JP2011170463A - Information processing system, management device, installation processing method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a burden on a user when unifying versions of the same kind of pieces of software respectively installed in a plurality of information processing apparatuses to the same version. <P>SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a version information acquisition part 520d acquiring version information of a target external application (plug-in) 118 installed to a composite machine 100 of an installation target from a periodically obtained regular information when receiving an installation request signal; a retrieval part 520e retrieving the composition machine 100 installed with the target external application 118, wherein a version of the installed target external application 118 does not accord with a latest version, in reference to the obtained version information; and an installation request part 520f performing an installation request of the target external application 118 of the latest version to the retrieved composite machine 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to software installation processing technology.

  Conventionally, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (printer apparatus, copy apparatus, facsimile apparatus, scanner apparatus, and functions of each apparatus connected to an internal network such as a LAN installed in the same organization such as a company, school, home, etc. A device management system having a central management device that is connected to an external network such as the Internet and a central management device that performs maintenance management of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is known.

  More specifically, in this type of device management system, for example, an intermediary device that mediates processing between an image forming device and an external device (a central management device, a software management server, a license management server, etc.) In addition, it collects on-time information (device status information) composed of supply status information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, device setting information, etc. from each multi-function peripheral, Thus, the manufacturer can manage the state of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, in this type of device management system image forming apparatus, application software (hereinafter simply referred to as “plug-in”) that extends the function of the image forming apparatus can be downloaded from a software management server and installed. It has become.

  However, this type of plug-in is repeatedly upgraded in a relatively short cycle due to specification changes, defect corrections, etc., so in a mode in which the same type of plug-in is installed in each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, Due to differences in the time when plug-ins are introduced in each image forming apparatus, there may be situations where plug-in versions differ among multiple image forming apparatuses, for example, the latest version and other versions coexist. Thus, there is a possibility that different operations are performed between the plurality of image forming apparatuses, which may cause confusion for a user who uses the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the versions of the same kind of plug-ins installed in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses may be unified to the same version, for example, the latest version or a specific version designated by the user. .

  However, conventionally, as a method of installing a plug-in in an image forming apparatus, since the user needs to perform an installation operation for each desired image forming apparatus, as described above, the plug-in is installed in each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. When unifying the same plug-in version into the same version, it is necessary for the user to perform an installation operation for each image forming apparatus that needs to be installed, for example, an image forming apparatus in which an older version of the plug-in is installed. There is a problem that the burden on the user is enormous.

  Conventionally, there has been disclosed a technique that allows a user to more easily install application software (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when installing application software in a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP), the user needs to input and specify the IP addresses of all digital multi-function peripherals that the user desires to install. Similar to the above-described prior art, there is a problem that the burden on the user is enormous when the same type of plug-in version is unified among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described conventional problem, and can reduce the burden on the user when unifying the same type of software versions installed in a plurality of information processing apparatuses into the same version. An object is to provide a possible information processing system, a management apparatus, an installation processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a management device, software already installed in each information processing device from each of a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network If the acquisition means for acquiring the version information and the installation request signal including the information for specifying the target software to be installed are received, the target software is installed with reference to the version information, and the installation is performed. Search means for searching for an information processing apparatus whose version of the target software does not match the predetermined version, and an installation request signal for the target software of the predetermined version for the information processing apparatus searched by the search means. Installation request means for transmitting And wherein the door.

  The present invention is an information processing system comprising a plurality of information processing devices and a management device connected to the plurality of information processing devices via a network and managing the states of the plurality of information processing devices. The management apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires version information of software already installed in each information processing apparatus from each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, and an installation request that includes information for specifying target software to be installed When receiving a signal, referring to the version information, search means for searching for an information processing apparatus in which the target software is installed and the version of the installed target software does not match a predetermined version; For the information processing apparatus searched by the search means, the predetermined information And installation requesting means for transmitting the installation request signal of the target software, Version, characterized in that it comprises a.

  The present invention is also an installation processing method that is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses via a network and that is executed by a management apparatus that manages the states of the plurality of information processing apparatuses. An acquisition step for acquiring version information of software already installed in each information processing device from each of the plurality of information processing devices connected in this way, and an installation in which the search means includes information for identifying the target software to be installed When receiving a request signal, referring to the version information, a search step for searching for an information processing apparatus in which the target software is installed and the version of the installed target software does not match a predetermined version; The installation request means Respect retrieved information processing apparatus-up, characterized in that it comprises a, and installation request sending an install request signal of the given version of the target software.

  The present invention is also a program for causing a computer to be executed by a management device connected to a plurality of information processing devices via a network and managing the states of the plurality of information processing devices, The acquisition step of acquiring the version information of the software already installed in each information processing apparatus from each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses connected via the network, and the search means specify the target software to be installed When an installation request signal including information is received, the version information is referred to search for an information processing apparatus in which the target software is installed and the version of the installed target software does not match a predetermined version Search steps and installation requirements Means, with respect to the retrieved information processing device in the search step, a program for executing the installation request sending an install request signal of the given version of the target software, to the computer.

