JP2010218456A - Equipment management system, image processor, equipment management device, equipment management method, equipment management program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit setting of an application installed in multifunction equipment, to an equipment management device, to be managed by a central management device. <P>SOLUTION: Multifunction equipment 100 is provided with: a reception means 135 for receiving a request to transmit setting information at predetermined time intervals; an acquisition means 134 for acquiring setting information showing content of setting on an installed application from a storage means in response to the transmission request; and a transmission means 136 for transmitting the setting information to an equipment management device. The equipment management device 200 is provided with: an equipment state management means 275 for transmitting the request to transmit the setting information at predetermined intervals to the multifunction equipment 100; a reception means 276 for receiving the setting information; and a transmission means 277 for transmitting the setting information to a central management device 500. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management system, an image processing device, a device management device, a device management method, a device management program, and a storage medium.

  Conventionally, maintenance management of an image processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) connected to an internal network such as a LAN and storing the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner in a single casing. There is known a remote management system that uses a management server installed in a manufacturer's service center.

  In such a remote management system, a device management apparatus connected to the internal network is used when the MFP is started up or at regular intervals, when a device malfunctions, or when the amount of toner is low. Management information such as operating status, error information, and setting information is collected and notified, and the device management device notifies the manufacturer's management server connected to the external network. The state can be managed.

  In addition, there is a device management system in which a user himself / herself manages and manages a multifunction peripheral by using a device management apparatus connected to a network in a client site instead of a management server installed in a manufacturer's service center. .

  Here, in recent years, after the multifunction device is shipped, a user or a third party as a third party can develop a new external application (hereinafter referred to as an external application) as an application for image processing and install it on the multifunction device. It has become a structure.

  As described above, when a new external application is installed in the MFP, setting information such as counter information newly added by the external application is also added. Therefore, the new setting information is also collectively managed by the management server or the like. It is desirable.

  However, since conventional MFPs and device management devices cannot add new setting information items and cannot collect data other than the information originally set, functions added by external applications There was a problem that could not be remotely managed.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, knowledge information of data items necessary for executing an additional function is received from an additional program for providing the additional function to the application, and stored in the storage unit based on the knowledge information. A technique relating to an information processing apparatus capable of extending a data item of data used by an application by having a data management unit that extends the data item of data is disclosed.

  However, in the technique in Patent Document 1, only application data can be expanded, and it is not possible to manage additional functions by a device management apparatus or a management server on the manufacturer side by remote management.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a new application is installed in a multifunction peripheral, new setting information based on the installed application can be managed by the device management apparatus or the central management apparatus It is an object to provide a device management system, an image processing device, a device management device, a device management method, a device management program, and a storage medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an image processing device, a device management device connected to the image processing device, and a central management device connected to the device management device. A storage unit that stores setting information indicating a setting content related to an installed application; and a transmission request for the setting information from the device management apparatus at regular intervals. In response to the transmission request, an acquisition unit that acquires the setting information from the storage unit, and a first transmission unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus The device management apparatus includes, from the image processing device, device state management means for transmitting a transmission request for the setting information to the image processing device at regular intervals. A second receiving means for receiving the setting information; and a second transmitting means for transmitting the received setting information to the central management apparatus, wherein the central management apparatus receives the setting from the device management apparatus. It is characterized by comprising third receiving means for receiving information and display means for displaying the received setting information.

  In addition, the present invention is an image processing apparatus connected to a device management apparatus, and storing means for storing setting information indicating setting contents related to an installed application; from the device management apparatus at regular intervals; A receiving unit that receives the transmission request for the setting information; an acquisition unit that acquires the setting information from the storage unit in response to the transmission request; and a first unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus. Transmission means.

  In addition, the present invention is an apparatus management apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus and a central management apparatus, and setting information related to an application installed in the image processing apparatus at regular intervals in the image processing apparatus Device status management means for transmitting the transmission request, second reception means for receiving the setting information from the image processing apparatus, and second transmission means for transmitting the received setting information to the central management apparatus And.

