JP2008072318A - Set information management system, equipment, set information management device, set information acquisition program, set information providing program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a set information management system for automatically performing various setting of equipment on a network, and to provide the equipment, a set information management device, a set information acquisition program, a set information providing program and a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: In a network system 1, when image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn transmit a set information acquisition request for requesting set information to a server SV on a network NW, the server SV transmits to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn set information corresponding to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn register the transmitted set information and operate on the basis of the set information. Therefore, the set information can inexpensively and easily be registered without performing a setting operation one by one in each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn so that the applicability of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting information management system, a device, a setting information management device, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information providing program, and a recording medium, and more particularly, a setting information management system that automatically performs various settings of devices on a network. The present invention relates to a device, a setting information management device, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information providing program, and a recording medium.

  In order to connect a host device such as a computer and an image processing device (apparatus) such as a printer device and a scanner device to use the image processing device from the host device, a printer driver corresponding to the printer device and the scanner device are used. Software such as a corresponding scanner driver and device management utility must be installed on the host device, and the image processing device must be operated using the software. When the host apparatus and the image processing apparatus are connected and used via a communication line, it is necessary to appropriately perform communication settings via a network.

  Conventionally, software for such an image processing apparatus is provided on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) included in the image processing apparatus, or a company that provides an image processing apparatus via the Internet. The software obtained by downloading from the software providing device or the like is manually installed in the host device, and necessary settings are manually performed.

  In recent years, networking has progressed, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and scanners have been used from a plurality of host apparatuses. When such image processing apparatuses on a network are used from a plurality of host apparatuses. In addition to installing a dedicated driver for each image processing apparatus in each host apparatus, it is necessary to make various settings according to the usage environment intended by the user of each host apparatus.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed an image forming system in which settings are automatically transmitted from a host to the image forming apparatus and set when the image forming apparatus is started up or changed (see Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, when connecting a connected device to a network via an adapter, in order for the connected device to operate normally on the network, various appropriate setting values to be set for the adapter are acquired from a server and A network control apparatus that automatically sets an adapter has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

  Further, conventionally, when a device having a hierarchical management information base is connected to the network, the type of the management information base is determined by accessing the device and referring to predetermined information in the management information base. There has been proposed a parameter setting system that recognizes and sets parameters for a device by a setting method according to the type of the management information base (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2005-18482 A JP 2000-259538 A JP 2000-339247 A

  However, in the above prior art, there is a need for improvement in order to make setting of devices connected to the network simple and efficient.

  That is, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the setting is automatically transmitted from the host to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is started up or the setting is changed. However, it is necessary to constantly monitor the status of the image forming apparatus on the network, and there is a problem that the cost is high. In addition, the setting when using multiple host outings is not considered, and there is a need for improvement. It was.

  Further, in the prior art described in Patent Document 2, when a new device is connected to the network with an adapter, the communication setting of the adapter is performed, and the device itself is not set. In order to make the setting simple and easy, there was a need for improvement.

  Furthermore, in the prior art described in Patent Document 3, since the host device searches for devices such as printers on the network and performs parameter setting, a plurality of host devices exist on the network and share devices. Was not considered and needed to be improved.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a setting information management system, a device, a setting information management device, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information providing program, and a recording medium that perform setting processing of device setting information on a network inexpensively and appropriately. It is aimed.

  A setting information management system according to claim 1 is a setting information management system in which a device that operates according to registered setting information and a setting information management device that provides the setting information to the device are connected to a network. The device transmits a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information to the setting information management device via the network at a predetermined timing, and the setting information management device associates the device with the device. Setting information storage means in which setting information is registered, and when the setting information acquisition request is sent from the device, the setting information corresponding to the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request is stored in the setting information storage The above object is achieved by acquiring the information from the means and transmitting it to the device, and the device registers the transmitted setting information.

  The device according to claim 2 is a device connected to a predetermined network connected to a setting information management device that operates according to registered setting information and provides the setting information, A setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information is transmitted to the setting information management apparatus via the network at a predetermined timing, and when the setting information is transmitted from the setting information management apparatus, the setting information is set and registered. By doing so, the above object is achieved.

