JP2007004269A - Management control program, management apparatus, and method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management control program, a management apparatus and a method therefor that can inexpensively configure a manufacturer/model-independent MIB-based network management system. <P>SOLUTION: A data storage device 20 has an object ID management table 22 for holding object IDs of a private MIB defined uniquely by each vendor manufacturer. The management apparatus 10 specifies any object ID to acquire a value corresponding to the object ID from the MIB of a networked printer 30, and manages the printer 30 according to the acquired data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management control program, a management apparatus, and a method for managing one or a plurality of managed devices connected via a network using management information (MIB). The present invention relates to a management control program, a management apparatus, and a method for managing the status and acquiring the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a technology for managing a network device that is connected to a network and operates, for example, a network such as a printer, using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is known.

  In this case, the device to be controlled (managed device) has management information (management information base) called MIB (Management Information Base), and the managed device acquires the MIB of the managed device, Management is performed based on the state.

  The MIB is defined by RFC-1759 of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which is an Internet standardization organization, and is information that is disclosed in order to inform the management apparatus of the state of the own apparatus.

  The MIB stores information for each unit called an object, and an identifier (object ID) is assigned to each object. By specifying this object ID, the management apparatus requests and acquires information from the management target device.

  Conventionally, as a technology of a management apparatus using this MIB, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known, and according to the invention of this Patent Document 1, a device that does not support MIB or MIB is disclosed. A technique is described that enables management using an MIB to be performed even for devices that are incompletely supported, as in the case of devices that support MIB.

In addition, according to the invention of Patent Document 2, a technique for performing management including other companies' machines by accessing a device on a network by SNMP, collecting status information and configuration information, and sending the information by e-mail. It has been mentioned.
JP 2000-207321 A JP 2002-297461 A

  By the way, there are roughly two types of MIBs as described above, and there are general MIBs defined in the above-mentioned RFC-1759 and MIBs uniquely defined by vendor manufacturers. The MIB unique to the vendor corresponding to the latter is called a private MIB and is distinguished from the general standard MIB defined in the former RFC-1759.

  In order to differentiate this private MIB from other manufacturers or other models, unique information is defined and not disclosed, so private MIBs could only be managed by in-house devices. .

  For this reason, for example, in order to collect information such as meter values (number of output sheets) used for billing, there is only a method of preparing a management device provided by each company for each manufacturer or collecting information manually. However, it causes cost increase or complicated work.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a management control program, a management apparatus, and a method thereof, which can construct a network management system based on an MIB independent of a manufacturer or a model without cost. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 connects a management apparatus and one or a plurality of managed devices through a network, and object identification information of private management information defined uniquely for the management apparatus by the manufacturer. And a storage device that stores at least device identification information of the management target device in advance, and obtains management information of the management target device using a network management protocol to manage the status of the management target device. A management control program to be executed by a computer, the first step of acquiring object identification information of private management information of the management target device from the storage device, and access to the management target device specified by the device identification information The value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the first step is A second step of acquiring from the private management information of the target device; and a third step of storing and managing a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the second step in the storage device. Features.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth step of scanning the private management information of the device to be managed to obtain object identification information and a value corresponding to the object identification information. It is characterized by including.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the second aspect of the invention, object identification information that matches a predetermined condition is searched from the private management information acquired in the fourth step, and the object identification information is handled. The method further includes a fifth step of setting an attribute according to a user instruction, wherein the third step includes a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step and an attribute set in the fifth step. Are stored in the storage device and managed in association with each other.

  Further, in the invention of claim 4, in the invention of claim 2, when the object identification information of the private management information acquired in the fourth step is stored in the storage device in advance, the object identification information A sixth step of determining that the attribute is known, and an attribute of the object identification information stored in advance in the storage device when the attribute of the object identification information is determined to be known by the sixth step And a seventh step of setting the attribute of the object identification information acquired in the fourth step using the third step, wherein the third step corresponds to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step. The value and the attribute set in the seventh step are associated with each other and stored and managed in the storage device.

  Further, in the invention of claim 5, in the invention of claim 2, when the object identification information of the private management information acquired in the fourth step is stored in the storage device in advance, the object identification information An eighth step of determining that the attribute is known, and a ninth step of estimating the attribute of the object identification information when the attribute of the object identification information is determined not to be known in the eighth step The third step stores the value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step and the attribute estimated in the ninth step in the storage device in association with each other. It is characterized by managing.

