JP2005202109A - Data collecting apparatus and data collecting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data collecting apparatus periodically collecting data showing the operating situation of a business machine, and also, collecting information showing the operating situation of the business machine as necessary even at an optional time, and also to provide a data collecting program. <P>SOLUTION: The data showing the operating situation is collected from each digital compound machine in intranet at the preset periodical collection date and time, and also, the data showing the operating situation is collected (S17) from each digital compound machine in the intranet in accordance with the data collection demand from a manager etc. (S16) at a timing other than the periodical collection date and time. Besides, when the past date and time is specified in the data collection demand, the data showing the operating situation in the specified date and time is collected from each digital compound machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a data collection apparatus, a data collection program, and the like that collect data from office equipment such as a digital multifunction peripheral in a local area network and transfer the collected data to an external apparatus outside the local area network.

Conventionally, the operation and maintenance of office equipment such as digital multifunction peripherals is costly and troublesome, and requires specialized knowledge. For this reason, in office devices such as conventional digital multifunction peripherals, service companies (operation management companies and dealers) often provide services such as billing and maintenance according to usage records. In such a system, it is necessary for an operation management company or a dealer to grasp the usage status of office equipment. Conventionally, data indicating the use status of office equipment is manually performed using a telephone or a postcard. In addition, a system is also proposed in which an operation management company or a store manages data indicating the usage status of office equipment using a network such as the Internet.
JP 2000-155509 A

  However, in the system as described above, it is possible to periodically collect data indicating the operating status of the office equipment, but it is not possible to collect data indicating the operating status of the office equipment at an arbitrary time. For this reason, when there is a defect in data to be collected regularly, there is a problem in that accurate data must wait until the next regular collection time. Even if you want to collect data indicating the usage status of past office equipment in order to check the usage status of past office equipment or analyze the usage status of office equipment, However, this system has a problem in that it cannot collect data indicating the usage status of office equipment at a past time.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and periodically collects data indicating the operating status of office equipment, and also indicates information indicating the operating status of the office equipment as needed at any point in time. It is an object to provide a data collection device and a data collection program that can collect data.

  The data collection device according to the present invention performs data management in the office equipment on the network. The setting means sets the date and time for periodically collecting data indicating the operation status from the office equipment on the network, and the setting means The first data collection means for collecting data indicating the operating status from the office equipment on the network at each preset date and time, and the operating status of the office equipment on the network at the past designated date and time When a data collection request is received, a second data collection unit that collects data indicating an operation status at the specified date and time from office equipment on the network, the first data collection unit, and the second data collection Recording means for recording data collected by the means.

  The data collection program according to the present invention has a setting function for setting a date and time for periodically collecting data indicating the operation status from office equipment on the network to a computer connected to the network, and a setting function preset by the setting function. A first data collection function that collects data indicating the operation status from the office equipment on the network at each set date and time, and a data collection request indicating the operation status of the office equipment on the network at a past designated date and time. If received, the second data collection function that collects data indicating the operation status at the designated date and time from the office equipment on the network, the first data collection function, and the second data collection function on the network. And a recording function for recording data collected from the office equipment in a recording means.

  According to the present invention, a data collection device that can periodically collect data indicating the operating status of office equipment, and can also collect information indicating the operating status of the office equipment at any point in time, and A data collection program can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system including a data collection server 11 as a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the data collection server 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this network system includes an intranet 1 as a user-side network system, the Internet 2, a PC 3 of an operation management company, a PC 4 of a store, and the like.

  The intranet 1 is a network system on the user side that uses a digital multi-function peripheral as office equipment, and is configured by a local area network connected to the Internet through a firewall 16. The intranet 1 includes a data collection server (data management apparatus) 11, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP 1) 12 as office equipment, a controller 14 for a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP 2) 13 as office equipment, an administrator PC 15, and A firewall 16 and the like are connected by a local area network.