  According to the present invention, the multifunction peripheral transmits setting information indicating the setting contents related to the application, and the device management apparatus transmits the setting information to the central management apparatus, so that when the application is newly installed in the multifunction peripheral, There is an effect that new setting information by the installed application can be managed by the device management apparatus or the central management apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the MFP transmits setting information indicating the setting contents related to the application to the device management apparatus, when the application is newly installed in the MFP, new setting information by the installed application is obtained. Can be managed by the device management apparatus or the central management apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, the device management apparatus receives the setting information indicating the setting contents related to the application from the multifunction peripheral and newly installs the application in the multifunction peripheral in order to transmit the setting information to the central management apparatus. In this case, there is an effect that new setting information by the installed application can be managed by the device management apparatus or the central management apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a device management system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 131 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the external application A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the device management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the application installation management module 273 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a configuration of the central management device 500 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of management information acquisition processing executed in the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the management information 208 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a management information acquisition process performed by the application installation control service 131 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the external application A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 2131 in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the management information 2208 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining management information 2208 displayed on the display screen of the central management apparatus 500 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a management information acquisition process performed by the application installation control service 2131 in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the multifunction peripheral application installation management module 3273 in the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram illustrating an application management list 211a stored in the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19-2 is a diagram for explaining the application management list 211b updated by the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 3131 in the MFP 3100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for updating the application management list 211, which is executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of management information acquisition processing executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process procedure executed by the MFP application installation management module 3273 in the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine according to the first to third embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus management system, an image processing apparatus, an apparatus management apparatus, an apparatus management method, an apparatus management program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a device management system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the device management system 1, a device management apparatus 200, a license management server 300, a software distribution server 400, and a central management apparatus 500 are connected via a network 80 such as the Internet. . A firewall 90 is provided between the device management apparatus 200 and the network 80. In addition, a plurality of MFPs 100a, 100b, and 100c (hereinafter, unspecified MFPs are simply referred to as MFP 100) are connected to the device management apparatus 200 via a network different from the network 80, such as a LAN. Yes.

  The firewall 90 monitors data flowing on the boundary with the outside so as to prevent unauthorized access by a third party who has entered the device management apparatus 200 through an external network such as the Internet, and detects and blocks unauthorized access.

  The multifunction device 100 is a device having a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers, and is connected to the device management device 200 via a local network. In the device management system of the present embodiment, three multifunction devices 100a, 100b, and 100c are connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one, two, or four or more multifunction devices are connected. It is good also as a structure which connected.

  When the MFP 100 receives a transmission request from the device management apparatus 200, the MFP 100 newly adds information such as supply status information, jam information, counter information, firmware version information, error information, and device setting information to the MFP 100. The setting information of the external application 172 including counter information and parameter information related to the added external application 172 is transmitted to the device management apparatus 200 as management information 208. Details will be described later.

  The software distribution server 400 is an apparatus that holds an external application 172 used in the multifunction peripheral 100 and provides the external application 172 to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the device management apparatus 200.

  The license management server 300 is a device that manages the license (usage right) of the external application 172 that is provided from the software distribution server 400 and installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 via the device management apparatus 200.

  The device management apparatus 200 is an apparatus that mediates processing performed between the software distribution server 400 and the license management server 300 and the multifunction peripherals 100a, 100b, and 100c. Specifically, the external application 172 provided by the software distribution server 400 is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100, and a license file for the external application managed by the license management server 300 is requested and transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100. Here, the license file is data describing the license of the external application 172.

  The device management apparatus 200 transmits a transmission request for the management information 172 to the multifunction device 100 at regular intervals in units of methods, and receives the management information 208 transmitted in response to the request from the multifunction device 100. And has a function of transmitting to the central management device 500.

  The central management device 500 is a server device installed in a manufacturer of the multifunction device 100 or a service center of a service provider company, and remotely manages the multifunction device 100 that is a management target via the device management device 200. The central management device 500 has a Web UI screen display function for displaying a screen (Web UI) serving as a user interface on a Web page. By connecting to the operation terminal, the central management device 500 can control information on the MFP 100 to be managed from the Web UI. You can search for data collection and error status.

  Next, the overall functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a hard disk device (HDD) 103, a scanner, a facsimile, a memory, a network interface, and the like. A hardware resource 104 is included, and a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130 is provided.

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from an application and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource manager that manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. (SRM) 123 and a general-purpose OS 121.

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 127, NCS (Network Control Service) 128, NRS (New Remote Service) 129, and Application Install Control Service 131. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that enables a processing request to be received from the application 130 using a predefined function.

  The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The process of the SRM 123 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 122. The SRM123 process uses hardware resources such as engines such as a scanner unit and printer unit, memory, HDD file, and host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). .

  The process of the SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls the engine of the hardware resource 104 including a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

  The MCS 125 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The FCS 127 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. Provides an API to do.

  The NCS 128 process is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, and data from the application. Mediation when sending to the network side.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls the operation panel (operation display unit) 20 (see FIG. 24) serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 obtains a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel as a key event, and operates according to a request from the application 130 or the control service and a part of the OCS process that transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 122. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens on the panel, a function for controlling the operation panel, and the like are composed of pre-registered OCS library portions. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. The OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The NRS (New Remote Service) 129 is an application that realizes functions related to remote management via the network and a scheduler function, such as data conversion when data is transmitted and received via the network.