  Further, the invention of claim 6 is the invention of claim 5, wherein the ninth step instructs the management target device to execute a specific process, and private management information of the management target device before and after the instruction. It is characterized in that the attribute of the object identification information is estimated by monitoring the increment of the value of.

  The invention of claim 7 is the invention of claim 5, wherein the ninth step instructs the managed device to execute a specific process, and includes the private management information of the managed device. The object identification information in which a value based on the instruction is set is searched, and the attribute of the object identification information is estimated.

  Further, in the invention of claim 8, in the invention of claim 5, in the case where the value corresponding to the object identification information is known, the ninth step sets the object identification information in which the known value is set as the object identification information. A search is performed from private management information of a device to be managed, and an attribute of the object identification information is estimated.

  The invention of claim 9 is the invention of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a tenth step of creating a report based on the private management information stored in the storage device by the third step. And

  The invention of claim 10 is connected to one or more managed devices via a network, acquires management information of the managed devices using a network management protocol, and manages the status of the managed devices. In the management device, a storage device that stores in advance at least the object identification information of the private management information defined by the manufacturer and the device identification information of the management target device, and the object identification of the private management information of the management target device from the storage device Data acquisition means for acquiring information and the management target device specified by the device identification information are accessed, and a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the data acquisition means is acquired from the private management information of the management target device And an information acquisition unit that acquires the object acquired by the information acquisition unit. Characterized in that a value corresponding to the-object identification information and a data setting means for managing stored in the storage device.

  The invention of claim 11 is connected to one or more managed devices via a network, acquires management information of the managed devices using a network management protocol, and manages the status of the managed devices. In the management control method of the management device, object identification information of private management information defined uniquely by the manufacturer and device identification information of the management target device are stored in advance in at least a storage device, and the private management of the management target device is performed from the storage device Object identification information of information is acquired by a data acquisition unit, the management target device specified by the device identification information is accessed, and a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the data acquisition unit is Acquired from management information by information acquisition means, acquired by the information acquisition means A value corresponding to the serial object identification information, characterized in that stores and manages the data setting unit to the storage device.

  According to the present invention, object identification information (object ID) of private management information (private MIB) uniquely defined by a manufacturer and device identification information of a management target device are stored in advance in at least a storage device, and stored in the storage device. Since the object identification information is acquired, the value corresponding to the object identification information is acquired from the management information of the management target device specified by the device identification information, and is stored and managed. The value corresponding to the object ID can be automatically acquired.

  Thereby, it is possible to construct a network management system based on MIB that does not depend on the manufacturer or model without cost.

  Further, it becomes possible to automatically acquire detailed information of other company's machines, for example, the value of the billing meter, etc., so that it is possible to simplify the operation which has been conventionally performed manually.

  Embodiments of a management control program, a management apparatus, and a method thereof according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a network management system configured by arranging management apparatuses according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the case where the management target device is a printer is shown.

  In this network management system, a management apparatus 10 and a plurality of printers 30 (hereinafter, the printer 30a, the printer 30b, and the printer 30n are collectively referred to as a printer 30) are connected via a network, and are connected to the management apparatus 10. Further, a data storage device 20 is connected.

  The management device 10 acquires the MIB of each printer 30 by SNMP and manages the state of the printer 30. More specifically, an object ID stored in advance in the data storage device 20 is acquired and specified, a value corresponding to the object ID is acquired from the MIB of the printer 30, and the printer 30 is managed based on the acquired value. Do.

  The management device 10 is a calculation unit that performs overall control of the display unit 11 that is a display device that displays various information, an operation unit 12 that is an input device that inputs various data, and the management device 10 as a hardware configuration. Stores various data such as a control unit 13, a memory 14 that is a work area when executing a program, a communication unit 15 that is a communication interface device that communicates with a printer 30 connected to a network, and the like. And a storage unit 16 configured to be configured. In this configuration, management control processing according to the present invention is mainly performed in the control unit 13.

  The data storage device 20 stores a printer management table 21, an object ID management table 22, and a data management table 23. Here, details of these tables will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printer management table 21 is a table that holds data related to devices to be managed (the printer 30 in this embodiment). The table structure includes a “host name” that holds the name of the printer 30, an “IP address” that holds information (IP address in this embodiment) for specifying (identifying) each printer, and the printer 30. And “model name” that holds information (model name in the present embodiment) for distinguishing between the types.

  The object ID management table 22 is a table that holds data relating to MIB object IDs, and in particular, holds private MIB object IDs uniquely defined by each vendor manufacturer. The table configuration includes a “model name” that holds information for identifying the type of the printer 30 (model name in the present embodiment), an “object ID” that holds the object ID of the MIB, and its object ID. And an “attribute parameter” that holds the attribute type, and a “data type” that holds the data type of the attribute parameter.

