JP2006323680A - Equipment information distribution system, equipment information reception device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform original setting about a desired setting item instead of absolutely setting all of received equipment information to an equipment information reception device itself in the equipment information reception device receiving the equipment information from an equipment information distribution device. <P>SOLUTION: In this equipment information distribution system, the equipment information distribution device 100 having an equipment information distribution function and the equipment information reception device 200 having an equipment information reception function are connected via a network. The equipment information reception device 200 registers the equipment information received from the equipment information distribution device 100 in equipment information of itself when the equipment information reception function is effective, and does not register the equipment information in the equipment information of itself when the equipment information reception function is ineffective. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device information distribution system, a device information distribution device, a device information reception device and method, and a computer program.

  In recent years, when a multifunction peripheral (MFP) or the like is used, items to be set increase with an increase in functions thereof, and special knowledge tends to be required due to complicated functions. In particular, network functions and the like must be set after understanding the contents of each setting item, which may cause operational problems and security problems, and cannot be easily set by anyone. Therefore, when an administrator having specific knowledge purchases a plurality of multifunction peripherals, it is necessary to make settings for each multifunction peripheral. In many cases, the same settings are made.

  In order to solve such a problem, a service called a device information distribution function exists. The device information distribution function is a function for setting a multifunction device by transmitting device information from a multifunction device for which device information has been set to the multifunction device for which device information is to be set. With this function, it is possible to reflect the device information set in one multifunction device to other multifunction devices without the need for the user to manually set device information for each multifunction device. In addition, by regularly distributing address book information, which is a part of its own device information, a plurality of devices can always have the latest device information.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to handle a printing apparatus in a network environment, it is possible to make an environment setting easily based on the acquired environment information by inquiring other printing apparatuses in the network environment for necessary environment information. A technology that can perform the above is disclosed.

JP-A-11-175272

  In the conventional device information distribution function, even if the distributed device information includes device information of a plurality of setting items, the other devices that have received the device information are devices of all the received setting items. Information was set as own device information.

  However, considering the actual operation, some setting items included in the device information transmitted by the device information distribution function are not operated with the received device information, but with the original device information. You may want to use it. For example, the authentication information when using a device may not be the same information for all devices, but may be set for different information for each device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. In the device information receiving device that has received device information from the device information distribution device, the device information regarding all the setting items included in the received device information is not included. The purpose is not to set the device information as a condition, but to make it possible to easily set a desired setting item.

The device information distribution system of the present invention receives a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices, and device information distributed from the device information distribution device. A device information distribution system in which a device information receiving device having a device information receiving function to be registered in information is connected via a network, wherein the device information receiving function is effective for predetermined device information. If the device information reception function is valid for management information for managing information on whether or not the device information is received from the device information distribution device, the device information is registered in its own device information, and the device information If the reception function is invalid, it has a feature in that it comprises control means for controlling the device information not to be registered in its own device information.
The device information receiving device of the present invention is a device information receiving device connected via a network to a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices, wherein the device information distribution Receiving means for receiving device information distributed from the device; management means for managing information on whether the device information receiving function for registering device information received by the receiving means in its own device information is valid or invalid; and For the device information received by the means, if the device information receiving function is valid, the device information is registered in its own device information. If the device information receiving function is invalid, the device information is registered as its own device information. And a control means for controlling to prevent registration.
The device information distribution device of the present invention is a device information distribution device connected via a network to a device information receiving device having a device information receiving function for receiving device information distributed from other devices and registering it in its own device information. A receiving unit that receives a request to stop delivery of device information of a predetermined setting item from the device information receiving device, and destination information of the device information receiving device based on the delivery stop request received by the receiving unit And a holding means for holding the setting item information related to the distribution stop request.
The device information receiving method of the present invention is connected to a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices via a network, and the device information distributed from the device information distribution device Device information receiving method by a device information receiving device comprising a management means for managing whether the device information receiving function for registering the device information in its own device information is valid or invalid, wherein the device information When device information is received from a distribution device, if the device information reception function is valid for the received device information, the device information is registered in its own device information, and the device information reception function is invalid. For example, it is characterized in that a control procedure for controlling the device information not to be registered in its own device information is performed.
A computer program of the present invention is a computer for causing a computer connected via a network to a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function to distribute its own device information to another device, to execute the device information reception process. Information about whether the reception processing for receiving device information distributed from the device information distribution apparatus and whether the device information reception function for registering the device information received by the reception processing in its own device information is valid or invalid. If the device information reception function is valid for the management information for managing the device and the device information received by the reception processing, the device information is registered in its own device information, and if the device information reception function is invalid , Characterized in that the computer executes control processing for controlling the device information not to be registered in its own device information. .

