JP2005128890A - Image forming device information management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device information management system capable of managing the correspondence of image forming devices to computers to be managed, to which the image forming devices are locally connected. <P>SOLUTION: PCs 2-4 to be managed obtain printer information from printers 11-16. A management PC 1 obtains PC information and the printer information from the PCs 2-4. The printer management server 21 of the management PC 1 creates correspondence information showing the correspondence of the PCs 2-4 to the printers 11-16 according to the PC information and the printer information obtained, and stores this correspondence information in a file within an HDD 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus information management system.

  Conventionally, by operating a program called a status monitor on a computer, an image forming apparatus locally connected to the computer (= a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device having a printer function as one function, etc.) ) (For example, online / offline, busy, error, etc.) is monitored and managed. Also, by running a program called a maintenance tool on the computer, maintenance information (for example, the remaining amount of toner or ink, the remaining amount of recording paper, the drum replacement time, etc.) of the image forming apparatus locally connected to the computer is displayed. It is also managed.

  These status monitors and maintenance tools all operate locally, but in an environment where multiple computers are connected via a network, the status of the locally connected image forming apparatus as described above In addition, there is a demand for managing the maintenance information collectively from a specific computer (for example, an administrator terminal used by the administrator) on the network.

  In response to such a request, in Patent Document 1 described below, in a computer to which an image forming apparatus is locally connected, various types of information are acquired from the locally connected image forming apparatus, and the acquired information is connected via a network. Techniques provided for other computers (hereinafter referred to as management computers) are disclosed.

More specifically, this Patent Document 1 monitors the state of an image forming apparatus, and when there is a change in the state, the changed state is immediately acquired from the image forming apparatus, and the acquired information is sent to the management computer. Trap processing (for example, refer to paragraphs [0075] to [0077] in Patent Document 1 below) provided when the management computer makes an information provision request, the image forming apparatus immediately indicates the state of the image forming apparatus at that time. And a request response process (see, for example, paragraphs [0078] to [0081] in Patent Document 1 below) that provides the management computer with the acquired information.
JP 2000-293324 A

However, the image forming apparatus information management system described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
Since the image forming apparatus information management system is a system that manages an image forming apparatus locally connected to a computer on a network as an image forming apparatus connected to the network, the image forming apparatus to be managed is Information that can be provided to the user was not managed as to which computer on the network was locally connected.

  For this reason, the conventional image forming apparatus information management system cannot display / print / file output information indicating the correspondence relationship between the computer and the image forming apparatus. Thus, the user cannot see the correspondence between the computer and the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, information indicating the correspondence between the computer and the image forming apparatus cannot be transmitted to another computer in a web page or other format, and such a transmission request is received from another computer. I couldn't do that either.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus information management system has a mechanism in which the latest information at that time is immediately acquired from the image forming apparatus in the trap process or the request response process, and the latest information is immediately transmitted to the management computer. There is also a drawback in that the management computer cannot acquire information regarding the image forming apparatus unless the image forming apparatus, the computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected, and the management computer are all operating at the same time.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus information management system capable of managing the correspondence between the image forming apparatus and a managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected. Is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected, and an image forming apparatus that allows the management computer to acquire information related to the image forming apparatus even if all of the management computers are not operating at the same time. It is to provide a device information management system.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described in detail.
An image forming apparatus information management system according to the present invention includes:
A plurality of computers are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of computers is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and the managed computer includes at least one image forming apparatus. Is a locally connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The management computer includes
Computer information acquisition means for acquiring computer information, which is information about the managed computer, from the managed computer;
Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means for acquiring the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means from the managed computer;
Based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means, the correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus is determined. And an information storage means for creating the correspondence relation information shown and storing the correspondence relation information in the storage means.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed computer, the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus. In the management computer, the computer information acquisition unit acquires the computer information from the managed computer, and the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit. Obtain from the management computer. Then, the information storage means has a correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means. Is created, and the correspondence information is stored in the storage means.

Therefore, the correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be managed on the management computer side.
Here, as long as the correspondence information is information indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus, the specific contents thereof are arbitrary. For example, the computer information includes the management computer's information. When the computer name or network address is included, and the image forming apparatus information includes the computer name or network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected, the management computer The relationship information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the computer information or network address that is the same as the computer name or the network address included in the computer information. Means acquired And the image forming apparatus information may is information indicating that a corresponding.

  In this case, the computer name or the network address included in both the computer information and the image forming apparatus information is used as a key for associating the computer information with the image forming apparatus information, and the computer information and the image forming apparatus information are linked. Information indicating that the managed computer and the image forming apparatus have a correspondence relationship can be created and stored.

  In this image forming apparatus information management system, when at least one image forming apparatus is locally connected to the management computer, the management computer itself is treated as one of the managed computers, and is local to the management computer and the management computer. The connected image forming apparatus may be managed by a management computer. For example, in a computer that employs Windows (registered trademark) as an OS (Operating System), a communication interface that can be accessed equally regardless of whether the computer is connected to a network, whether it is the own machine or another machine. ing. Therefore, if such a communication interface is used, a computer existing on the network can be handled as a management target (managed computer) by a management computer without being conscious of whether it is its own machine or another machine. The management computer can access not only other machines but also its own machine as a managed computer.

  Next, another configuration that can be adopted in the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention will be described. It is desirable that the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention further comprises the following configuration.

First, the management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; It is good also as a structure provided.

According to this image forming apparatus information management system, the display information creating means creates display information including contents indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus.
Therefore, the user who uses the management computer can display and confirm the correspondence.

In this case, the management computer includes
A display information output unit that outputs the display information created by the display information creation unit as a displayable file may be provided.

According to the image forming apparatus information management system, the display information output unit outputs the display information as a displayable file.
Therefore, for example, by displaying or printing this file on the management computer side, the user using the management computer can see the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. Also, by sending this file to another computer other than the management computer, this file can be displayed or printed on another computer, so that a user who uses the other computer can manage the target managed by the management computer. The correspondence between the management computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

Next, at least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
An information display means for displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device provided in the information display computer may be provided. .

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the information display computer, when the transmission request unit requests the management computer to transmit the display information, the display information transmission unit in the management computer displays the display information. The display information output as a file by the output means is transmitted to the information display computer. Then, in the information display computer, the information display means displays and outputs the display information transmitted from the management computer on a display device provided in the information display computer.

  Therefore, when the user who uses the information display computer wants to see the correspondence between the managed computer managed by the management computer and the image forming apparatus, a request is issued from the information display computer side to manage the managed computer. The correspondence relationship between the computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

  In this image forming apparatus information management system, the information display computer may be any computer as long as it is on the same network as the management computer and the managed computer. More specifically, the information display computer may be a computer corresponding to the managed computer or a computer not corresponding to the managed computer. That is, since the function as the managed computer and the function as the information display computer can be individually implemented in the computer, a managed computer and information display computer in which both functions are implemented may be configured. A managed computer or an information display computer in which either one is mounted alone may be configured.

  The information display computer may be a computer corresponding to a management computer. As described above, for example, in a computer that employs Windows (registered trademark) as an OS, a communication interface that can be accessed equally regardless of whether the computer is connected to a network, regardless of whether it is the own device or another device. ing. Therefore, if such a communication interface is used, a computer on the network can be handled as an access target (management computer) by an information display computer without being conscious of whether it is its own machine or another machine. Even if the information display computer is the management computer itself, it is possible to access the own device in the same way as when the other device is the management computer.

  Next, the information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and transmits the display information to the management computer using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request may be displayed on a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, it is possible to request the management computer to transmit display information using a web browser, and display information transmitted from the management computer is transmitted to the information display computer. Can be displayed on a display device.

  Therefore, any computer equipped with a general-purpose web browser can be used as an information display computer in the present invention, and the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be achieved without preparing dedicated display information browsing software. You can see the relationship.

Next, the management computer
As the display information creation means,
First display information creating means for creating first display information for displaying computer information related to the managed computer as a target for all the managed computers existing on the network;
For displaying one or more of the managed computers selected on the information display computer side, the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus is displayed. 2 display information creating means for creating 2 display information,
As the display information output means,
First display information output means for outputting the first display information created by the first display information creation means as a displayable file;
Second display information output means for outputting the second display information created by the second display information creation means as a displayable file;
As the display information transmitting means,
First display information transmission means for transmitting the first display information output as a file by the first display information output means to the information display computer;
Second display information transmission means for transmitting the second display information output as a file by the second display information output means to the information display computer;
The information display computer includes:
As the transmission request means,
First transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the first display information;
Second transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the second display information;
As the information display means,
First information display means for displaying and outputting the first display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the first transmission request means, on a display device included in the information display computer;
Second information display means for displaying and outputting the second display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the second transmission request means on a display device provided in the information display computer;
Further, when the first information display means displays and outputs the first display information on the display device, the user selects one or more of the managed computers displayed in the first display information. A managed computer selection means for causing
The second transmission request means targets the one or more managed computers selected by the managed computer selection means, and indicates the correspondence relationship between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus. It may be configured to request the management computer to transmit the second display information for displaying the related information.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the first display information creating means displays the computer information related to the managed computer for all the managed computers existing on the network. First display information is created, and the first display information output means outputs the created first display information to a file. In the information display computer, when the first transmission requesting unit requests the management computer to transmit the first display information, in the management computer, the first display information transmitting unit sends the first display information to the information display computer. 1 Display information is transmitted. In the information display computer, the first information display means displays and outputs the first display information transmitted from the management computer on a display device included in the information display computer, and the managed computer selection means includes the first information display means. The user is allowed to select one or more managed computers displayed in the display information. Then, the second transmission request means targets the one or more managed computers selected by the managed computer selection means, and sets correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The management computer is requested to transmit the second display information for display. In the management computer, the second display information creation means sets one or more managed computers selected on the information display computer side as targets, and creates a correspondence relationship between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus. Second display information for displaying the corresponding correspondence information to be displayed is created, the second display information output means outputs the generated second display information to the file, and the second display information transmission means uses the information display Second display information is transmitted to the computer. In the managed computer, the second information display means displays and outputs the second display information transmitted from the management computer on a display device provided in the information display computer. As a result, in the second display information, correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus is displayed only for the managed computer selected by the user.

  Therefore, when the user looks at the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus, information about all the managed computers existing on the network is not displayed, and the managed target that the user wants to see is not displayed. Since only information about the computer can be selectively displayed, information provision unnecessary for the user is not mixed, and the provided information becomes easy to see for the user.

Next, the first display information output by the first display information output means may include link information for establishing a link to the second display information file.
The link information is information indicating the storage location of the second display information file on the network. If described with a typical example, the first display information is known HTML (HyperText Markup Language). In the case of a file described in (HTML file), a description called “hyperlink” described in this file corresponds to the link information. A hyperlink is described in HTML by a character string called URL (Uniform Resource Locators) in HTML and sandwiched between predetermined control character strings called tags indicating that the URL is described. Has been. If such an HTML file is displayed by software capable of displaying an HTML file (for example, a web browser), as is well known, a user can operate a hyperlink using a pointing device or the like (for example, move the mouse to move the mouse cursor). In this case, an instruction to display the second display information can be given to the information display computer.

  Therefore, if such a configuration is provided, the computer displaying the first display information can easily perform the operation for displaying the second display information using the link information. It is possible to easily shift from the state in which the information for one display is displayed to the state in which the information for second display is displayed. In the above description, hyperlinks in HTML are given as specific examples of link information. However, if the same operability as when hyperlinks are used can be realized, the first display information is not necessarily described in HTML. It doesn't have to be.

  Next, the information storage means includes the correspondence information including the correspondence between the installation location information of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as content indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. May be stored.

  The installation location information is information that allows the user to know the installation location of the managed computer when viewed. Specifically, the floor number of the building, the room name, or the department name, etc. Applicable to information.

With such a configuration, the management computer can manage the correspondence between the installation location of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus.
Next, the information storage unit includes the correspondence information including correspondence information between user information of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as content indicating the correspondence relation between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. May be stored.

  The managed computer user information is information that can identify the managed computer user (administrator) when viewed by the user. Specifically, for example, the managed computer user (managed) The person's name, contact information (for example, extension number, e-mail address, etc.) or employee number corresponds to the user information of the managed computer here.

With such a configuration, it is possible to manage the correspondence between the user of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus on the management computer side.
Next, the information storage means includes a port name of the managed computer and the image used for local connection with the image forming apparatus as contents indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The correspondence relationship information including the correspondence relationship with the forming apparatus may be stored.

  With such a configuration, the management computer can manage the correspondence between the port name used by the managed computer for local connection with the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

  Next, the information storage means includes the correspondence relationship including a correspondence relationship between a name given to the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as content indicating a correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. It may be configured to store information.

