JP2006268296A - Management method for equipment and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an NC device not allowing a third party to change setting of an expiration date in a function restricting use of the NC device when money is not paid even after the expiration date initially set by a user paying back residual cost on an easy payment plan, and allowing easy reextension of the expiration date when confirming the payment. <P>SOLUTION: An encryption key 122 arbitrarily determined by a machine tool manufacturer is previously inputted to the NC device 100, and the expiration date encrypted by use of the encrypted key 122 is inputted to the NC device 100 as a release code 103. The release code 103 inputted to the NC device 100 is restored as expiration date data by the encrypted key 122, the restored expiration date 123 and a present date are compared, and use of the NC device 100 is disabled when the present date advances as compared to the expiration date 123. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing a machine tool with a numerical control device, office machine, construction equipment, etc., which is purchased or leased in installments, and more particularly for a device capable of managing the expiration date of the equipment. The present invention relates to a management method and its apparatus.

If the balance is not paid by the due date for equipment such as a machine tool with a numerical controller purchased by installment payment, there is a demand for the seller to stop using the equipment. In addition, for leased office machines and construction equipment, there is a demand for leasing companies to stop using the equipment as soon as the lease term has passed.
By the way, as a conventional device for restricting execution by setting an expiration date, there are devices that restrict the operation of paid software, and these devices record the expiration date encrypted in the program and the current time and It is set as the structure which restrict | limits operation | movement by comparing (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP-A-62-266622 (first page, FIG. 1, FIG. 2)

  In the conventional program operation timing device as described above, the developer sets a fixed expiration date. Therefore, when extending the expiration date, we provide software with the expiration date again from the developer. There was a problem of having to.

  In addition, there is a method in which the expiration date is stored in a setting file or the like so that it can be changed. However, there is a drawback that the restriction can be easily removed if the storage location and the storage method are leaked.

  In general, when setting an expiration date in a numerical control device, it is common to set an expiration date in a ladder program. In this case, most of the expiration date cannot be changed by setting a password. However, if the password is leaked, the expiration date can be easily changed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and by using an encryption code that can be arbitrarily selected by a distributor such as a machine tool manufacturer or a leasing company, the expiration date is encrypted. It is possible to prevent the expiration date from being changed by the three parties, and by changing the encryption code for each device, the management method of the device that cannot change the expiration date even if the encryption method is leaked and its The purpose is to obtain a device.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by encrypting a number identifying a device such as a manufacturing number together with the expiration date, the encrypted release code cannot be used other than the intended device, and the same expiration date is widely spread. An object of the present invention is to obtain a device management method and apparatus that can be prevented.

  The device management method according to the present invention includes a step of inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date into the device, and a release code obtained by encrypting the expiration date outside the device using the encryption key. And a step of restoring the release code input in the device to the expiration date by the encryption key input in advance, a step of comparing the expiration date with the current date and time, When it is determined that the time limit has expired, there is a step of restricting the use of the device.

  In addition, the device management method of the present invention includes a step of inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date and a number or symbol provided for specifying a device to be managed into the device, and the encryption key A step of inputting a release code obtained by encrypting a number or symbol provided for specifying a device to be used and managed and used outside the device into the device, and the release code input in the device The number or symbol provided for identifying the expiration date and the number or symbol provided for identifying the managed device is restored by the activation key, and the number or symbol provided for identifying the restored managed device is preset in the apparatus. If the number or symbol provided to identify the managed device is the same, the expiration date is set in the device. Otherwise, the expiration date is not set in the device. A step, and comparing the expiration date with the current date and time, when it is determined that the expiration date has expired by this comparison, those having the steps of limiting the use of the equipment.

  Also, the device management method of the present invention permits only the operation to correct the current date and time in the direction to advance the current date and time, and prohibits the operation to correct the date and time in the direction to delay when the expiration date valid flag is on. is there.

  The device management method of the present invention outputs an alarm when it is determined that the expiration date has expired.

  Also, the device management method of the present invention outputs a warning that the expiration date will expire in a few days if the expiration date expires in a few days.