  The data collection server 11 may be provided in the digital multifunction machine 12 as an office device or the controller 14 for the digital multifunction machine. In this case, each function realized by the data collection server 11 as will be described later is realized by the digital multifunction machine 12 as a business machine or the controller 14 for the digital multifunction machine.

  The data collection server 11 is composed of a computer and functions as a server provided in a local area network on the user side of the digital multi-function peripheral. The data collection server 11 has a function of collecting data indicating operation status from each office device in the intranet 1, a function of performing data communication with an external device on the Internet 2 via the firewall 16, A function for sending mail to the terminal, a function for changing settings in response to a request from the terminal (administrator PC 15) in the intranet 1.

  The digital multifunction machine 12 and the digital multifunction machine 13 are office machines in the intranet 1. The digital multifunction machine 12 is, for example, an office machine equipped with a scanner, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a network interface. The digital multi-function peripheral 12 has a network communication function using a network interface, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from each device in the intranet.

  The digital multifunction machine 13 is an office device including a scanner, a printer, a communication interface, and the like, for example. The digital multifunction device 13 is connected to the controller 14 via the communication interface, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from each device in the intranet 1 via the controller 14. The controller 14 controls data transmission / reception between the digital multi-function peripheral 13 and each device in the intranet.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 has storage devices 12a and 13a for recording counter values as data indicating the operation status. The storage devices 12a and 13a have, for example, a memory for recording log information indicating the number of copies, the count value of the number of prints, the count value indicating the number of facsimile transmissions, or the error content generated when an error occurs. . The digital multi-function peripheral 12 or the controller 14 transmits data indicating the operation status recorded in the storage devices 12a and 13a as described above from the data collection server 11 to the data collection server 11 in response to a data request. It has a function.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage devices 12a and 13a are divided into a plurality of memory areas and record past count values. That is, the storage devices 12a and 13a record data (count values) at a plurality of different points in each memory area. The storage devices 12a and 13a are configured to record the count value up to the present in the first area and record the count value every predetermined time in the second, third,. .

  For example, when recording the count value for each day (one hour) in each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13, the storage devices 12a and 13a store the current count value and the second count value in the first area. Count value for 1 day (1 hour) in the area, count value for 2 days (2 hours) in the 3rd area, count value for 3 days (3 hours) in the 4th area, etc. A past count value for each day (one hour) is recorded in each memory area. The count value of each of these areas is shifted every predetermined time. As a result, the storage devices 12a and 13a always store count values for a predetermined time.

  The administrator PC 15 is a computer used by an administrator who manages the entire intranet 1 or an administrator who manages each office device such as the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1. The administrator PC 15 includes a device main body 15a having a CPU, various storage devices, and a network interface, a display unit 15b, an operation unit 15c, and the like. The administrator PC 15 has a function of receiving an email from the data collection server 11 and accessing the data collection server 11 through a Web browser.

  The firewall 16 prevents unauthorized access to the intranet 1 from the Internet 2 and transmission of unauthorized data from the intranet 1 to the Internet 2.

  On the Internet 2, a data management server 21 as an external device is installed. The data management server 21 has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from the data collection server 11 via the firewall 16. The data management server 21 is accessed from a web browser by the PC 3 of the operation management company or the PC 4 of the store.

  Note that data communication (data transmission / reception) between the data collection server 11 and the data management server is encrypted by SLL or the like to ensure security. Further, the access to the data management server 21 from the Web browser by the PC 3 of the operation management company or the PC 4 of the dealer is also encrypted by SLL or the like in order to ensure security.

  The data management server 21 receives data collected from the digital multifunction peripheral as office equipment in the intranet 1 from the data collection server 11 and stores the received data in a storage device (not shown) for management.

  For example, in the data management server 21, as data indicating the operation status of each digital multi-function peripheral in the intranet 1, log data indicating counter data (number of copies, number of prints, number of facsimile transmissions) and error contents when an error occurs. Are received from the data collection server 11 and managed.