With such a configuration, the management computer can manage the correspondence between the name assigned to the managed computer and the image forming apparatus.
Next, the management computer includes
List storage means for storing a list of the managed computers is provided;
The computer information acquisition means refers to the list stored in the list storage means, confirms the presence of the managed computer,
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit may be configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the target computer using the managed computer whose existence has been confirmed by the computer information acquisition unit as a target computer.

  In this image forming apparatus information management system, the list of managed computers stored in the list storage means includes the managed computers that are actually present on the network, the network is turned off, and the like. The above includes managed computers that do not actually exist. Therefore, in the management computer, the computer information acquisition means refers to the list stored in the list storage means and confirms the existence of the managed computer. Then, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the target computer by using the managed computer whose existence is confirmed by the computer information acquisition unit as the target computer.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit does not access the managed computer that does not exist, for example, acquires image forming apparatus information from the managed computer that does not exist. Since no attempt is made to enter a waiting state, image forming apparatus information can be quickly acquired only for managed computers whose existence has been confirmed.

Next, the management computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule transmission means for simultaneously transmitting setting information for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus to a plurality of computers corresponding to the managed computer. Is provided,
The managed computer includes
In accordance with the setting information transmitted from the primary acquisition schedule transmission means, primary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit may acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus in accordance with a schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the primary acquisition schedule transmission means transmits the setting information to a plurality of computers corresponding to the managed computers all at once, and the primary acquisition schedule in the managed computers. The setting unit sets a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to the setting information transmitted from the primary acquisition schedule transmitting unit. When this setting is made, the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to the schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.

  Therefore, the setting information can be transmitted simultaneously from the management computer side to complete the setting of the schedules in the plurality of managed computers without performing the schedule setting work individually in each managed computer.

Next, the management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to the schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit and fails to acquire the image forming apparatus information. In this case, the image forming apparatus information may be reacquired at least once in addition to the schedule.

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the secondary acquisition schedule setting means sets a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer. When this setting is made, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to the schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit. At this time, the image forming apparatus information If the acquisition of the image forming apparatus fails, an attempt is made to reacquire image forming apparatus information at least once separately from the set schedule.

  Therefore, when the image forming apparatus information is to be acquired from the managed computer according to the schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting means, for example, the managed computer is turned off due to circumstances such as the power of the managed computer being turned off. Even when the computer cannot be accessed, if the image forming apparatus information is re-acquired thereafter, the image forming apparatus information may be acquired from the managed computer, so that the image forming apparatus information can be acquired accordingly. The possibility can be increased.

  Note that the timing and number of attempts to reacquire image forming apparatus information may be optimized as appropriate according to the characteristics of the system. For example, if the state in which access to the managed computer can be accessed / changes after a short period of time, the timing for re-acquiring image forming apparatus information will be a short period of time since the first acquisition. However, if the system does not change until a long time elapses, the timing for re-acquisition of image forming device information should be the time when a long time has elapsed since the first acquisition. The exact timing depends on the system. Also, for example, if the system in which access to the managed computer is accessible / inaccessible frequently, the number of attempts to reacquire image forming apparatus information is better, but after a certain amount of time has passed. In a system in which access to the managed computer is considered to continue, the number of attempts to reacquire image forming apparatus information is sufficient even once, and the optimum number varies depending on the system. In any case, however, it is possible to increase the possibility that the image forming apparatus information can be acquired by trying to acquire the image forming apparatus information again.

Next, the managed computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule setting means is provided for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to a second schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The primary acquisition schedule setting unit and the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit may be configured to be able to set schedules at different timings as the first and second schedules.

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed computer, the primary acquisition schedule setting means sets a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means. Acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting means. In the management computer, the secondary acquisition schedule setting means sets a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer, and the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means is determined by the secondary acquisition schedule setting means. Image forming apparatus information is acquired from the managed computer according to the set second schedule. In such a system, the primary acquisition schedule setting means and the secondary acquisition schedule setting means can set schedules at different timings as the first and second schedules.

  When only the schedules having the same timing can be set as the first and second schedules, the management computer obtains the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer before the managed computer finishes obtaining the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus. Since acquisition is to be performed, there is a high possibility that the image forming apparatus information that the management computer can acquire from the managed computer is not the latest information after the managed computer has acquired the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the case of the image forming apparatus information management system, since different schedules can be set as the first and second schedules, the managed computer has finished acquiring the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus. Later, the first and second schedules can be set so that the management computer tries to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer. The image forming apparatus information that the management computer can acquire from the managed computer It can be the latest information after the managed computer finishes obtaining the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus.

Next, the managed computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule setting means is provided for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to a second schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The primary acquisition schedule setting means and the secondary acquisition schedule setting means may be configured to set a second schedule that is delayed by a predetermined period from the setting of the first schedule.
According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed computer, the primary acquisition schedule setting means sets a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means. Acquires image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting means. In the management computer, the secondary acquisition schedule setting means sets a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer, and the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means is determined by the secondary acquisition schedule setting means. Image forming apparatus information is acquired from the managed computer according to the set second schedule. In such a system, the primary acquisition schedule setting unit and the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit set a second schedule that is delayed by a predetermined period from the setting of the first schedule.

  Therefore, the first and second schedules are set so that the managed computer attempts to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer after the managed computer has acquired the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus. Thus, the image forming apparatus information that the management computer can acquire from the managed computer can be the latest information after the managed computer has acquired the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus.

Next, the display information output means may be configured to output the display information in a plurality of data formats.
Here, a plurality of data formats are arbitrary, but representative examples include text format, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, CSV (Comma Separated Values) format, etc. it can. Files recorded in these data formats can be viewed using a number of application software, but depending on the application software provided on the information display computer (or application software that the user wants to use) There are many cases that only support this data format. In this case, if the display information output means can output the display information as a file only in one data format, the application software available on the information display computer side is limited to some extent. If the means can output display information in a plurality of data formats, more application software can be used on the information display computer side.

  Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom when selecting application software to be used, such as making it possible for the user to use application software that is easy to use.

Next, the management computer includes
A data format designating means is provided for allowing a user to designate a data format for outputting the display information,
The display information output unit may output the display information in a data format designated by a user using the data format designating unit.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the data format designating unit causes the user to designate the data format for outputting the display information as a file. The display information output means outputs the display information in the data format designated by the user using the data format designation means.

Therefore, the information display computer can receive the display information in the data format designated by the user using the data format designating means.
Next, the display information output means outputs the display information in a data format designated at that time when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means acquires the image forming apparatus information. It is good also as a structure.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means acquires the image forming apparatus information, the display information output means has a data format designated at that time. Then, display information is output.

  Therefore, when display information is required, for example, when an information transmission request is received from an information display computer, the display information is displayed more quickly than when the display information is output when it is required. Information can be provided.

  When the display information output means includes the first display information output means and the second display information output means described above, the second display information output means particularly has a plurality of data formats. It is preferable that the display information can be output.

  A plurality of data formats are arbitrary as described above, but typical examples include a text format, an HTML format, a CSV format, and the like. In displaying the second display information, for example, It is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting application software to be used, such as making it possible for users to use application software that is easy to use.

The management computer includes
A data format designating means is provided for allowing a user to designate a data format for outputting the second display information;
The second display information output means may output the second display information in a data format designated by a user using the data format designation means.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the data format designating unit causes the user to designate the data format for outputting the second display information as a file. The second display information output means outputs the second display information in the data format designated by the user using the data format designation means.

Therefore, the information display computer can receive the second display information in the data format designated by the user using the data format designating means.
Further, the second display information output means has the second display information in a data format designated at that time when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means acquires the image forming apparatus information. May be configured to output.

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the second display information output unit is designated at the time when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information. The second display information is output in the data format.

  Therefore, for example, when the second display information is required, such as when there is an information transmission request from the information display computer, than when the second display information is output when it is required, The second display information can be provided quickly.

  Further, the first display information output means has link information for establishing a link to the second display information file each time the data format for outputting the second display information is changed. The included first display information may be output as a file, and at that time, the link information may be changed to link information corresponding to the changed data format.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the first display information output unit writes the first display information to the file every time the data format for outputting the second display information is changed. Output as. At the time of this output, the link information for establishing a link to the second display information file included in the first display information is changed to link information corresponding to the changed data format.

  More specifically, in many OSs employed in this type of computer, the file name includes an extension indicating the data format of the file, so that the second display is made when the data format is changed. Although the file name indicating the information information file is also changed, the first display information output means provides link information for establishing a link to the second display information file included in the first display information. Change to link information corresponding to the changed data format.

  Therefore, even if the data format for outputting the second display information is changed and the file name is changed accordingly, the link information in the first display information is also changed accordingly. Trouble does not occur.

Next, the managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the image forming apparatus information is requested from the other computer via the network Determining means for determining
An image forming apparatus information transmitting unit that transmits the image forming apparatus information to the management computer when the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, when the managed computer is requested to transmit image forming apparatus information from another computer via the network, the determination means stores the identification stored in the identification information storage means. Based on the information, it is determined whether the other computer is a management computer. Then, when the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the image forming apparatus information transmission unit transmits the image forming apparatus information to the management computer.

  Therefore, only a specific computer can be identified as a management computer. For example, even when a computer other than the management computer requests transmission of image forming apparatus information, such other computer In contrast, the image forming apparatus information is not transmitted.

Next, the managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the setting of the schedule for acquiring the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus is requested from another computer via the network, the other Determining means for determining whether the computer is the management computer;
When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the setting information for setting the schedule is received from the management computer, and the schedule is set according to the received setting information. Schedule setting means.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, when the computer to be managed is requested to set a schedule for acquiring image forming apparatus information from another computer via a network, the determination means is the identification information storage means. Whether or not another computer is a management computer is determined based on the identification information stored in. When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the primary acquisition schedule setting unit receives setting information for setting the schedule from the management computer, and sets the schedule according to the received setting information. To do.

  Therefore, only a specific computer can be identified as a management computer. For example, even if a computer other than the management computer requests a schedule setting, a request from such another computer can be obtained. Will not change the schedule.

Next, the management computer includes
Port number transmitting means is provided for transmitting, simultaneously to the managed computers, setting information for setting port numbers used by the managed computers for communication with the managed computers;
The managed computer includes
A port number setting unit that sets a port number used for communication with the management computer according to the setting information transmitted from the port number transmission unit may be provided.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the port number transmission means sends the setting information for setting the port number used by the managed computer for communication with the management computer to the managed computer. Send all at once. Then, in the managed computer, the port number setting means sets the port number used for communication with the management computer according to the setting information transmitted from the port number transmitting means. Thereafter, communication between the management computer and the managed computer is performed using the communication port indicated by the port number set here.

  Therefore, the setting information can be transmitted simultaneously from the management computer side to complete the setting of the port numbers in the plurality of managed computers without individually setting the port number in each managed computer. .

Next, the managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
When the setting of the port number used for communication with the management computer is requested from another computer via the network, the other computer is based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. Determination means for determining whether or not the management computer is provided,
The port number setting unit receives setting information for setting the port number from the management computer when the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, and receives the received setting information. The port number may be set according to

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, when a managed computer is requested to set a port number from another computer via a network, the determination unit stores the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit. Based on the above, it is determined whether the other computer is a management computer. When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the port number setting unit receives setting information for setting the port number from the management computer, and sets the port number according to the received setting information. Set.

  Therefore, only a specific computer can be identified as a management computer. For example, even if a computer other than the management computer requests the setting of a port number, The port number is not changed by request.

Next, the managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the computer information is requested from the other computer via the network. Determination means for determining;
Computer information transmission means may be provided for transmitting the computer information to the management computer when the determination means determines that the other computer is the management computer.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, when the computer to be managed is requested to transmit computer information from another computer via a network, the determination means uses the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. Based on this, it is determined whether the other computer is a management computer. When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the computer information transmission unit transmits the computer information to the management computer.

  Therefore, only a specific computer can be identified as a management computer. For example, even when a computer other than the management computer is requested to transmit computer information, Computer information is never sent.

Next, the management computer includes
A display device provided in the management computer with display information including content indicating a correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence information stored in the storage unit by the information storage unit It is good also as a structure by which the information display output means to display-output is provided.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the information display output means determines the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence information stored in the storage means by the information storage means. Display information including the contents to be displayed is output to a display device included in the management computer.

  Therefore, with such a configuration, the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be displayed on the screen of the display device provided in the management computer without using the output file by the display information output means described above. It is also possible to display display information including contents indicating the relationship.

