JP2000339247A - Parameter setting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform batch setting of parameters for plural devices each of which is provided with management information base(MIB). SOLUTION: Specified information (SysObjectID) on the MIB is refered for printers (devices) 12, 14 on a network and kinds of MIB of each printer are judged based on the information. And the parameters are set by every printer by a setting method corresponding to the decided kinds. Even when the kinds of MIB are not sure, the parameters are set and the parameters are set altogether for different kind of devices.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a network system, and more particularly to a parameter setting for a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, SNMP (Simple Network) widely used as a network management protocol is used.
In the Management Protocol (MIB), a management information base (MIB: Mamagement) is assigned to each device on the network.
Information Base) is provided, and information acquisition and parameter setting are performed using the MIB. In a typical example, in a system in which a managed machine and a managed machine are interconnected via a network, the managed machine acquires necessary information from the MIB of each managed machine and uses the information for network management. The management machine writes necessary information to the MIB of each managed machine, thereby controlling the operation of the managed machine. Note that a process for managing the MIB exists on the managed machine. The process constantly monitors the operating status of the machine and rewrites the contents of the MIB, and executes a process for a request from the management machine.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a typical MIB structure. As is well known, the MIB has a tree structure, and each node of the MIB is associated with a labeled object. Each piece of information in the MIB is specified by an object ID, which is an option number string from the top of the tree structure. For example, system is specified in 1.3.6.1.2.1.1, and similarly, SysObjectID is specified in 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2. One object ID always corresponds to one object. That is, it is possible to operate (refer to or set) information (parameters) by specifying the object ID.

In the MIB, the space in the upper layer is a common space, while the space in a part of the lower layer is open. Manufacturers of each device make use of its open space to enable specific parameter settings for the device. Therefore, if the maker or model of the device is different, the type of MIB as a whole is different, and therefore, the parameter setting method (particularly, the content of the object ID) for each device is different as described later. In other words, even if the same object has a different type of MIB, the object ID specifying the MIB is different.

In the case of a printer, the parameters include, for example, a network address, a power saving time, a density, and a contrast. In addition, ON / OFF of a specific function such as power ON / OFF can be controlled by rewriting the corresponding parameter value.

By the way, when various parameters are set for a device such as a printer, a U
The setting can be performed using I (user interface). However, since the setting is complicated or there is a function capable of only remote setting in the first place, the parameter setting is executed remotely from the client. That is usually done. In this case, the parameters are set through an application program installed in the client, so that the user does not need to be particularly aware of the device address and the specific contents of the MIB, and can easily set the parameters.

However, when there are a plurality of devices,
It is necessary to start an application for each device, and it is very complicated to individually set parameters for each device. Heterogeneous devices are mixed on the network, and their MIBs are
Are different from each other, so that the parameter setting cannot be performed collectively by the same setting method.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-110663 discloses a system for batch setting of parameter data, but does not perform processing corresponding to the type of MIB.

[0009]

As described above, when various devices exist on the network, the parameter setting can be easily performed for each device due to the difference in the parameter setting method for each device. There is a problem that the setting cannot be performed. In particular, there is a problem that it is not possible to collectively set parameters for a plurality of devices based on a single parameter data file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to collectively set parameters for a plurality of devices.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily set parameters even when various devices are connected on a network without burdening a user.

Another object of the present invention is to automatically determine the type of MIB of a device on a network and use it.

[0013]

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a system in which at least one device is connected on a network and the device has a hierarchical management information base. Recognizing means for accessing the device and referring to predetermined information in the management information base to recognize the type of the management information base; and setting parameters for the device in a setting method according to the type of the management information base. Setting means for performing setting.

According to the above configuration, the management information base (preferably, the management information for SNMP) for a device (target device) for which parameter setting is desired.
The predetermined information (for example, SysObjectID) on the mation base) is read, and the type of the management information base is determined based on the information. Then, parameter setting for the device is performed by a setting method according to the type. That is, for example, based on the type of MIB and the type of parameter, the object ID of the parameter to be set
Is specified, and its MI is used by using its object ID.
The parameter can be set for B. here,
Examples of the device include a printer and an image scanner, but the present invention is also applicable to parameter setting for other devices.

Recognition of the type of the management information base may be performed only for one or a plurality of target devices whose parameters are to be set and for which the type of the management information base is unknown. It is basically unnecessary for a device whose type (or device model) is known. The recognition process may be performed at the time of parameter setting, but may be performed periodically or at a predetermined time (for example, when a device is connected)
May be performed in advance. If information of the already recognized type is stored and tabulated, the information can be read out as needed and used for parameter setting.
Each of the above processes can be specifically realized as a program started by a computer on a network.

Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a type determination table in which the information on the predetermined position is associated with the type of the management information base, and the recognizing means refers to the type determination table to determine the type of the management information base. judge. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a setting method determination table for determining a setting method according to the type of the management information base and the type of the parameter, and the setting unit determines the setting method with reference to the setting method determination table. I do. Preferably, the setting method determination table describes an object ID for each parameter type for each type of the management information base, and specifies a parameter setting destination by specifying the object ID.

(2) In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of devices are connected on a network,
In a system in which each device has a hierarchical management information base, input means for inputting a parameter set to be set for the plurality of devices, and predetermined information in the management information base of each device for accessing the plurality of devices And a recognizing means for recognizing the type of the management information base for each device, and collectively performing parameter setting for the plurality of devices by a setting method according to the type of the management information base of each device. Setting means for performing the setting.

According to the above configuration, parameter setting can be collectively performed for a plurality of devices only by giving a parameter set. Conventionally, in such a case, it was necessary to sequentially start the corresponding parameter setting program for each device. However, according to the above configuration, a single process can support different types of devices, so that it is simple and convenient. is there. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the advantage of being flexible and scalable with respect to system changes. The present invention is not limited to the case where the same printer is of different models, but is also applicable to the case where the types of devices are different, such as a printer and a scanner.

Desirably, the apparatus includes display processing means for displaying a list of devices for which parameters can be set, and selection means for allowing a user to select a parameter setting target on the list display. According to this configuration, the setting target can be individually specified separately from the input of the parameter set, and the convenience of the user can be achieved.

(3) In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a system for performing parameter setting for a device having a hierarchical management information base, the device is accessed and a predetermined information in the management information base is accessed. And a means for referring to information and a means for performing parameter setting for the device by a setting method according to the predetermined information.

According to the above configuration, the parameter setting method is specified according to the result of referring to the predetermined information related to the management information base. In this case, first, the type of the management information base may be determined according to the reference result of the predetermined information, and the setting method may be specified from the type. However, the setting method (for example, an object ID or the like) is directly obtained from the reference result of the predetermined information. May be specified. That is, various modifications can be considered depending on the configuration of the determination table.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the concept of the system according to the present invention. First, the principle of parameter setting will be described with reference to FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a PC 10 and a plurality of printers 12 and 14 are connected on a network. Here, the PC 10 is a computer that sets parameters for the plurality of printers 12 and 14. The printers 12 and 14 are devices for setting parameters. Each device has a MAC Address and I
One or both of the P Addresses are determined.
Each of the printers 12 and 14 has a management information base (MIB) according to SNMP.

If the type of MIB in the printers 12 and 14 is known, each parameter can be set from the PC 10 by a setting method according to the type. On the other hand, if the type of the MIB is unknown in one of the printers 12 and 14, a request is issued to the printer to return the SysObjectID on the MIB as shown in FIG. , The type of MIB of the printer is determined. Then, a parameter setting method is determined based on the type, and a desired parameter is set for the printer according to the setting method.

More specifically, in FIG.
1.3.6.1.4.297.aa.bb.cc for SysObjectID
Is read by the PC 10, and based on the
Of the two parameters to be set, that is, 1.3.6.1.2.
1.1.xx and 1.3.6.1.4.1.253.yy.zz are specified, and the parameters “Prt2” and “OFF” are set for each. Such a setting method is the same for the printer 14.

Therefore, according to the above method, even if the type of the MIB of the device existing on the network is not known, the type of the MIB can be specified by referring to the specific information of the device. As a result, there is an advantage that parameter setting can be performed appropriately and easily. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, there is an advantage that parameter setting can be performed collectively for a plurality of devices of different models. By the way, when setting the parameters, each device is specified by the MAC Address or IP Address described above.
Is used.

Next, the configuration of the parameter setting system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the PC on the network 8
10 and printers 12 and 14 are connected. Each of the printers 12 and 14 stores MIBs 12A and 14A in its storage unit.
Exists, whereby various parameters are managed. Incidentally, the MIBs 12A and 14 in FIG.
Software such as a process or an agent for managing A is not shown.

The PC 10 includes a setting processing unit 16 and a storage unit 18
Having. Here, the setting processing unit 16 is configured as a program for setting parameters. The storage unit 18 is configured by a RAM, a ROM, or the like. The storage unit 18 stores a setting parameter data set 20, a device list 30, a type determination table 26, a type-specific ID determination table group 28, and the like. Then, the setting processing unit 16 sets parameters for each of the printers 12 and 14 using the information. Here, the display unit 22 and the input unit 24 in the example shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the setting processing unit 16. The setting processing unit 16 includes the external storage device 3
The external storage device 32 stores past search data as a file.

FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration example of the setting parameter data set 20 shown in FIG. The setting parameter data set 20 is input, for example, from the outside or input on the PC 10. When supplied from the outside, it is read from, for example, an FD, or is read using communication.

The setting parameter data set 20 includes one or a plurality of subsets 104 and 106. Each subset includes information for specifying a device (specifically, a MAC address or an IP address) and one or more parameters to be set (for example, a device name (Device Name) or on / off information of a power saving function ( PowerSa
ve)), and they are prepared for each device. Here, as shown by reference numeral 107, when the device address is unknown, the setting parameter data set 20 may be created while leaving that part blank. Such a blank can be dealt with by selecting a device later, that is, selecting a parameter setting target. As is clear from the contents of FIG. 3, the setting parameter data set includes a set of parameters to be set for a plurality of printers of the same type or different types. Conventionally, it was necessary to perform the parameter setting process for each device. In the present embodiment, however, the parameter setting is realized for a plurality of devices collectively using such a setting parameter data set 20. it can.

FIG. 4 shows the device list 3 shown in FIG.
0 shows a specific configuration example. In the device list 30, MAC A is set as the device name of each device.
ddress, IP Address, and MIB Type are associated with each other.
Here, at least one address needs to be specified as a device address prior to the actual parameter setting, and the MIB type is also specified at any stage prior to the actual parameter setting.

By the way, the device list 30 may be formed from past search data, and an MIB type search or the like is performed only for information that is insufficient in such past search data as described later. desirable.

FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration example of the type determination table 26 shown in FIG. In the type determination table 26, the MIB is set for each SysObjectID.
The type, that is, the type of MIB is associated with the type. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the MIB depends on the contents of the actual object ID indicated by the referenced SysObjectID.
6 is a table for determining the type of the data.

FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration example of the type-specific ID determination table group 28 shown in FIG. The judgment table group 28 is composed of a plurality of judgment table groups 28-1 to 28-n provided for each MIB type. When the type of the MIB is specified, one of the determination tables is selected according to the MIB type, and the MI corresponding to the parameter to be set on the determination table is selected.
The object ID on B is uniquely specified. Of course, a table obtained by integrating the type determination table 26 shown in FIG. 5 and the type-specific ID determination table group 28 shown in FIG. 6 may be used.

Returning to FIG. 2, when the setting parameter data set 20 is given, the setting processing unit 16 issues a request to return a SysObjectID to a device whose MIB type is unknown, refers to the request, and The device list 30 is completed using the type determination table 26 and the type-specific ID determination table group 28, and one or more parameters are set for one or more printers 12 and 14 according to the device list 30.

In this case, if the device to be set is not specified in the setting parameter data set 20, a device selection list 50 as shown in FIG. Here, the device selection list 50 is created by a device search described later. This device selection list 5
0, each device has MAC Address and IP Addres
One or both of s are associated. On such a list 50, for example, any device is specified as a target device by using a pointer 52 operated by a pointing device or the like.

The processing contents of the setting processing section 16 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 8, in S101, the setting parameter data set 20 is read. For example, such a setting parameter data set 20 is read via an FD or a communication line. In S102, it is determined whether or not to use the past search data, and if so, it is determined in S103 whether or not the past search data exists. Here, the external storage device 32
If the past search data is stored on a medium such as the FD or another FD, such data is read in S104, and the device list 30 is created in S105. In many cases, the device list is not completed at this stage, and only information known at that stage is reflected in the device list.

In S107 through S106, the individual subsets on the setting parameter data set 20 are referred to one by one, that is, each subset is referred to in order from the first column, and any address is included in the subset. It is determined whether it is specified. Where MA
If any one of C Address and IP Address is specified, it is determined in S108 whether the same address exists on the device list 30. And
If such an address does not exist, in S109, a device corresponding to the address is searched on the network. If the device exists, a record, that is, a data set corresponding to the device is included in the device list 30. Will be added. Then, the above steps S107 to S110 are executed for each subset in the setting parameter data set 20, and when the processing for all subsets is completed, it is determined in S106, and the processing shifts to S111 shown in FIG. .

In S111, it is determined whether or not all the parameters to be set, that is, all the setting devices are determined in the setting parameter data set 20. If there is a subset whose setting device is unknown, first in S11,
In step 2, it is determined whether or not the set device can be specified by using the past search data.
At 113, a search for a configurable device is performed first.