  According to the present invention, if the device information receiving function is valid for the received device information, the device information is registered in its own device information. If the device information receiving function is invalid, the device information is stored in its own device information. Since it is not registered in the device information, it is possible to easily set a unique setting for a desired setting item rather than unconditionally setting all received device information.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a device information distribution system to which the present invention is applied. Reference numeral 100 denotes a device having a device information distribution function. The device 100 may be implemented by an image processing apparatus such as a printing apparatus or a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

  Reference numerals 200 and 210 denote devices having a device information receiving function, which may be implemented by an image processing apparatus such as a printing apparatus or a multifunction peripheral (MFP), as in the case of the device 100.

  The device 100 having the device information distribution function and the devices 200 and 210 having the device information receiving function are connected to each other via the network 300 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 300 is not limited to a wired network, and may be a wireless network, for example, a wireless LAN.

  Note that the device 100 having the device information distribution function may have a device information reception function, and the devices 200 and 210 having the device information reception function may have the device information distribution function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a printing apparatus which is an example of a device. The CPU 1000 executes a printing unit (printer) via a printing unit I / F 1005 connected to the system bus 1011 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 1002 or a control program stored in the external memory 1010. Engine) 1007 outputs an image signal as output information.

  The font ROM of the ROM 1002 stores font data used when generating output information. The data ROM of the ROM 1002 is used on the client device in the case of a printing apparatus that does not have an external memory 1010 such as a hard disk. Information to be stored is stored.

  The CPU 1000 is connected to a network via a network I / F 1004, can communicate with other devices, and is configured to be able to notify other devices of information in the printing apparatus.

  The RAM 1001 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 1000, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 1001 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

  The display unit 1009 conveys various information to the print service user. Access to an external memory 1010 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card is controlled by an external memory I / F 1006. The external memory 1010 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.

  The operation unit 1008 is an operation panel, for example, and is provided with a switch, an LED display, and the like.

  The number of external memories 1010 is not limited to one. For example, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printing device control languages with different language systems can be connected in addition to the built-in font. Good. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printing device mode setting information from the operation unit 1008 may be stored.

  The clock device 1003 is used when checking whether the certificate has expired. Note that the clock device 1003 may have a configuration in which the ROM 1002 has the same clock function or the same function outside the printing apparatus 200.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software module configuration example of a device having a device information distribution / reception function. Reference numeral 110 denotes a TCP / UDP / IP module for performing TCP / UDP / IP communication, which analyzes or generates an IP packet, analyzes or generates a TCP packet, a UDP packet, and performs TCP / IP on data from a higher-level module. A header, a UDP header, and an IP header are attached, a TCP header, a UDP header, and an IP header are removed from data from the network, and the subsequent data is passed to a higher-level module.

  Reference numeral 120 denotes an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) module for performing encrypted communication. SSL is a protocol that encrypts and transmits information on the Internet, and can combine security technologies such as public key encryption, private key encryption, digital certificates, and hash functions to prevent data eavesdropping, falsification, and spoofing. . The SSL module 120 is a higher-order module of the TCP / IP module.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes an HTTP server module for publishing information or providing a service using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol).