In this case also, the management computer
As the information display output means,
First information display output means for displaying all the managed computers existing on the network and displaying computer information related to the managed computer;
Managed computer selection means for causing a user to select one or more of the managed computers displayed in the computer information when the first information display means displays the computer information;
Second information for displaying the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus for one or more of the managed computers selected by the managed computer selection unit It is good also as a structure provided with display output means.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the management computer, the first information display output means displays the computer information about the managed computer for all the managed computers existing on the network, and is managed. The computer selection means causes the user to select one or more of the displayed managed computers. Then, the second information display output means displays the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus for one or more selected managed computers. As a result, the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus is displayed only for the managed computer selected by the user.

  Therefore, when the user looks at the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus, information about all the managed computers existing on the network is not displayed, and the managed target that the user wants to see is not displayed. Since only information about the computer can be selectively displayed, information provision unnecessary for the user is not mixed, and the provided information becomes easy to see for the user.

The image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention has been described above. However, the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention can be understood as a technical idea characterized by the following configuration.
That is, the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention is
A plurality of computers are connected via a network. Among the plurality of computers, at least one is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are locally installed on the managed computer. A connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The management computer includes
Response request means for requesting a response to a node in the network;
The managed computer is detected based on a response returned in response to a request from the response request means, and computer information that is information related to the managed computer included in the response is acquired from the managed computer. Computer information acquisition means;
Requests the managed computer to transmit the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means, and acquires the image forming apparatus information transmitted in response to the request from the managed computer. Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means to perform,
Information storage means for creating information on the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means and storing the information in a storage area is provided. It is characterized by.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed computer, the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus. In the management computer, the response request unit requests a response from the node in the network, and the computer information acquisition unit detects the managed computer based on the response returned in response to the request from the response request unit. At the same time, computer information, which is information about the managed computer included in the response, is acquired from the managed computer. Then, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means requests the managed computer to transmit the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means, and the image formation transmitted in response to the request The apparatus information is acquired from the managed computer, and the information storage unit creates information about the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit, and stores the information. To store.

  Therefore, information on a plurality of image forming apparatuses locally connected to the managed computer can be managed on the management computer side. In particular, the management computer can dynamically detect the managed computer existing in the network, and can manage information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses locally connected to the detected managed computer.

This image forming apparatus information management system also preferably has the following configuration.
First, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit obtains a network address of the managed computer from the response returned in response to a request from the response request unit, and transmits the image forming apparatus information to the address. The image forming apparatus information may be acquired by receiving the image forming apparatus information and receiving the image forming apparatus information transmitted in response to the request.

With such a configuration, an address at which image forming apparatus information should be requested can be obtained from the managed computer and the request can be issued, so that it does not take time to obtain an address separately by other means.
Further, the information storage means is configured to control the managed computer and the computer based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means. It is preferable to create correspondence relationship information indicating the correspondence relationship with the image forming apparatus and store the correspondence relationship information in the storage area.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, the information storage means is managed based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means. Correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the computer and the image forming apparatus is created, and the correspondence information is stored in the storage unit.

Therefore, the correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be managed on the management computer side.
Here, as long as the correspondence information is information indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus, the specific contents thereof are arbitrary. For example, the computer information includes the management computer's information. When the computer name or network address is included, and the image forming apparatus information includes the computer name or network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected, the management computer The relationship information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the computer information or network address that is the same as the computer name or the network address included in the computer information. Means acquired And the image forming apparatus information may is information indicating that a corresponding.

  In this case, the computer name or the network address included in both the computer information and the image forming apparatus information is used as a key for associating the computer information with the image forming apparatus information, and the computer information and the image forming apparatus information are linked. Information indicating that the managed computer and the image forming apparatus have a correspondence relationship can be created and stored.

The management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; It is good also as a structure provided.

According to this image forming apparatus information management system, the display information creating means creates display information including contents indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus.
Therefore, the user who uses the management computer can display and confirm the correspondence.

In this case, the management computer includes
A display information output unit that outputs the display information created by the display information creation unit as a displayable file may be provided.

According to the image forming apparatus information management system, the display information output unit outputs the display information as a displayable file.
Therefore, for example, by displaying or printing this file on the management computer side, the user using the management computer can see the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. Also, by sending this file to another computer other than the management computer, this file can be displayed or printed on another computer, so that a user who uses the other computer can manage the target managed by the management computer. The correspondence between the management computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

Further, at least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
An information display means for displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device provided in the information display computer may be provided. .

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the information display computer, when the transmission request unit requests the management computer to transmit the display information, the display information transmission unit in the management computer displays the display information. The display information output as a file by the output means is transmitted to the information display computer. Then, in the information display computer, the information display means displays and outputs the display information transmitted from the management computer on a display device provided in the information display computer.

  Therefore, when the user who uses the information display computer wants to see the correspondence between the managed computer managed by the management computer and the image forming apparatus, a request is issued from the information display computer side to manage the managed computer. The correspondence relationship between the computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

  Further, the information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and transmits the display information to the management computer using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request may be displayed and output on a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, it is possible to request the management computer to transmit display information using a web browser, and display information transmitted from the management computer is transmitted to the information display computer. Can be displayed on a display device.

  Therefore, any computer equipped with a general-purpose web browser can be used as an information display computer in the present invention, and the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be achieved without preparing dedicated display information browsing software. You can see the relationship.

In addition, the managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the computer information is requested from the other computer via the network. Determination means for determining;
Computer information transmission means may be provided for transmitting the computer information to the management computer when the determination means determines that the other computer is the management computer.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, when the computer to be managed is requested to transmit computer information from another computer via a network, the determination means uses the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. Based on this, it is determined whether the other computer is a management computer. When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the computer information transmission unit transmits the computer information to the management computer.

  Therefore, only a specific computer can be identified as a management computer. For example, even when a computer other than the management computer is requested to transmit computer information, Computer information is never sent.

  In addition to the above configuration, it is possible to adopt a configuration equivalent to the invention described in claims 7 to 31 described above, and in that case, in the case described above, claims 7 to claim described above. The effect | action and effect equivalent to the invention of claim | item 31 are show | played.

In addition to the above, the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention can also be understood as a technical idea characterized by the following configuration.
That is, the image forming apparatus information management system of the present invention is
A plurality of computers are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of computers is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and the managed computer includes one or more image forming apparatuses. Is a locally connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule and storing the acquired image forming apparatus information in a nonvolatile storage means. When,
An image forming apparatus information transmitting unit that receives the image forming apparatus information transmission request from the management computer and reads the image forming apparatus information from the nonvolatile storage unit and transmits the information to the management computer;
The management computer includes
According to a second schedule, the managed computer is requested to transmit the image forming apparatus information, and the image forming apparatus information transmitted from the managed computer in response to the request is transmitted from the managed computer. Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means to acquire;
Information storage means for creating information on the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means and storing the information in a storage area is provided. It is characterized by.

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed computer, the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to the first schedule, and the acquired image forming apparatus information is obtained. It memorize | stores in a non-volatile memory | storage means. In the management computer, the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit requests the managed computer to transmit the image forming apparatus information according to the second schedule. In the managed computer, the image forming apparatus information transmitting unit reads the image forming apparatus information from the non-volatile storage unit and transmits it to the managing computer. The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information transmitted from the managed computer in response to the request from the managed computer. The information storage means creates information relating to the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means, and stores the information in the storage means.

  Therefore, information on the image forming apparatus locally connected to the managed computer can be managed on the management computer side. In particular, the management computer and the managed computer can acquire the image forming apparatus information at an independent timing, and the managed computer is turned off once by storing the acquired image forming apparatus information in the nonvolatile storage means. However, if the managed computer is turned on at the timing according to the second schedule, the management computer can acquire the image forming apparatus information.

This image forming apparatus information management system also preferably has the following configuration.
First, the management computer includes
Computer information acquisition means for acquiring computer information, which is information related to the managed computer, from the managed computer may be provided.

In this case, the management computer can acquire computer information from the managed computer.
In this case, the information storage means is connected to the managed computer based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means. It is preferable that correspondence relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship with the image forming apparatus is created, and the correspondence relationship information is stored in the storage area.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, the information storage means is managed based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means. Correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the computer and the image forming apparatus is created, and the correspondence information is stored in the storage unit.

Therefore, the correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be managed on the management computer side.
Here, as long as the correspondence information is information indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus, the specific contents thereof are arbitrary. For example, the computer information includes the management computer's information. When the computer name or network address is included, and the image forming apparatus information includes the computer name or network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected, the management computer The relationship information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the computer information or network address that is the same as the computer name or the network address included in the computer information. Means acquired And the image forming apparatus information may is information indicating that a corresponding.

  In this case, the computer name or the network address included in both the computer information and the image forming apparatus information is used as a key for associating the computer information with the image forming apparatus information, and the computer information and the image forming apparatus information are linked. Information indicating that the managed computer and the image forming apparatus have a correspondence relationship can be created and stored.

The management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; It is good also as a structure provided.

According to this image forming apparatus information management system, the display information creating means creates display information including contents indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus.
Therefore, the user who uses the management computer can display and confirm the correspondence.

In this case, the management computer includes
A display information output unit that outputs the display information created by the display information creation unit as a displayable file may be provided.

According to the image forming apparatus information management system, the display information output unit outputs the display information as a displayable file.
Therefore, for example, by displaying or printing this file on the management computer side, the user using the management computer can see the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. Also, by sending this file to another computer other than the management computer, this file can be displayed or printed on another computer, so that a user who uses the other computer can manage the target managed by the management computer. The correspondence between the management computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

Further, at least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
An information display means for displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device provided in the information display computer may be provided. .

  According to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the information display computer, when the transmission request unit requests the management computer to transmit the display information, the display information transmission unit in the management computer displays the display information. The display information output as a file by the output means is transmitted to the information display computer. Then, in the information display computer, the information display means displays and outputs the display information transmitted from the management computer on a display device provided in the information display computer.

  Therefore, when the user who uses the information display computer wants to see the correspondence between the managed computer managed by the management computer and the image forming apparatus, a request is issued from the information display computer side to manage the managed computer. The correspondence relationship between the computer and the image forming apparatus can be viewed.

  Further, the information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and transmits the display information to the management computer using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request may be displayed and output on a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser.

  According to this image forming apparatus information management system, it is possible to request the management computer to transmit display information using a web browser, and display information transmitted from the management computer is transmitted to the information display computer. Can be displayed on a display device.

  Therefore, any computer equipped with a general-purpose web browser can be used as an information display computer in the present invention, and the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus can be achieved without preparing dedicated display information browsing software. You can see the relationship.

  In addition to the above configuration, it is possible to adopt a configuration equivalent to the invention described in claims 7 to 31 described above, and in that case, in the case described above, claims 7 to claim described above. The effect | action and effect equivalent to the invention of claim | item 31 are show | played.

  As described above, according to the present invention, information on an image forming apparatus locally connected to a managed computer can be managed on the management computer side. In particular, the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus are locally connected. It is possible to manage the correspondence with the managed computer.

  Further, the management computer can manage information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses locally connected to the managed computer. In particular, the management computer can dynamically detect the managed computer existing in the network. It is possible to manage information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses locally connected to the detected managed computer.

  Furthermore, on the management computer side, it is possible to manage the information of the image forming apparatus locally connected to the managed computer, and in particular, the management computer and the managed computer can acquire the image forming apparatus information at an independent timing, By storing the acquired image forming apparatus information in the non-volatile storage means, even if the managed computer is turned off once, if the managed computer is turned on at the timing according to the second schedule, it is managed. The computer can acquire image forming apparatus information.

Next, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire image forming apparatus information management system exemplified as an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus information management system includes a plurality of personal computers 1 to 5 (hereinafter referred to as PCs 1 to 5) and a plurality of printers 11 to 16 (images referred to in the present invention) locally connected to any of the PCs 2 to 4. The PCs 1 to 5 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network).

  As is well known, the PCs 1 to 5 include a control unit mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input unit composed of a keyboard and a pointing device, an output unit such as a display, and a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk. An auxiliary storage unit or the like.

  These PCs 1 to 5 are equipped with Windows (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), etc. as an OS (Operating System), and are an input / output function such as keyboard input and screen output, and a main storage unit. Basic functions commonly used by applications, such as management of a memory and a hard disk as an auxiliary storage unit, are provided by the OS. Since various functions provided by these OSs are publicly known, detailed description thereof is omitted here. In the following description, the PCs 1 to 5 have various functions provided by Windows (registered trademark). The explanation will be continued on the assumption that it has.

  The printers 11 to 16 all correspond to a printer job language (PJL). PJL is a command language that enables control of various functions included in each of the printers 11 to 16, and is a well-known language that was developed by Hewlett-Packard and later adopted by other companies.