  Here, when the operation management company or the store performs a service for charging the user in accordance with the usage record of office equipment such as a digital multifunction peripheral, the data management server 21 receives the data collection server 11 from the data collection server 11. Billing data for calculating a usage fee corresponding to the usage record of the office equipment (digital multifunction peripheral in the intranet 1) is managed for the received data. In addition, when the operation management company implements a service that provides maintenance management of office equipment such as digital multifunction peripherals, the data management server 21 uses the data received from the data collection server 11 as the maintenance of office equipment. (Replenishment and replacement of consumables, etc.) Or use as data to provide technical support according to the error content.

  The PC 3 of the operation management company is a computer provided in a company that maintains and manages the digital multifunction peripheral as office equipment in the intranet 1. Further, the PC 4 of the dealer is a computer provided in the dealer who charges the user for the usage fee calculation process according to the usage record of the digital multifunction peripheral as the office device in the intranet 1 and the calculated usage fee. is there.

  The function management company PC 3 and the dealer PC 4 access the data management server 21 through a Web browser and refer to data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral as office equipment stored in the data management server 21. have. For example, at the operation management company or the sales store, the data stored in the data management server 21 is referred to by the PC 3 of the operation management company and the PC 4 of the sales store, and the usage fee for each digital multifunction peripheral in the intranet 1 is referred to. Calculation, maintenance management, maintenance, etc. are performed.

Next, the configuration of the data collection server 11 will be described.
The data collection server 11 includes a control unit (CPU) 51, a read only memory (ROM) 52, a random access memory (RAM) 53, a hard disk drive (HDD) 54, a network interface (I / F) 55, and the like. ing.

  The CPU 51 controls the entire data collection server 11 and implements various functions according to various control programs. The CPU 51 has a clock 51a for measuring time. The ROM 52 stores a control program that controls the operation of the data collection server 11. The RAM 53 is a memory for storing work data.

  The HDD 54 is a large-capacity storage device, and stores application programs, setting information, data, and the like. In the present embodiment, the HDD 54 collects a program 54a for realizing various functions for realizing the present embodiment, setting information 54b, and each digital multifunction peripheral as office equipment in the intranet 1. A storage area for storing collected data 54c and the like is provided.

  The network interface 55 performs data communication with each device in the intranet 1 and data communication (data transmission / reception) with an external device on the Internet 2 such as the data management server 21 via the firewall 16. It is an interface for.

  Next, the collected data that the data collection server 11 collects from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 will be described.

  The data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral by the data collection server 11 is data indicating the operating status of each digital multi-function peripheral 12, 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1. The collected data recorded in the data collection server 11 includes billing data for charging according to the usage status of the digital multifunction peripheral, maintenance management data for performing maintenance and management of the digital multifunction peripheral, and each digital complex in the intranet. Used as analysis data for analyzing machine operating conditions.

  For example, in the case of a system that charges according to a count value (for example, a value indicating the number of copies such as the number of copies and the number of prints) by each digital multi-function peripheral, the collected data is aggregated at a store or an operation management company, A usage fee corresponding to the usage record for each user is calculated. In such a billing system, it is necessary to collect the count values of each digital multi-function peripheral periodically (for example, every month) in order to calculate the usage fee. It is also possible to confirm the usage fee charged by the user based on the collected data.

  Further, when the operation management company performs maintenance management of each digital multi-function peripheral, the operation management company uses, for example, paper or toner based on the collected data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral by the data collection server 11. Replenishment of consumables, replacement of parts, etc., or maintenance such as inspection, adjustment and software update.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to analyze the usage status of each digital multi-function peripheral based on the collected data stored in the data collection server 11. For example, in an intranet having a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals, it is analyzed how to use each digital multi-function peripheral efficiently. Also, in a system that charges for the number of printed sheets, if there are multiple digital multifunction peripherals with different charges per sheet on the intranet, which digital multifunction peripheral is used in the usage status based on the collected data. It is possible to analyze whether this is advantageous in terms of cost.

  Next, the operation of the data collection server 11 will be described.