  In addition to installing the external application 172, the application installation control service 131 receives a management information transmission request from the device management apparatus 200, acquires the management information 208 stored in the storage unit of the multifunction peripheral 100, and acquires the device management apparatus 200. Send to. Further, the application installation control service 131 executes installation of the external application 172 and acquires a license of the installed external application 172. Details will be described later.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 114 as a scanner application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and a WEB server for a client terminal such as a PC connected to the Internet It has a WEB application 117 that operates as an (http server) and displays various screens on a WEB browser that operates on a client terminal.

  Each process of the application 130 and each process of the control service realize user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending return values thereof, and sending and receiving messages. is doing.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of applications 130 and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 130. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform a parallel operation and a parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other. User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided.

  Also, in the multifunction device 100, a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100, a third vendor, or the like has an external application A, an external application B,... It is possible to develop and install an application 172). This external application 172 can be installed via a network.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes operate. However, the application 130 and the control service process have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application. That is, as described above, the external application 172 can be installed and can be uninstalled.

  Next, details of the application installation control service 131 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 131 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The application installation control service 131 mainly includes an installation control unit 132, a license acquisition unit 133, a management information acquisition unit 134, a reception unit 135, and a transmission unit 136.

  The installation control unit 132 installs the external application 172 received from the device management apparatus 200 in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The license acquisition unit 133 acquires a license for the corresponding external application 172 based on the license information received from the device management apparatus 200.

  The management information acquisition unit 134 receives supply information, jam information, and counter information of the multifunction peripheral 100 stored in the RAM 12b of the multifunction peripheral 100 when receiving a transmission request for the management information 208 at regular intervals from the device management apparatus 200. , Information on device status such as version information, error information, and device setting information is acquired. Also, the management information acquisition unit 134 refers to the transmission information list 173 (see FIG. 4) of the external application 172 describing the setting information to be transmitted for remote management in the setting information of the external application 172. The setting information 209 of the external application 172 stored in the memory area is acquired.

  The receiving unit 135 receives a transmission request for the management information 208 transmitted from the device management apparatus 200 at regular intervals.

  The transmission unit 136 transmits, to the device management apparatus 200, management information 208 including information related to the device status acquired by the management information acquisition unit 134 and setting information 209 of the external application 172.

  Here, the data structure of the external application 172 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the external application 172 according to the first embodiment. The external application 172 mainly includes a program main body of the external application 172, UI information, setting information unique to the external application 172, and a transmission information list 173 of the external application 172, as illustrated. The transmission information list 173 of the external application 172 is a list of setting information of the external application 172 that is transmitted to and managed by the central management apparatus 500. The MFP 100 is added based on the transmission information list 173. The setting information of the external application 172 can be searched and further acquired.

  Next, the device management apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the device management apparatus 200 includes a control device such as a CPU 201, an RTC 202, an HDD (hard disk: non-volatile storage medium) 203, an external storage device such as a CD drive device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). 204, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206, a network interface controller (NIC) 205 that controls network communication, a display device such as a display device, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. It has a hardware configuration using a computer. Each unit is connected by a bus 207.

  An RTC (real time clock) 202 is an internal clock that includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, and the like and generates a clock signal. The HDD 203 holds firmware for updating the multifunction peripheral 100, and the RAM 204 holds various data necessary for the operation of the CPU 201. The HDD 203 and the RAM 204 function as management information storage means for storing various data used in the device management process, in particular, management information 208.

  Next, a functional configuration of the device management apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the device management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.

  The device management apparatus 200 includes three layers, an application layer 270, a service layer 280, and a protocol layer 290, as illustrated.

  The application layer 270 includes a device control module 271 and an NRS function module group 272. The device control module 271 is a program for performing information management, communication settings, and the like of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The NRS function module group 272 includes methods for counter collection of the MFP 100, that is, collection of management information 208, setting change of the MFP 100, error status check of the MFP 100, counter notification to the central management device 500, and abnormality notification. And a program for causing the multifunction peripheral 100 to perform an operation in accordance with a request from the central management device 500. The NRS function module group 272 of this embodiment includes an application installation management module 273. The application installation management module 273 will be described later.

  The service layer 280 includes a security service 281, a communication service 282, and a scheduler service 283. The security service 281 is a module that generates and executes a job for preventing unauthorized leakage of internal information or the like to the outside. The communication service 282 is a module that realizes transmission / reception of information between the device management apparatus 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100 and transmission / reception of information between the device management apparatus 200 and the central management apparatus 500. The scheduler service 283 is a module that performs processing of each method group based on predetermined set time information.

  The protocol layer 290 is a module that generates and executes a job for transmitting / receiving information using a protocol corresponding to an information transmission / reception target.

  Details of the application installation management module 273 will be described below. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the application installation management module 273 in the device management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. The application installation management module 273 mainly includes a scheduled management unit 274, a device state management unit 275, a reception unit 276, and a transmission unit 277.