  Among these printers 11 to 16, the printers 11 and 12 are locally connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port of the PC 2, and the printer 13 is locally connected to a parallel port of the PC 2. The printer 14 is locally connected to the USB port of the PC 3, and the printers 15 and 16 are locally connected to the USB port of the PC 4.

  In the system as described above, the PC 1 is a PC that functions as a management computer according to the present invention. Information on the PCs 2 to 4 on the network (computer information according to the present invention; hereinafter referred to as PC information), and PC 2 A function of acquiring and managing information (image forming apparatus information referred to in the present invention; hereinafter referred to as printer information) of the printers 11 to 16 locally connected to each of the PCs 4 via a network is provided. PC2 to PC4 are PCs that function as managed computers in the present invention, and have a function of providing the PC information and printer information to the PC 1 via a network. Further, the PCs 2 and 5 are PCs that function as information display computers in the present invention, and have a function of displaying display information provided from the PC 1. In the following description, in order to clarify the role of each PC, PC1 is referred to as management PC1, PC2-4 as managed PC2-4, and PC5 as information display PC5. to continue. The PC 2 also has the same information display function as the PC 5, but in the following description, it will be simply referred to as the managed PC 2.

A printer management server 21 is installed in the management PC 1 as one of application programs.
The printer management server 21 obtains PC information and printer information from the managed PCs 2 to 4 and stores and manages them in a printer management data file 25 in a hard disk device 23 (hereinafter referred to as HDD 23) provided in the management PC 1. , A program module that executes processing for creating display information based on PC information and printer information stored and managed in the printer management data file 25 and outputting the display information as a web page data file 27 in the HDD 23. It is. The timing at which the printer management server 21 acquires PC information and printer information from the managed PCs 2 to 4, and other setting data defining various operating conditions of the printer management server 21 are stored in a setting data file 26 in the HDD 23. Yes.

  The printer management server 21 has a GUI (Graphical User Interface) composed of a plurality of screens (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 7). The input screen for performing is configured as a web page data file 27. The web page data file 27 is provided to the managed PC 2 or the information display PC 5 by the web server function of the printer management server 21 and displayed on the managed PC 2 or the information display PC 5.

By operating the printer management server 21 on the management PC 1, the management PC 1 functions as a management computer in the present invention.
On the other hand, a printer management agent 31 that is one of application programs and a printer management monitor 33 that is also one of application programs are installed in the managed PC 2.

  The printer management monitor 33 reads the PJL command from the PJL command file 36 in the hard disk device 35 (hereinafter referred to as HDD 35) provided in the managed PC 2, and gives the PJL command to the printers 11 to 13, thereby providing the printers 11 to 11. 13 is a program module that executes processing for acquiring printer information from the printer 13 and storing the printer information in the printer data file 37. The printer management agent 31 is a program module that executes processing for reading out the printer information stored in the printer data file 37 by the printer management monitor 33 and providing (transmitting) the information to the management PC 1. Setting data defining various operating conditions of the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33 are stored in a setting data file 38 in the HDD 35.

  A printer data acquisition unit 39 is configured around the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33. By operating the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33 on the managed PC 2, the managed PC 2 is connected to the present invention. It functions as a managed computer.

  The managed PCs 3 and 4 are also provided with printer data acquisition units 39 configured in the same manner as the managed PC 2, respectively, and the managed PCs 3 and 4 are configured to function as managed computers in the present invention. Yes.

The managed PC 2 is also installed with a web browser 41 that is one of application programs.
The web browser 41 receives the display information transmitted from the management PC 1, stores the display information in the HDD 35 as the web page data file 43, and reads out the web page data file 43 to be managed. It is a program module that executes processing to be displayed on the screen of the display 45 provided in the PC 2.

  An information display unit 47 is configured around the web browser 41, and the managed PC 2 also functions as an information display computer according to the present invention by operating the web browser 41 on the managed PC 2.

  The information display PC 5 is also provided with an information display unit 47 configured in the same manner as the managed PC 2 so that the information display PC 5 functions as an information display computer according to the present invention.

  That is, the managed computer and the information display computer referred to in the present invention can be configured as a computer having both functions, such as the managed PC 2, and also managed as the managed 3 and 4. It can also be configured as a computer having only a function as a computer or a computer having only a function as an information display computer such as the information display PC 5 described above.

  The managed PC 2 (or information display PC 5) provided with such an information display unit 47 functions as an operation terminal when using the GUI of the printer management server 21 provided in the management PC 1. That is, a user who wants to use the GUI of the printer management server 21 uses the web browser 41 on the managed PC 2 (or the information display PC 5), and uses a plurality of web pages (FIG. 2) as the GUI of the printer management server 21. (See FIG. 7), the URL (Uniform Resource Locators) of the top page (see FIG. 2) is input and the links from the top page to each page are followed to display the GUI of the printer management server 21 in the web browser 41. It can be displayed on the screen.

  The user inputs the URL of the top page and displays the top page shown in FIG. 2 on the screen. The printer management server 21 directly communicates with a network printer (for example, the network printer 18 shown in FIG. 1) separately from the managed PC (for example, the managed PCs 2 to 4 shown in FIG. 1), and acquires and manages printer information. The top page displays network printer information.

  In the state where the top page is displayed, the “Log” button 49 displayed in the top page (lower right in FIG. 2) is pressed (more specifically, for example, with a cursor using a pointing device) 3) By pointing to the “Log” button 49 and pressing the button of the pointing device; hereinafter, this operation is also simply referred to as “pressing a button” or “clicking”). The link to the log setting page will be followed, and the log setting page will be displayed on the screen. As will be described in detail later, on this log setting page, the printer management server 21 can set a schedule for acquiring printer information from the managed PCs 2 to 4 and a printer information output format.

  Next, by pressing the “LocalPrintAdmin” button 50 displayed in the log setting page shown in FIG. 3 (upper right in FIG. 3), the link to the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 is followed. Thus, the PC information display page is displayed on the screen. On this PC information display page, it is possible to check the list of managed PCs and set a schedule for acquiring printer information from the printer for each managed PC.

  Further, when the character string “Local Printer Log” 76 displayed on the log setting page shown in FIG. 3 or the character string “Local Printer Log” 77 displayed on the PC information display page shown in FIG. The link to the log display page shown in FIG. 4 is followed, and the log display page is displayed on the screen. By viewing this log display page, the user can confirm the printer information.

In this way, the user can display the GUI of the printer management server 21 on the screen of the web browser 41.
With such a configuration, the user can separately confirm the information of the network printer and the information of the printer connected to the managed PC, and follow the link to the page for viewing each information from the same top page. be able to.

  Of course, if the user does not need the printer information of the network printer, the user can directly input the URL of the log setting page shown in FIG. 3 or the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 to display each page. Alternatively, the printer management server 21 may be configured such that the page including the content corresponding to the log setting page is the top page.

  Information according to the operation on the managed PC 2 side (or the information display PC 5 side) displaying the GUI as described above is transmitted to the management PC 1 via the network, and a printer management server is used according to the transmitted information. Various types of processing by 21 are executed on the management PC 1 side.

  The printer management agent 31 also has a GUI for inputting various settings (see FIG. 8). This screen is displayed on the display of the managed PCs 2 to 4 on which the printer management agent 31 operates. is there.

Next, an operation mode of the image forming apparatus information management system will be described.
First, processing by the printer management monitor 33 executed in the managed PCs 2 to 4 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This process is a process that is started when the managed PCs 2 to 4 are activated, and is then repeatedly executed until the managed PCs 2 to 4 are powered off. In the following description, the process executed by the managed PC 2 will be described, but the same process is also executed on the managed PCs 3 and 4.

  When this process is started, the managed PC 2 first waits until the time set in the timer is reached (S101: NO), and when the time set in the timer is reached (S101: YES), a part of the printer information. The information of the managed PC 2 to be managed is output to a file (printer data file 37) (S103).

  As information output in the process of S103, information on items such as "IP address", "PC name", "Number of Printers", "Version", and "Date & Time" is output. “IP address” is a numeric string indicating a logical address on the network assigned to the managed PC 2, “PC name” is the name assigned to the managed PC 2, and “Number of Printers” is locally connected to the managed PC 2 The total number of printers, “Version” is the version number of the printer management monitor 33 operating on the managed PC 2, and “Date & Time” is the date and time when the managed PC 2 obtains printer information from each locally connected printer (this process Date and time).

  Subsequently, for the printers 11 to 13 that are locally connected to the managed PC 2, one printer that has not yet transmitted a command file is selected (S105), and the PJL command read from the PJL command file 36 is transmitted (S107). ). Then, the reply sent from the target printer is received (readback), and the information of the printers 11 to 13 as a part of the printer information is output to a file (printer data file 37) (S109).

  Information output in the process of S109 includes items such as “Printer.No”, “Printer Name”, “Port Name”, “ROM Vers”, “Ser.No”, “Drum Life”, “Page count”. Information is output. “Printer.No” is a serial number assigned to the printers 11 to 13 locally connected to the managed PC 2, “Printer Name” is the model name of each printer 11 to 13, and “Port Name” is the printer 11 to 13. The name of the connected input / output port, “ROM Vers” is the version number of the ROM included in each printer 11-13, “Ser.No” is the serial number of each printer 11-13, and “Drum Life” is each printer 11-13. “Page count” is the number of printed sheets in each of the printers 11 to 13. Note that a plurality of PJL commands are described in the PJL command file 36, and all of the plurality of PJL commands are given to the respective printers 11 to 13. Depending on the printer model, all of the plurality of PJL commands are included in the PJL command file 36. Corresponding information cannot always be returned, and corresponding information may not be returned for some PJL commands. Therefore, the content of the printer information is increased or decreased depending on the printer model, and among the PJL commands described in the PJL command file 36, those that can be returned by the printer are output as the printer information.

  These processes of S105 to S109 are executed in order for all the printers 11 to 13, and when the command file is not transmitted to all of the printers 11 to 13 (S111: NO), the process of S105 is performed. Returning to the process, the next printer is processed. If the command file has been transmitted to all the printers 11 to 13 (S111: YES), the process returns to the process of S101, and thereafter, this process is started from the point where it waits until the time set in the timer again. repeat.

  Through the above processing, the printer data file 37 included in the managed PC 2 stores printer information including information on the managed PC 2 and information on all the printers 11 to 13 almost regularly. The printer information is output as text format data as shown in FIG. 23, for example.

  Next, processing by the printer management agent 31 executed in the managed PCs 2 to 4 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This process is a process that is started when the managed PCs 2 to 4 are activated, and is then repeatedly executed until the managed PCs 2 to 4 are powered off. In the following description, the process executed by the managed PC 2 will be described, but the same process is also executed on the managed PCs 3 and 4.

  When this process is started, the managed PC 2 checks whether the Location and Contact information has been changed in the printer management agent setting dialog shown in FIG. 8 (S151). Location information is a character string representing the installation location of the managed PC 2 (in this embodiment, the number of floors of the building), and Contact information is a character string representing the user information of the managed PC 2 (in this embodiment, the extension number of the user). It is. The printer management agent setting dialog has a “Location” column 51 and a “Contact” column 52. New location and contact information is input to these columns, and an OK button 53 in the dialog is pressed. When the operation is performed, it is determined in the process of S151 that the Location and Contact information has been changed.

  If the Location and Contact information has been changed (S151: YES), the Location and Contact information is saved (S153), and the process returns to S151. In the process of S153, the location and contact information is stored in the setting data file 38 of the managed PC 2.

  If the Location and Contact information is not changed (S151: NO), it is checked in the printer management agent setting dialog shown in FIG. 8 whether or not the port number has been changed (S155). The port number is a number assigned to the input / output port used by the managed PC 2 for data communication with the management PC 1. In the printer management agent setting dialog, a “Port Number” field 54 is provided. When a new port number is input in this field and the OK button 53 in the dialog is pressed, the operation is performed in S153. In this process, it is determined that the port number has been changed.

  If the port number has been changed (S155: YES), the command standby port number is changed (S157), and the process returns to S151. When the process of S157 is executed, data communication with the management PC 1 is performed using the input / output port corresponding to the changed port number.

  If the port number has not been changed (S155: NO), it is checked whether a command has been received from the management PC 1 (S159). If not received (S159: NO), the process returns to S151.

  When a command is received from the management PC 1 (S159: YES), it is checked whether or not a management PC name that should accept the command is set (S161). The name of the management PC that should accept the command is stored in the setting data file 38 of the managed PC 2. The name of the management PC that should accept a command is set when it is desired to accept only a command from a specific management PC in a network where a plurality of management PCs exist.