  The present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

  According to the present invention, the management device acquires the version information of the software already installed in each information processing device from each of the plurality of information processing devices connected via the network, and determines the target software to be installed. When an installation request signal including information to be identified is received, the information processing apparatus refers to the version information, the target software is installed, and the version of the installed target software does not match a predetermined version And an installation request means for transmitting an installation request signal for the predetermined version of the target software to the searched information processing apparatus, and installed in each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses. The same kind of software It is possible to reduce the user's burden when unifying share of versions predesignated given version, an effect that.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a device management system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the application installation control service. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the mediation apparatus. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the mediation apparatus. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the application installation management module. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the central management apparatus. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the central management apparatus. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure for acquiring scheduled information executed in the device management system. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing procedure for acquiring the scheduled information of each multifunction peripheral in the sequence of FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the version information included in the scheduled information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the acquisition processing procedure of the scheduled information of the mediation apparatus in the sequence of FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure for installing an external application (plug-in) for a multifunction peripheral executed in the device management system. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining details of the processing procedure of the central management apparatus in the sequence of FIG. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining specific processing in the processing of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(System configuration)
First, various configurations of the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a device management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the device management system 1 includes an intermediary device 200, a license management server (license management device) 300, an application management server 400, a central management device 500, a Web server 600, etc. Connected through.

  Further, a firewall 90 is provided between the intermediary device 200 and the external network 80. The intermediary device 200 includes a plurality of multifunction devices (image forming devices) (multifunction devices (1) 100-1,... Multi-function machine (N) 100-N) (N: any integer greater than or equal to 2) (hereinafter, a non-specific multi-function machine is simply referred to as multi-function machine 100) is different from the external network 80 (Local Area Network). ) Or other internal network.

  Here, the firewall 90 monitors data flowing on the boundary with the outside so as to prevent fraud from being performed by a third party who has entered the mediation apparatus 200 through the external network 80, and detects and blocks unauthorized access. It is.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) (MFP) 100 has at least two functions of a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like, and is an application downloaded from the application management server 400 Software (generally called “plug-in”) (hereinafter simply referred to as “external application”) (see FIG. 3) can be installed on an internal network such as a LAN. The intermediary device 200 is communicably connected. The plurality of multifunction peripherals 100-1,..., 100-N are installed under the management of the same organization such as a company, a school, and a home.

  In addition, when the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment receives an acquisition request for scheduled information from the intermediary device 200, the MFP 100 includes supply status information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, device setting information, and the like. The setting information of the external application including counter information and parameter information relating to the external application 118 (see FIG. 3) newly added to 100 is transmitted to the mediation apparatus 200 as the regular information 100D (see FIG. 10).

  The mediation device 200 is a device that mediates processing performed between the license management server 300, the application management server 400, the central management device 500, the Web server 600, and the like and each multifunction device 100.

  Further, the mediation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment transmits a transmission request for the scheduled information 100D to the multifunction device 100 at regular time intervals in units of methods, and is transmitted from the multifunction device 100 in response to the transmission request. It has a function of receiving the scheduled information 100D and transmitting it to the central management device 500.

  The license management server 300 is a device that manages license (use rights) data including a license key of an external application that is downloaded from the application management server 400 and installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The application management server 400 is a device that manages external applications installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The central management device 500 is a server device installed at the manufacturer of the multifunction device 100 or a service center of a service provider company, and is a device that remotely manages the multifunction device 100 that is a management target via the mediation device 200.

  The central management apparatus 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 an operation terminal, the central management device 500 can be managed from the Web UI. It is possible to search information such as collecting information and checking error status.

  The Web server 600 is a server device having a portal sales site for software such as applications. That is, the user can purchase a desired external application by accessing the portal sales site of the Web server 600 from a user terminal 700 such as a personal computer (see FIG. 14), the multifunction peripheral 100, or the like. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function device 100 is configured mainly by a controller 10, an operation display unit 20, and an engine unit (Engine) 60, and the controller 10 and the engine unit 60 are PCI (Peripheral Component Interface). The controller 10 and the operation display unit 20 are connected via a predetermined signal line.

  The controller 10 controls the entire MFP 100, that is, various processes such as a drawing process, a communication process, and an operation input and display process for the operation display unit 20. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 and the system Memory (MEM-P) 12, North Bridge (NB) 13, South Bridge (SB) 14, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 16, Local Memory (MEM-C) 17, Hard Disk Device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 103 Etc.

  The North Bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15, and the MEM-P 12 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b. ing.

  The CPU 11 controls the entire multifunction peripheral 100 in an integrated manner, and is connected to other devices via a chip set including the MEM-P 12, the NB 13, and the SB 14.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing and developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 12b is a write / read memory used as a memory for developing programs and data, a drawing memory for printers, and the like. It is memory.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, ASIC 16, and the like, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AP target.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device, a peripheral device, and the like. 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 AGP 15 is a graphics accelerator card bus interface that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput.

  The ASIC 16 is an integrated circuit (IC) 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, 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 pieces of image data that are rotated by hardware logic. It consists of a DMA unit that performs data transfer between the DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) and the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus.

  Further, the ASIC 16 is connected with an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical 50 display unit) together with a PCI bus. 20 is connected via a signal line.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer, a code buffer, or the like.

  A hard disk device (HDD) 103 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, forms, and the like.

  The operation display unit 20 is a user interface for displaying operation methods for using various functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 and receiving operation inputs from the user.