  A setting information management apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network to which a device that operates according to registered setting information is connected and provides the setting information. If there is a setting information storage means for registering the setting information associated with the setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information from the device, the setting information corresponding to the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request Is obtained from the setting information storage means and transmitted to the device to achieve the above object.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting information acquisition program that is installed in a device that is connected to a predetermined network to which a setting information management apparatus that provides setting information is connected and that operates in accordance with the registered setting information. A setting information acquisition program, a setting information acquisition processing step for transmitting a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information to the setting information management apparatus via the network at a predetermined timing, and according to the setting information acquisition request When the setting information is transmitted from the setting information management device, the setting information registration processing step for setting and registering the setting information is included, thereby achieving the above object.

  The setting information provision management program of the invention according to claim 5 is a setting mounted on a setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network to which a device that operates according to registered setting information is connected and provides the setting information. In the information provision management program, when there is a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information from the device, the setting information acquisition request is transmitted from the setting information storage unit in which the setting information associated with the device is registered The above-described object is achieved by performing setting information provision processing for acquiring the setting information corresponding to the device that has been transmitted and transmitting the setting information to the device.

  In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 6, the device may make the setting information acquisition request at the time of activation of the device and / or at predetermined time intervals after activation.

  For example, as described in claim 7, the device searches for the setting information management device on the network, and transmits the setting information acquisition request to the setting information management device detected by the search. May be.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 8, prior to the setting information acquisition request, the device transmits an update information acquisition request for inquiring whether the setting information has been updated to the setting information management apparatus, and the setting information acquisition device In response to the update information acquisition request, the management device determines whether or not the setting information of the device in the setting information storage unit is updated, and transmits the determination result information to the device. If the information is a determination result that there is an update, the setting information acquisition request may be transmitted to the setting information management apparatus.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 9, when the setting information management device is a device registered in advance, the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request or the update information acquisition request, The setting information or the determination result information may be transmitted to the device.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 10, the setting information management apparatus only when the setting information acquisition request or the update information acquisition request from the device is at a request permission date and time registered in advance. The setting information or the determination result information may be transmitted to the device.

  In addition, for example, as described in claim 11, the device has setting information of a plurality of categories, and the setting information management device on the network that is set for each of the plurality of categories. The update information acquisition request or / and the setting information acquisition request may be transmitted.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 12, the device has setting information of a plurality of categories, and among the setting information of the plurality of categories, the update information acquisition request for setting information related to security or / and The setting information acquisition request may be transmitted first.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium connected to a predetermined network to which a setting information management apparatus that provides setting information is connected, and setting information that can be mounted on a device that operates in accordance with the registered setting information. A recording medium for recording an acquisition program, wherein the setting information acquisition program according to claim 4 or 6 to 12 is recorded as the setting information acquisition program. Have achieved.

  The recording medium according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a setting information provision management that can be installed in a setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network connected to a device that operates in accordance with registered setting information and provides the setting information. A recording medium for recording a program, wherein the setting information provision management program according to claim 4 or 5 to 12 is recorded as the setting information provision management program. Has achieved.

  According to the present invention, when a device that operates according to registered setting information transmits a setting information acquisition request for requesting setting information to a setting information management device on the network, the setting information management device The setting information corresponding to the device is transmitted to the device, and the device registers the transmitted setting information. Therefore, the setting information can be easily and inexpensively registered without performing the setting operation for each device. It is possible to reduce the load of setting operation of the device and improve the usability of the device.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a setting information management system, apparatus, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium according to the present invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system 1 to which a first embodiment of a setting information management system, a device, a setting information management apparatus, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information providing program, and a recording medium of the invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, a network system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses (devices) GK1 to GKn and a server (setting information management apparatus) SV via a network NW capable of bidirectional communication such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Although not shown, a host device such as a personal computer using these image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is connected to the network NW.

  The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are apparatuses that perform image formation, such as printers, facsimile machines, and composite apparatuses. In order to operate the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in an intended setting state, an intended setting state is configured. It is necessary to register the setting information to be registered in the internal memory of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn and to operate by referring to the setting information.