  A remote UI module 140 provides a UI (User Interface) function to devices existing on the network, and operates as a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) module. The Remote UI module 140 operates on the HTTP server module 130 or is activated from the HTTP server module 130 and operates.

  A device information distribution / reception module 150 operates on the TCP / UDP / IP module 110 or the HTTP server module 130, analyzes the received device information distribution command, and sets the received device information in the setting information DB 170. And a function of transmitting predetermined device information to a designated device.

  An SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) module 160 is a communication protocol module for managing network devices. By exchanging MIB (Management Information Base) information using the SNMP module 160, information in the setting information DB 170 can be read and written.

  A setting information DB 170 registers and manages device setting information.

  Reference numeral 180 denotes a UI, which allows the user to directly set the device.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of device information setting in the device information receiving apparatus in the device information distribution system of this embodiment.

(Step S100)
In step S100, when a device information setting request is received, it is determined by which means the setting request is made. If it is based on device information distribution, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is not based on device information distribution, the process proceeds to step S130. For example, if it is a setting request using a UI, a Remote UI, and an SNMP included in the device itself as a device information receiving apparatus, it is a means other than the device information distribution, so the process proceeds to step S130.

(Step S110)
In step S110, the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 of the device setting information management table 6000 (see FIG. 8) stored in the setting information DB 170 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the received device information can be reflected. The ON / OFF information in the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 of the device setting information management table 6000 corresponds to information on whether the device information reception function is valid or invalid in the present invention. That is, since the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 is ON indicates that the distribution setting is prohibited, it indicates that the device information reception function referred to in the present invention is invalid for the setting information related to the corresponding setting item. Further, since the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 being OFF indicates that the distribution setting prohibition is not prohibited, it indicates that the device information receiving function referred to in the present invention is effective for the setting information regarding the corresponding setting item. If it is determined that distribution setting is not possible, the process proceeds to step S120. If it is determined that distribution setting is possible, the process proceeds to step S140. For example, in FIG. 8, when an LPD Use setting item is received, the distribution setting prohibition item is ON, and therefore it is determined that the received setting item is not reflected as a device setting value. In this example, the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 is used to determine whether or not the received device information can be reflected, but other information may be referred to.

(Step S120)
In step S120, the process ends without reflecting the device information received by the device information distribution. In this step, if the device information is not reflected, the device information is not simply ignored, but the device information distribution source device is notified that the designated device information is not reflected. Good.

(Step S130)
In step S130, it is determined whether or not the current device setting value of the setting item requested to be set is a value set by device information distribution. If it is determined that the information is set by device information distribution, the process proceeds to step S160. If the information is set other than device information distribution, the process proceeds to step S140. In this example, with reference to the setter item 6040 of the device setting information management table 6000, it is determined whether or not the device setting value is set by device information distribution.

(Step S140)
In step S140, the device setting information input information is registered in the corresponding column of the setter item 6040 of the device setting information management table 6000. Here, the information described as the device setting information input information is, for example, “LUI” (Local User Interface) that is input from an operation panel or the like held by the device itself or a Web server that the device itself has via a network. "Remote UI" that is input from a computer that has been connected, "SNMP" that is input using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and "device information distribution" that is input using the device information distribution function in this embodiment In addition, for the information set via the network, information for specifying the setter is also registered. The information for specifying the setter here is, for example, an IP address, a Mac address, a computer name, or the like.

(Step S150)
In step S150, the designated setting item is rewritten with the designated device setting value, and this process is terminated.

(Step S160)
In step S160, based on the information in the setter item 6040 of the device setting information management table 6000, setting is impossible even if the device information of the setting item is subsequently distributed to the device for the previous setter. To be notified. The information notified to the distribution source is information that can determine which setting item is not permitted to be set. For example, when the use information of the LPD previously set by another device is changed from the UI of the device that receives the device information, the setting “¥ LPD ¥ Use” is set together with the device information distribution stop request for the device. Information that can identify the item is also sent. Here, the device information distribution stop request is transmitted only to the previous setter, but by transmitting to a broadcast address or a predetermined multicast address, a specific group or an unspecified number of devices on the network You may make it transmit to.