  The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-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.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner or fax unit, a hard disk device (HDD) 103, and other memory and network interfaces. It has hardware as an engine unit 60 such as a hardware resource 104 and a communication I / F 105, and also has a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130.

  The platform 120 manages the general-purpose OS 121, one or a plurality of hardware resources, arbitrates acquisition requests from the control service, interprets processing requests from applications, and implements hardware resources. Various control services (122, 124 to 129, 131, etc.) that generate a request for acquisition of 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.

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

  The control services include SCS (system control service) 122, ECS (engine control service) 124, MCS (memory control service) 125, OCS (operation panel control service) 126, FCS (fax control service) 127, An NCS (network control service) 128, an NRS (new remote service) 129, an application installation control service 131, and the like are included.

  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 SRM 123 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 122. The process of the SRM 123 includes a scanner unit, a printer unit and other engines, a memory, an HDD file, and a host I / O (centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, R232C I / F, etc.) hardware. Arbitration is performed according to requests from higher layers that use resources, and execution control is performed.

  More specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available, that is, whether the requested hardware resource is not used by another request. A process for notifying the upper layer that it can be used is executed. The SRM 123 performs hardware resource usage scheduling in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes requested contents such as paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, and the like by the printer engine.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls the engine unit 60 such as a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, and other hardware resources 104.

  The process of the MCS 125 performs acquisition and release of an image memory, use of a hard disk device (HDD) 103, compression and decompression of image data, and the like.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls the operation display unit (operation panel) 20 (see FIG. 2) serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control.

  More specifically, the process of the OCS 126 acquires a key press or touch operation from the operation display unit 20 as a key event, transmits a key event function corresponding to the acquired key to the SCS 122, and an application 130, or a drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens to the operation display unit 20 in response to a request from the various control services, and a function for controlling the operation display unit 20 and the like are preliminarily registered. . Note that the OCS library is mounted 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 process of FCS127 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, fusion transmission / reception, etc. An API for performing the above is provided.

  The NCS 128 process provides a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. More specifically, the data received from the network side by each protocol is distributed to each application. It mediates when sending data from the application to the network side.

  The NRS 129 is an application that implements 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.

  The application installation control service 131 executes processing related to installation of application software used in the multifunction peripheral 100. Specifically, the application installation control service 131 executes installation processing of the external application 118 and also installs the installed external application 118. Execute the process to acquire the license. In response to a request for transmission of scheduled information from the intermediary device 200, the scheduled information 100 </ b> D stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk device (HDD) 103 or the RAM 12 b of the multifunction peripheral 100 is acquired and transmitted to the mediation device 200. .

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the application installation control service 131.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the application installation control service 131 includes an installation control unit 131a, a license acquisition unit 131b, a scheduled information acquisition unit 131c, a data reception unit 131d, a data transmission unit 131e, and the like.

  Here, the installation control unit 131a installs the external application 118 received via the mediation apparatus 200 in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The license acquisition unit 131b acquires the license of the corresponding external application 118 based on the license information received via the mediation apparatus 200.

  When receiving a request for transmission of the scheduled information 100D from the intermediary device 200 at regular intervals, the scheduled information acquisition unit 131c stores the MFP 100 stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk device (HDD) 103 or the RAM 12b of the MFP 100. Information on device status such as supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, and device setting information.

  The data receiving unit 131d receives a transmission request for the regular information 100D transmitted from the mediation apparatus 200 at regular intervals.

  The data transmission unit 131e transmits the scheduled information 100D including information on the device state acquired by the management information acquisition unit 131c to the mediation apparatus 200.

  Note that each unit (installation control unit 131a, license acquisition unit 131b, management information acquisition unit 131c, data reception unit 131d, data transmission unit 131e, etc.) of the above-described application installation control service 131 has a CPU (processor) 11 in the ROM 12a or HDD 103. This is realized by expanding and executing a program stored in the RAM 12b on the RAM 12b.

  Returning to FIG. 3, 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 facsimile application. A fax application 113, 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 client such as a PC connected to the Internet. It has a WEB application 117 that operates as a WEB server (http server) for the terminal and displays various screens on a WEB browser that operates on the 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.

  Further, the multifunction device 100 can be equipped with an external application 118 developed by a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100 or a third vendor in an application layer above the control service layer. In the example of FIG. 3, as the external application 118, a plurality of external applications (1) 118-1,..., External application (M) 118-M (M: an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 2) (hereinafter, specified) The external application that is not called is simply referred to as the external application 118). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to mount only one external application.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes are operating. However, each of the application 130 and the control service process may have a single configuration. It is. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application. That is, as described above, the external application 118 can be installed and can be uninstalled.

  Here, the external application 118 is application software for function expansion added to expand the functions of the various applications 111 to 117 installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 from the beginning of shipment. The external application 118 is upgraded in a relatively short cycle due to specification change, defect correction, and the like, unlike the various applications 111 to 117 installed from the beginning of shipment.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the mediation apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mediation apparatus 200 has a hardware configuration using a normal computer. For example, a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a real time clock (RTC) 202, and a hard disk (HDD). (Drive) 203, ROM (Read Only Memory) 204, RAM (Random Access Memory) 205, external storage device 206, NIC (Network Interface Card) 207, display device 208, and input device 209. Yes. Note that the components 201 to 209 are connected to each other via a bus 210.