  The “model name” held in the printer management table 21 and the object ID management table 22 is the same, and the records in the printer management table 21 and the object ID management table 22 are associated with each other by the “model name”. It is done.

  The data management table 23 is a table that holds data acquired from the MIB of the printer 30 to be managed, and the management apparatus 10 manages the printer 30 based on the data held in the data management table 23. The table configuration includes a “date and time” that holds the date and time when the record was saved, an “attribute parameter” that holds the attribute of the object ID, and “data” that holds the value of the object ID. Is done.

  The setting values of each item held in the printer management table 21 and the object ID table 22 are set in advance by an administrator or the like. On the other hand, the setting value of each item held in the data management table 23 is automatically set by the management apparatus 10.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the printer 30 as the management target device is connected to the management apparatus 10 via a network, and outputs various printed materials as its function. The printer 30 holds an MIB inside. This MIB includes, for example, information (objects) such as printer status, usage status of consumables in the printer, and alert history.

  Also, the printers 30 shown in the figure are manufactured by different vendor manufacturers, and the models are different. For example, the printer 30a is manufactured by the manufacturer A, and the printer 30b is manufactured by the manufacturer B. Therefore, the printers 30 have different corresponding private MIBs.

  Here, a flow of a series of processes in the network management system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, a value corresponding to “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.1.253.3.7.7” of “host name: printer a” is acquired from the printer a. Shows the flow of processing.

  First, the management device 10 acquires the IP address, object ID, and the like of the printer a from the printer management table 21 and the object ID management table 22 of the data storage device 20. Referring to FIG. 2, “IP address: 192.168.10.11” and “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.1.253.3.7.7” are acquired ( Step 1). Subsequently, the printer a is accessed using the acquired IP address, and a value corresponding to the object ID is acquired from the MIB of the printer a. Here, it is assumed that 1000 is acquired as a value corresponding to the object ID.

  Then, the acquired value is stored in the data management table 23 of the data storage device 20. This stored value is shown in the first record of the data management table 23 shown in FIG. The printer a is managed using the data acquired and stored in this way.

  In the configuration of the network management system shown in FIG. 1, the case where the printer management table 21, the object ID management table 22, and the data management table 23 are stored in the data storage device 20 has been described. You may make it store in the memory | storage part 16 in the apparatus 10. FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the control unit 13 in the management apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Here, only the constituent elements according to the present invention will be described.

  The control unit 13 includes an information acquisition unit 41 and a data management unit 42 as various processing function units.

  The information acquisition unit 41 accesses the printer 30 and acquires the MIB of the printer using an SNMP command (GetRequest command). More specifically, the printer is accessed using the IP address acquired from the printer management table 21, the object ID acquired from the object ID management table 22 is designated, and the value corresponding to the object ID is obtained from the MIB of the printer. get.

  The data management unit 42 performs overall management of the table of the data storage device 20. The data management unit 42 includes a data acquisition unit 42a that acquires data from each table and a data setting unit 42b that sets data in each table. The above is description of each functional block diagram which shows a part of functional structure of the control part 13 concerning this invention.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management apparatus 10 according to the present invention.

  First, the management device 10 acquires “host name”, “model name”, and “IP address” from the printer management table 21 of the data storage device 20 by the data acquisition unit 42a (step S101). If this acquisition has failed (NO in step S102), this process ends.

  If the acquisition is successful (YES in step S102), the management apparatus 10 causes the data acquisition unit 42a to use the "object ID" and "attribute parameter" corresponding to the "model name" from the object ID management table 22 of the data storage device 20. "Is acquired (step S103). If this acquisition has failed (NO in step S104), this process ends.

  If the acquisition is successful (YES in step S104), the management apparatus 10 accesses the printer 30 that is the MIB acquisition target using the acquired “IP address” (step S105).

  When the access is normally performed, the management apparatus 10 acquires a value corresponding to the “object ID” from the MIB of the printer 30 by the information acquisition unit 41 (step S106). If this acquisition has failed (NO in step S107), this process ends.

  If the acquisition is successful (YES in step S107), the data setting unit 42b of the management apparatus 10 sets the value acquired by the information acquisition unit 41, the date and time, the host name, and the attribute parameter as a set in the data management table 23. Save (step S108). Then, this process ends.