FIG. 11 shows a specific flowchart of the process in step S113. First, in S201, it is determined as a processing end condition whether or not confirmation has been completed for all devices, and if not, SysObjec is sent from each device in S202.
tID is obtained. Then, in S203, it is determined whether or not the SysObjectID is supported by referring to the type determination table 26. Only when the SysObjectID is supported, in S204, the device is used for device selection. It is added to the list 50. And this is performed for all devices on the network or all devices that meet certain conditions,
When it is finally determined in S201 that the confirmation has been completed for all devices, the routine shown in FIG. 11 ends.

Returning to FIG. 9, in S114, the device selection list 50 created in S113 is displayed on the display unit 22. Then, in S115, a setting device for which parameter setting is to be performed by the user is selected.

In S 116, it is determined whether or not the MIB type has been determined for all the set devices on the device list 30. If it is determined that the type of the MIB is not known for any of the devices, the process proceeds to S11 for a device whose type is undetermined.
In 7, the SysObjectID is referred to, and in S118, the type of the MIB is determined using the type determination table 26 according to the referenced information. Then, such a process is repeatedly executed for all devices whose MIB type is unknown.

In the processing shown in FIG. 11, SysObj
It is also possible to specify the type of MIB at the same time as referring to ectID. According to such processing, the steps from S116 to S118 can be omitted in some cases.

Next, in FIG. 10, in S119, it is determined whether or not the parameter setting for all the devices has been completed. If not, in S120, the setting of all the parameters for the specific device is performed in S120. It is determined whether or not the setting has been completed. If the setting has not been completed, the setting of the n-th parameter for the m-th device is performed in S121 based on the type-specific ID determination table group 28 in the MIB in S121. Is specified. Then, in S122, the parameter is set for the m-th device using the object ID specified in this manner. Steps S120 to S122 described above are performed for each parameter for a specific device, and when processing for all parameters is completed, similar parameter setting processing is performed for the next specific device. The process moves from S119 to S123.

In S123, in order to reuse the information searched so far in the next parameter setting, each data searched as described above is stored in the external storage device 32 or the like.

The processing methods shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are merely examples, and various modifications are possible as long as the type of MIB of the target device can be specified. For example, in the example shown in FIG.
, A plurality of parameter settings have been made for each of them, but various applications such as a plurality of parameter settings for a printer and a scanner are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, MI
Although SysObjectID is referred to as information for specifying the type of B, the type of MIB may be specified as a result by using other information, for example.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an advantage that parameter setting can be easily performed for devices on the network, and in particular, parameters can be collectively set for a plurality of devices. Also,
According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine the type of MIB of each device existing on the network and use the result of the determination.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a setting parameter data set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a device list.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a type determination table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of a type-specific ID determination table group.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a device selection list.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a setting processing unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a setting processing unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a setting processing unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for creating a device selection list.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an MIB.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 network, 10 PC, 12 and 14 printer (device), 16 setting processing unit, 20 setting parameter data set, 22 display unit, 24 input unit, 26 type judgment table, 28 type ID judgment table group, 30 device list, 32 External storage device.

Claims (7)

[Claims] In a system in which at least one device is connected to a network and the device has a hierarchical management information base, by accessing the device and referring to predetermined information in the management information base, A parameter setting system comprising: recognition means for recognizing a type of a management information base; and setting means for performing parameter setting on the device by a setting method according to the type of the management information base. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a type determination table in which the predetermined information is associated with a type of the management information base, wherein the recognizing unit manages the type by referring to the type determination table. A parameter setting system for determining a type of an information base. 3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a setting method determination table for determining a setting method according to a type of the management information base and a type of parameter, wherein the setting unit includes the setting method determination table. A parameter setting system that determines a setting method with reference to the above. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the setting method determination table describes an object ID for each type of parameter for each type of the management information base, and specifies a parameter setting destination by specifying the object ID. A parameter setting system characterized in that: 5. In a system in which a plurality of devices are connected on a network and each device has a hierarchical management information base, input means for inputting a parameter set to be set for the plurality of devices; A recognition unit that recognizes the type of the management information base for each device by accessing the device and refers to predetermined information in the management information base of each device; and the management information of each device for the plurality of devices. A parameter setting system, comprising: setting means for setting parameters collectively by a setting method according to a type of a base. 6. The system according to claim 5, further comprising: display processing means for displaying a list of devices for which parameters can be set, and selection means for allowing a user to select a parameter setting target on the list display. Parameter setting system. 7. A system for performing parameter setting for a device having a hierarchical management information base, comprising: means for accessing the device and referring to predetermined information in the management information base; Means for performing parameter setting on the device by the setting method.