  Although not shown, each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn includes an image forming mechanism unit that prints at least data received via the network NW on paper, and includes an operation display unit, a communication unit, a setting information storage memory, and a storage And a control unit, etc., and a setting information acquisition program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), a DVD (Digital Video Disk), or a flexible disk The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn as devices for executing setting information acquisition / registration processing to be described later are constructed.

  The communication unit communicates with the host device via the network NW, receives data to be printed from the host device, transmits processing information to the host device, and communicates with the server SV via the network NW. Go to get various information, especially your own setting information.

  The operation display unit includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output devices such as a display (for example, a liquid crystal display) and a speaker. From the operation display unit, a server for acquiring various types of information, particularly setting information, is specified. Connection information (such as a network address) is input, and various information and input connection information are output from the output device.

  The setting information storage memory is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, stores setting information that defines the operation state of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and stores setting information acquired from the server in setting information acquisition processing described later. To do.

  The storage unit is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, and stores various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and application programs, particularly the setting information acquisition program, under the control of the control unit.

  The control unit controls each part of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn based on a basic program as the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and particularly controls each part of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn based on setting information in the setting information memory. Then, basic processing as the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn corresponding to the setting information is executed, and the setting information acquisition / registration processing is executed by controlling each unit based on the setting information acquisition program of the storage unit. .

  The server SV is a normal computer and has a normal hardware configuration, and also includes an operation display unit, a communication unit, a storage unit (particularly a non-volatile storage unit), a control unit, and the like. As well as basic setting software, CD (Compact Disc), CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), DVD (Digital Video Disk), and setting information provision program recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk is read Thus, a server SV as a setting information management apparatus that executes setting information providing processing to be described later is constructed.

  The communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn via the network NW to exchange various types of information. In particular, when there is a setting information acquisition request for requesting setting information from each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, The setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is transmitted.

  The operation display unit includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse and an output device such as a display (for example, a liquid crystal display) and a speaker. The operation display unit displays various information, in particular, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. The setting information is input, and various information and the input setting information are output from the output device.

  The storage unit (setting information storage unit) is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, and various information to be stored as the basic program, the setting information providing program, and the server SV, in particular, each image formation input from the operation display unit. The setting information of the devices GK1 to GKn is stored as a setting information database.

  The control unit controls each unit of the server SV based on the basic program as the server SV, executes basic processing as the server SV, and controls each unit based on the setting information providing program to provide setting information Execute the process.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The network system 1 of this embodiment makes a setting information acquisition request from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn to the server SV at a predetermined timing, and the server SV sets the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has made the setting information acquisition request. Are transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and the setting information transmitted by the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is registered in the setting information memory, and an operation process corresponding to the setting information is performed.

  That is, when the network system 1 is activated when the power of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is turned on as shown in the flowchart of the setting information acquisition management process by the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S101), In the activated image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the communication unit is connected to the server SV via the network NW under the control of the control unit, and transmits a setting information acquisition request to the server SV (step S102).

  On the other hand, when the server SV receives a setting information acquisition request from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn as shown in the flowchart of the setting information provision processing by the server SV (step S201), the server SV receives the setting information acquisition request. Is acquired from the setting information database in the storage unit and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S202).

  When the setting information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that have transmitted the setting information acquisition request receive the setting information (step S103) and register the setting information in the setting information memory. Setting is executed (step S104).

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that operate according to the registered setting information make a setting information acquisition request for requesting setting information to the server SV on the network NW. Upon transmission, the server SV transmits setting information corresponding to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn register the transmitted setting information. Yes.

  Therefore, it is possible to register the setting information inexpensively and easily without performing the setting operation for each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, thereby reducing the load of the setting operation of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. Usability of the devices GK1 to GKn can be improved.

  In the above description, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are activated, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn make a setting information acquisition request to the server SV. However, the image forming apparatus GK1 makes an income request for setting information. The setting information may be set by acquiring the setting information every predetermined time interval after activation (every predetermined time interval), for example.

  In this case, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn perform processing as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the same processing steps as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is simplified.