  As described above, in the present invention, the private MIB object ID uniquely defined by each vendor maker is stored in the object ID management table 22 in advance, and this object ID is designated from the MIB of the printer 30. Since the value corresponding to the object ID is acquired, the value corresponding to the object ID of the private MIB can be automatically acquired.

  Thereby, it is possible to construct a network management system based on MIB that does not depend on the manufacturer or model without cost.

  Further, it becomes possible to automatically acquire detailed information of other company's machines, for example, the value of the billing meter, etc., so that it is possible to simplify the operation which has been conventionally performed manually.

  In the second embodiment, the private MIB is automatically acquired from the managed device, and the attribute (attribute parameter) corresponding to the object ID is estimated and automatically set, or manually set. explain.

  The overall configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Here, the functional configuration and operation will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of the control unit 13 according to the second embodiment. In addition, since what attaches | subjects the same code | symbol as FIG. 3 which demonstrated the said Example 1 operate | moves similarly, only a different point is demonstrated here.

  The control unit 13 includes, as various processing function units, an information acquisition unit 41, a data management unit 42, an MIB information scanning unit 43, an MIB information determination unit 44, an MIB information estimation unit 45, and an MIB information management unit 46. It is comprised and comprises. In other words, the MIB information scanning unit 43, the MIB information determination unit 44, the MIB information estimation unit 45, and the MIB information management unit 46 are added to FIG.

  The MIB information scanning unit 43 is a processing unit that accesses the printer 30 to scan a private MIB and obtain a list of MIBs. Specifically, the object ID below “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.4.1 (MIB-2)” is searched using SNMP commands (GetRequest command and GetNextRequest command), and the MIB ID Get a list. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a list of “object ID”, “data type”, and “data” corresponding to “host name” is acquired. In this case, the result of performing a private MIB scan on “host name: printer b” is shown.

  The MIB information determination unit 44 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the object ID acquired by the MIB information scanning unit 43 is known information. Whether it is known or not is determined by whether or not an object ID having the same ID as the acquired object ID already exists in the object ID management table 22 of the data storage device 20, and if there is the same object ID If it is not known, it is determined as unknown (not known).

  The object ID determined to be known by the MIB information determining unit 44 is stored in the data storage device 20 in association with the known attribute parameter by the data setting unit 42b. An attribute parameter estimation process is performed on the ID by an MIB information estimation unit 45 described later.

  The MIB information estimation unit 45 estimates the attribute parameter of the object ID determined to be unknown by the MIB information determination unit 44. The details of the object ID estimation process will be described later. For example, it is estimated whether the attribute parameter corresponding to the object ID is a printer status, a consumable item, or an alert history.

  The MIB information management unit 46 is a processing unit that searches for or edits object IDs that match conditions from the MIB list acquired by the MIB information scanning unit 43, and performs overall management of MIBs. The main functions are a function of searching for an object ID that matches a condition, a function of setting a user-desired attribute parameter, a function of acquiring a value corresponding to an object ID, and storing a scanned MIB in the data storage device 20 or the like. Functions and functions for registering and storing known object IDs are provided on the MIB information management screen described later.

  In the second embodiment, the setting value of each item held in the printer management table 21 of the data storage device 20 is set in advance by an administrator or the like, but is held in the object ID management table 22 and the data management table 23. The set value of each item to be set is automatically set by the management apparatus 10.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, three methods will be described as examples of the attribute parameter estimation method by the MIB information estimation unit 45. FIG.

  In the first example, after a specific instruction is given to the printer 30, the increment of the MIB value of the printer 30 before and after the instruction is compared to estimate the attribute parameter of the object ID. Here, a case will be described in which a print instruction specifying monochrome and color is given to the printer 30 and an object ID related to monochrome and color is estimated.

  First, when the MIB information estimation unit 45 instructs the printer 30 to print two pages of color / one page of black and white and then scans the MIB from the printer 30, the result shown in FIG. 7 (step 1) is obtained. Suppose that it was obtained.

  FIG. 7 (step 1) shows a result including “first data” as the MIB scan result before the print instruction and “second data” as the MIB scan result after the print instruction. Comparing this value, the second and fourth lines increase by 1, and the third and fifth lines increase by two. Therefore, it can be estimated that the former is a monochrome page and the latter is a color page. However, since there are two candidates for each, it is assumed that the result shown in FIG. 7 (step 2) is obtained when an instruction for double-sided printing of 5 pages of color / 3 pages of black and white is given and narrowed down.