  The scheduled management unit 274 notifies when the fixed time has elapsed, and manages the time for the device management apparatus 200 to send a transmission request for the management information 208 to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the device state management unit 275 receives a notification that the fixed time has elapsed from the scheduled management unit 274, the device state management unit 275 requests the MFP 100 to transmit the management information 208. In addition, the device state management unit 275 searches for the external application 172 installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The receiving unit 277 receives management information 208 including setting information related to the added external application 172 from the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The transmission unit 278 transmits the management information 208 received by the reception unit 277 to the central management apparatus 500. In addition, the transmission unit 278 transmits the license of the external application 172 installed in the multi-function peripheral 100 transmitted from the license management server 300 to the multi-function peripheral 100, and the external application 172 transmitted from the software distribution server 400. It is transmitted to the multifunction device 100.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the central management apparatus 500 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a configuration of the central management device 500 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the central management device 500 is mainly composed of a control device 501, a database 502, and an operator terminal 507, and each unit is connected by a bus 505. The central management apparatus 500 is in a state where it can be connected to the Internet via the network I / F 506. The operator terminal 507 is an interface for inputting various data by an operator, which includes a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like. The database 502 is provided with a parameter storage area 503 and a counter storage area 504. In the parameter storage area 503, various management parameters used when the multifunction peripheral 100 and the device management apparatus 200 manage the multifunction peripheral 100, and the central storage A management program executed by the management apparatus 500 and data input by the operator are stored. The counter storage area 504 stores counter values such as the number of printed sheets and the number of scanners in the multi-function peripheral 100. The control unit 501 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 501 performs overall control of the central management device 500 and controls the functions of the MFP 100 and the device management device 200. The management information 208) reception function is realized, and the MFP 100 and the device management apparatus 200 are managed by the received management information 208.

  Next, a procedure of device management processing in the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of management information acquisition processing executed in the device management system according to the first embodiment.

  The device management apparatus 200 determines whether or not the time for transmitting the request is reached by the scheduled management unit 274, and transmits a transmission request for the management information 208 described above to the multi-function peripheral 100 when a predetermined time has passed ( Step S1). The multi-function device 100 acquires supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, device setting information, and the like stored in the RAM 12b (steps S2 to S7). Next, the installed external application 172 is searched, and each transmission information list 173 of the installed external application A, external application B,... Is acquired from the external application memory area, and based on this transmission information list 173, The setting information of the external application 172 is acquired (step S8). The multifunction device 100 transmits the acquired management information 208 to the device management apparatus 200 (step S9). The device management apparatus 200 transmits the acquired management information 208 to the central management apparatus 500, and sets the time when the next request is transmitted by the scheduled management unit 274 (step S10).

  Here, the data structure of the management information 208 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the management information 208 includes supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, device setting information, and the like, as well as setting information newly added by the external application A. Setting information 209a, setting information 209b of external application B which is setting information newly added by external application B (if not specifically limited, setting information 209a of external application 172 which is setting information newly added by external application 172) Setting information 209).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a management information acquisition process performed by the application installation control service 131 in step S8 described above in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  When the application installation control service 131 receives a transmission request for management information 208 from the device management apparatus 200, the application installation control service 131 searches whether there is an installed external application 172 (step S21), and there is an installed external application 172. In the case (step S21; Yes), the transmission information list 173 of the external application 172 is referred to (step S22), and the setting information of the external application 172 shown in the transmission information list 173 is acquired (step S22). After acquiring the setting information, the process returns to step S21 to determine whether there is another external application 172, and the processing of steps S21 to S22 is repeated until the setting information of all the external applications 172 is acquired. In step S21, when there is no external application 172 (step S21; No), the management information 208 such as the previously acquired counter is transmitted to the device management apparatus 200 (step S24).

  As described above, the device management system according to the present embodiment can acquire new setting information related to the added external application 172 by the device management apparatus 100, and is based on the acquired setting information of the external application 172. Thus, functions and states added by the external application 172 can also be managed by the central management apparatus 500.

  In addition, the device management apparatus 200 acquires the management information 208 of the multifunction peripheral 100 at regular time intervals. However, the management information 208 acquired at other timings is stored in the storage unit (RAM 12b), and the device management apparatus 200 acquires the management information 208 at regular time intervals. It is good also as transmitting to the central management apparatus 500 for every.

