically created by the first management image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an instruction from the administrator host PC 4 or the administrator may visit the installation location of the target machine and set it directly.

  Also in the present embodiment, for example, for the first management image forming apparatus 1, the first setting information management unit 18, the first setting information storage unit 20, the first all setting information management unit 26, Although the first all setting information storage unit 28 is described separately, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting information 37, 38, 39 is stored in the first all setting information storage unit 28, and the first It may be managed by the all setting information management unit 28. In this case, for example, when the second management image forming apparatus 2 is selected by the first management image forming apparatus 1 and the management function software 82 is installed, the second management image forming apparatus 2 is installed. The setting information management unit originally included in the candidates may be expanded to become an all setting information management unit. The same applies to the setting information storage unit.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a first management image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first management image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first or second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the first control software 34 is installed in the first software installation unit 16 and is also stored in the first update software storage unit 30, and the first management image formation is performed. The apparatus does not include the first software reconversion unit 32. Note that the control software stored in the first update software storage unit 30 is stored in a format that can be transmitted via the network.

  The first management image forming apparatus 1 to be managed may manage not only an image forming apparatus as a printer connected to a network but also a copier, a scanner device, a FAX machine, and the like.

  If a rollback function is provided in each of the first management image forming apparatus 1, the second management image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present invention, when a failure occurs during installation, Damage can be suppressed and recovery workability is improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first management image forming apparatus 1 fails, the second management image forming apparatus 2 performs the management function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the power of the first management image forming apparatus 1 is not turned on and is not operating normally, the second management image forming apparatus 2 may perform the management function.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, You may implement various deformation | transformation in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus management system that manages various types of software that can operate on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention via a network. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first management image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the storage method of the control software of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second management image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a normal image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when new control software is updated or installed in the first management image forming apparatus. The figure which shows the update of the control software which concerns on the management system of this invention. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when starting operation from the management target image forming apparatus side to acquire new control software. The flowchart which shows the backup operation at the time of the update of control software, or the change / update of setting information. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management system when the first management image forming apparatus 1 stops functioning. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first management image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd image forming apparatus for management of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the backup function which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of the management system of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st management image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 First management image forming apparatus
2 Second management image forming apparatus
3 Image forming device
3a Third image forming apparatus
3b Fourth image forming apparatus
4 Host PC for administrator
8 network
9, 40, 64 Network connection
14, 44, 68 Software update manager
16, 46, 70 Software installation part
18, 48, 72 Setting information management unit
20, 50, 74 Setting information storage unit
22, 52 Backup cooperation control unit
24, 54 Update software provider
26, 56 All setting information management part
28, 58 All setting information storage unit
30, 60 Update software storage
34, 35, 36 Control software
37, 38, 39 Setting information
80, 84 Management function software storage