  FIG. 7 (step 2) shows a result including “data third time” as the MIB scan result after a print instruction (both sides of color 5 pages / black and white 3 pages) is performed after FIG. 7 (step 1). Is shown. Comparing this value, in double-sided printing of 3 pages in black and white, the number of printed pages is 3, and the number of sheets is 2. Therefore, it can be estimated that the second line where the data is increased by 2 is the number of black and white prints, and the fourth line where the data is increased by 3 is the number of printed surfaces.

  Similarly, with respect to color double-sided printing of 5 pages, the third line where the data is increased by 3 is the number of color prints, and the fifth line where the data is increased by 5 is the number of color prints. I can guess. The above is the attribute parameter estimation method of the object ID by the first MIB information estimation unit 45.

  The second example is a method of estimating an attribute parameter of an object ID by searching an object ID set with a value based on the instruction from the MIB of the printer 30 after giving a specific instruction to the printer 30. It is. Here, a case will be described in which an instruction for intentionally generating an alert (warning) such as an alarm ringing is given by the printer 30 and the object ID of the alert history is estimated.

  First, when a MIB instruction is given from the MIB information estimation unit 45 to the printer 30 by specifying a paper size that does not exist in the tray of the printer or designates an unsupported paper size, the MIB scan from the printer 30 is performed. Assume that the result shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. In this case, the printer 30 generates an alert “no paper”.

  FIG. 8 shows the MIB scan result after the alert is generated by the printer 30. Usually, the alert history object ID stores a list of alerts in a subtree of a certain ID. For example, when an object ID of 4.4.4 below “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.4.1253” indicates an alert history, 4.4.4.1 to 4.4.4. 4. 50 alerts are stored in 4.50. Each time a new alert occurs, a new alert is inserted at 4.4.4.50 and the value 4.4.4.1 is deleted. In other words, the latest alert is inserted at the end.

  In this case, since the alert “no paper” is intentionally generated, it can be estimated that the parent of the object ID in which “no paper” is set at the end is the alert history. Therefore, since “no paper” is set in “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.1.25.4.4.50”, its parent “object ID:. 1.3.6.1.4.1.2253.4.4 "can be estimated as the object ID indicating the alert history. The above is the attribute parameter estimation method of the object ID by the second MIB information estimation unit 45.

  The third example is a method of estimating the attribute parameter of the object ID using known information. Here, a case will be described in which the serial number attached to the main body of the printer 30 is known information, and the MIB in which the serial number is set is estimated as the object ID of the serial number.

  Assume that there is known information shown in FIG. 9 (upper side). In this case, known information includes “host name: printer b”, “model name: Apeos 6560”, and “serial number: NC100081650507”.

  Then, when the MIB scan is performed from the printer 30, the result shown in FIG. 9 (lower side) is obtained. As a result, the value “NC100081650507” in the first row matches the known serial number shown in FIG. 9 (upper side). Therefore, it can be estimated that “object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.4.11.253.5.5.5.1” is an object ID indicating a serial number. The above is the attribute parameter estimation method of the object ID by the third MIB information estimation unit 45.

  Here, an example of the MIB information management screen will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, each function provided on this MIB information management screen is realized by the MIB information management unit 46. The screens shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 are all the same screen, and the difference is that the tab pages selected in the screen are different.

  First, FIG. 10 shows an MIB information management screen when “search for management information” is selected on the tab page. On this tab page, you can search for MIBs acquired by scanning.

  On this screen, it is possible to select a search condition and acquire data that matches the condition. Specifically, search conditions are set from the pull-down menu from “1. Model name”, “2. Data type”, “3. Data”, and “4. Object ID” prepared as search items on the screen. By selecting and selecting the search condition to be activated as “search expression (text box)” and pressing the search button (execute the search expression), an MIB that matches the selected condition can be obtained. . That is, of the functions of the MIB information management unit 46, a function of searching for an object ID that matches a condition and a function of acquiring a value corresponding to the object ID are realized on this screen.

  In the screen example shown in the figure, “1. Model name: printer a” and “2. Data type: Counter32” are selected from the pull-down menu as search conditions, and “search formula” is set to “search formula” as a search condition to be activated. The search is performed by specifying “1” and “2”. In other words, the search items “1. model name” and “2. data type” are used as conditions, and data matching these conditions is acquired. Note that “1” and “2” of the “search expression” correspond to the search item numbers, and “+” indicates AND.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows the MIB information management screen when “search result” is selected on the tab page. On this tab page, it is possible to refer to and edit the results obtained by searching the management information described with reference to FIG.