(Step S170)
In step S170, the destination transmitted in step S160 and the transmitted device information distribution restriction item are added to the device information distribution restriction transmission list 7000 (see FIG. 9).

(Step S180)
In step S180, the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 of the setting item in the device setting information management table 6000 is set to ON, and after that, the device setting value is locked so as not to be changed by device information distribution, and the process proceeds to step S140. In this case, confirmation may be made to turn on the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 of the setting item for the person who sets the device information.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the clear processing of the distribution setting prohibition item 6050 of the device setting information management table 6000. This process is performed in a device that is a device information receiving apparatus.

(Step S200)
In step S200, the designated distribution setting prohibition item 6050 is set to OFF, and the device setting value by device information distribution can be changed thereafter. If clearing of a plurality of distribution setting prohibition items 6050 is selected at the same time, all the distribution setting prohibition items 6050 are set to OFF.

(Step S210)
In step S210, in order to notify that device information distribution can be accepted thereafter, device information distribution is performed for the device information distribution restriction item transmitted last time to a destination existing in the device information distribution restriction transmission list 7000. Specify that it will be accepted.

(Step S220)
In step S220, the destination information and device information distribution restriction item transmitted in step S210 are deleted from the device information distribution restriction transmission list 7000.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining command reception processing. The device information setting module of each device information distribution receiving / setting function compatible device needs to perform each process based on this flowchart. This process is performed in a device that is a device information distribution apparatus.

(Step S300)
In step S300, the received command is analyzed to determine whether it is a device information distribution stop request, a device information distribution stop cancel request, or a device information distribution request.

(Step S310)
Step S310 is processing when a device information distribution request is received, and performs device information distribution processing. Specific device information distribution processing will be described later.

(Step S320)
Step S320 is processing when a device information distribution stop request is received. When this request is received, destination information for stopping device information distribution and setting items (distribution restriction items) for stopping distribution are added to the device information distribution restriction list 8000 (see FIG. 10).

(Step S330)
Step S330 is processing when a device information distribution cancellation cancellation request is received. When this request is received, the corresponding information is deleted from the device information distribution restriction list 8000, and thereafter, the device information of the setting item can be transmitted to the address for which the cancellation cancellation request has been made.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the device information distribution process. The device information setting module of each device information distribution receiving / setting function compatible device needs to perform each process based on this flowchart. This process is performed in a device that is a device information distribution apparatus.

(Step S400)
In step S400, it is confirmed whether the transmission destination specified as the device information distribution destination exists in the device information distribution restriction list 8000. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S410, and if not, the process proceeds to step S450.

(Step S410)
In step S410, it is confirmed whether or not the setting item specified as the device information distribution item exists in the device information distribution restriction item 8020 of the device information distribution restriction list 8000. If it exists (cannot be distributed), the process proceeds to step S430. If it does not exist (can be distributed), the process proceeds to step S420.

(Step S420)
In step S420, the setting item for which the distribution restriction item check has been performed is set as distribution information.

(Step S430)
In step S430, it is confirmed whether or not a distribution restriction item check has been performed for all setting items to be distributed. If there are remaining items, the process returns to step S410 to perform a distribution restriction item check for the remaining items.

(Step S440)
In step S440, device information to be distributed is created based on the information set as the distribution item, and transmission processing is performed on the actually designated destination.

(Step S450)
In step S450, since it is determined in step S400 that there is no setting information distribution restriction for the transmission destination, all designated setting items are designated as device information.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, all IPP items in the device setting information management table 6000 (IPP sub items Use, SSL, Auth, AuthName, AuthPass) are assigned to the distribution destination 172.24.176.120 in the device information distribution restriction list 8000. ) Will be explained.