  More specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, only one management PC 1 exists on the network shown in FIG. 1, but this system allows a plurality of management PCs to exist on the network. It has become. Therefore, depending on the system configuration, a plurality of management PCs may exist on the network, and a command may be received from all of the plurality of management PCs. In this case, if it is sufficient to respond to all of the plurality of management PCs, the name of the management PC that should accept the command is not set. However, for some management reasons, only the command from a specific management PC is to be received. When it is desired to return a response from the management PC, the management PC name that should accept the command is set.

  It should be noted that the management PC name that should accept the command is entered by entering the PC name in the “Auditor Server” field 55 and pressing the OK button 53 in the printer management agent setting dialog shown in FIG. Can be set on PC. As will be described in detail later, by pressing a “Send Server Name” button 56 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, the management PC name setting command is sent from the management PC 1 side to the managed PCs 2 to 4. Can also be given.

  When the management PC name is set (S161: YES), the command transmission source IP address is acquired (S163), and the set management PC IP address is compared with the command transmission source IP address. Thus, it is checked whether or not the command transmission source is the management PC 1 (S165). If the command transmission source is not the management PC 1 (S165: NO), the process returns to S151.

  When the command transmission source is the management PC 1 (S165: YES), it is checked whether or not an information request command is received from the management PC 1 (S167). When an information request command is received (S167: YES), The PC information of PC2 is output (S169), and the process returns to S151. Information such as “Client PC Name”, “IP Address”, “Location”, and “Contact” is output as the PC information of the managed PC 2. Among these pieces of information, “Client PC Name” is a name assigned to the managed PCs 2 to 4, and “IP Address” is a numerical string indicating a logical address assigned to the managed PCs 2 to 4. “Location” and “Contact” are the Location and Contact information described earlier (information stored in the process of S153). The PC information is output as text format data as shown in FIG. 24, for example.

  If no information request command has been received (S167: NO), it is checked whether a log transmission request command has been received from the management PC 1 (S171). If a log transmission request command has been received (S171: YES), the log The file (the printer information output in the processes of S103 and S109 described above; the printer data file 37) is transmitted to the management PC (S173), and the process returns to S151.

  If no log transmission request command has been received (S171: NO), it is checked whether a schedule change request command has been received from the management PC 1 (S175). If a schedule change request command has been received (S175: YES) Then, the schedule setting of the printer management monitor 33 is changed (S177), and the process returns to S151. When the process of S177 is executed, the changed schedule is stored in the setting data file 38, and the time for acquiring information from the printers 11 to 13 is changed during the process of the printer management monitor 33 described above. Will be.

  If no schedule change request command has been received (S175: NO), it is checked whether a port name change request command has been received from the management PC 1 (S179). If a port name change request command has been received (S179: YES) ) The command standby port is changed (S181), and the process returns to S151. Even when the process of S181 is executed, data communication with the management PC 1 is performed using the input / output port corresponding to the port number after the change, similarly to the case of executing the process of S157 described above. become.

  If no port name change request command has been received (S179: NO), it is checked whether or not a management PC name change request command has been received from the management PC 1 (S183). If a management PC name change request command has been received (S183). : YES), the management PC name setting is changed (S185), and the process returns to S151. The management PC name whose setting is changed in the process of S185 is the “management PC name that should accept commands” described above in connection with the process of S161.

If the management PC name change request command has not been received (S183: NO), nothing is done and the process directly returns to S151.
With the above processing, the managed PC 2 waits for a request from the management PC 1, and when there is a request from the management PC 1, executes the processing according to the request.

  Next, processing by the printer management server executed in the management PC 1 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Among these flowcharts, the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts of main processing. This process is a process that is started when the management PC 1 is started, and is then repeatedly executed until the power of the management PC 1 is turned off.

  When this processing is started, the management PC 1 firstly has a log acquisition schedule time (S201: YES), and secondly has a retry time set and a retry time (S203). : YES and S205: YES), and third, if there is a managed PC schedule setting and 10 minutes after the managed PC schedule (S207: YES and S209: YES), the fourth When the log acquisition button is pressed (S211), if any of the above four cases is satisfied, log acquisition is executed (S213).

  The log acquisition schedule time (see S201) is one or more dates and times displayed in the “Schedule Setting” column 57 in the log setting page shown in FIG. It can be added with the “Add” button 58 in the vicinity, changed with the “Edit” button 59, and deleted with the “Delete” button 60. The date and time is stored in the setting data file 26 and managed by a timer provided in the management PC 1. The

  The retry time (see S203) is a time set in the process of S217 described later, and this time is also stored in the setting data file 26 and managed by a timer provided in the management PC 1. The managed PC schedule (see S207) is one or more dates and times displayed in the “Client PC Schedule” column 61 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5. This date and time is the “Client PC Schedule” column. Is added by the “Add” button 62 in the vicinity, changed by the “Edit” button 63, deleted by the “Delete” button 64, and simultaneously transmitted to the managed PCs 2 to 4 by the “Send” button 65 (details will be described later). The date and time is stored in the setting data file 26. When the “Add” button 62 and the “Edit” button 63 are clicked with a mouse, the managed PC schedule setting page shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Various schedules can be set, such as times. Further, the fact that 10 minutes have elapsed after this managed PC schedule is managed by a timer provided in the management PC 1.

The log acquisition process of S213 is the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When the log acquisition process is started, the management PC 1 obtains unprocessed managed PC information from the managed PC list (S301). The managed PC list is a list displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, and all managed PCs displayed here are processed one by one in order. It becomes a target. The managed PC list column 66 includes an ON / OFF mark column 67, a “Client PC Name” column 68, an “IP Address” column 69, a “Location” column 70, a “Contact” column 71, a “Status” column 72, and the like. Is provided.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the validity flag is ON for one managed PC whose information is obtained in the process of S301 (S303). This valid flag is a flag that allows the user to arbitrarily specify ON / OFF. Among the managed PCs displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. Is used when selecting a managed PC to be acquired. When the valid flag is ON, a round mark “●” is displayed in the ON / OFF mark column 67 in the managed PC list column 66. When the valid flag is OFF, this mark is not displayed. Become. In the managed PC list column 66, the valid flag is turned on / off by clicking on a specific managed PC with the mouse to select it, and in that state, the “Log On / On” in the PC information display page shown in FIG. By clicking the “Off” button 73, ON / OFF can be switched alternately.

  When the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed is ON (S303: YES), it is checked whether or not the connection status is OK (S305). The connection status is displayed in the “Status” column 72 in the managed PC list column 66. When the managed PC can be accessed, the connection status is OK or cannot be accessed (for example, the power switch of the managed PC is OFF). In the case of NG). This connection status may change constantly, such as when the power switch of the managed PC is operated. However, when the “Log Refresh” button 82 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. Updated with information.

  When the connection status of the managed PC to be processed is OK (S305: YES), a log request command is transmitted to the address of the managed PC (S307). As a result, on the managed PC side, a log as printer information is transmitted to the management PC 1 by the process of S173 described above. The management PC 1 adds the sent log to a file (S309), and proceeds to the processing of S311.

  Further, when the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S303 is OFF (S303: NO), when the connection status of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S305 is NG ( (S305: NO), the process proceeds to S311 without executing the processes of S307 and S309.

  In the process of S311, it is checked whether or not all managed PCs have been processed (S311). If there are any unprocessed managed PCs remaining (S311: NO), the process returns to S301. As a result, while the unprocessed managed PCs remain, the processes of S301 to S311 are repeated, and the managed PCs are sequentially processed as processing targets one by one.

  As a result, when the processing of all managed PCs is completed (S311: YES), the log file output in the processing of S309 is converted into a CSV file (S313). A CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is a data format in which data is separated by commas and is highly versatile due to its simple data structure. It is widely used in various applications, especially spreadsheet software. It is a file that has been. The log converted into the CSV file can be displayed in a format such as a log display page shown in FIG. 4 by displaying the log using, for example, commercially available spreadsheet software.

Further, the management PC 1 executes a file conversion process according to the log format setting (S315). More specifically, the process in S315 is the process shown in FIG.
When this process is started, the management PC 1 acquires a log output format designation (S451). The log output format is specified by the user arbitrarily in the “File Type” column 75 in the log setting page shown in FIG. 3. In the case of this system, the radio button in the “File Type” column 75 is used to specify “ "HTML", "CSV", or "TXT" can be specified.

  In accordance with this designation, the management PC 1 creates a file of the designated output format from the log file that was previously outputted in the process of S313 (S453). When “HTML” is specified, the created file is a file to which a predetermined control character string called a tag is added, and this HTML file can be displayed in a table format using the web browser 41. File. When “CSV” is designated, the log file output in the process of S313 is a CSV file, and is copied as it is. When “TXT” is designated, a comma in the CSV file is replaced with a tab.

  Subsequently, the management PC 1 deletes any file having an output format not designated (S455). An output format file not specified exists when the specification in the “File Type” column 75 is changed in the log setting page shown in FIG. Since the created file remains without being overwritten, the file is deleted.

  Then, the link of the web page is corrected according to the extension of the output format (S457). The web pages to be corrected here are the log setting page shown in FIG. 3 and the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5. For the character strings “Local Printer Log” 76 and 77 in these pages, Modify the link set to match the extension of the output format. As a result of this modification, the modified page is displayed on the client (for example, managed PC 2) side, and when the character string “Local Printer Log” 76, 77 in the page is clicked with the mouse, the associated link is displayed. The previous page (the file output in the process of S453) is distributed to the client side. The file distributed to the client side is displayed according to the setting on the client side or downloaded as a file.

  When the processing of S451 to S457 described above is finished, the processing of S315 shown in FIG. 13 is finished, and as a result, the processing of S301 to S315 is finished. Therefore, the processing of S213 shown in FIG. That is the end of the process.

  After completing the process of S213, the management PC 1 checks whether all the logs have been acquired (S215). If all the logs have been acquired (S215: YES), the process directly proceeds to the process of S201. If all the logs cannot be acquired (S215: NO), the retry time is set 30 minutes later (S217), and the process returns to S201. The retry time set in the process of S217 is managed by a timer and referred to in the processes of S203 and S205 described above.

  Now, the process of executing the log acquisition of S213 is a process that is executed if it corresponds to any of the four cases described above in the determination process of S201 to S211, but in any of these four cases If not, the management PC 1 checks whether or not the schedule setting transmission button has been pressed (S221). The schedule setting transmission button is a “Send” button 65 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5. If the user clicks the “Send” button 65 with the mouse, the schedule setting is sent. The send button has been pressed.

  When the schedule setting transmission button is pressed (S221: YES), a schedule change command transmission process is executed (S223). This process is shown in detail in FIG.

  When the schedule change command transmission process is started, the management PC 1 obtains unprocessed managed PC information from the managed PC list (S401). The managed PC list is a list displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 as described in the processing of S301, and all the managed PCs displayed here are displayed. One PC at a time is the processing target of S401.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the validity flag is ON for one managed PC whose information is obtained in the process of S401 (S403). This valid flag is the same as that described in S303. If the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed is ON (S403: YES), it is checked whether or not the connection status is OK (S405). This connection status is also the same as that described in the processing of S305.

  If the connection status of the managed PC to be processed is OK (S405: YES), a schedule change request command is transmitted to the address of the managed PC (S407). As a result, the managed PC changes the schedule setting of the printer management monitor 33 and returns a response status to the management PC 1 by the process of S177 described above. The management PC 1 acquires the response status from the managed PC (S409), and proceeds to the processing of S411.

  Further, when the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S403 is OFF (S403: NO), when the connection status of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S405 is NG ( S405: NO), the process proceeds to S411 without executing the processes in S407 and S409.

  In the process of S411, it is checked whether or not all managed PCs have been processed (S411). If there are any unprocessed managed PCs remaining (S411: NO), the process returns to S401. As a result, while the unprocessed managed PC remains, the processes of S401 to S411 are repeated, and the managed PCs are sequentially processed as processing targets one by one.

  As a result, when all the managed PCs have been processed (S411: YES), a result log is output (S413), and this process ends. The result log is for recording the operating status of the management PC 1.

When the processes of S401 to S413 described above are finished, the process of S223 shown in FIG. 11 is finished. Thereafter, the process returns to S201.
In the process of S221, if the schedule setting transmission button has not been pressed (S221: NO), it is checked whether or not the log format setting has changed (S227). The log format setting is arbitrarily specified by the user in the “File Type” column 75 in the log setting page shown in FIG. 3. In the case of this system, the radio button in the “File Type” column 75 is used to select “ Any one of “HTML”, “CSV”, and “TXT” can be specified. However, when the specification here is changed, it is determined in S227 that the log format setting has changed.