  In FIG. 4, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are turned on and activated (step S101), the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn connect to the server SV via the network NW and transmit a setting information acquisition request to the server SV ( Step S102).

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the setting information acquisition request is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV stores the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that have sent the setting information acquisition request. The image data is acquired from the setting information database of each copy and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  When the setting information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn receive the setting information (step S103), register the setting information in the setting information memory, and execute the setting (step S104). ).

  When the setting information is set, each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn waits for a predetermined waiting time (step S110). When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to step S102 and is set in the server SV. The processing similar to the above is performed from the transmission of the information acquisition request (steps S102 to S104), and the process of waiting for the waiting time is repeated (step S110).

  In this way, when setting information is set when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are activated, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be operated with the latest setting information from the time of activation, and an appropriate operation is performed. Can do.

  Further, if the setting information is updated every predetermined waiting time, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can always be operated with the latest setting information, and a more appropriate operation can be performed.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention, and FIG. The flowchart which shows the setting information acquisition process by the image formation apparatus of the network system to which 2nd Example of the setting information management system of an invention, apparatus, a setting information management apparatus, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information provision program, and a recording medium is applied, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing setting information provision processing by the server of the network system.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  The network system 1 according to the present embodiment makes an inquiry to the server SV about whether the setting information has been updated since the previous acquisition at every predetermined time interval after the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are activated. If set, the setting information is acquired and the setting information is set.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are turned on and activated (step S301), the network system 1 is activated by the control unit. Under control, the communication unit connects to the server SV via the network NW (step S302), and transmits a setting information update presence / absence information acquisition request (update information acquisition request) to the server SV (step S303).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when an information acquisition request is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S401), the server SV determines whether the request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request or a setting information acquisition request. Is checked (step S402).

  In step S402, if it is an update presence / absence information acquisition request, the server SV determines whether or not the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has been changed since the previous setting information was transmitted. Is determined by referring to the setting information database of the storage unit, and determination result information indicating the determination result (update information when updated, information without update when updated) is displayed in the image forming apparatus GK1. To GKn (step S403).

  In step S402, if the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV stores the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the setting information acquisition request. And is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S404).

  Then, when the determination result information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that transmitted the update presence / absence information acquisition request check whether the determination result information is updated information or not updated information. If it is updated information (step S304), the server SV is connected to the server SV via the network NW, transmits a setting information acquisition request to the server SV, and the server SV acquires the setting information as described above. When setting information is transmitted in response to the request, the transmitted setting information is acquired (step S305), the setting information is registered in the setting information memory, and the setting is executed (step S306).

  When the setting information is set, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a predetermined waiting time (step S307). When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to step S302 to connect to the server SV. Then, the same process as described above is performed from the process of transmitting the setting information update presence / absence information acquisition request (steps S302 and S303).

  Then, in step S304, if the determination result information transmitted from the server SV is non-update information, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a certain waiting time without acquiring / setting the setting information. (Step S307) When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to Step S302 to connect to the server SV and perform the same process from the process of transmitting the setting information update presence / absence information acquisition request (Steps S302 to S307).

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn transmit the update presence / absence information acquisition request for inquiring whether the setting information is updated prior to the setting information acquisition request to the server SV. Determines whether or not the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in the setting information database is updated in response to the update presence / absence information acquisition request, transmits the determination result information to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and forms an image. The devices GK1 to GKn transmit a setting information acquisition request to the server SV if the determination result information is an updated determination result.

  Therefore, the setting information is acquired and registered only when the setting information is updated, and the time during which the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn cannot be used during the setting information setting process can be reduced. Usability of the devices GK1 to GKn can be further improved.

  FIG. 7 shows setting information acquisition processing by the image forming apparatus of the network system to which the third embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  The network system 1 according to the present embodiment searches for a server SV on the network NW when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are activated and at predetermined time intervals after the activation, and with respect to the server SV detected by the search. Then, an inquiry is made as to whether the setting information has been updated since the previous acquisition. If the setting information has been updated, the setting information is acquired and the setting information is set.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are turned on and activated (step S501), the network system 1 is activated by the control unit. Under control, a server SV on the network NW is searched from the communication unit (step S502). When the server SV is detected, the communication unit connects to the detected server SV via the network NW (step S503). ).