  As described above, the data collection server 11 collects data from each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 (periodically) at a preset date and time (periodically) (first data collection means). have. This function collects the data every time the date and time that the clock 51a of the data collection server 11 keeps is set (for example, every hour, every day, every month, every predetermined day, etc.). This is realized by the server 11 collecting data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1.

  Here, it is assumed that the data collection server 11 is preset in advance with a date and time (periodic collection date and time) for periodically collecting data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13. For example, an administrator who manages the intranet 1 (or an administrator who manages office equipment such as a digital multi-function peripheral in the intranet 1) sets the periodic collection date and time on the data collection server 11 using the administrator PC 15. It is executed by accessing. The setting information is acquired from the data collection server 11.

  The data collection server 11 has a function of collecting data from each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 at an arbitrary timing. This function is executed in response to a data collection request from the administrator PC 15.

  For example, a spot collection request button for making a data collection request to the data collection server 11 is displayed on the display unit 15 b of the manager PC 15. The spot collection request button can be selected and instructed by the administrator at the operation unit 15c at an arbitrary timing. When the spot collection request button is selected and instructed, the manager PC 15 makes a data collection request to the data collection server 11. In response to this request, the data collection server 11 collects data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the data collection server 11 is designated with a data collection request and a past date and time, the data collection server 11 collects data at the designated past time points from the respective digital multi-function peripherals 12 and 13 (first operation). 2 data collection means). This function is executed according to the data collection request from the administrator PC 15 and the designated past date and time.

  For example, on the display unit 15b of the manager PC 15, a designation screen for designating a past date and time is displayed together with a spot collection request button for making a data collection request to the data collection server 11. When the past date and time is designated on this designation screen and the spot collection request button is selected and instructed, the administrator PC 15 makes a data collection request designating the past date and time to the data collection server 11. In response to this request, the data collection server 11 collects data at the designated date and time from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the data collection server 11 having the above functions.

  That is, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 becomes the date and time (periodic collection date and time) for periodic data collection set in the setting information 54b based on the current date and time counted by the clock 51a. It is judged (monitored) (step S11). If it is determined by this determination that the regular collection date / time has come (step S11, YES), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 converts the current (periodic collection date / time) data into each digital multifunction peripheral (office equipment) 12 in the intranet 1. , 13 (step S12).

  In the data collection process at the regular collection date and time, the data collection server 11 requests current data (counter value) from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1, and This is performed by receiving the current counter value accumulated in the storage devices 12a and 13b.

  When the count values at the regular collection date and time are collected from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 by the data collection process, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 stores the collected count values as the collected data 54c in the HDD 54 (step S13). ).

  If it is not the regular collection date and time (step S11, NO), the data collection server 11 accepts a data collection request from the administrator PC 15 (or the operating company PC 3 or the dealer PC 4) ( Step S15). In this state, for example, when a data collection request is received from the administrator PC 15 (YES in step S15), the data collection server 11 specifies that the date and time of data to be collected (count value) is specified in the past date and time. It is determined whether or not (step S16).

  In this determination, whether the data collection request requires collection of the count values of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 at the past time, or requests collection of the count values of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 at the current time. Determine what to do. For example, when a spot collection request is instructed without designating the date and time, the data collection server 11 determines that the count value is collected at the current time point, and the collection request is instructed with designation of the date and time (past date and time). If it is determined, the data collection server 11 determines that the count value is collected at the designated date and time.

  That is, when it is determined that the date and time of the data collection request is not specified by the above determination (NO in step S16), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 transfers the data at the current time (when the data collection request is made) to the intranet 1 From each digital multifunction peripheral (office equipment) 12, 13 (step S12).

  The data collection process at the time when the data collection request is made requests current data (counter value) from the data collection server 11 to each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1, and each digital multifunction peripheral is requested. 12 and 13 by receiving the current counter value accumulated in the storage devices 12a and 13b.