  Here, the CPU 201 controls the intermediary device 200 in an integrated manner. The RTC 202 is an internal clock that includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, and the like and generates a clock signal. The HDD 203 and the ROM 204 are non-volatile storage media that store various programs executed by the mediation apparatus 200. The RAM 205 maintains various data when executing various programs stored in the ROM 204. The external storage device 206 is a device that performs read / write and write processing on an external recording medium such as a CD-RW (Compact Disk Rewritable). The NIC 207 is an interface that connects the multifunction peripheral 100 via an internal network and external devices (such as the license management server 300, the software distribution server 400, and the central management device 500) via the external network 80. The display device 208 is a display device using a liquid crystal panel or the like. The input device 209 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the mediation apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the mediation apparatus 200 includes three layers: an application layer 270, a service layer 280, and a protocol layer 290.

  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 collects counters of the multifunction device 100, that is, collects the fixed information 100D, changes the settings of the multifunction device 100, checks the error status of the multifunction device 100, notifies the counter to the central management device 500, The program includes each method such as an abnormality notification and causes the multifunction peripheral 100 to perform an operation in accordance with a request from the central management apparatus 500. Further, the NRS function module group 272 of this embodiment includes an application installation management module 273.

  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 mediation device 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100 and transmission / reception of information between the mediation device 200 and the central management device 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.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the application installation management module 273.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the application installation management module 273 includes a scheduled management unit 273a, a device state management unit 273b, a data reception unit 273c, a data transmission unit 273d, and the like.

  The timed management unit 273a determines whether or not the time for transmitting the acquisition request for the timed information 100D to the multifunction peripheral 100 by the scheduler or the like has been reached, that is, the time for notification of the timed information 100D to the central management device 500 has been reached. Determine whether.

  When the device state management unit 273b receives a notification that the fixed time management unit 273a has reached the fixed time, that is, a fixed time has elapsed, the device state management unit 273b requests the data transmission unit 273d, which will be described later, to transmit the fixed information 100D to the multifunction device 100. Is output. In addition, the device state management unit 273b searches for the external application 118 installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The data receiving unit 273c receives the scheduled information 100D including information (version information) indicating the version of the external application 118 from each multifunction device 100.

  The data transmission unit 273d transmits the transmission request for the scheduled information 100D input from the device state management unit 273b to each multifunction device 100, and the central management device receives the scheduled information 100D from each multifunction device 100 received by the data reception unit 273c. Sent to 500. In addition, the data transmission unit 273 d transmits the external application 118 acquired from the application management server 400 via the central management apparatus 500 and the license acquired from the license management server 300 via the central management apparatus 500 to the multifunction peripheral 100. To do.

  Note that each part of the application install management module 273 (such as the regular management unit 273a, the device state management unit 273b, the data reception unit 273c, and the data transmission unit 273d) has a CPU (processor) 201 stored in the HDD 203 or the ROM 204. This is realized by developing the program on the RAM 205 and executing it.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the central management apparatus 500.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the central management apparatus 500 is mainly configured by a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, an input / output unit 503, and a network I / F 504. Each component part is connected to each other by a bus 505.

  Here, the control unit 501 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 501b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 501c, and the like. The function of receiving the scheduled information 100D from the mediation device 200 is realized, and the multifunction device 100 and the mediation device 200 are managed by the received scheduled information 100D.

  The storage unit 502 accumulates various types of information, and includes a parameter storage area 502a and a counter storage area 502b. Here, in the parameter storage area 502a, various management parameters used when the intermediary device 200 or the central management device 500 manages the multifunction peripheral 100, management programs executed by the central management device 500, and data input by the operator. Etc. are memorized. The counter storage area 502c stores counter values such as the number of printed sheets and the number of scanners in the multi-function device 100.

  The input / output unit 503 is an interface for inputting various data by an operator, which includes a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like.

  The network I / F 504 is an interface for communication connection with the network 80.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the central management apparatus 500.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the central management device 500 includes a device state management module 510 and an application installation processing module 520 as functional configurations.

  The device state management module 510 includes a scheduled information acquisition unit 510a that receives the scheduled information 100D transmitted from each MFP 100 via the mediation apparatus 200, and based on the scheduled information 100D received by the scheduled information acquisition unit 510a. Processing for managing the device status of each multifunction device 100 is performed.

  The application installation processing module 520 includes a data transmission / reception unit 520a, an application acquisition unit 520b, a license acquisition unit 520c, a version information acquisition unit 520d, a search unit 520e, an installation request unit 520f, and the like. Processing for installing the external application 118 acquired from the application management server 400 is executed.

  Here, the data transmission / reception unit 520a receives an installation request signal from the Web server (portal site) 600 (that is, an installation request signal including information of the installation request software name and product key), and the application management server 400 receives software. Transmission / reception processing of various data such as transmission of a request for acquisition of licenses, transmission of a request for acquisition of licenses to the license management server 300, and transmission of an installation request to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the application acquisition unit 520b receives an installation request signal from the Web server 600 via the data transmission / reception unit 520a, the application acquisition unit 520b generates a software information acquisition signal for requesting the determination of the external application 118 specified by the installation request signal. To the data transmitting / receiving unit 520a. Thereby, the data transmitter / receiver 520a transmits a software information acquisition signal to the application management server 400.