  Also, the device management method of the present invention makes the drive device inoperable when the expiration date has expired when the device is turned on.

  Further, the device management method of the present invention prohibits the next automatic start-up when the device expires during automatic operation and does not immediately disable the drive device. .

  In addition, the device management method of the present invention allows the device to be used again by inputting a release code in which the future date and time is encrypted from the current date and time when it is determined that the expiration date has expired. It is what.

  The device management apparatus according to the present invention also includes an encryption key input means for inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date into the device, and the expiration date is encrypted outside the device using the encryption key. A release code input means for inputting the release code entered in the apparatus, a release code analysis means for restoring the release code input in the apparatus to the expiration date using the encryption key input in advance, the expiration date and the current An expiration date check means for comparing the date and time, and a means for restricting the use of the device when the expiration date is determined to have expired by the expiration date check means.

  Also, the device management apparatus of the present invention comprises an encryption key input means for inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date and a number or symbol provided for specifying a device to be managed into the device, A release code input means for inputting a release code obtained by encrypting the expiration date and the number or symbol provided for identifying the device to be managed using the encryption key outside the device into the device, and input to the device The release code is restored to the expiration date and the number or symbol provided for identifying the managed device by the encryption key, and the number or symbol provided for identifying the restored managed device is If the number or symbol provided to specify the managed device set in the device is the same, the expiration date is set in the device, and if it is not the same, When it is determined that the expiration date has been expired by the cancellation code analysis means that does not set the expiration date in the apparatus, the expiration date check means that compares the expiration date and the current date and time, and the expiration date check means, It has a means to restrict the use of.

  In addition, the device management apparatus according to the present invention permits only an operation to correct the current date and time in the direction of advancing and prohibits an operation to correct the date and time in a direction of delay when the expiration date valid flag is on. Update prevention means is provided.

  The device management apparatus according to the present invention further includes an alarm output means for outputting an alarm when it is determined that the expiration date has expired.

  In addition, the device management apparatus of the present invention is provided with an alarm output means for outputting a warning that the expiration date will expire in a few days if the expiration date expires in a few days.

  Further, the device management apparatus of the present invention is provided with drive unit control means for making the drive device inoperable when the expiration date has expired when the device is turned on.

  In addition, the device management device of the present invention does not immediately disable the automatic start-up, but does not immediately disable the drive device when the expiration date is exceeded during automatic operation of the device. Means are provided.

  Further, the device management apparatus of the present invention, when it is determined by the expiration date check means that the expiration date has expired, by inputting a release code in which the future date and time are encrypted from the current date and time, Again, the device can be used.

  According to this invention, since there is no predetermined deposit for a user who repays the remaining cost by installment payment, the use of the device can be restricted, so that there is an effect that reliable cost recovery can be performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, by using electronic data such as an encryption key and a release code, additional hardware is not required, so that an increase in hardware cost can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the number or symbol provided for specifying the device to be managed and the expiration date are both encrypted and used as a release code, thereby preventing the adaptation to other machine tools. There is an effect that can.

  Moreover, according to this invention, since the present date and time cannot be delayed carelessly, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent maliciously extending the expiration date.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since an alarm is displayed when the expiration date has expired, the end user can easily recognize that the expiration date has been reached.