  When the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are connected to the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn transmit a setting information update presence / absence information acquisition request to the server SV (step S504).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the information acquisition request is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV determines whether the request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request or a setting information acquisition request. If the update presence / absence information acquisition request is checked, the storage unit stores whether the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has been changed since the last time the setting information was transmitted. Is determined by searching the setting information database, and determination result information indicating the determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. Further, when the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV transmits the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request to the setting information of the storage unit. Obtained from the database and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  Then, when the determination result information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that transmitted the update presence / absence information acquisition request check whether the determination result information is updated information or not updated information. If it is updated information (step S505), the server SV is connected to the server SV via the network NW, transmits a setting information acquisition request to the server SV, and the server SV acquires the setting information as described above. When the setting information is transmitted in response to the request, the transmitted setting information is acquired (step S506), the setting information is registered in the setting information memory, and the setting is executed (step S507).

  When executing the setting information setting, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a predetermined waiting time (step S508). When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to step S502, and the server on the network NW. The same process as described above is performed from the SV search (steps S502 to S508).

  In step S505, if the determination result information transmitted from the server SV is non-update information, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a certain waiting time without acquiring / setting the setting information. (Step S508) When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to Step S502, and the server SV search process is performed in the same manner as described above (Steps S502 to S508).

  As described above, in the network system 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn search for the server SV on the network NW, and an update presence / absence information acquisition request or setting information is detected for the server SV detected by the search. An acquisition request is being sent.

  Therefore, the user of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can omit the operation of specifying the server from which the setting information is acquired, and the user's trouble can be saved to further improve the usability of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. it can.

  FIG. 8 shows setting information provision processing by the server of the network system to which the fourth embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program and recording medium of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  In the network system 1 of the present embodiment, information such as determination result information and setting information is only provided to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn registered in advance as image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn by which the server SV provides setting information. Make a provision.

  That is, the server SV is a storage unit that stores setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in advance, and the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn provide information such as setting information and determination result information indicating whether setting information is updated. Information providing destination image forming apparatus information for specifying a certain information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, for example, information such as model names and model numbers of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is stored.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 8, when there is an information acquisition request from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn via the network NW (step S601), the server SV sends the information acquisition request to the image forming apparatus GK1. .About.GKn are checked by searching information providing destination image forming apparatus information in the storage unit to determine whether they are information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (registered image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn) (step S602). If the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that have sent the acquisition requests are not the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the process ends without providing information.

  In step S602, if the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the information acquisition request are the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV determines whether the information acquisition request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request, It is checked whether it is a setting information acquisition request (step S603), and if it is an update presence / absence information acquisition request, the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has transmitted the previous setting information. It is determined whether or not it has been changed by searching the setting information database in the storage unit, and determination result information indicating the determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S604).

  In step S603, if the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV stores the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the setting information acquisition request in the storage unit. Obtained from the setting information database and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S605).

  As described above, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in which the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn from which the server SV has transmitted the setting information acquisition request or the update presence / absence information acquisition request are registered in advance. Only at certain times, setting information or determination result information is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  Therefore, the processing efficiency of the server SV can be improved, and appropriate setting information can be reliably set for each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  FIG. 9 shows setting information provision processing by the server of the network system to which the fifth embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program and recording medium of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  In the network system 1 of the present embodiment, the server SV is an image forming apparatus GK1 to GKn registered in advance as the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that provide the setting information. Only for this, information such as determination result information and setting information registered for the application date and time of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is provided.

  That is, the server SV is a storage unit that stores setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in advance, and the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn provide information such as setting information and determination result information indicating whether setting information is updated. Information providing destination image forming apparatus information for specifying a certain information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, for example, information such as model names and model numbers of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is stored. Further, the server sets, in advance for the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, setting information appropriate for the usage form of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn for each application date and time (daytime, nighttime, weekday / Saturday, etc.). Is registered in the setting information database of the storage unit by the administrator.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 9, when there is an information acquisition request from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn via the network NW (step S701), the server SV sends the information acquisition request to the image forming apparatus GK1. To check whether the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (registered image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn) are searched, and send the information acquisition request If the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, an application date and time condition in which an information acquisition request is registered in advance for the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in the setting information database An application condition for checking whether they match is checked (step S702).