  In step S400, it is confirmed whether or not the designated address 172.24.17.120 exists in the device information distribution restriction list 8000. In this example, since 172.24.17.120 exists as a distribution restriction destination, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410 to step S430, it is determined whether or not the IPP setting item to be distributed (IPP sub-item Use, SSL, Auth, AuthName, AuthPass) is a distribution restriction item of the distribution address (172.24.17.120). Extract other than. Here, since (AuthName, AuthPass) is specified as the distribution item restriction item, it is extracted as a setting item transmitted by other transmission items (Use, SSL, Auth), and the process proceeds to step S440.

  In step S440, the items to be actually transmitted (IPP sub-items Use, SSL, Auth) are transmitted to the address 172.24.176.120, and the device information distribution process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device setting information management table 6000. The device setting information management table 6000 is owned by a device that is a device information receiving apparatus. Reference numerals 6010 and 6020 are items that contain setting items. Reference numeral 6030 denotes an item in which the value of the setting item is entered. Reference numeral 6040 denotes a setter item that holds who sets the setting item by what means. For example, “LUI” that represents an input from the LUI (owned UI) or “information that represents an input by device information distribution”. “Distribution” is entered, and for the items set by information distribution, the IP address of the distribution source is also stored. Reference numeral 6050 denotes a distribution setting prohibition item for identifying whether or not the setting item specified in the items 6010 and 6020 is prohibition of device information distribution. When the setting item is ON, even when the setting item is received by device information distribution. Not reflected as a setting item, but reflected as a setting item when it is OFF.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device information distribution restriction transmission list 7000. The device information distribution restriction transmission list 7000 is owned by a device serving as a device information receiving device. When the device setting item prohibits setting by device information distribution, the device information distribution stop request and the device It is a list holding information distribution restriction items. In addition, when a device information distribution cancellation cancellation request is made to a destination described in this list, the target item is deleted from this list. Reference numeral 7010 denotes an item for holding the destination information to which the device information distribution stop request is transmitted. Reference numeral 7020 denotes an item for holding the device information distribution restriction item transmitted to the destination specified in the item 7010.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the device information distribution restriction list 8000. As shown in FIG. The device information distribution restriction list 8000 is owned by a device serving as a device information distribution apparatus, and is a list that retains information when a device information distribution stop request is received in the device information distribution command reception process of FIG. . 8010 is an item for holding destination information for restricting delivery when a device information delivery stop request is received, and 8020 is an item for holding a device information delivery restriction item for restricting device information delivery to the destination specified in item 8010. It is.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device information distribution setting screen 3000 displayed on a display device of a device that is a device information distribution device. Reference numeral 3001 denotes a button for selecting whether to distribute a set of device setting information classified as the user mode. The setting information classified as the user mode here excludes, for example, network setting information, device-specific information (device name, etc.), and information (authentication information, etc.) that is not preferable for security distribution among the device setting information. For example, ON / OFF setting of a device buzzer sound, timer setting (auto sleep time setting), copy specification setting (image orientation setting, copy waiting time display function ON / OFF), and the like are included.

  Reference numeral 3002 denotes a button for selecting whether to distribute a set of device setting information classified as network settings. In this screen example, this distribution setting can be performed only when the user mode distribution setting 3001 is valid. Here, the setting information classified as the network setting includes ON / OFF of various server functions of the device and location information of the network service function used by the device. For example, ON / OFF of the HTTP function, LPD function ON / OFF, SMTP server address information, and the like are classified.

  Reference numeral 3003 denotes a button for selecting whether to distribute a set of device setting information classified as department ID information. Here, as the setting information classified as department ID information, for example, an ID number and a password are set for each department, and information set when the use of the device is restricted / managed by the information, or an IC card is used. The card ID management information used in this case and the system administrator information for managing this device are classified. When this setting is valid, all of this information is operated as selected.