  When the counter values at the time when the data collection request is made by the data collection process are collected from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 stores the collected count values in the HDD 54 as the collected data 54c. (Step S13).

  If it is determined by the above determination that the date and time of the data collection request (past date and time) has been designated (step S16, YES), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 performs data (counting) at the designated past date and time. Value) is collected from each digital multifunction peripheral (office equipment) 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 (step S17).

  In the data collection process at the designated past date and time, the data collection server 11 requests the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 for the data (counter value) at the designated date and time. This is done by receiving the counter value of the designated date and time stored in the storage devices 12a and 13b from the machines 12 and 13.

  When the counter value at the specified date and time is collected from each digital multifunction machine 12 and 13 by the data collection process, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 stores the collected count value as the collected data 54c in the HDD 54 (step S13).

  As described above, the data collection server according to the present embodiment collects data indicating the operation status from each digital multi-function peripheral in the intranet at a preset regular collection date and time, and at a timing other than the regular collection date and time. However, data indicating the operation status is collected from each digital multifunction peripheral in the intranet in response to a data collection request from an administrator or the like. Further, when a past date and time is specified in the data collection request, the data collection server collects data indicating the operation status at the specified date and time from each digital multi-function peripheral.

  As a result, it is possible to collect data indicating the operating status from each digital multi-function device on a regular basis, and to collect data indicating the operating status from each digital multi-function device even at times other than the timing of periodic data collection. Become. As a result, data collection at a desired timing can be realized without impairing the convenience of periodic data collection.

  Furthermore, as a specific effect, for example, when normal data cannot be collected due to a problem in periodic data collection processing, it cannot be normally collected by executing data collection at a desired timing. Data can be supplemented later. In addition, when there is a sudden change in the operating status of a certain digital multi-function peripheral, data can be collected at a desired timing, so that the progress of such operating status change can be confirmed. Furthermore, since data at the past time can be collected, in the system that charges according to the count value by each digital multi-function peripheral, the usage fee charged by the user is confirmed based on the collected data at the time of billing There is also an effect that you can.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the network system in connection with embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows schematically the structural example of a data collection server. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of a data collection server.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Intranet, 2 ... Internet, 3 ... Operation management company's PC, 4 ... Store PC, 11 ... Data collection server (data collection device), 12, 13 ... Digital compound machine (office equipment), 14 ... Controller, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... PC for administrators, 51 ... CPU, 51a ... Clock, 54 ... Hard disk drive, 54a ... Program, 54b ... Setting information, 54c ... Collected data, 55 ... Network interface

Claims (4)

In a data collection device that collects data from office equipment on the network,
A setting means for setting a date and time for periodically collecting data indicating the operation status from office equipment on the network;
First data collection means for collecting data indicating an operation status from the office equipment on the network for each set date and time preset by the setting means;
Second data collection means for collecting data indicating the operation status at the specified date and time from the office devices on the network when receiving a data collection request indicating the operation status of the office device at the network at the past specified date and time When,
Recording means for recording data collected by the first data collecting means and the second data collecting means;
A data collection device comprising: The network is a local area network, and the second data collection means receives data indicating an operation status at a past designated date and time in response to a request from an administrator having authority to manage the local area network. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein the data collection device collects data from office equipment in the network. On a computer connected to the network,
A setting function for setting a date and time for periodically collecting data indicating the operation status from office equipment on the network;
A first data collection function for collecting data indicating an operation status from the office equipment on the network for each set date and time set in advance by the setting function;
A second data collection function that, when receiving a data collection request indicating the operating status of the office device on the network at a past designated date and time, collects data indicating the operating status at the specified date and time from the office device on the network When,
A recording function for recording data collected from office equipment on the network by the first data collecting function and the second data collecting function in a recording unit;
Data collection program for realizing The network is a local area network, and the second data collection function receives data indicating an operation status at a past designated date and time in response to a request from an administrator having authority to manage the local area network. The data collection program according to claim 3, for realizing the collection from the office equipment in the network.

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