In this way, even when the date for collecting the management information 208 has been reached but the multifunction device 100 is not operating, the management information 208 stored in the device management apparatus 200 is reliably transmitted to the central management apparatus 500. It is possible to do this.
(Second Embodiment)

  Although the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment can transmit the setting information of the external application 172 installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 to the central management apparatus 500 and manage it, the device management system 1 of the external application 172 Since only the data value is transmitted as the setting information, when the operator confirms it by displaying it on the operation terminal of the central management apparatus 500, it can be understood what item the displayed data corresponds to. It may be difficult. On the other hand, in the device management apparatus system 2 of the second embodiment, the item information that is the identification information of the setting information of the external application 172 is transmitted to the device management apparatus together with the setting information of the external application 172. Remote management in the management apparatus 500 is made simpler.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment includes an application installation control service 2131 different from the application installation control service 131 according to the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the data structure of the external application 2172 further holds item information 174 that is identification information of setting information of the external application, as shown in FIG. Here, the item information 174 is obtained by associating an item name indicating the content of the setting information of the external application 2172 to be transmitted with each setting information.

  FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 2131 in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. The application installation control service 2131 includes a management information acquisition unit 2134 that is different from the management information acquisition unit 134 of the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The management information acquisition unit 2134 has the same function as the management information acquisition unit 134 of the first embodiment, and is identification information of setting information of the external application 2172 from the data of the external application 2172 shown in FIG. Item information 174 is acquired. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing management information 2208 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, management information 2208 includes item information 174a for external application A and item information 174b for external application B in addition to the same information as in the first embodiment.

  The management information 2208 is transmitted to the central management device 500 via the device management device 200 as in the first embodiment. On the operation display unit of the central management apparatus 500, the setting information of the external application 2172 is displayed in association with each information item name as shown in FIG. It is possible to know what is showing.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a management information acquisition process performed by the application installation control service 2131 in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment.

  In step S21 and step S22, the application installation control service 2131 acquires the setting information of the external application 2172 as in the first embodiment. In step S33, the application installation control service 2131 further extracts the external application item information 174 from the external application memory area. get. In step S <b> 24, the multi-function device 2100 transmits management information 2208 including the acquired item information 174 to the device management apparatus 200.

By doing so, the device management system of the present embodiment displays the setting information of the external application 2172 and each information item name in association with each other on the operation display unit of the central management device 500. The operator can know what each setting information of the external application 2172 indicates.
(Third embodiment)

  In the device management systems 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments, the multifunction device transmits management information to the central management device via the device management device, and the central management device collectively manages the multifunction devices. However, in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment, the device management apparatus holds a management list for managing the multifunction peripheral, and manages external applications using this management list.

  First, the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment will be described.

  The device management apparatus 3200 includes an application installation management module 3273 that is different from the application installation management module 273 in the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the application installation management module 3273 in the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment. Since the scheduled management unit 274 has the same function as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The device state management unit 3275 has the same function as the device state management unit 275 of the first embodiment, searches for the external application 172 installed in the multifunction device 3100 using the application management list 211, and The application management list 211 is updated based on the state of the external application 172. In addition, the device state management unit 3275 confirms whether or not the external application 172 installed in the MFP 3100 has been licensed.

  Here, the application management list 211 is stored in the RAM 204 as a storage unit, and as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the statuses of the external application 172 and the external application 172 installed in the MFP 3100 are shown. The device management apparatus 3200 can check whether the external application 172 is installed and whether the license acquisition is completed by referring to the application management list 211.

  The receiving unit 3276 has the same function as the receiving unit 276 of the first embodiment, receives the external application 172 from the software distribution server 400, and receives the license of the external application 172 from the license management server 300. Further, the reception unit 3276 receives a notification from the multifunction device 3100 that the installation of the external application 172 has been completed or that license acquisition has been executed. The receiving unit 3276 further receives the management information 208 related to the updated external application 172 from the multifunction machine 3100.

  The transmission unit 3277 has the same function as the transmission unit 277 of the first embodiment, and transmits the external application 172 or the license of the external application 172 received from the central management apparatus 500 to the multifunction device 3100.

  Next, the multifunction peripheral 3100 according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the application installation control service 3131 in the MFP 3100 according to the third embodiment. Since the installation control unit 132 and the license acquisition unit 133 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The reception unit 3135 has the same function as the reception unit 135 and receives license information of the external application 172 or the external application 172 from the device management apparatus 3200.

  In addition to having the same function as the transmission unit 136, the transmission unit 3136 notifies the device management apparatus 3200 that the external application 172 is installed when the external application 172 is installed, and the license acquisition of the external application 172 is executed. If this happens, notify that the license has been acquired.

  Next, a management process procedure of the external application 172 executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for updating the application management list 211, which is executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment.