  On this screen, MIB search results can be referenced and edited. Specifically, the model name, data type, data, and object ID that match the search conditions can be referred to, and attribute parameters corresponding to these can be edited.

  In addition, MIBs matching the conditions are displayed as a list as a search result, and check boxes are added to the MIBs together with numbers such as “NO1” and “NO2”. The selected MIB can be saved by selecting this check box and pressing a save button (save the checked management information). That is, of the functions of the MIB information management unit 46, a function for setting user-desired attribute parameters and a function for saving the scanned MIB in the data storage device 20 are realized on this screen.

  In the example of the screen shown in the figure, a case where “black and white printing number” is input as an attribute parameter to the MIB of “NO1”, the check box is checked and saved is shown.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows the MIB information management screen when “direct input of management information” is selected on the tab page. In this tab page, when the MIB is known, the value can be directly registered.

  On this screen, a known model name, object ID, and attribute parameter can be input to register the MIB. In the screen example shown in the figure, “model name: printer a”, “object ID: 1.3.6.6.4.1.253.3.8.8.8”, “attribute parameter: one-color printing number” "Is registered. That is, the function of registering and storing a known object ID among the functions of the MIB information management unit 46 is realized on this screen. This completes the description of the MIB information management screen.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the attribute parameter setting process in the management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  First, the management apparatus 10 acquires “host name”, “model name”, and “IP address” from the printer management table 21 of the data storage apparatus 20 by the data acquisition unit 42a (step S201). If this acquisition has failed (NO in step S202), the process ends.

  If the acquisition is successful (YES in step S202), the MIB information scanning unit 43 of the management apparatus 10 accesses the printer 30 to be scanned by MIB using the acquired “IP address” (step S203).

  If the access is normally performed, the MIB information scanning unit 43 scans the private MIB of the printer 30 and obtains a list of MIBs (step S204). As described above, SNMP commands (GetRequest command and GetNextRequest command) are used to search for object IDs below "object ID: 1.3.6.6.1.4.1 (MIB-2)" A list of MIBs to be acquired is acquired.

  If this acquisition fails (NO in step S205), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if acquisition is successful (YES in step S205), the acquired MIB is temporarily stored in the storage unit 16 (or memory). 14) (step S206).

  Thereafter, the processing from step S207 to step S215 is executed, the object ID is acquired in order from the acquired MIB, and the attribute parameter corresponding to the object ID is set automatically or manually.

  First, an object ID is acquired from the MIB temporarily stored in the storage unit 16 (step S207), and the MIB information determination unit 44 determines whether the acquired MIB object ID is known (step S208). That is, it is determined whether an object ID having the same ID as the acquired object ID already exists in the object ID management table 22 of the data storage device 20.

  If it is determined by this determination that the acquired object ID is known (YES in step S208), a known attribute parameter is set for the object ID (step S209).

  If it is determined that the acquired object ID is unknown (not known) (NO in step S208), the MIB information estimation unit 45 performs an attribute parameter estimation process (step S210). That is, the attribute parameters of the object ID are estimated by performing the processes shown in FIGS.

  When the attribute parameter estimation process ends, the user is requested to select whether or not to change the estimated attribute parameter setting. Specifically, a selection screen for selecting whether to change the value of the estimated attribute parameter is displayed on the display unit 11.

  If no manual change is instructed (NO in step S211), the estimated attribute parameter is set in the object ID (step S212), whereas if manual change is instructed (step S211). YES), the user manually sets an attribute parameter or the like for the object ID using the MIB information management screen (step S213).

  When the attribute parameter is set by known information, estimation, or user manual in this way, the data setting unit 42b stores the data including the object ID and the attribute parameter in the object ID management table 22 and sets the attribute parameter. The included data is stored in the data management table 23 (step S214). That is, the object ID management table 22 stores the model name and data type as a set together with the object ID and the attribute parameter, and the data management table 23 stores the date, host name, attribute, as in the first embodiment. The parameters are set and stored in the data management table 23.

  If there is still an unprocessed object ID (NO in step S215), the process returns to step S207 again, and the processing up to step S214 described above is similarly performed on the next object ID. On the other hand, when the attribute parameter setting processing and storage processing for all object IDs are completed (YES in step S215), it is determined whether or not the processing from step S201 to step S215 has been performed for all printers (step S215). S216). That is, it is a determination as to whether or not the attribute parameter setting processing for all the printers 30 held in the printer management table 21 has been completed.