  Further, the application acquisition unit 520b acquires the external application information transmitted from the application management server 400 in response to the software information acquisition signal, that is, information indicating the determined external application 118, via the data transmission / reception unit 520a. In this case, an external application acquisition request signal for requesting acquisition of the external application 118 specified by the external application information is generated and output to the data transmission / reception unit 520a. As a result, the data transmission / reception unit 520a transmits an external application acquisition request signal to the application management server 400, so that the application acquisition unit 520b responds to the external application acquisition request signal via the data transmission / reception unit 520a. External application data including the external application 118 transmitted from 400 is acquired.

  In the application management server 400 of this embodiment, the latest version of the external application 118 is selected as the external application 118 for which acquisition has been requested.

  The license acquisition unit 520c generates a license acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a license corresponding to the external application 118 acquired by the application acquisition unit 520b, and outputs the license acquisition request to the data transmission / reception unit 520a. As a result, the data transmission / reception unit 520a transmits a license acquisition request signal to the license management server 300, so that the license acquisition unit 520c receives the license acquisition request signal from the license management server 300 via the data transmission / reception unit 520a. Acquire the transmitted license data.

  In the version information acquisition unit 520d, the application installation processing module 520 receives an installation request from the Web server (portal site) 600 via the data transmission / reception unit 520a, the application acquisition unit 520b acquires external application data, After the license acquisition unit 520c acquires the license data, the targets installed in the plurality of MFPs 100 installed under the management of the user from the fixed-time information (device state information) 100D acquired by the fixed-time information acquisition unit 510a Version information indicating the version of the external application 118 is acquired.

  Based on the version information acquired by the version information acquisition unit 520d, the search unit 520e includes a plurality of MFPs 100 registered in the central management apparatus, that is, a plurality of units installed under the management of the user who made the installation request. The target external application 118 is installed from the MFP 100, and the installed version of the target external application 118 does not match the specified version (ie, the latest version) specified in advance. Search for 100.

  The installation request unit 520f includes an installation request signal for causing the MFP 100 searched by the search unit 520e to install the target external application 118 of a specified version (latest version), that is, the target external application 118. An install request signal including external application data and license data corresponding to the target external application 118 is generated and output to the data transmission / reception unit 520a. As a result, the data transmission / reception unit 520a transmits an installation request signal to the target multifunction device 100, so that the installation processing of the target external application 118 is executed in the target multifunction device 100.

  Each unit of the application installation processing module 520 (data transmission / reception unit 520a, application acquisition unit 520b, license acquisition unit 520c, version information acquisition unit 520d, search unit 520e, installation request unit 520f, etc.) is processed by a CPU (processor) 501a. This is realized by developing a program stored in the ROM 501b or the like on the RAM 501c and executing it.

(Processing operation)
Next, various processing operations in the device management system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the routine information acquisition processing procedure executed in the device management system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in this sequence, first, when it is time for the mediation apparatus 200 to transmit an acquisition request for the scheduled information 100D, an acquisition request for the scheduled information 100D is sent to each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c. Transmit (step S11).

  Then, each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c that has received the acquisition request acquires information related to the device status such as supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, and device setting information stored in its own RAM 12b. (Step S12).

  Subsequently, each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c transmits the scheduled information 100D including information on the acquired device state to the mediation apparatus 200 (step S13).

  Thereafter, when the intermediary device 200 receives the scheduled information 100D from each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c, the mediating device 200 transmits the received scheduled information 100D to the central management device 500, and sets the next time to transmit the acquisition request for the scheduled information 100D. (Step S14).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the routine information acquisition processing procedure of each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c in the sequence of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, in each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c, when the data receiving unit 131d of the application installation control service 131 receives the acquisition request for the scheduled information 100D from the intermediary device 200 in Step S101, subsequently, Step S102 is performed. In Step S107, the scheduled information acquisition unit 131c acquires information related to the device state, such as supply information, jam information, counter information, version information, error information, and device setting information, stored in the RAM 12b.

  Subsequently, in step S108, the data transmission unit 131e transmits, to the intermediary device 200, the fixed time information 100D including information related to the device state acquired by the fixed time information acquisition unit 131c in the processing of steps S102 to S107. The process ends.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the version information included in the scheduled information 100D described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the version information of the external application 118 is composed of information on a plurality of external applications 1 (plug-in 1), external application 2 (2),..., External application L (L). The external application (plug-in) information includes a program name, a part number, a version, and the like.

  Here, the program name is the name of the program of the corresponding external application (plug-in), the part number is the number of the part to which the corresponding external application (plug-in) belongs, and the version is This is a version number indicating a numerical value indicating the progress of revision or improvement of the corresponding external application (plug-in).