  Further, according to the present invention, since a warning is displayed several days before the expiration date, it is possible to take measures before the expiration date.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when the expiration date is expired when the power is turned on, the drive device cannot be operated, so that the user can be urged to pay back the cost.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the expiration date is expired during the automatic operation, the automatic operation of that time is continued, and the automatic starting from the next time is prohibited, so that the workpiece and the machine tool are inadvertently damaged. There is also an effect that the operation of the machine can be limited.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to use the numerical control device again by inputting the release code whose extension is extended again, so that not only the service of the machine tool manufacturer but also the input of the release code by the end user This makes it possible to reduce the service cost of machine tool manufacturers.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a device management method and apparatus according to the present invention applied to a numerical controller will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a numerical control device. In the figure, the numerical control device 100 includes a nonvolatile memory, and the serial number 101 and the encryption key 102 of the numerical control device are assigned as serial numbers. Using the input unit 111 and the encryption key input unit 112, the value is input into the numerical control device 100 from the outside in advance and stored in the nonvolatile memory. In addition, the order of characters necessary for encryption is also stored in the nonvolatile memory using the encryption key input unit 112.
In addition, using the encryption key 122 and the character order having the same setting contents as the encryption key 122 and the character order stored in the non-volatile memory, the expiration date and the numerical control that are the periods in which the numerical control device can be used. The serial number of the device is encrypted outside the numerical control device, and the encrypted code is input as the release code 103 into the numerical control device 100 by the release code input means 113. The input release code 103 is restored to the production number and the expiration date according to the order of the release code analysis means 114, the encryption key 122 and the characters, and the restored production number is stored in the nonvolatile memory inside the numerical controller 100. If it is the same as the stored serial number 121, the restored expiration date 123 is stored in the non-volatile memory.
Details of these will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, when the numerical controller 100 is turned on, it is checked whether the encryption key 122 is stored in the nonvolatile memory. If the encryption key 122 is stored, the validity flag 125 is turned on. While the valid flag 125 is on, the expiration date check means 116 activated at a certain period obtains the remaining number 126 (the expiration date 123-the current date 124) from the current date 124 and the expiration date 123. At this time, the current date 124 is obtained from the real time clock using the current time calculation means 115. When the remaining number of days 126 calculated from the expiration date 123 and the current date 124 becomes, for example, 8 days remaining, the near expiration date flag 127 is turned on, and when the remaining number 126 becomes 0, the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is reached. Turn on.

  As with the expiration date check means 116, the alarm output means 117 activated at a certain period checks whether the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned on. If it is turned on, “Z64 expiration date has passed. Is displayed on the screen of the numerical controller, and when the near-expiration date flag 127 is on, a warning message such as “Z65 Expiration date is approaching 8 days” is displayed. Further, when the remaining number of days 126 becomes 0 when the power is turned on and the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned on, the drive control unit 119 prohibits the operation of the drive device and turns on the servo preparation OFF flag 129 to complete the servo preparation. Do not turn on the signal. When the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned on during automatic operation, if the operation of the driving device is immediately prohibited, the work piece and the tool are affected. This automatic operation continues, and the use of the numerical control device is restricted by not accepting the next start signal.

  In addition, when the cancellation code 105 that confirms the payment from the user and extends the expiration date is input again into the numerical control device 100, the expiration date 123 stored in the nonvolatile memory is updated, and the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is updated. In addition, the near expiration date flag 127 is turned off, and the numerical control device 100 becomes usable again.

  The normal numerical control apparatus 100 can set the current date and time from the screen or the like, but the date update prevention unit 120 delays the date and time from the screen or the like while the valid flag 125 is on. When changing to, "setting error" is displayed and operation is prohibited. When the date and time are changed, the setting can be performed as usual even when the valid flag 125 is on.

  Next, a format example of the release code 103 is shown in FIG. An encryption version identifier is arranged at the head, and the serial number, the encryption key, and the expiration date are arranged in order, and finally the CRC from the manufacturing number to the expiration date is calculated and added. In the release code 103 of the format given in FIG. 2, the release code 103 is generated by encrypting the data excluding the encryption method using, for example, the encryption method shown in FIG.

That is, in FIG. 3, when the character string to be encrypted is “ABC010300”, for example, the encryption key is defined as “1234” and the character order is defined as “TG0EW1QX2HI3PA4ZCVB5N = KY”. For example, when the encryption key is “1234”, when “1” is used in order to “4”, it is determined that the encryption key is used again from “1”.
First, “A” of the first character string in the character string to be encrypted is read, and “A” is converted into “4” using “1” of the encryption key and the order of the characters. That is, “A” of the first character string in the character string to be encrypted is converted to “4” to the right of “1” character of “A” in the character order.
Next, “B” of the second character string in the character string to be encrypted is read, and this “B” is converted to “N” using “2” of the encryption key and the order of the characters. That is, “B” in the second character string in the character string to be encrypted is converted to “N” to the right of “2” characters of “B” in the character order.
Next, among the character strings to be encrypted, “C” of the third character string is read, and “C” is converted into “5” using “3” of the encryption key and the order of the characters. In other words, among the character strings to be encrypted, “C” in the third character string is converted to “5” to the right of “3” characters of “C” in the character order.