  If it is determined by this determination that there is still an unprocessed printer 30 (NO in step S216), the process returns to step S201 again, and the above-described processing is performed for the next printer 30. If it is determined that the process for 30 is completed (YES in step S216), the process ends.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the private MIB is automatically acquired from the printer 30 to be managed, and the attribute parameter corresponding to the object ID is estimated and automatically set. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to set an object ID such as a private MIB in advance in the object ID management table 22 because it is configured to be set manually or manually. Can reduce the load.

  In the third embodiment, an embodiment in which the status of the printer 30 and information are converted into numerical values or graphed data based on the MIB acquired from the printer 30 and the report is output to a file such as Excel (spreadsheet software) will be described. To do.

  The overall configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Here, the functional configuration and operation will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the functional configuration of the control unit 13 according to the third embodiment. In addition, since what attaches | subjects the same code | symbol as FIG. 3 which demonstrated the said Example 1 operate | moves similarly, only a different point is demonstrated here.

  The control unit 13 includes an information acquisition unit 41, a data management unit 42, and a report creation unit 47 as various processing function units. That is, the report creation unit 47 is added to FIG. 3 describing the first embodiment.

  The report creation unit 47 is a processing unit that creates a report based on the contents held in the data management table 23 stored in the data storage device 20. An outline of the report creation processing by the report creation unit 47 will be described.

  Here, an outline of the report creation processing by the report creation unit 47 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this report creation process, a predetermined operation is performed from the report output screen shown in FIG. 15, and the report is output.

  On this report output screen, an item (attribute parameter) desired to be output and its period are selected, and the report can be created by pressing the “output selected content” button. In the example shown in the figure, billing meter 1, billing meter 2, and billing meter 3 are selected as items for which output is desired, and the period from January 2005 to April 2005 is selected, and a report is created. It is set to be. Here, it is assumed that data shown in FIG. 16 is stored in the data management table 23 of the data storage device 20.

  That is, a report of monthly billing meter values for printer c and printer d is created. For example, the value of the billing meter 1 of the printer c is 100 in January and 200 in February. Therefore, the value of the billing meter in February is 200-100 = 100. The same calculation is performed every month and output to the report. An example of the report is shown in FIG. By referring to the report shown in FIG. 17, the user can easily grasp the usage status such as the value of a billing meter such as a billing meter from the numerical value or graphed data.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the report creation process in the management apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.

  This process is started when an item (attribute parameter) desired to be output from the report creation screen and its period are selected by a user operation and the “output selected content” button is pressed.

  When this process is started, the report creation unit 47 acquires the report target item (attribute parameter) selected by the user from the report creation screen and its period (step S301).

  Then, using this acquired value, the data acquisition unit 42b acquires report output target data from the data management table 23 of the data storage device 20 (step S302). If this acquisition has failed (NO in step S303), this process ends.

  If the acquisition is successful, the report creation unit 47 creates a report as shown in FIG. 17 based on the data obtained from the data management table 23 (step S304), and ends this process.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, since the report is output to a file such as Excel (spreadsheet software) based on the MIB acquired from the printer 30, for example, Since the usage status such as the value of a billing meter such as a billing meter can be output as a numerical value or graphed data, a report can be output, so that the user can easily grasp the status and information of the printer 30.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the management target device is a printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any network device that operates while connected to a network may be used. For example, a multifunction device, a copier, A fax machine, personal computer, router, or the like may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the present invention is implemented by the management apparatus according to the present invention. However, the management process may be performed by a management control program installed in the computer. .

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof. For example, the management apparatus according to the present invention has been described using the first to third embodiments, but the embodiments of the first to third embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part.

  The management control program, the management apparatus, and the method thereof according to the present invention can be applied to all management apparatuses that manage one or a plurality of management target devices connected via a network using management information (MIB). It can be effectively used when constructing a network management system based on MIB without depending on the model.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a network management system configured by arranging management devices according to the present invention. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table layout of a printer management table 21, an object ID management table 22, and a data management table 23 according to the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows a part of functional structure of the control part 13 in the management apparatus 10 concerning this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the management apparatus 10 concerning this invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of a control unit 13 according to a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the result of having performed the scan of private MIB. It is a figure which shows an example of the estimation method of the attribute parameter by the MIB information estimation part 45 (1st). It is a figure which shows an example of the estimation method of the attribute parameter by the MIB information estimation part 45 (2nd). It is a figure which shows an example of the estimation method of the attribute parameter by the MIB information estimation part 45 (3rd). It is a figure which shows an example of the screen layout of a MIB information management screen (search of management information). It is a figure which shows an example of the screen layout of a MIB information management screen (search result). It is a figure which shows an example of the screen layout of a MIB information management screen (direct input of management information). 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of attribute parameter setting processing in the management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of a control unit 13 according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen layout of a report output screen. It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the report preparation process by the report preparation part 47. FIG. It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the report preparation process by the report preparation part 47 (an example of a report). 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of report creation processing in the management apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Management apparatus 11 Display part 12 Operation part 13 Control part 14 Memory 15 Communication part 16 Storage part 20 Data storage apparatus 21 Printer management table 22 Object ID management table 23 Data management table 30 Printer 41 Information acquisition part 42a Data acquisition part (database management) Part: 42)
42b Data setting part (database management part: 42)
43 MIB Information Scanning Unit 44 MIB Information Judgment Unit 45 MIB Information Estimation Unit 46 MIB Information Management Unit 47 Report Creation Unit