  Each external application 1 (plug-in 1), external application 2 (2),..., External application L (L) is associated with a unique application ID (identification information) for each version. Yes. For example, the application ID “001” is associated with the version 1.1 external application 1 (plug-in 1) information, and the version 1.2 external application 1 (plug-in 1) information is associated with the application ID. “002” is associated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the acquisition process procedure of the scheduled information of the mediation apparatus 200 in the sequence of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the intermediary device 200, in step S201, whether or not the timed management unit 273a of the application installation management module 273 has reached the time to transmit the acquisition request for the timed information 100D by a scheduler or the like, It is determined whether the time for notification of the scheduled information 100D to the central management device 500 has been reached.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the time of notification of the scheduled information 100D has been reached (step S201: YES), then in step S202, the data transmission unit 273d inputs each of the input from the device state management unit 273b. A transmission request for the scheduled information 100D for the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c is transmitted to the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c. In response to this transmission request, the data receiving unit 273c receives the scheduled information 100D transmitted from each of the multifunction peripherals 100a to 100c (step S202).

  Subsequently, in step S203, the data transmission unit 273d transmits the scheduled information 100D received in the process of step S202 to the central management apparatus 500. Subsequently, in step S204, the scheduled time management unit 273a next transmits the scheduled information 100D. The time for transmitting the acquisition request is set, and this series of processing ends.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure for installing an external application (plug-in) to the multifunction peripheral 100 executed in the device management system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in this sequence, first, based on a user installation request instruction, an external application to be installed from a user terminal device 700 such as a personal computer to a WEB server (portal site) 600 (that is, an application to be installed) In this embodiment, when an installation request for an external application 118 to be upgraded to the latest version is transmitted (step S21), an external request is subsequently sent from the Web server (portal site) 600 to the central management apparatus 500. An installation request including an application name (program name), a unique application ID, a product key, etc. is transmitted (step S22).

  In the present embodiment, the user performs a complicated operation in the Web server (portal site) 600 such that a plurality of multifunction devices 100 installed under his / her management are individually designated as multifunction devices to be installed. In this case, it is only necessary to perform a simple operation of designating information (user ID) for identifying the user and the target external application 118. Based on the operation, the Web server (portal site) 600 controls the user. An installation request signal for requesting installation for all installed multifunction devices 100 is transmitted to the central management apparatus 500.

  Then, the central management apparatus 500 that has received the installation request transmits to the application management server 400 an acquisition request for the software information of the target external application 118 to be installed (step S23). As a result, the application management server 400 that has received the software information acquisition request transmits the corresponding software information to the central management device 500 (step S24). That is, the processing of step S23 and step S24 is the indexing process of the target external application 118 to be installed.

  Subsequently, the central management apparatus 500 that has received the software information transmits an acquisition request for the target external application 118 to the application management server 400 based on the acquired software information (step S25). Thereby, the application management server 400 that has received the acquisition request for the target external application 118 transmits external application data including the corresponding target external application 118 (software main body) to the central management apparatus 500 (step S26).

  Subsequently, the central management apparatus 500 that has received the external application data transmits a license acquisition request for the target external application 118 to the license management server 300 (step S27). As a result, the license management server 300 that has received the license acquisition request transmits license data including the license key corresponding to the target external application 118 to the central management apparatus 500 (step S28).

  Subsequently, the central management device 500 that has received the license data receives the version information (specific application ID for each version) included in the scheduled information 100D of each MFP 100 that is received via the mediation device 200 at regular intervals, and the reception. It is determined whether the version of the target external application 118 installed in each multifunction peripheral 100 is the latest version based on the unique application ID of the target external application 118 included in the installed request signal. It performs (step S29).

  Subsequently, as a result of the determination in step S29, the central management apparatus 500 has installed the target external application 118 as a result of the determination in step S29, and the installed version of the target external application 118 is the latest. An installation request signal (that is, an installation request signal composed of external application data including the target external application 118 and license data) is transmitted to the MFP 100 that is determined not to be a version (step S30).

  Accordingly, the mediation apparatus 200 that has received the installation request signal transmits the received installation request signal to the corresponding multifunction peripheral 100 (step S31). As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 that has received the installation request signal executes an installation process for the external application 118 included in the installation request signal (step S32).

  After that, when the installation of the target external application 118 (that is, the latest version of the external application 118) is successfully completed in the corresponding multi-function peripheral 100, the multi-function peripheral 100 is mediated by the change in the configuration information of its own software. A device status change notification for notifying that the device status has changed is transmitted to the device 200 (step S33). As a result, the mediation device 200 that has received the device status change notification transmits the received device status change notification to the central management device 500 (step S34). As a result, the central management apparatus 500 recognizes that the version of the external application 118 of the multifunction peripheral 100 has been upgraded to the latest version.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining details of a processing procedure of the central management apparatus 500 in the sequence of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the central management device 500, in step S501, the application installation processing module 520 causes the web server (portal site) 600 based on an instruction from the user terminal 700 via the data transmission / reception unit 520a (FIG. 14). When receiving the installation request signal from the reference), the application acquisition unit 520b receives the main body of the target external application (plug-in) 118 (in this embodiment, the target external application 118 of the latest version) via the data transmission / reception unit 520a. The license acquisition unit 520c acquires the license data including the license key corresponding to the target external application 118 via the data transmission / reception unit 520a. .

  Subsequently, in step S502, the search unit 520e determines whether there is a management target multifunction peripheral 100 registered in the central management apparatus 500 (that is, whether there is a multifunction peripheral 100 installed under user management). If the result of this determination is that there is a registered MFP 100 (step S502: YES), then in step S503, the version information acquisition unit 520b is registered. One MFP 100 is selected from the MFPs 100, and the version information is acquired from the scheduled information 100D of the selected MFP 100.