  In step S702, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the information acquisition request are not the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, or the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the information acquisition request are the information providing destination images. Even in the case of the forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, when the information acquisition request does not match the application date and time conditions registered in advance in the setting information database for the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV provides information. The process is finished without.

  In step S702, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the information acquisition request are the information providing destination image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and the information acquisition request is sent to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in the setting information database in advance. If the application date and time conditions registered with the server SV match, the server SV checks whether the information acquisition request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request or a setting information acquisition request (step S703). If it is a request, whether or not the setting information of the application date and time of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has been changed since the previous setting information was transmitted is set in the storage unit setting information database And the determination result information indicating the determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S704).

  In step S703, if the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV responds to the application date and time of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that sent the setting information acquisition request. The setting information registered in the setting information database of the storage unit is acquired and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn (step S705).

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, only when the server SV is at the request permission date and time when the setting information acquisition request or the update presence / absence information acquisition request from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn is registered in advance. Then, setting information or determination result information is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  Therefore, by registering different setting information for each request permission date and time in the setting information database, it is possible to register appropriate setting information for each date and operate the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn in an appropriate setting state. The usability of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be further improved.

  FIG. 10 shows setting information acquisition processing by the image forming apparatus of the network system to which the sixth embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program and recording medium of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  The network system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server SV that is set in advance for each setting category with respect to setting information of a plurality of setting categories at predetermined time intervals when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are started up and after starting up. Is inquired whether the setting information has been updated since the previous acquisition. If the setting information has been updated, the setting information is acquired and the setting information is set.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are turned on and activated (step S801), the network system 1 is activated by the control unit. When setting information is set for a plurality of setting categories under control, the first setting category is designated as the setting information category to be updated / obtained (step S802), and the setting is made from the communication unit. The server SV that is set in advance for the category is connected (step S803), and an update information acquisition request for setting information of the setting category is transmitted to the server SV (step S804).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the information acquisition request is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV determines whether the request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request or a setting information acquisition request. If the update presence / absence information acquisition request is checked, the storage unit stores whether the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has been changed since the last time the setting information was transmitted. Is determined by searching the setting information database, and determination result information indicating the determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. Further, when the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV transmits the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request to the setting information of the storage unit. Obtained from the database and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  Then, when the determination result information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that transmitted the update presence / absence information acquisition request check whether the determination result information is updated information or not updated information. If it is updated information (step S805), the server SV is connected to the server SV via the network NW, transmits a setting information acquisition request to the server SV, and the server SV acquires the setting information as described above. When setting information is transmitted in response to the request, the transmitted setting information is acquired (step S806), the setting information is registered in the setting information memory, and the setting is executed (step S807).

  When the setting information is set, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn check whether or not there is a next setting category (step S808). If there is a next setting category, the next setting category is updated and checked. It is designated as the category of the setting information (step S809), and the process proceeds to step S803 to connect to the server SV set in advance for the next setting category and to the server SV for the next setting category. From the transmission of the setting information update presence / absence information acquisition request (steps S803 to S808), if the determination result information transmitted from the server SV is non-update information in step S805, the process proceeds to step S808. Then, it is checked whether there is a next setting category (step S808).

  When there is no next set category in step S808, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a predetermined waiting time (step S810). When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to step S802, and the first Is set as the category of the setting information to be updated and acquired, and the same processing as described above is performed (steps S802 to S810).

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn have the update presence / absence information acquisition request for the setting information of the plurality of setting categories from the server SV on the set network NW. / And sending a setting information acquisition request.

  Therefore, it is possible to distribute the load and management of the server SV by dividing and using a plurality of servers SV in the setting category, improving the processing speed and improving the usability.