  Reference numeral 3004 denotes a button for selecting whether to distribute a set of device setting information classified as a destination table. Here, the setting information classified as the destination table is an item in which information necessary when the device has a data transmission client function is classified, for example, address book information stored in the device (addressee name, telephone number) (Number, FAX number, E-MAIL address) and information defining the operation when the device transmits data and the operation when receiving data.

  Here, an example will be given of processing when the user mode and the network item of the sub item are set as setting items for distributing device information.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing operation in the device information distribution system. 400 is a user of the network system (hereinafter “user”), 100 is a device having a device information distribution function (hereinafter “device information distribution apparatus”), and 200 is a device having a device information reception function (hereinafter “device information distribution device”). "Device information receiving apparatus").

  Here, a sequence in which the user 400 transmits device information from the device information distribution apparatus 100 to the device information receiving apparatus 200 will be described. In step 5000, the user 400 inputs which device setting information item is to be transmitted to the device information distribution apparatus 100. The input screen in this case is as shown in FIG.

  In step 5001, device information distribution apparatus 100 stores the device setting information item input in step 5000 in its own memory area.

  In step 5002, the user 400 designates the device information receiving device 200 to the device information distribution device 100 and issues a device information transmission instruction.

  In step 5003, the device information distribution apparatus 100 that has received the transmission instruction creates device information data to be distributed based on the device setting information item selected by the user 400 in step 5000.

  In step 5004, device information distribution apparatus 100 transmits the device information created in step 5003 to device information receiving apparatus 200.

  In step 5005, it is determined whether the device information received from the device information distribution apparatus 100 is contrary to the reception setting of the apparatus information receiving apparatus 200. If the apparatus information matches, the received apparatus information is set in itself. The actual setting process may be performed after the reception result is returned in step 5006.

  In step 5006, device information receiving apparatus 200 returns a device information setting process result to device information distribution apparatus 100.

  In step 5007, the device information distribution apparatus 100 notifies the user 400 of the processing result. At this time, the device information distribution apparatus 100 may leave the processing result as a log.

<Other embodiments>
The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, recording medium, or the like, specifically, a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system configured from the above, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device.

  Note that the present invention supplies a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the above-described flowchart) to the system or apparatus directly or remotely from the computer of the system or apparatus. This includes a case where the program code is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM And DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R).

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, an OS or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program may be a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are also realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network system to which this invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a printing apparatus that is an example of a device. It is a figure which shows the example of a software module structure of the device which has an apparatus information delivery / reception function. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation | movement of the apparatus information setting in an apparatus information receiver in the apparatus information delivery system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the clear process of the delivery setting prohibition item of a device setting information management table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating command reception processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an apparatus information delivery process. It is a figure which shows the example of a device setting information management table. It is a figure which shows the example of an apparatus information delivery restriction | limiting transmission list. It is a figure which shows the example of an apparatus information delivery restriction list. It is a figure which shows the example of a device information delivery setting screen. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the processing operation in an apparatus information delivery system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Device which has apparatus information distribution function 200 Device which has apparatus information reception function 210 Device which has apparatus information reception function 110 TCP / UDP / IP module 120 SSL module 130 HTTP server module
140 Remote UI module 150 Device information distribution / reception module 160 SNMP module 170 Setting information DB
180 UI
1000 CPU
1001 RAM
1002 ROM
1004 Network I / F
1005 Print section I / F
1006 External memory I / F
1007 Printing unit 1008 Operation unit 1009 Display unit 6000 Device setting information management table 7000 Device information distribution restriction transmission list 8000 Device information distribution restriction list

Claims (14)