  When the log format setting is changed (S227: YES), the management PC 1 executes a format conversion process (S229). The process of S229 is the process shown in FIG. 15 in detail, but since the process of S451 to S457 shown in FIG. 15 has already been described, the description thereof is omitted here. When the process of S229 is completed, the process returns to S201.

  If the log format setting has not changed in the processing of S227 (S227: NO), it is checked whether or not the port number transmission button has been pressed (S233). The port number transmission button is a “Send” button 79 in the vicinity of the “Port Number” column 78 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, and a new port number is displayed in the “Port Number” column 78. When the user inputs the “Send” button 79 and clicks with the mouse, the port number transmission button is pressed.

  When the port number transmission button is pressed (S233: YES), port number change command transmission processing is executed (S235). This process is shown in detail in FIG.

  When the port number change command transmission process is started, the management PC 1 obtains unprocessed managed PC information from the managed PC list (S501). The managed PC list is a list displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 as described in the processing of S301 and S401. The managed PCs become the processing target of S501 in order.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the validity flag is ON for one managed PC whose information is obtained in the process of S501 (S503). This valid flag is the same as that described in the processing of S303 and S403. If the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed is ON (S503: YES), it is checked whether or not the connection status is OK (S505). This connection status is also the same as that described in the processing of S305 and S405.

  If the connection status of the managed PC to be processed is OK (S505: YES), a port number change request command is transmitted to the address of the managed PC (S507). As a result, on the managed PC side, the port number is changed and the response status is returned to the management PC 1 by the process of S181 described above. The management PC 1 acquires the response status from the managed PC (S509), and proceeds to the processing of S511.

  In addition, when the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S503 is OFF (S503: NO), when the connection status of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S505 is NG ( (S505: NO), the process proceeds to S511 without executing the processes of S507 and S509.

  In the process of S511, it is checked whether or not all managed PCs have been processed (S511). If there are any unprocessed managed PCs remaining (S511: NO), the process returns to S501. Thus, while unprocessed managed PCs remain, the processes of S501 to S511 are repeated, and the managed PCs are sequentially processed as processing targets one by one.

  As a result, when all the managed PCs have been processed (S511: YES), a result log is output (S513), and this process ends. The result log is for recording the operating status of the management PC 1.

  When the processes of S501 to S513 described above are finished, the process of S235 shown in FIG. 11 is finished, and then the management PC 1 changes the port number on the own machine side (S237). As a result, the managed PC that has transmitted the port number change command in the process of S507 and the management PC 1 can perform data communication using the input / output ports having the same port number. When the process of S237 is completed, the process returns to S201.

  In the process of S233, if the port number transmission button has not been pressed (S233: NO), it is checked whether or not the management PC name transmission button has been pressed (S241). The management PC name transmission button is the “Send Server Name” button 56 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, and the user clicked the “Send Server Name” button 56 with the mouse. In this case, the management PC name transmission button has been pressed.

  If the management PC name transmission button is pressed (S241: YES), a management PC name change command transmission process is executed (S243). This process is shown in detail in FIG.

  When the management PC name change command transmission process is started, the management PC 1 obtains unprocessed managed PC information from the managed PC list (S551). The managed PC list is a list displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 as described in the processing of S301, S401, and S501, and is displayed here. All managed PCs are sequentially subject to processing in S551.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the validity flag is ON for one managed PC whose information is obtained in the process of S551 (S553). This valid flag is the same as that described in the processing of S303, S403, and S503. If the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed is ON (S553: YES), it is checked whether or not the connection status is OK (S555). This connection status is also the same as that described in the processing of S305, S405, and S505.

  If the connection status of the managed PC to be processed is OK (S555: YES), a management PC name change request command is transmitted to the address of the managed PC (S557). As a result, on the managed PC side, the management PC name is changed and the response status is returned to the management PC 1 by the process of S185 described above. The management PC 1 acquires the response status from the managed PC (S559), and proceeds to the process of S561.

  In addition, when the valid flag of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S553 is OFF (S553: NO), when the connection status of the managed PC to be processed in the process of S555 is NG ( (S555: NO), the process proceeds to S561 without executing the processes in S557 and S559.

  In the process of S561, it is checked whether or not all managed PCs have been processed (S561). If there are any unprocessed managed PCs remaining (S561: NO), the process returns to S551. As a result, while unprocessed managed PCs remain, the processes of S551 to S561 are repeated, and the managed PCs are sequentially processed as processing targets one by one.

  As a result, when all the managed PCs have been processed (S561: YES), a result log is output (S563), and this process ends. The result log is for recording the operating status of the management PC 1.

When the processes of S551 to S563 described above are completed, the process of S243 illustrated in FIG. 11 is completed, and thereafter, the process returns to S201.
In the process of S241, if the management PC name transmission button has not been pressed (S241: NO), the process proceeds to the process of S247 shown in FIG. 12, and it is checked whether or not the Add button has been pressed. (S247). The Add button is an “Add” button 81 in the vicinity of the “Client PC” column 80 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, and a new managed PC name or new name is displayed in the “Client PC” column 80. If the address of the managed PC is input and the user clicks the “Add” button 81 with the mouse, the Add button is pressed.

  When the Add button is pressed (S247: YES), processing for issuing an information request command to one address is executed (S249). This process is shown in detail in FIG.

  When this process is started, the management PC 1 checks whether or not the character string input in the “Client PC” field 80 is an address (S601). Whether or not the character string is an address is determined by whether or not the character string matches the expression format of the logical address used on the network. In the case of this embodiment, the IP address in the TCP / IP network is determined. Since an address is assumed, whether or not a character string is an address is determined by whether or not it is a character string in which four sets of numbers each consisting of 1 to 3 digits are separated by periods. doing.

  If it is determined that the character string is not an address (S601: NO), it is assumed that the character string is a managed PC name, and an address is acquired from this character string (PC name) (S603). In acquiring the address, an inquiry is made to a name server (not shown) on the network, and the address included in the response returned from the name server is acquired. However, the PC name inquired to the name server is a character string entered by the user in the “Client PC” field 80, and is not necessarily a PC name that actually exists on the network. An error response may be returned and address acquisition may fail.

  Therefore, the management PC 1 checks whether or not the address has been successfully acquired (S605). If the address has been successfully acquired (S605: YES), the process proceeds to S607. Also, in the process of S601, if it is determined that the character string is an address (S601: YES), the process proceeds to S607.

  In the process of S607, an information request command is transmitted to the specified address (S607). If it is within the waiting time (S609: YES), it is checked whether or not there is a reply from the designated address (S611). If there is no reply (S611: NO), the process returns to S609, and S609. The process of ~ S611 is repeated.

  If there is a reply from the designated address during this repeated processing (S611: YES), the received PC information is registered in the managed PC list (S613), and this processing is terminated. If the standby time elapses in this repeated process (S609: NO), the process ends without executing the process of S613. Note that, as a result of the determination in the process of S605, if the address acquisition is not successful (S605: NO), the process ends without executing the processes of S607 to S613.

  In the process of S611, a reply from the designated address is returned when there is a managed PC in operation at the designated address, and the management PC 1 is an acceptance target as the management PC on the managed PC side. Yes, in this case, the process of S169 described above is executed on the managed PC side, and as a result, a reply from the designated address arrives on the management PC 1 side.

When the processing of S601 to S613 is finished in this way, the processing of S249 shown in FIG. 12 is finished, and thereafter, the processing returns to S201 shown in FIG.
In the process of S247 shown in FIG. 12, if the Add button has not been pressed (S247: NO), it is checked whether or not the Refresh button has been pressed (S253). The Refresh button is the “Status Refresh” button 74 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5. When the user clicks the “Status Refresh” button 74 with the mouse, the Refresh button is It will be pushed.

  When the Refresh button is pressed (S253: YES), processing for issuing an information request command to the address of the list is executed (S255). This process is shown in detail in FIG.

  When this process is started, the management PC 1 obtains unprocessed managed PC information from the managed PC list (S651). The managed PC list is a list displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5, and all managed PCs displayed here are to be processed.

  Subsequently, the management PC 1 transmits an information request command to the address acquired from the managed PC list (S653). The address acquired from the managed PC list is the IP address displayed in the “IP Address” column 69 of the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, if it is within the waiting time (S655: YES), it is checked whether or not there is a reply from the designated address (S657). If there is no reply (S657: NO), the process returns to S655, and S655. Repeat the process of ~ S657.

If there is a reply from the managed PC in this repeated processing (S657: YES), the managed PC list is updated based on the received PC information (S659).
In the process of S657, the managed PC receives a reply when the managed PC is in operation and this managed PC 1 is an acceptance target as the managed PC on the managed PC side. On the managed PC side, the process of S169 described above is executed, and as a result, a reply from the managed PC comes to the management PC 1 side. In the process of S659, based on the PC information included in the reply from the managed PC, the “Client PC Name” column 68 displayed in the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. The display contents of the “IP Address” column 69, the “Location” column 70, and the “Contact” column 71 are updated.

  Then, the status information of the list is set to “OK” (S661), and this process ends. As a result of the processing of S661, “OK” is displayed in the “Status” column 72 displayed in the managed PC list column 66.

  On the other hand, if the standby time has elapsed while repeating the processing of S655 to S657 (S655: NO), the address is acquired from the managed PC name acquired from the managed PC list (S659). The managed PC name acquired from the managed PC list is the PC name displayed in the “Client PC Name” column 68 of the managed PC list column 66 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. In acquiring the address, an inquiry is made to a name server (not shown) on the network, and the address included in the response returned from the name server is acquired. However, the PC name inquired to the name server is not always in operation at the time of execution of this processing, and the address on the network may be changed even during operation.

Therefore, the management PC 1 checks whether the address acquired from the name server is the same as the address acquired from the managed PC list (S665).
If both addresses are the same (S665: YES), the information transmission request command has already been transmitted to the address in the process of S653, and a reply has been waited in the processes of S655 to S657. Therefore, since it is estimated that the corresponding managed PC is not in operation, the status information of the list is set to “NG” (S667), and this process is terminated. As a result of the processing in S667, “NG” is displayed in the “Status” column 72 displayed in the managed PC list column 66.

  On the other hand, if both addresses are not the same (S665: NO), the addresses actually used on the network and the managed PC list are recorded even though the managed PC names are the same. Since the address is different from the existing address, it can be presumed that the address has been changed. Therefore, the address of the managed PC recorded in the managed PC list is changed to the address acquired by the process of S659 (S669). . Thereafter, by returning to the processing of S653, the processing of S653 to S667 is executed for the changed address. As a result, if the managed PC corresponding to the changed address is operating, the process proceeds to S661. If not, the process proceeds to S667. In any case, the process ends. .

When the processes of S651 to S669 are completed as described above, the process of S255 shown in FIG. 12 is finished, and thereafter, the process returns to the process of S201 shown in FIG.
Now, in the processing of S253 shown in FIG. 12, if the Refresh button has not been pressed (S253: NO), it is checked whether or not the discovery button has been pressed (S259). The discovery button is a “Discovery” button 83 in the discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6. If the user clicked the “Discover” button 83 with the mouse, the discovery button was pressed. become. The discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6 is displayed when the “Discover” button 84 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 is pressed.

  If the discovery button has not been pressed (S259: NO), nothing is done and the process returns to S201 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the discovery button is pressed (S259: NO), it is checked whether IP broadcast is designated (S261). The IP broadcast is specified on the discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6, and “IP Broadcast” is checked in three check boxes that can be specified in the “Discovery Method” column 85 in the page. When entered, IP broadcast is designated.

When the IP broadcast is designated (S261: YES), the managed PC detection process 1 is executed (S263). This process is shown in detail in FIG.
When the managed PC detection process 1 is started, the management PC 1 transmits an information request command without specifying a target address by IP broadcast (S701). If it is within the waiting time (S703: YES), it is checked whether there is a reply from an arbitrary address (S705). If there is no reply (S705: NO), the process returns to S703. If there is a reply from an arbitrary address (S705: YES), the received PC information is registered in the managed PC list (S707), and the process returns to S703. As a result, as long as it is within the waiting time (S703: YES), the processing of S703 to S707 is repeated. If the PC information is returned from one or more managed PCs as a result of this repeated processing, all of the one or more PC informations are registered in the managed PC list. If the standby time has elapsed (S703: NO), this process ends.

  When the processes of S701 to S707 are completed as described above, the process of S263 shown in FIG. 12 is completed, and the process proceeds to S267. Also, if IP broadcast is not specified in the process of S261 (S261: NO), the process proceeds to S267.

  In the process of S267, it is checked whether IPX broadcast is designated (S267). The IPX broadcast is designated on the discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6. When “IPX Broadcast” is checked in the “Discovery Method” column 85 in the page, the IPX broadcast is designated.