  In step S <b> 41, the device management apparatus 3200 transmits a distribution request for the external application A to the software distribution server 400. Upon receiving this distribution request, the software distribution server 400 distributes the external application A to the device management apparatus 3200 (step S42). Subsequently, the device management apparatus 3200 transmits the distributed external application A to the multifunction device 3100 (step S43). After that, the multifunction device 3100 installs the external application A (step S44). When the installation is completed, the multifunction device 3100 notifies the device management apparatus 3200 that the installation of the external application A is completed (step S45). Receiving this notification, the device management apparatus 3200 updates the application management list 211 (step S46). In this case, the application management list 211a stores information indicating that the external application A has been installed in the multifunction machine 3100a, as shown in FIG.

  Based on the application management list 211a (see FIG. 19A), the device management apparatus 3200 determines that the external application A installed in the multifunction machine 3100a is “installed” and has not acquired a license. . Then, the license management server 300 is requested to obtain a license for the external application A (step S47). In response to this, the license management server 300 distributes the license of the external application A to the device management apparatus 3200 (step S48), and the device management apparatus 3200 transmits the received license of the external application A to the multifunction device 3100a (step S49). ).

  The multifunction device 3100a acquires the license for the external application A (step S50), and notifies the device management apparatus 3200 that the license for the external application A has been acquired (step S51). In response to this notification, the device management apparatus 3200 updates the application management list 211 (step S52). In this case, the application management list 211b stores information indicating that the license acquisition has been completed for the external application A installed in the multifunction machine 3100a, as shown in FIG.

  Next, a procedure of device management processing executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of management information acquisition processing executed in the device management system 3 according to the third embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the multifunction device 3100 receives a request from the device management apparatus 3200 (step S1), and acquires supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, device setting information, and the like. (Steps S2 to S7). The device management apparatus 3200 refers to the application management list 211, searches for the external application 172 installed in the multifunction peripheral 3100a (step S58), and transmits the setting information regarding the installed external application 172 to the multifunction peripheral 3100. (Step S59). If the external application A is installed, the setting information of the external application A is acquired (step S60). If the external application B is installed, the setting information of the external application B is acquired (step S61). When other external applications 172 are installed, the setting information is acquired in the same manner. When all the management information 208 is acquired for the multifunction device 3100a, the management information 208 is similarly acquired for the other multifunction devices 3100 after the multifunction device 3100b, and the acquired management information is stored in the device management apparatus 3200. The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 204 as a storage unit. When the acquisition of all the management information 208 is completed, the multifunction device 3100 transmits the management information 208 stored in the RAM 204 to the device management apparatus 3200 (step S62), and the device management apparatus 3200 stores the transmitted management information 208 in the center. It transmits to the management apparatus 500 (step S63).

  In the above description, when the above-described series of processing is performed in response to an acquisition request transmitted at regular intervals from the device management apparatus 3200, and the management information 208 stored in the RAM 204 of the device management apparatus 3200 is transmitted to the central management apparatus 500. However, as another form, when the application management list 209 is updated, the device management apparatus 3200 may transmit an acquisition request for the management information 208 to acquire the management information 208 of the multifunction peripheral.

  Next, a procedure of processing performed by the device management apparatus 3200 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process procedure performed by the application installation management module 3273 in the device management apparatus 3200 according to the third embodiment.

  In step S71, the scheduled management unit 274 determines whether or not the date and time for requesting transmission of the management information 208 has been reached, and if it is determined that the date and time has been reached (step S71; Yes), the device state management unit 3275 The MFP 3100 is requested to transmit management information 208 (step S72). In step S71, when the date has not been reached (step S71; No), the process returns to step S71.

  In step S73, when the device state management unit 3275 refers to the application management list 211 and determines that the external application 172 is installed in the multifunction machine 3100 (step S74; Yes), each installed external application is displayed. It is determined whether a license has been acquired for 172 (step S75). When the external application 172 has acquired the license (step S75; Yes), the setting information of the external application 172 is acquired from the multifunction machine 3100 (step S76), and the next external application 172 is searched (step S77). On the other hand, when the license for the external application 172 has not been acquired (step S75; No), the process proceeds to step S77. After acquiring the management information 208 for one external application 172 in this way, the device management apparatus 3200 returns to step S71, and all the external applications 172 and all the MFPs 3100 managed in the application management list 211 are returned. Steps S71 to S77 are repeated until management information 208 is acquired.

  When the management information 208 is acquired for all the external applications 172, the device management apparatus 3200 transmits the acquired management information 208 to the central management apparatus 500 (step S78). After the transmission, the scheduled management unit 274 sets the next date and time for requesting the multifunction device 3100 to transmit the management information 208 (step S79).

  As described above, in the device management system according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 3200 uses the application management list 211 to acquire setting information related to the external application 172 of the multifunction peripheral 3100, and thus efficiently acquires information. There is an effect that can be.

  The device status management unit 3275 receives the notification from the scheduled management unit 274 at regular intervals and requests the MFP 3100 to transmit the management information 208 as in the first embodiment. As an example, the device state management unit 3275 may request the multifunction device 3100 to transmit the management information 208 when the state of the external application 172 is updated in the management list 211.