A device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices, and a device information receiving function for receiving device information distributed from the device information distribution device and registering it in its own device information A device information distribution system in which a device information receiving apparatus having a device is connected via a network,
The device information receiving device is
Management means for managing information on whether the device information reception function is valid or invalid with respect to predetermined device information;
For the device information received from the device information distribution apparatus, if the device information reception function is valid, the device information is registered in its own device information. If the device information reception function is invalid, the device information is A device information distribution system comprising: control means for controlling not to register the device information in its own device information.   2. The device information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein information on whether the device information reception function managed by the management unit is valid or invalid is set to be rewritable for each setting item of device information.   The device information receiving device comprises request means for transmitting a device information distribution stop request for the setting item to the device information distributing device when the device information receiving function is disabled for a predetermined setting item. The apparatus information distribution system according to claim 2, wherein:   When receiving a device information distribution stop request for a predetermined setting item from the device information receiving device, the device information distribution device holds the destination information of the device information receiving device and the setting item information related to the distribution stop request. The apparatus information distribution system according to claim 3, further comprising a holding unit.   When the device information receiving device has enabled the device information reception function for a predetermined setting item, the device information receiving device has previously transmitted a device information distribution device request for canceling distribution of the setting information to the device information distribution device. The apparatus information distribution system according to claim 3, further comprising: a second request unit that transmits the request information.   6. The device information distribution system according to claim 2, wherein setter information is associated with each setting item of the device information.   When there is a request to set the device information of a predetermined setting item by a method other than the device information distribution, the device information receiving apparatus registers the device information as its own device information, and the current value of the setting item is the device The device information distribution system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein if the information is registered by information distribution, the device information reception function related to the setting item is invalidated.   8. The device information distribution system according to claim 7, wherein when disabling the device information reception function, a device information setting person is confirmed to disable the device information reception function of the setting item.   When there is a request to set the device information of a predetermined setting item from the user interface included in the device information receiving device, the device information receiving device registers the device information as its own device information, and The device information distribution according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein if the current value is registered by device information distribution, the device information reception function related to the setting item is invalidated. system.   The device information is either information related to network settings of the device information distribution device or the device information receiving device, information for restricting and managing use of the device, or address book information when transmitting data. The device information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the device information delivery system is provided. A device information receiving device connected via a network with a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices,
Receiving means for receiving device information distributed from the device information distribution device;
Management means for managing information on whether the device information receiving function for registering the device information received by the receiving means in its own device information is valid or invalid;
For the device information received by the receiving means, if the device information receiving function is valid, the device information is registered in its own device information. If the device information receiving function is invalid, the device information is stored in its own device information. A device information receiving apparatus comprising: control means for controlling not to register the device information. A device information distribution device connected via a network to a device information receiving device having a device information receiving function for receiving device information distributed from another device and registering it in its own device information,
Receiving means for receiving a request to stop delivery of device information of a predetermined setting item from the device information receiving device;
An apparatus information distribution apparatus comprising: holding means for holding destination information of the apparatus information receiving apparatus and setting item information related to the distribution stop request based on the distribution stop request received by the receiving means. It connects to a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function for distributing its own device information to other devices via a network, receives device information distributed from the device information distribution device, and sends the device information to itself A device information receiving method by a device information receiving device comprising a management means for managing information on whether the device information receiving function registered in the device information is valid or invalid,
When device information is received from the device information distribution apparatus, if the device information receiving function is valid for the received device information, the device information is registered in its own device information, and the device information receiving function A device information receiving method characterized by performing a control procedure for controlling not to register the device information in its own device information if it is invalid. A computer program for causing a computer connected via a network to a device information distribution device having a device information distribution function to distribute its device information to another device, and for receiving the device information.
A receiving process for receiving device information distributed from the device information distribution device;
A management process for managing information on whether or not a device information reception function for registering device information received by the reception processing in its own device information is valid;
For the device information received by the reception process, if the device information reception function is valid, the device information is registered in its own device information. If the device information reception function is invalid, the device information is stored in its own device information. A computer program for causing a computer to execute control processing for controlling not to be registered in device information.

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