  Subsequently, in step S504, the search unit 520e determines based on the acquired version information (specific application ID for each version), the specific application ID of the target external application 118 included in the received installation request signal, and the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the target external application 118 is installed in the MFP 100. If it is determined that the target external application 118 is installed as a result of this determination (step S504: YES), then, In step S505, it is determined whether or not the version of the target external application 118 installed in the MFP 100 is the latest version.

  As a result of the determination in step S505, if it is determined that the version is not the latest version (step S505: NO), then in step S506, the installation request unit 520f sends the latest version of the external application to the MFP 100. The data transmission / reception unit 520a transmits the installation request signal to the target multifunction device 100 by generating an installation request signal for requesting the installation 118 and outputting it to the data transmission / reception unit 520a. As a result, the installation processing of the target external application 118 is executed in the target multifunction peripheral 100.

  Subsequently, in step S507 and step S508, if a device state change notification is received from the multifunction device 100 within a predetermined time (step S507: YES), then in step S509, other registered multifunction devices 100 are registered. If there is another multifunction device 100 registered as a result of this determination (step S509: YES), the processing returns to step S503 and the same processing is performed thereafter. On the other hand, if there is no other multifunction peripheral 100 registered (step S509: NO), the processing here is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S502 that there is no registered multifunction device 100 (step S502: NO), the processing here ends. If it is determined in step S504 that the target external application 118 has not been installed (step S504: NO), or if it is determined in step S505 that it is the latest version (step S505: If the result of determination in step S508 is a timeout (step S508: YES), the process is moved to step S509.

  Note that step S501 corresponds to step S23 to step S26 in FIG. 14, etc., step S502 to step S505 corresponds to step S29 in FIG. 14, and step S506 corresponds to step S30 in FIG. Further, step S507 and step S508 correspond to step S34 in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining specific processing in the processing of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, the multifunction peripheral registered in the central management apparatus, that is, the multifunction peripheral belonging to the user's management described in FIG. 14, is the multifunction peripheral (1) 100-1 and the multifunction peripheral. (2) 100-2, ..., in the case of N units of the multifunction device (N) 100-N, all the multifunction devices 100-1 to 100-N are targeted by the processing procedure of FIG. It is determined that the external application 118 is installed, and the version of the target external application 118 installed in the multifunction peripheral (3) 100-3 to the multifunction peripheral (N) 100-N is the latest version. On the other hand, it is a case where it is determined that the version of the target external application 118 installed in the MFP (1) 100-1 and the MFP (2) 100-2 is not the latest version (step S). 9-1) In this case, a state is shown in which the installation request for the target external application 118 which is the latest version is made to the MFP (1) 100-1 and the MFP (2) 100-2. .

  According to the embodiment described above, when there is a request to install an external application (plug-in) 118 to be purchased with respect to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to a user's instruction, the central management device 500 includes a plurality of devices belonging to the user's management. Among the plurality of MFPs 100 (1) 100-1 to (N) 100-N connected to an internal network such as a LAN, an external application 118 to be purchased is installed. The MFP 100 in which the version of the target external application 118 that is installed does not match the latest version is searched, and the installation request for the latest version of the external application 118 is made to the searched MFP 100. Therefore, the same type of external application 118 installed in each of the plurality of MFPs 100 It is possible to reduce the user's burden in the case of unification to the same version, such as the latest version, Version.

  The present invention has been described based on the exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea expressed by the claims. It is possible to make changes and modifications.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when there is an installation request from the user, the external application 118 to be installed in each multifunction device 100 is updated to the latest version in the plurality of multifunction devices 100 managed by the user. Although the installation process procedure to be unified is described, other than this, although it is not the latest version, it may be configured to be unified with the external application 118 of the designated version (old version) designated by the user or the like. . In such a form, for example, in the process of step S501 in FIG. 15, the application management server 400 selects a specified version of the external application 118 as the external application 118 to be transmitted to the central management apparatus 500. To do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the device management system 1 that performs maintenance management of a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100 using the central management device 500 installed in the service center of the manufacturer of the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. In addition, a device management system may be used in which maintenance management of the multifunction peripheral 100 is performed on the user side using the intermediary device 200 connected to an internal network such as a LAN installed on the user side. In this case, a function equivalent to that of the central management device 500 is installed in the mediation device 200.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mediation device 200 transmits an acquisition request for the scheduled information 100D to each multifunction device 100 at regular intervals, so that the central management device 500 performs the scheduled time of each multifunction device 100 via the mediation device 200. Although the mode of acquiring the information 100D has been described, other than this, for example, the MFP 100 may transmit the scheduled information 100D to the intermediary device 200 every scheduled time.