  In this way, when the external application 172 is newly added to the multifunction device 3100, the added external application 172 and the multifunction device 3100 can be immediately managed.

  FIG. 24 illustrates the multifunction peripherals 100, 2100, and 3100 according to the first to third embodiments (hereinafter, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, and hence the multifunction peripheral 100 is assumed). It is a block diagram which shows a hardware configuration. As shown in the figure, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 103, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 103, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data using hardware logic. (Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 16 is connected to an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical Engineering 50 interface) via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the device management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100, 2100, and 3100 and the device management apparatuses 200 and 3200 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The device management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100, 2100, and 3100 and the device management apparatuses 200 and 3200 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). , A CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the device management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100, 2100, 3100, and device management apparatuses 200, 3200 according to the present embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and downloaded via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide. In addition, the device management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100, 2100, and 3100 and the device management apparatuses 200 and 3200 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The device management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100, 2100, and 3100 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (installation control unit 132, license acquisition unit 133, management information acquisition unit 134, reception units 135 and 3135, It has a module configuration including transmission units 136 and 3136), and as actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the device management program from the ROM and executes it, so that the respective units are loaded on the main storage device, An installation control unit 132, a license acquisition unit 133, a management information acquisition unit 134, reception units 135 and 3135, and transmission units 136 and 3136 are generated on the main storage device.

  In addition, the device management program executed by the device management apparatuses 200 and 3200 of the present embodiment includes the above-described units (timed management unit 274, device state management units 275 and 3275, reception units 276 and 3276, transmission units 277 and 3277). ), And the actual hardware includes a CPU (processor) that reads the device management program from the ROM and executes the device management program so that each unit is loaded onto the main storage device. Device state management units 275 and 3275, reception units 276 and 3276, and transmission units 277 and 3277 are generated on the main storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

  In the above embodiment, the device management devices 200 and 3200, the license management server 300, the software distribution server 400, and the central management device 500 are connected via the network 80 such as the Internet, and the device management device 200 is connected. 3200, a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100, 2100, and 3100 are connected to a network different from the network 80, for example, a LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the multifunction peripherals 100, 2100, and 3100, the device management apparatuses 200 and 3200, the license management server 300, the software distribution server 400, and the central management apparatus 500 are connected to a single network such as the Internet. It is good.

1, 2, 3 Device management system 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 2100, 3100 MFP 200, 3200 Device management device 300 License management server 400 Software distribution server 500 Central management device 80 Internet 90 Firewall 131, 1311, 3131 Application installation Control service 132 Installation control unit 133 License acquisition unit 134, 2134 Management information acquisition unit 135, 3135, 276, 3276 Reception unit 136, 3136, 277, 3277 Transmission unit 172, 2172 External application 173 External application transmission information list 174, 174a 174b Item information 273, 3273 Application installation management module 274 Scheduled management unit 275, 3275 Device status management unit 208, 2208 Management information 209,209a, of 209b external application configuration information 211,211a, 211b application management list

JP 2008-099022 A

Claims (17)