When the IPX broadcast is designated (S267: YES), the managed PC detection process 2 is executed (S269). This process is shown in detail in FIG.
When the managed PC detection process 2 is started, the management PC 1 transmits an information request command by IPX broadcast without specifying a target address (S751). If it is within the waiting time (S753: YES), it is checked whether there is a reply from an arbitrary address (S755). If there is no reply (S755: NO), the process returns to S753. If there is a reply from an arbitrary address (S755: YES), the received PC information is registered in the managed PC list (S757), and the process returns to S753. As a result, as long as it is within the waiting time (S753: YES), the processes of S753 to S757 are repeated. If the PC information is returned from one or more managed PCs as a result of this repeated processing, all of the one or more PC informations are registered in the managed PC list. If the standby time has elapsed (S753: NO), this process ends.

  When the processes of S751 to S757 are completed as described above, the process of S269 shown in FIG. 12 is completed, and the process proceeds to S273. Also, in the process of S267, when the IPX broadcast is not designated (S267: NO), the process proceeds to S273.

  In the process of S273, it is checked whether IP unicast is specified (S273). The IP unicast is specified on the discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6, and the IP unicast is specified when “IP Unicast (IP List)” is checked in the “Discovery Method” column 85 on the page. It will be done.

If IP unicast is specified (S273: YES), managed PC detection processing 3 is executed (S275). This process is shown in detail in FIG.
When the managed PC detection process 3 is started, the management PC 1 sets the minimum address in the specified range as a processing target address (S801). The designated range is displayed in the designated range display column 87 displayed in the “IP Unicast (IP List)” column 86 in the discovery setting page shown in FIG. 6, and two IP addresses are displayed in this column. Are connected with a hyphen. In this processing, the two IP addresses are set as a minimum address and a maximum address, respectively, and processing is performed for all addresses between the minimum address and the maximum address.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the maximum address in the specified range has been exceeded (S803), and if not exceeded (S803: NO), a process for issuing an information request command to one address set as the processing target address Is executed (S805). The process of S805 is the process shown in FIG. 18 in detail. However, since the processes of S601 to S613 shown in FIG. 18 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted here.

  When the processing of S805 is completed, the address set as the processing target address is incremented by 1 (S807), and the processing returns to S803. As a result, until the maximum address in the designated range is exceeded (S803: NO), the processing in S803 to S807 is repeatedly executed, and all the addresses designated in the range are sequentially processed. If the maximum address in the specified range is exceeded (S803: YES), this process ends.

  When the processes of S801 to S807 are completed as described above, the process of S275 illustrated in FIG. 12 is completed, and thereafter, the process returns to the process of S201 illustrated in FIG. Also, in the process of S273, when IP unicast is not designated (S273: NO), the process returns to S201 shown in FIG.

  Through the processing described above, the management PC 1 can acquire and manage PC information and printer information from the managed PC. The PC information and the printer information managed by the management PC 1 both include the same item, and the information (this book) shows the correspondence between the managed PC and the printer depending on whether the contents of these items match. This information is designated by the managed PC 2 or the information display PC 5 if there is a browsing request from the managed PC 2 or the information display PC 5 having the information display unit 47. It can be distributed to the managed PC 2 and the information display PC 5 in a format (any one of HTML format, CSV format, and TXT format).

Incidentally, the management PC 1 has the following functions.
First, a printer functioning as a managed PC is connected to a printer locally, and a printer management agent 31 and a printer management monitor 33 are installed. These program modules can be downloaded from the management PC 1. .

  A client PC that wants to download these program modules from the management PC 1 (a client PC that wants to have a function as a managed PC in this system) displays, for example, the PC information page shown in FIG. 5 using a web browser. The character string “Download” 90 in the same page is clicked with the mouse.

  In the character string “Download” 90, a link to an installation program file for installing the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33 is set. When the character string “Download” 90 is clicked with a mouse, the web browser With this function, the installation program file is downloaded from the management PC 1 to the client PC, and after the download is completed, the installation program is automatically executed, and the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33 are activated on the client PC.

  As a result, the printer management monitor 33 acquires printer information from the printer locally connected to the client PC, and the printer management agent 31 stands by in a state of accepting a request from the management PC 1.

  In this state, if this client PC is detected by using the above-described “Discover” button 84 or the like in the PC information page shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the web browser, the processing described above is performed. An information request command arrives from the management PC 1 to this client PC. When this client PC returns the PC information and printer information to the management PC 1 in response to this request, the management PC 1 creates a PC information page reflecting the latest information.

  Therefore, in this client PC, when the log display page shown in FIG. 4 or the PC information page shown in FIG. 5 is displayed again using the function of the web browser, the client PC and the client PC are locally connected. Information about the printer is displayed.

  That is, if the client PC can use the web server function provided by the management PC 1, the printer management agent 31 and the printer management monitor 33 can be installed with a simple operation, and the function as the managed PC is immediately implemented. It can be done.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus information management system, in the managed PCs 2 to 4, the printer management monitor 33 (image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means in the present invention) sends the printer information to the printers 11 to 16. Get from. In the management PC 1, the printer management server 21 (computer information acquisition means in the present invention) acquires PC information from the managed PCs 2 to 4. Further, the printer management agent 31 provides the printer information acquired by the printer management monitor 33 to the management PC 1, and the printer management server 21 (image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means in the present invention) provides the printer information to the management PC 1. Obtain from managed PCs 2-4. Based on the acquired PC information and printer information, the printer management server 21 (information storage means in the present invention) manages PCs 2 to 4 and printers 11 to 16 as shown in the log display page of FIG. Is created, and the correspondence information is stored in a file in the HDD 23 (storage means in the present invention).

  Therefore, on the management PC 1 side, the correspondence relationship between the managed PCs 2 to 4 and the printers 11 to 16 can be managed. More specifically, the PC information exemplified in Table 1 and the printer information exemplified in Table 2 both include a computer name and a network address. By linking the PC information and the printer information using either the computer name or the network address as a key, information indicating a correspondence relationship between the managed PC and the printer can be configured, and this information is stored. By managing, information indicating the correspondence between the managed PC and the printer can be provided to the user.

  In addition, the printer management server 21 (display information output means in the present invention) includes a log display page (shown in FIG. 4) that includes the contents indicating the correspondence between the managed PCs 2 to 4 and the printers 11 to 16. Display information) and the log display page is output as a displayable file (web page data). Therefore, a user who uses a PC other than the management PC 1 is managed by the management PC 1. The correspondence between the PCs 2 to 4 and the printers 11 to 16 can be easily viewed using a web browser or the like.

  Further, the management PC 1 creates the PC information display page (first display information) shown in FIG. 5 for all the managed PCs 2 to 4 existing on the network, and displays them on the PC information display page. The log display page (second display information) shown in FIG. 4 for one or more selected managed PCs 2 to 4 by letting the user select one or more of the managed PCs 2 to 4 Since this log display page can be displayed on the managed PC 2 or the information display PC 5, it is possible to selectively display only information on the managed PC that the user wants to see.

  Further, since the hyperlink to the log display page (second display information) shown in FIG. 4 is set in the PC information display page (first display information) shown in FIG. 5, the PC information display page It is possible to easily shift from the state where is displayed to the state where the log display page is displayed.

  Further, the management PC 1 refers to the managed PC list, confirms the existence of the managed PCs 2 to 4, and acquires the printer information for the managed PCs 2 to 4 whose existence has been confirmed. Can be obtained.

  In the management PC 1, the printer management server 21 (primary acquisition schedule transmission means in the present invention) transmits schedule setting information to the managed PCs 2 to 4 all at once, and the printer management agent 31 in the managed PCs 2 to 4. (The primary acquisition schedule setting means in the present invention) sets a schedule for acquiring printer information from the printers 11 to 16, so that the management can be performed without performing the schedule setting work individually in each managed PC 2 to 4. Setting information can be transmitted simultaneously from the PC 1 side to complete the setting of schedules in the plurality of managed PCs 2 to 4.

  Further, the management PC 1 acquires printer information from the managed PC 2 according to the schedule. If acquisition of the printer information fails at this time, the printer information is acquired again at least once separately from the set schedule. Since the trial is performed, even if the managed PC cannot be accessed due to, for example, the power of the managed PCs 2 to 3 being turned off, the printer information may be acquired thereafter.

  Further, since the management PC 1 acquires the printer information from the managed PCs 2 to 4 after 10 minutes with respect to the schedule for the managed PCs 2 to 4 to acquire the printer information from the printers 11 to 16, the management PC 1 The latest information after the managed PCs 2 to 4 have obtained the printer information from the printers 11 to 16 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, 10 minutes later is the information acquisition schedule of the management PC 1 by the process of S209. However, the time delay schedule is appropriately determined according to the scale of the system and the processing capability. It can be changed.

  The management PC 1 can output the log display page shown in FIG. 4 in the file format (HTML, CSV, TXT) specified on the log setting page shown in FIG. , Users will be able to use easy-to-use application software. In addition, the hyperlink to the log display page included in the log setting page shown in FIG. 3 or the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5 is the file format (HTML) specified in the log setting page shown in FIG. , CSV, TXT), the log display page shown in FIG. 4 can be displayed or downloaded using this hyperlink without causing a problem such as a broken link. .

  Further, the managed PCs 2 to 4 identify only a specific PC as a management PC by the PC name, so that other PCs other than the management PC are requested to transmit printer information, set a schedule, change a port number, and the like. Even if there is a problem, such a request from another PC is not accepted.

  Further, in the management PC 1, the printer management server 21 (response request means in the present invention) requests a response from a node in the network, and sets the managed PCs 2 to 4 based on the response returned in response to this request. Since the PC information included in the response is acquired from the managed PCs 2 to 4, the management PC 1 can dynamically detect the managed PCs 2 to 4 existing in the network, and the detected managed PC 2 Information of a plurality of printers 11 to 16 locally connected to .about.4 can be managed.

  In addition, the management PC 1 and the managed PCs 2 to 4 can acquire printer information at an independent timing, and the acquired printer information is stored in the HDD 35 (nonvolatile storage means), so that the managed PCs 2 to 4 can be powered. Even if the management PC 1 is turned off, the management PC 1 can acquire printer information if the managed PCs 2 to 4 are turned on at a timing when there is a request from the management PC 1.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific one Embodiment, In addition, it can implement with a various form.
For example, in the embodiment described above, the management PC 1 creates and distributes web page data, thereby displaying information provided by the management PC 1 and performing operations on the management PC 1 on the managed PC 2 and the information display PC 5. However, the information provided by the management PC 1 may be displayed or an operation on the management PC 1 may be performed using an input device or a display device included in the management PC 1.

  In this case, the management PC 1 does not necessarily have to adopt a configuration for creating and distributing web page data, and is configured to display information on a display device included in the management PC 1 with dedicated software installed in the management PC 1. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the acquired printer information is converted into one of the formats “HTML”, “CSV”, and “TXT” and saved as a log page on the management PC 1. However, the printer information is acquired. Sometimes send the acquired information in the form of an e-mail (for example, send the printer information as the e-mail body, or attach any of the above "HTML", "CSV", or "TXT" files as an attachment Or the like may be used together.

  In this case, it is preferable to provide a GUI for performing settings related to e-mail transmission, and to send e-mail to a mail address set using this GUI. For example, as described in the log setting page shown in FIG. 3, the “Send Log Report Mail” check box 92, the “Send Mail Address” column 93, the “SMTP Server Address” column 94, the “From Address” column 95, etc. If the “Send Log Report Mail” check box 92 is checked, an electronic mail is created and transmitted. The e-mail destination is the address set in the “Send Mail Address” column 93, the e-mail sender is the address set in the “From Address” column 95, and the “SMTP Server Address” column 94 is Send using the configured mail server.

  In this way, even a user (for example, a maintenance person in charge of a printer manufacturer) who cannot access the management PC 1 (printer management server 21) directly can check the printer information.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the management PC 1 transmits the port number and management PC name to the managed PCs 2 to 4 and sets them to the managed PCs 2 to 4. Location information and Contact information (information displayed in the “Location” column 70 and “Contact” column 71 in the PC information display page shown in FIG. 5) are transmitted from the management PC 1 to the managed PCs 2 to 4. These Location information and Contact information may be set in each managed PC 2 to 4.