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus management system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
First network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the second image forming apparatus connected via the network;
First setting information that is unique setting information of the first image forming apparatus and second setting that is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus received via the first network connection unit First setting information storage means for storing information;
First control software storing means for storing first and second control software corresponding to each of the first and second image forming apparatuses and controlling various operation functions;
The second image formation that manages the update status of the first and second control software stored in the first control software storage means and uses control software older than the second control software. Based on the second setting information stored in the first setting information storage unit, the second control software is transmitted to the apparatus via the first network connection unit, and the first setting information storage unit stores the first control software. First update management means for managing the first and second setting information stored in the setting information storage means;
First backup cooperation control means for transmitting backup data having at least the first control software and the first setting information to the second image forming apparatus via the first network connection means; ,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
Second network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first image forming apparatus connected via the network;
Second setting information storage means for storing the second setting information, which is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus;
Second control software storage means for storing the second control software received via the second network connection means;
When second control software that is newer than the second control software stored in the second control software storage means is received from the first image forming apparatus, the new second control software is stored in the second control software. When the second setting information stored in the second control software storage unit and stored in the second setting information storage unit is updated, the first image forming apparatus updated the first image forming apparatus. Update information of the second control software stored in the second control information storage means and the second control information stored in the second setting information storage means. A second update management means for managing;
Of the backup data transmitted by the first backup cooperation control means, the first setting information is stored in the second setting information storage means, and the first control software is stored in the second control software. Second backup cooperation control means for storing in the storage means;
An image forming apparatus management system comprising: An image forming apparatus management system in which a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, and another third image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
First network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the second and third image forming apparatuses connected via the network;
First setting information that is unique setting information of the first image forming apparatus, and unique setting information of the second and third image forming apparatuses that are received via the first network connection unit. First setting information storage means for storing second and third setting information;
First control software storage means for storing first to third control software for controlling various operation functions corresponding to each of the first to third image forming apparatuses;
The second control software manages the update status of the second and third control software stored in the first control software storage means, and uses the second control software older than the second or third control software. Alternatively, based on the second or third setting information stored in the first setting information storage unit, the second or second image forming apparatus is connected to the third image forming apparatus via the first network connection unit. First update management means for transmitting the control software of 3 and managing the first to third setting information stored in the first setting information storage means;
A first backup for transmitting backup data having at least the first and third control software and the first and third setting information to the second image forming apparatus via the first network connection unit. A cooperation control means;
The second image forming apparatus includes:
Second network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first and third image forming apparatuses connected via the network;
Second setting information storage means for storing the second setting information, which is unique setting information of the second image forming apparatus;
Second control software storage means for storing the second control software received via the second network connection means;
When second control software that is newer than the second control software stored in the second control software storage means is received from the first image forming apparatus, the new second control software is stored in the second control software. When the second setting information stored in the second control software storage unit and stored in the second setting information storage unit is updated, the updated second setting information is stored in the first control software storage unit. Update status of the second control software stored in the second control information storage unit and the second control software stored in the second control software storage unit. A second update management means for managing;
Of the backup data transmitted by the first backup cooperation control means, the first and third setting information are stored in the second setting information storage means, and the first and third control software are stored. Second backup cooperation control means stored in the second control software storage means;
Monitoring means for monitoring whether the first image forming apparatus is operating normally;
The third image forming apparatus includes:
Third network connection means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first and second image forming apparatuses connected via the network;
Third setting information storage means for storing the third setting information, which is unique setting information of the third image forming apparatus;
Third control software storage means for storing the third control software received via the third network connection means;
When third control software that is newer than the third control software stored in the third control software storage means is received from the first image forming apparatus, the new third control software is stored in the third control software. When the third setting information stored in the third control software storage unit and stored in the third setting information storage unit is updated, the updated third setting information is stored in the first control software storage unit. Update status of the third control software stored in the third control information storage unit and the third control software stored in the third control software storage unit. A third update management means for managing;
If the second image forming apparatus detects that the first image forming apparatus is not operating normally via the monitoring unit, the second update management unit performs the second control. The update status of the third control software stored in the software storage unit is managed, and the second image forming apparatus using control software older than the third control software is used for the second image forming apparatus. Based on the third setting information stored in the setting information storage means, the third control software is transmitted via the second network connection means, and is stored in the second setting information storage means. An image forming apparatus management system that manages the third setting information and manages the third image forming apparatus in place of the first image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, wherein the second image forming apparatus is selected from the third image forming apparatus by the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus includes a first management function software storage unit that stores management function software for managing other image forming apparatuses on the network.
The first backup cooperation control unit selects a second image forming apparatus candidate from the third image forming apparatus, and adds the second image forming apparatus candidate to the third image forming apparatus selected as the second image forming apparatus candidate. Send management function software,
The third image forming apparatus selected as the second image forming apparatus candidate stores the received management function software, so that the second update management means and the second backup cooperation control means are controlled. And functioning as the second image forming apparatus and functioning as the first image forming apparatus when it is detected that the first image forming apparatus is not operating normally. Item 4. The image forming apparatus management system according to Item 3.   The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring unit also serves as the second server cooperation control unit.   5. The updated difference is transmitted to the second and third control software transmitted to the second and third image forming apparatuses by the first update management unit. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1. When the control software is updated, the second and third update management units transmit a message to that effect to the first image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the first image forming apparatus stores received update information in the first setting information storage unit.   8. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 7, wherein when the update information is received, the first image forming apparatus displays the update information on an operation panel of the first image forming apparatus.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second and third update management units notify the administrator host PC when the control software is updated. Device management system.

Images