A device management system comprising an image processing device, a device management device connected to the image processing device, and a central management device connected to the device management device,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing setting information indicating setting contents regarding the installed application;
First receiving means for receiving a transmission request for the setting information at regular intervals from the device management apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring the setting information from the storage means in response to the transmission request;
First setting means for transmitting the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus,
The device management apparatus
Device state management means for transmitting a transmission request for the setting information to the image processing apparatus at regular intervals;
Second receiving means for receiving the setting information from the image processing apparatus;
A second transmission means for transmitting the received setting information to the central management device;
The central management device is:
Third receiving means for receiving the setting information from the device management apparatus;
Display means for displaying the received setting information;
A device management system comprising: An image processing apparatus connected to a device management apparatus,
Storage means for storing setting information indicating setting contents regarding the installed application;
Receiving means for receiving a transmission request for the setting information at regular intervals from the device management device;
An acquisition means for acquiring the setting information from the storage means in response to the transmission request;
First transmission means for transmitting the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A device management device connected to the image processing device and the central management device,
Device state management means for transmitting a transmission request for setting information related to an application installed in the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus at regular intervals;
Second receiving means for receiving the setting information from the image processing apparatus;
Second transmission means for transmitting the received setting information to the central management device;
A device management apparatus comprising: The storage means of the image processing apparatus further stores identification information of the setting information together with the setting information,
The acquisition means further acquires the identification information from the storage means in response to the transmission request,
The first transmission means further transmits the acquired identification information to the device management apparatus,
The second receiving means further receives the identification information from the image processing apparatus,
The second transmission means further transmits the received identification information to the central management device,
The third receiving means further receives the identification information from the device management apparatus,
The display means further displays the identification information in association with the setting information.
The device management system according to claim 1. The storage means further stores identification information of the setting information together with the setting information,
The acquisition means further acquires the identification information from the storage means in response to the transmission request,
The first transmission means further transmits the acquired identification information to the device management apparatus.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The device management system includes:
A software distribution server and a license management server connected to the device management apparatus;
The device management apparatus further comprises storage means for storing the status of the application,
The second receiving means further receives an application from the software distribution server, receives a license of the application from the license management server, and further installs the application or acquires the license from the image processing apparatus. Receiving a notification that it has been executed, and when the image processing apparatus receives the transmission request, receives the setting information regarding the updated application from the image processing apparatus,
The second transmission means further transmits the application or the license received from the central management apparatus to the image processing apparatus, and further receives the setting information received from the image processing apparatus to the central management apparatus. Send
The device status management means further updates the status of the application based on the notification received from the image processing apparatus, and further transmits the transmission request to the image processing apparatus when the update is performed. And
The image processing apparatus includes:
Further comprising application control means for executing the installation or the license acquisition,
The first receiving means further receives the application information or the license information from the device management apparatus,
The first transmission means further notifies the device management apparatus that the installation or the license acquisition is executed when the installation or the license acquisition is executed.
The device management system according to claim 1 or 4, characterized by the above. The device management apparatus is further connected to a software distribution server and a license management server,
A storage means for storing the state of the application;
The second receiving means further receives an application from the software distribution server, receives a license of the application from the license management server, and further installs the application or acquires the license from the image processing apparatus. Receiving a notification that it has been executed, and when the image processing apparatus receives the transmission request, receives the setting information regarding the updated application from the image processing apparatus,
The second transmission means further transmits the application or the license received from the central management apparatus to the image processing apparatus, and further receives the setting information received from the image processing apparatus to the central management apparatus. Send
The device status management means further updates the status of the application based on the notification received from the image processing apparatus, and further transmits the transmission request to the image processing apparatus when the update is performed. To
The device management apparatus according to claim 3.   The device management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the device state management unit updates the state of the application at regular time intervals.   The device management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the device state management unit updates the state of the application when the notification is received. The image processing apparatus further includes application control means for installing an application based on application information and acquiring a license for the application based on license information,
The first receiving means further receives the application information or the license information from the device management apparatus,
The first transmission means further notifies the device management apparatus that the installation or the license acquisition is executed when the installation or the license acquisition is executed.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: A device management method executed by a device management system comprising: an image processing device; a device management device connected to the image processing device; and a central management device connected to the device management device;
The image processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores setting information regarding an application installed in the image processing apparatus,
In the device management apparatus,
A device state management unit that transmits a transmission request for the setting information to the image processing device at regular intervals to the image processing device;
In the image processing apparatus,
A first receiving step in which a first receiving means receives the transmission request;
An obtaining step for obtaining the setting information from the storage means in response to the received transmission request;
A first transmission means including a first transmission step of transmitting the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus;
In the device management apparatus,
A second receiving step in which the second receiving means receives the transmitted setting information;
A second transmission means for transmitting the received setting information to the central management device;
In the central management device,
A receiving step in which a third receiving means receives the transmitted setting information;
A display step in which the display means displays the received setting information;
A device management method comprising: A device management method executed by an image processing apparatus connected to a device management apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores setting information regarding an application installed in the image processing apparatus,
A first receiving step in which a first receiving means receives a transmission request transmitted from the device management apparatus at regular intervals;
An obtaining step for obtaining the setting information from the storage means in response to the received transmission request;
A first transmission step in which a first transmission unit transmits the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus;
A device management method comprising: An apparatus management method executed by an image management apparatus and an apparatus management apparatus connected to a central management apparatus,
A device state management unit that transmits, to the image processing device, a transmission request for setting information related to an application installed in the image processing device at regular intervals;
A second receiving step in which a second receiving means receives the setting information transmitted by the image processing apparatus;
A second transmission step in which a second transmission means transmits the received setting information to the central management device;
A device management method comprising: In the image processing apparatus connected to the device management apparatus,
A first reception step of receiving a transmission request transmitted at regular intervals from the device management apparatus;
In response to the transmission request, an acquisition step of acquiring setting information regarding the installed application from a storage unit;
A first transmission step of transmitting the acquired setting information to the device management apparatus;
Management program for causing a computer to execute In the device management apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus and the central management apparatus,
A device state management step for transmitting a transmission request for setting information related to an application installed in the image processing device to the image processing device at regular intervals;
A second receiving step for receiving the setting information from the image processing device;
A second transmission step of transmitting the received setting information to the central management device;
Management program for causing a computer to execute   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 14.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 15.

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