Next, among the character strings to be encrypted, “0” of the fourth character string is read, and this “0” is converted to “Q” using “4” of the encryption key and the order of the characters. That is, among the character strings to be encrypted, “0” in the fourth character string is converted to “Q” that is “4” characters to the right of “0” in the character order.
Next, among the character strings to be encrypted, “1” of the fifth character string is read, and this “1” is converted into “Q” using “1” of the encryption key and the order of the characters. That is, among the character strings to be encrypted, “1” in the fifth character string is converted to “Q” that is “1” characters to the right of “1” in the character order. Thereafter, the remaining “0300” is similarly converted, and the character string “ABC010300” to be encrypted is converted into a release code “4N5QQW4QE”.
By inputting the generated release code 103 to the numerical control device 100, the release code analyzing means 114 identifies the encryption method by referring to the encryption method at the beginning of the release code, and the encryption shown in FIG. Restore by doing the reverse of.

  Next, the processing procedure from turning on the valid flag 125 according to the first embodiment to obtaining the remaining number of days 126 from the expiration date 123 and the current date 124 and prohibiting the operation of the driving device will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The flowchart of FIG. 4 is a process performed in the initialization process performed when the power is turned on. First, it is determined whether or not the encryption key 122 is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S100). If the encryption key 122 is not stored, the process is terminated as it is and a normal initialization process is executed. If the encryption key 122 is stored, after the validity flag 125 is turned on (step S110), it is determined whether or not the expiration date flag 128 is turned on (step S120). If the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is not turned on, the processing is terminated as it is, and a normal initialization process is performed. If the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is on, the drive unit control means 119 executes a process of turning off the servo operation preparation, thereby prohibiting the operation of the drive unit (step S130). The servo preparation OFF flag 129 is turned on so that the preparation is not turned on (step S140), the operation of the drive unit is prohibited, and the process ends. As a result, the operation of the drive unit is prohibited when the expiration date has exceeded when the power is turned on.

  Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing processing repeatedly executed at regular intervals (for example, every 10 mSec), the expiration date check unit 116 determines whether or not the validity flag 125 is on (step S210). If is turned off, the process ends without performing any particular processing. When the valid flag 125 is on, the remaining number of days 126 is calculated (step S220), and when the remaining number of days 126 is 0 or less (step S230), the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned on (step S240). When the remaining number of days 126 is less than or equal to the warning date (for example, 8 days) determined to be greater than 0 (step 250), the near-use-limit flag 127 is turned on (step S260). If the remaining number of days 126 is greater than the warning date, the process ends without performing any processing.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 extracts a part of normal automatic activation processing that is repeatedly executed at regular intervals. At the beginning of the automatic activation process, the automatic activation prohibiting means 118 determines whether or not an activation signal is input (step S300), and if no activation signal is input, terminates without performing any process. If an activation signal is input, it is determined whether automatic operation is currently being performed (step S310). If automatic operation is being performed, the processing is terminated without performing any processing. If it is not in automatic operation, it is determined whether or not the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned off (step S320). If the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is turned off, the conventional automatic startup process is performed (step S320). S330). When the expiration date exceeded flag 128 is on, the input of the activation signal can be limited by terminating the process without performing the automatic activation process.