  In the above-described embodiment, the device management system 1 including the mediation device 200 has been described. However, for example, the multifunction device 100 does not include the mediation device 200 and each MFP 100 directly connects to the network 80 such as the Internet. It is good also as a form which connects. In this case, as a method for the central management device 500 to acquire the scheduled information 100D of each multifunction device 100, each multifunction device 100 itself transmits the scheduled information 100D to the central management device 500 every scheduled time as described above. By doing so, the central management device 500 acquires the fixed time information 100D of each multifunction device 100, or the central management device 500 transmits an acquisition request for the fixed time information 100D to each multifunction device 100. The central management device 500 acquires the scheduled information 100D from each multifunction device 100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mediating apparatus 200 has been described with respect to a mode in which the scheduled information 100D of each multifunction device 100 is acquired at each scheduled time. In addition to this, the scheduled information 100D acquired at other timing is stored in the ROM 204 or the like. The time information 100D stored in the memory means may be read and transmitted to the central management device 500 at regular time intervals.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the index processing of the external application 118 to be installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 is performed by the central management apparatus has been described. However, other forms that are performed by the application management server 400 are also described. It is also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the external application (plug-in) 118 and the license are acquired by the central management apparatus 500. However, other than this, for example, the intermediate apparatus 200 may be configured. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus that is maintained and managed by the central management apparatus 500 has at least two functions among the functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function. Although the multi-function peripheral capable of installing the external application 118 downloaded from the application management server 400 has been described, for example, the external application 118 downloaded from the application management server 400 can be installed, for example. Other image forming apparatuses such as a printer apparatus, a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner apparatus may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mediation device 200, the license management server 300, the application management server 400, the central management device 500, and the like are connected via a network 80 such as the Internet, and the mediation device 200 includes a plurality of multifunction devices. 100 has been described in connection with a network such as a LAN different from the network 80, but in addition to this, for example, the multifunction device 100, the mediation device 200, the license management server 300, the application management server 400, the central management The apparatus 500 and the like may be connected to a single network such as the Internet.

  In addition, various programs executed by the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 100, the intermediary apparatus (device management apparatus) 200, and the central management apparatus 500 according to the above-described embodiment are files in an installable format or an executable format and are CDs. -It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc. You may comprise so that it may provide or distribute via networks, such as the internet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the multifunction peripheral 100, which is an image forming apparatus, is described as an example of the information processing apparatus to be installed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other apparatuses may be used. An information processing apparatus such as a general personal computer (PC) may be used.

  In addition, the device configuration, the functional configuration, the external application (plug-in), and the like in the above-described embodiment are described as examples only, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

1 Equipment management system (information processing system)
100, 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-N MFP (information processing apparatus)
200 Mediation device 300 License management server 400 Application management server (software management server)
500 Central management device (management device)
80 network 90 firewall 10 controller 20 operation display unit 60 engine unit 118, 118 (1) to 118 (M) external application 131 application installation control service 131a installation control unit 131b license acquisition unit 131c scheduled information acquisition unit 131d data reception unit 131e data Transmission unit 273 Application installation management module 273a Scheduled management unit 273b Device status management unit 273c Data reception unit 273d Data transmission unit 510 Device status management unit 510a Scheduled information acquisition unit (acquisition means)
520 Application installation processing module 520a Data transmission / reception unit 520b Application acquisition unit 520c License acquisition unit 520d Version information acquisition unit (acquisition means)
520e Search unit (search means)
520f Installation request section (installation request means)
100D scheduled information

JP 2008-152399 A

Claims (9)

Obtaining means for obtaining version information of software already installed in each information processing device from each of a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network;
When an installation request signal including information for specifying target software to be installed is received, the target software is installed with reference to the version information, and the version of the installed target software is a predetermined version. Search means for searching for an information processing device that does not match the version;
Installation request means for transmitting an installation request signal of the target software of the predetermined version to the information processing apparatus searched by the search means;
A management apparatus comprising:   The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined version is a latest version of the target software managed by a software management server connected to the network.   The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined version is a specific version designated in advance by a user. An information processing system comprising: a plurality of information processing devices; and a management device connected to the plurality of information processing devices via a network and managing a state of the plurality of information processing devices,
The management device
Obtaining means for obtaining version information of software already installed in each information processing device from each of the plurality of information processing devices;
When an installation request signal including information for specifying target software to be installed is received, the target software is installed with reference to the version information, and the version of the installed target software is a predetermined version. Search means for searching for an information processing device that does not match the version;
Installation request means for transmitting an installation request signal of the target software of the predetermined version to the information processing apparatus searched by the search means;
An information processing system comprising:   The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined version is a latest version of the target software managed by a software management server connected to the network.   The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined version is a specific version designated in advance by a user. An installation processing method that is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses via a network and that is executed by a management apparatus that manages the states of the plurality of information processing apparatuses,
An acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires version information of software already installed in each information processing device from each of a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network;
When the search means receives an installation request signal including information for identifying the target software to be installed, the target software is installed with reference to the version information, and the installed target software A search step for searching for an information processing device whose version does not match the predetermined version;
An install request step for sending an install request signal of the target software of the predetermined version to the information processing apparatus searched in the search step;
The installation processing method characterized by including. A program that is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses via a network and that is executed by a computer that is implemented by a management apparatus that manages the state of the plurality of information processing apparatuses,
An acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires version information of software already installed in each information processing device from each of a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network;
When the search means receives an installation request signal including information for identifying the target software to be installed, the target software is installed with reference to the version information, and the installed target software A search step for searching for an information processing device whose version does not match the predetermined version;
An install request step for sending an install request signal of the target software of the predetermined version to the information processing apparatus searched in the search step;
For causing the computer to execute.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 8.

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