  FIG. 11 shows setting information acquisition processing by the image forming apparatus of the network system to which the seventh embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program and recording medium of the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The present embodiment is applied to a network system similar to the network system 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. This will be described using

  The network system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the setting information of a plurality of categories is set in advance for each category with respect to a server SV when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are activated and at predetermined time intervals after activation. Inquire whether the setting information has been updated since the previous acquisition, and if it has been updated, acquire the setting information and set the setting information, and set security as the first setting category. First, ensure security.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are turned on and activated (step S901), the network system 1 is activated by the control unit. When setting information is set for a plurality of setting categories under control, security such as encryption setting is specified as the first setting category of setting information to be updated / obtained (step S902), and communication is performed. Is connected to a server SV set in advance for the security setting information (step S903), and an update information acquisition request for the setting category (security) setting information is transmitted (step S904).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the information acquisition request is sent from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, the server SV determines whether the request is an update presence / absence information acquisition request or a setting information acquisition request. If the update presence / absence information acquisition request is checked, the storage unit stores whether the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has sent the update presence / absence information acquisition request has been changed since the last time the setting information was transmitted. Is determined by searching the setting information database, and determination result information indicating the determination result is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. Further, when the information acquisition request is not an update presence / absence information acquisition request but a setting information acquisition request, the server SV transmits the setting information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request to the setting information of the storage unit. Obtained from the database and transmitted to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn.

  Then, when the determination result information is transmitted from the server SV, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that transmitted the update presence / absence information acquisition request check whether the determination result information is updated information or not updated information. If it is updated information (step S905), the server SV is connected to the server SV via the network NW, and a setting information acquisition request is transmitted to the server SV. The server SV acquires the setting information as described above. When setting information is transmitted in response to a request, the transmitted setting information (security setting information) is acquired (step S906), the setting information is registered in the setting information memory, and the setting is executed. (Step S907).

  When the setting information is set, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn check whether or not there is a next setting category (step S908). If there is a next setting category, the next setting category is updated and checked. It is designated as a category of setting information (step S909), and the process proceeds to step S903 to connect to the server SV set in advance for the next setting category and update the setting information of the next setting category From the transmission of the information acquisition request, the same processing as described above is performed (steps S903 to S908). If the determination result information transmitted from the server SV is non-update information in step S905, the process proceeds to step S908, and the next setting is performed. It is checked whether there is a category (step S908).

  When there is no next set category in step S908, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn wait for a predetermined waiting time (step S910). When the waiting time elapses, the process returns to step S902, and security is performed. Is designated as the first category of the setting information to be updated and acquired, and the same processing as described above is performed (steps S902 to S910).

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn have setting information of a plurality of categories, and update information on setting information related to security is acquired from the setting information of the plurality of categories. The request or / and the setting information acquisition request is transmitted first.

  Therefore, security settings such as encryption settings can be executed first to prevent threats from the network NW, so that the security of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be improved and the usability can be improved. Can be improved.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to a setting information management system, a device, a setting information management apparatus, a setting information acquisition program, a setting information providing program, and a recording medium that automatically and appropriately set up devices on a network.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system to which a first embodiment of a setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition management processing by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. The flowchart which shows the setting information provision process by the server of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition management processing that is repeated every waiting time by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 9 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition processing by an image forming apparatus of a network system to which a second embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. 6 is a flowchart showing setting information provision processing by a server of a network system to which a second embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information provision program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. 9 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition processing by an image forming apparatus of a network system to which a third embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. The flowchart which shows the setting information provision process by the server of the network system to which 4th Example of the setting information management system of this invention, apparatus, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information provision program, and recording medium is applied. The flowchart which shows the setting information provision process by the server of the network system to which 5th Example of the setting information management system, apparatus, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information provision program, and recording medium of this invention is applied. 10 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition processing by the image forming apparatus of the network system to which the sixth embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied. 18 is a flowchart showing setting information acquisition processing by an image forming apparatus of a network system to which a seventh embodiment of the setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, setting information providing program, and recording medium of the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

1 network system GK1 to GKn image forming apparatus SV server NW network

Claims (14)