  Further, the flowchart of FIG. 7 extracts a part of a normal alarm output process that is repeatedly executed at regular intervals similarly to the process of FIG. 6. The alarm output means 117 includes an expiration date flag 128. If it is determined that it is turned on (step S400), an alarm message “Z64 expiration date has passed” is displayed (step S410). When the near-limit flag 127 is on (step S420), a warning message “Z65 expiration date is approaching” is displayed (step S430). If both flags are off, the process ends without doing anything and normal error handling is performed. Thus, an alarm message is displayed when the expiration date has expired, and a warning message is displayed when the expiration date is approaching.

  Further, the flowchart of FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the date update prevention means 120 that is repeatedly executed at regular intervals as in the process of FIG. 6. When there is no date update request, the process ends and the date When there is an update request (step 500), the current date / time is acquired (step 510), and the date / time to be changed next is acquired (step 520). It is determined whether or not the date / time to be changed next is before the current date / time (step 530). If the date / time to be changed is before the current date / time, the date changing process is executed. (Step 560). If the date / time to be changed is later than the current date / time, it is determined whether the credit system validity flag is ON (step 540). If the credit system validity flag is ON, the date If a change impossible error message is displayed and the credit system validity flag is not ON, date change processing is executed (step 560).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when there is no predetermined payment for a user who repays the remaining cost by installment payment, the use of the numerical control device is restricted when the lease term has expired. Therefore, there is an effect that reliable cost recovery can be performed.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, by using electronic data such as an encryption key and a release code, there is an effect that an increase in hardware cost can be suppressed because no additional hardware is required.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, by encrypting both the manufacturing number and the expiration date and using it as a release code, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent adaptation to other machine tools.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment 1, since the present date cannot be delayed carelessly, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent maliciously extending the expiration date.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since an alarm is displayed when the expiration date has expired, the end user can easily recognize that the expiration date has been reached.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since a warning is displayed several days before the expiration date, it is possible to take measures before the expiration date.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, when the expiration date is expired when the power is turned on, the drive device cannot be operated, so that the user can be urged to pay back the expenses.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the expiration date is expired during the automatic operation, the automatic operation at that time is continued, and automatic starting from the next time is prohibited. There is an effect that the operation of the machine can be limited without damaging the machine.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to use the numerical control device again by inputting the release code whose extension is extended again, so that not only the service of the machine tool manufacturer but also the release by the end user This makes it possible to enter codes and reduce the service costs of machine tool manufacturers.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the expiration date 103 stored in the non-volatile memory is updated by inputting again the release code 103 that confirms the payment from the user and extends the expiration date into the numerical controller 100. Then, the expiration date exceeded flag 128 and the near expiration date flag 127 are turned off, and the numerical control device 100 becomes usable again. As a method of inputting the release code 103 into the numerical control device 100 again, for example, You may comprise as follows.
That is, the numerical control device 100 is connected to the Internet, and the seller or the leasing company joins the Internet bank and prepares the release code 103 in advance. The release code 103 may be sent through the Internet and the expiration date 123 may be updated.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first embodiment, the production number is used to specify the numerical control device to be managed. However, if the numerical control device to be managed is specified, numbers and symbols other than the production number are used. May be.
In the first embodiment, the case where the device management method and the device thereof are applied to the numerical control device has been described. However, the office machine purchased by installment, the construction equipment, the leased office machine, the construction Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to devices such as industrial devices.

  The device management method and apparatus according to the present invention are suitable for use in business management and leasing device management in which expenses are collected by installment payment.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the numerical control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the format of the cancellation | release code which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the encryption system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process procedure which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the expiration date check means performed with a fixed period which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the automatic starting prohibition means performed with a fixed period which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the alarm output means performed with the fixed period which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the date update prevention means performed with a fixed period which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Numerical control apparatus, 101 Production number, 102 Encryption key, 103 Release code, 111 Production number input means, 112 Encryption key input means, 113 Release code input means, 114 Release code analysis means, 115 Current time calculation means, 116 Expiration date check means, 117 alarm output means, 118 automatic start prohibition means, 119 drive control means, 120 date update prevention means, 121 serial number, 122 encryption key (character order), 123 expiration date, 124 current date and time , 125 valid flag, 126 remaining days, 127 near expiration date flag, 128 expiration date flag, 128 servo ready OFF flag.