  In this way, Location information and Contact information can be set through the management PC 1 without operating each of the managed PCs 2 to 4.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire image forming apparatus information management system described as an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows a top page. The figure which shows a log setting page. The figure which shows a log display page. The figure which shows a PC information display page. The figure which shows a discovery setting page. Figure showing the managed PC schedule setting page Figure showing the Printer Management Agent Settings dialog 10 is a flowchart of processing by a printer management monitor. 10 is a flowchart of processing performed by a printer management agent. 10 is a first flowchart of main processing by the printer management server. 10 is a second flowchart of main processing by the printer management server. The flowchart of a log acquisition process. The flowchart of a schedule change command transmission process. The flowchart of a format conversion process. The flowchart of a port number change command transmission process. The flowchart of a management PC name change command transmission process. The flowchart of the process which issues an information request command to one address. The flowchart of the process which issues an information request command to the address of a list. 5 is a flowchart of managed PC detection processing 1; 10 is a flowchart of managed PC detection processing 2; 10 is a flowchart of managed PC detection processing 3; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating printer information. The figure which shows PC information.

Explanation of symbols

  1 to 5... Personal computer (1... Management PC, 2 to 4... Managed PC, 5... Information display PC) 11 to 18. Local printer, 18 ... network printer), 21 ... printer management server, 23, 35 ... hard disk drive (HDD), 25 ... printer management data file, 26, 38 ... setting data file, 27, 43 ... Web page data file, 31 ... Printer management agent, 33 ... Printer management monitor, 36 ... PJL command file, 37 ... Printer data file, 39 ... Printer data acquisition Part, 41 ... web browser, 45 ... display, 47 ... information display part.

Claims (48)

A plurality of computers are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of computers is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and the managed computer includes at least one image forming apparatus. Is a locally connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The management computer includes
Computer information acquisition means for acquiring computer information, which is information about the managed computer, from the managed computer;
Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means for acquiring the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means from the managed computer;
Based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means, the correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus is determined. An image forming apparatus information management system comprising: information storage means for creating correspondence relation information to be shown and storing the correspondence relation information in a storage means. The computer information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer,
The image forming apparatus information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected,
In the management computer,
The correspondence information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the same computer name or network address as the computer name or network address included in the computer information. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus information acquired by a next acquiring unit corresponds to the information. The management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus information management system is provided. The management computer includes
4. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 3, further comprising display information output means for outputting the display information created by the display information creation means as a displayable file. . At least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
Information display means for displaying and displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device included in the information display computer, The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 4. The information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and requests the management computer to transmit the display information using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request is displayed and output to a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser. The image forming apparatus information management system described. The management computer is
As the display information creation means,
First display information creating means for creating first display information for displaying computer information related to the managed computer as a target for all the managed computers existing on the network;
For displaying one or more of the managed computers selected on the information display computer side, the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus is displayed. 2 display information creating means for creating 2 display information,
As the display information output means,
First display information output means for outputting the first display information created by the first display information creation means as a displayable file;
Second display information output means for outputting the second display information created by the second display information creation means as a displayable file;
As the display information transmitting means,
First display information transmission means for transmitting the first display information output as a file by the first display information output means to the information display computer;
Second display information transmission means for transmitting the second display information output as a file by the second display information output means to the information display computer;
The information display computer includes:
As the transmission request means,
First transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the first display information;
Second transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the second display information;
As the information display means,
First information display means for displaying and outputting the first display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the first transmission request means, on a display device included in the information display computer;
Second information display means for displaying and outputting the second display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the second transmission request means on a display device provided in the information display computer;
Further, when the first information display means displays and outputs the first display information on the display device, the user selects one or more of the managed computers displayed in the first display information. A managed computer selection means for causing
The second transmission request means targets the one or more managed computers selected by the managed computer selection means, and indicates the correspondence relationship between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the management computer is requested to transmit the second display information for displaying related information. 8. The first display information output from the first display information output means includes link information for establishing a link to the second display information file. The image forming apparatus information management system described in 1. The information storage means stores the correspondence information including the correspondence between the installation location information of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as contents indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, wherein The information storage means stores the correspondence information including the correspondence between user information of the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as content indicating the correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The information storage means includes a port name of the managed computer used for local connection with the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus as contents indicating a correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence relation information including the correspondence relation is stored. The information storage unit stores the correspondence information including a correspondence between a name assigned to the managed computer and the image forming apparatus as content indicating a correspondence relation between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The management computer includes
List storage means for storing a list of the managed computers is provided;
The computer information acquisition means refers to the list stored in the list storage means, confirms the presence of the managed computer,
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the target computer by using the managed computer whose existence is confirmed by the computer information acquisition unit as a target computer. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1. The management computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule transmission means for simultaneously transmitting setting information for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus to a plurality of computers corresponding to the managed computer. Is provided,
The managed computer includes
In accordance with the setting information transmitted from the primary acquisition schedule transmission means, primary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to a schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit. An image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1. The management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit acquires the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to the schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit and fails to acquire the image forming apparatus information. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus information is reacquired at least once in addition to the schedule. The managed computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule setting means is provided for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to a second schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The primary acquisition schedule setting unit and the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit are configured to be able to set schedules at different timings as the first and second schedules. Item 16. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of Items 15. The managed computer includes
Primary acquisition schedule setting means is provided for setting a schedule for the managed computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus information primary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule set by the primary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The management computer includes
Secondary acquisition schedule setting means for setting a schedule for the management computer to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer is provided;
The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit is configured to acquire the image forming apparatus information from the managed computer according to a second schedule set by the secondary acquisition schedule setting unit.
The primary acquisition schedule setting means and the secondary acquisition schedule setting means are configured to set a second schedule that is delayed by a predetermined period from the setting of the first schedule. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the display information output unit is capable of outputting the display information in a plurality of data formats. The management computer includes
A data format designating means is provided for allowing a user to designate a data format for outputting the display information,
19. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 18, wherein the display information output unit outputs the display information in a data format designated by a user using the data format designating unit. . The display information output means outputs the display information in a data format designated at that time when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means acquires the image forming apparatus information. 20. An image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 18 or claim 19. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second display information output means can output the second display information in a plurality of data formats. The management computer includes
A data format designating means is provided for allowing a user to designate a data format for outputting the second display information;
The image formation according to claim 21, wherein the second display information output means outputs the second display information in a data format designated by a user using the data format designation means. Device information management system. The second display information output means outputs the second display information in a data format designated at that time when the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means acquires the image forming apparatus information. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The first display information output means includes link information for creating a link to the second display information file each time the data format when the second display information is output is changed. The first display information is output as a file, and at that time, the link information is changed to link information corresponding to the data format after the change. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of the above. The managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the image forming apparatus information is requested from the other computer via the network Determining means for determining
An image forming apparatus information transmitting unit configured to transmit the image forming apparatus information to the management computer when the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 24. The managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the setting of the schedule for acquiring the image forming apparatus information from the image forming apparatus is requested from another computer via the network, the other Determining means for determining whether the computer is the management computer;
When the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, the setting information for setting the schedule is received from the management computer, and the schedule is set according to the received setting information. 26. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a schedule setting unit. The management computer includes
Port number transmitting means is provided for transmitting, simultaneously to the managed computers, setting information for setting port numbers used by the managed computers for communication with the managed computers;
The managed computer includes
27. The port number setting means for setting a port number used for communication with the management computer according to the setting information transmitted from the port number transmitting means is provided. An image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 1. The managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
When the setting of the port number used for communication with the management computer is requested from another computer via the network, the other computer is based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. Determination means for determining whether or not the management computer is provided,
The port number setting unit receives setting information for setting the port number from the management computer when the determination unit determines that the other computer is the management computer, and receives the received setting information. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 27, wherein the port number is set according to: The managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the computer information is requested from the other computer via the network. Determination means for determining;
The computer information transmitting means for transmitting the computer information to the management computer when the determination means determines that the other computer is the management computer. 28. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of 28. The management computer includes
A display device provided in the management computer with display information including content indicating a correspondence relationship between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence information stored in the storage unit by the information storage unit 30. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising an information display output unit configured to display and output the information. The management computer is
As the information display output means,
First information display output means for displaying all the managed computers existing on the network and displaying computer information related to the managed computer;
Managed computer selection means for causing a user to select one or more of the managed computers displayed in the computer information when the first information display means displays the computer information;
Second information for displaying the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target managed computer and the image forming apparatus for one or more of the managed computers selected by the managed computer selection unit 31. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 30, further comprising display output means. A plurality of computers are connected via a network. Among the plurality of computers, at least one is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are locally installed on the managed computer. A connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus is provided,
The management computer includes
Response request means for requesting a response to a node in the network;
The managed computer is detected based on a response returned in response to a request from the response request means, and computer information that is information related to the managed computer included in the response is acquired from the managed computer. Computer information acquisition means;
Requests the managed computer to transmit the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means, and acquires the image forming apparatus information transmitted in response to the request from the managed computer. Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means to perform,
Information storage means for creating information on the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means and storing the information in a storage area is provided. An image forming apparatus information management system. The image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit obtains a network address of the managed computer from the response returned in response to the request from the response request unit, and requests transmission of the image forming apparatus information to the address. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 32, wherein the image forming apparatus information is acquired by receiving the image forming apparatus information transmitted in response to the request. The information storage unit is configured to control the managed computer and the image formation based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition unit and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit. 34. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 32 or 33, wherein correspondence relation information indicating a correspondence relation with an apparatus is created, and the correspondence relation information is stored in the storage area. The computer information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer,
The image forming apparatus information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected,
In the management computer,
The correspondence information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the same computer name or network address as the computer name or network address included in the computer information. 35. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 34, wherein the information indicates that the image forming apparatus information acquired by a next acquisition unit corresponds to the information. The management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; 36. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 34, wherein the image forming apparatus information management system is provided. The management computer includes
37. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 36, further comprising display information output means for outputting the display information created by the display information creation means as a displayable file. . At least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
Information display means for displaying and displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device included in the information display computer, The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 37. The information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and requests the management computer to transmit the display information using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request is displayed and output on a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser. The image forming apparatus information management system described. The managed computer includes
Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the management computer;
Whether or not the other computer is the management computer based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage means when the transmission of the computer information is requested from the other computer via the network. Determination means for determining;
35. Computer information transmission means for transmitting the computer information to the management computer when the determination means determines that the other computer is the management computer. 40. The image forming apparatus information management system according to any one of 39. A plurality of computers are connected via a network, and at least one of the plurality of computers is a management computer, at least one is a managed computer, and the managed computer includes one or more image forming apparatuses. Is a locally connected system,
The managed computer includes
Image forming apparatus information primary acquisition means for acquiring image forming apparatus information, which is information relating to the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus according to a first schedule and storing the acquired image forming apparatus information in a nonvolatile storage means. When,
An image forming apparatus information transmitting unit that receives the image forming apparatus information transmission request from the management computer and reads the image forming apparatus information from the nonvolatile storage unit and transmits the information to the management computer;
The management computer includes
According to a second schedule, the managed computer is requested to transmit the image forming apparatus information, and the image forming apparatus information transmitted from the managed computer in response to the request is transmitted from the managed computer. Image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means to acquire;
Information storage means for creating information on the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition means and storing the information in a storage area is provided. An image forming apparatus information management system. The management computer includes
42. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 41, further comprising computer information acquisition means for acquiring computer information, which is information relating to the managed computer, from the managed computer. The information storage unit is configured to control the managed computer and the image formation based on the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition unit and the image forming apparatus information acquired by the image forming apparatus information secondary acquisition unit. 43. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 42, wherein correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship with the apparatus is created, and the correspondence information is stored in the storage area. The computer information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer,
The image forming apparatus information includes a computer name or a network address of the managed computer to which the image forming apparatus is locally connected,
In the management computer,
The correspondence information includes the computer information acquired by the computer information acquisition means and the same computer name or network address as the computer name or network address included in the computer information. 44. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 43, wherein the information indicates that the image forming apparatus information acquired by a next acquiring unit corresponds to the information. The management computer includes
Display information creating means for creating display information including contents indicating correspondence between the managed computer and the image forming apparatus based on the correspondence relation information stored in the storage means by the information storage means; 45. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 43, wherein the image forming apparatus information management system is provided. The management computer includes
46. The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 45, further comprising display information output means for outputting the display information created by the display information creation means as a displayable file. . At least one of the plurality of computers is an information display computer,
The management computer includes
Display information transmitting means for transmitting the display information output as a file by the display information output means to the information display computer is provided,
In the information display computer,
Transmission request means for requesting the management computer to transmit the display information;
Information display means for displaying and displaying the display information transmitted from the management computer in response to a request from the transmission request means on a display device included in the information display computer, The image forming apparatus information management system according to claim 46. The information display computer includes a web browser having functions as the transmission request unit and the information display unit, and requests the management computer to transmit the display information using the web browser. The display information transmitted from the management computer in response to the request is displayed and output on a display device included in the information display computer using the web browser. The image forming apparatus information management system described.