Claims (11)

The management device and one or a plurality of managed devices are connected via a network, and at least pre-stored object identification information of private management information and device identification information of the managed devices defined in the management device. A management control program that provides a storage device, causes a computer to execute processing of a management device that acquires management information of the management target device using a network management protocol and manages the status of the management target device,
A first step of acquiring object identification information of private management information of the management target device from the storage device;
A second step of accessing the management target device specified by the device identification information and acquiring a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the first step from the private management information of the management target device;
And a third step of storing and managing a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the second step in the storage device. The management control program according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth step of scanning the private management information of the management target device to obtain object identification information and a value corresponding to the object identification information. A fifth step of searching object identification information that matches a predetermined condition from the private management information acquired in the fourth step, and setting an attribute corresponding to the object identification information according to a user instruction;
The third step includes
The value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step and the attribute set in the fifth step are associated with each other and stored and managed in the storage device. The management control program described. A sixth step of determining that the attribute of the object identification information is known when the object identification information of the private management information acquired in the fourth step is stored in the storage device in advance;
The object identification information acquired in the fourth step using the object identification information attribute stored in advance in the storage device when the attribute of the object identification information is determined to be known in the sixth step. And a seventh step of setting the attributes of
The third step includes
The value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step and the attribute set in the seventh step are associated with each other and stored and managed in the storage device. The management control program described. An eighth step of determining that the attribute of the object identification information is known when the object identification information of the private management information acquired in the fourth step is stored in the storage device in advance;
A ninth step of estimating the attribute of the object identification information when the attribute of the object identification information is determined not to be known by the eighth step; and
The third step includes
The value corresponding to the object identification information acquired in the fourth step and the attribute estimated in the ninth step are associated with each other and stored and managed in the storage device. The management control program described. The ninth step includes
Instructing the managed device to execute a specific process, monitoring the increment of the value of the private management information of the managed device before and after the instruction, and inferring the attribute of the object identification information The management control program according to claim 5. The ninth step includes
Instructing the management target device to execute a specific process, searching for object identification information in which a value based on the instruction is set from the private management information of the management target device, and setting the attribute of the object identification information The management control program according to claim 5, which is estimated. The ninth step includes
When the value corresponding to the object identification information is known, the object identification information in which the known value is set is searched from the private management information of the managed device, and the attribute of the object identification information is estimated. The management control program according to claim 5, wherein: The management control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a tenth step of creating a report based on the private management information stored in the storage device in the third step. In a management apparatus that is connected to one or more managed devices via a network, acquires management information of the managed devices using a network management protocol, and manages the status of the managed devices,
A storage device that stores in advance at least the object identification information of the private management information defined by the manufacturer and the device identification information of the managed device;
Data acquisition means for acquiring object identification information of private management information of the managed device from the storage device;
An information acquisition unit that accesses the management target device specified by the device identification information and acquires a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the data acquisition unit from the private management information of the management target device;
And a data setting means for storing and managing a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the information acquisition means in the storage device. In a management control method for a management apparatus that is connected to one or more managed devices via a network, acquires management information of the managed devices using a network management protocol, and manages the status of the managed devices.
The object identification information of the private management information defined uniquely by the manufacturer and the device identification information of the managed device are stored in advance in at least a storage device,
The object acquisition information of the private management information of the managed device is acquired from the storage device by data acquisition means,
Access the management target device specified by the device identification information, acquire a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the data acquisition unit from the private management information of the management target device by the information acquisition unit,
A management control method for a management apparatus, wherein a value corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the information acquisition means is stored and managed in the storage device by a data setting means.

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