Claims (16)

  A step of inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date into the device; a step of inputting a release code in which the expiration date is encrypted outside the device using the encryption key; When it is determined by this comparison that the expiration date is restored to the expiration date using the encryption key that is input in advance, the expiration date is compared with the current date and time, and the expiration date is expired Includes a step of restricting the use of the device.   A step of inputting an encryption key for encrypting an expiration date and a number or symbol provided for specifying a device to be managed into the apparatus, and a device for managing the expiration date using the encryption key. A step of inputting a release code obtained by encrypting a number or a symbol provided for identification outside the device into the device, and a device for managing the release code input in the device as an expiration date by the encryption key The number or symbol provided to identify the device to be managed is restored, and the number or symbol provided to identify the restored managed device is provided to identify the managed device set in the apparatus in advance. The expiration date is set in the device if it is the same as the number or symbol, and if it is not the same, the expiration date is not set in the device; And comparing the, if it is determined that the expiration date has expired by this comparison, the management method of the device, characterized in that it comprises a step of limiting the use of the equipment.   3. When the expiration date valid flag is on, only the operation for correcting the current date and time is permitted, and the operation for correcting the date and time is prohibited in the delaying direction. The device management method described in 1.   The device management method according to claim 1, wherein an alarm is output when it is determined that the expiration date has expired.   5. The device management method according to claim 1, wherein if the expiration date is about to expire in a few days, a warning is output indicating that the expiration date will expire in a few days.   The device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein if the expiration date has expired when the device is turned on, the drive device is rendered inoperable.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the expiration date of the device expires during automatic operation, the next automatic activation is prohibited instead of immediately disabling the drive device. The management method of the apparatus in any one.   2. When it is determined that the expiration date has expired, the device can be used again by inputting a release code in which the future date and time are encrypted from the current date and time. The management method of the apparatus in any one of Claims 7.   An encryption key input means for inputting an encryption key for encrypting the expiration date into the device, and a cancellation code for encrypting the expiration date outside the device using the encryption key. A code input means, a release code analysis means for restoring the release code input in the device to the expiration date by the encryption key input in advance, an expiration date check means for comparing the expiration date and the current date and time, An apparatus management apparatus comprising means for restricting use of an apparatus when it is determined by the expiration date check means that the expiration date has expired.   An encryption key input means for inputting an encryption key for encrypting an expiration date and a number or symbol provided for specifying a managed device into the apparatus, and an expiration date using the encryption key; Release code input means for inputting a release code obtained by encrypting a number or symbol provided for specifying a device to be managed outside the apparatus into the apparatus, and the release code input in the apparatus by the encryption key A device to be managed in which the number or symbol provided for specifying the restored expiration date and the number or symbol provided for specifying the device to be managed is specified in the apparatus. If the same number or symbol is used to identify the device, the expiration date is set in the device. Otherwise, the expiration date is not set in the device. An expiration date analysis means, an expiration date check means for comparing the expiration date with the current date and time, and a means for restricting the use of the device when it is determined that the expiration date has expired. A device management apparatus characterized by that.   When the expiration date valid flag is on, there is provided a date update preventing means for permitting only an operation for correcting the current date and time to advance and prohibiting an operation for correcting the date and time in a delayed direction. The device management apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.   The apparatus management apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm when it is determined that the expiration date has expired.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising an alarm output means for outputting a warning that the expiration date will expire in a few days when the expiration date will expire in a few days. Management device.   The drive unit control means for making the drive device inoperable when the expiration date has expired at the time of power-on of the device is provided. Equipment management device.   When the expiration date of the device expires during automatic operation, the automatic start prohibiting means is provided to prohibit the next automatic start, instead of immediately disabling the drive device. Item 15. The device management apparatus according to any one of Items 9 to 14.   When it is determined by the expiration date check means that the expiration date has expired, the device can be used again by inputting a release code in which the future date and time are encrypted from the current date and time. The device management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the device management device is a device.

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