  A setting information management system in which a device that operates according to registered setting information and a setting information management device that provides the setting information to the device are connected to a network, and the device is connected to the network at a predetermined timing. A setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information is transmitted to the setting information management device via the setting information management device, and the setting information management device includes setting information storage means in which the setting information associated with the device is registered. When the setting information acquisition request is sent from the device, the setting information corresponding to the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request is acquired from the setting information storage unit, and transmitted to the device. A setting information management system, wherein a device registers the transmitted setting information.   A device that operates in accordance with registered setting information and is connected to a predetermined network to which a setting information management apparatus that provides the setting information is connected, and the setting via the network at a predetermined timing An apparatus characterized by transmitting a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information to an information management apparatus, and setting and registering the setting information when the setting information is transmitted from the setting information management apparatus.   A setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network to which a device that operates in accordance with registered setting information is connected and provides the setting information, wherein the setting information associated with the device is registered. When there is a storage unit and a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information from the device, the setting information corresponding to the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request is acquired from the setting information storage unit, and the device A setting information management apparatus characterized by:   A setting information acquisition program installed in a device connected to a predetermined network to which a setting information management apparatus for providing setting information is connected and operating according to registered setting information, the network at a predetermined timing A setting information acquisition processing step for transmitting a setting information acquisition request for requesting the setting information to the setting information management device via the configuration information, and the setting information is transmitted from the setting information management device in response to the setting information acquisition request. And a setting information registration processing step for setting and registering the setting information.   A setting information provision management program installed in a setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network to which a device that operates according to registered setting information is connected and provides the setting information, the setting information from the device When there is a setting information acquisition request for requesting, the setting information corresponding to the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request is acquired from the setting information storage unit in which the setting information associated with the device is registered, and A setting information provision management program for performing setting information provision processing to be transmitted to the device.   The setting information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device makes the setting information acquisition request at a predetermined time interval when the device is activated and / or after activation. Device, setting information management device, setting information acquisition program or setting information providing program.   The device searches for the setting information management device on the network, and transmits the setting information acquisition request to the setting information management device detected by the search. A setting information management system, device, setting information management device, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision program according to any one of the above.   Prior to the setting information acquisition request, the device transmits an update information acquisition request for inquiring whether setting information has been updated to the setting information management device, and the setting information management device responds to the update information acquisition request. It is determined whether or not the setting information of the device in the setting information storage unit is updated, and the determination result information is transmitted to the device. The device determines that the setting result is determined when the determination result information is updated. 8. The setting information management system, device, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision according to claim 1, wherein an information acquisition request is transmitted to the setting information management apparatus. program.   The setting information or the determination result is sent to the device only when the device that has transmitted the setting information acquisition request or the update information acquisition request is a pre-registered device. Information is transmitted, The setting information management system, apparatus, setting information management apparatus, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision program of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   Only when the setting information acquisition request or the update information acquisition request from the device is at a request permission date and time registered in advance, the setting information management apparatus transmits the setting information or the determination to the device. 10. The setting information management system, device, setting information management device, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision program according to claim 1, wherein the result information is transmitted.   The device has setting information of a plurality of categories, and the update information acquisition request or / and the setting information acquisition to the setting information management apparatus on the network set for each of the plurality of categories. The setting information management system, device, setting information management device, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the request is transmitted.   The device has setting information of a plurality of categories, and among the setting information of the plurality of categories, first transmits the update information acquisition request or / and the setting information acquisition request for setting information related to security. The setting information management system, device, setting information management device, setting information acquisition program, or setting information provision program according to any one of claims 1 to 11.   A recording medium for recording a setting information acquisition program that can be mounted on a device that is connected to a predetermined network connected to a setting information management apparatus that provides setting information and operates according to registered setting information, A recording medium on which the setting information acquisition program according to claim 4 or 6 to 12 is recorded as the setting information acquisition program.   A recording medium for recording a setting information provision management program that can be installed in a setting information management apparatus that is connected to a network to which a device that operates according to registered setting information is connected and provides the setting information, A recording medium in which the setting information provision management program according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 12 is recorded as the setting information provision management program.

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