JP2011180772A - System and apparatus for managing device and device setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device management system, a device management apparatus and a device setting method, wherein operation loads for setting a network device can be reduced. <P>SOLUTION: In the device management system 1, one or more devices 200, a device management apparatus 100 and a setting information management apparatus 300 are connected by predetermined data transmission lines I and N. The device 200 transmits device information to the device management apparatus 100. The device management apparatus 100 refers to distribution information 12D in which device information allocated to the device 200 in a predetermined range when the device 200 is installed and allowed to be obtained from the device 200 is set as distribution condition information, specifies an obtaining destination of setting information corresponding to the device 200 based on the obtained device information and transmits the obtaining destination information to the device 200. The device 200 accesses the setting information management apparatus 300 based on the received obtaining destination information, obtains the setting information corresponding to the own device and performs device setting of the own device based on the obtained setting information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management apparatus and a device management system that manage one or more devices connected via a data transmission path, and more particularly to a technique for performing device settings based on setting information received from a device management device. It is.

  In a network device having a communication function such as an image processing apparatus, settings related to operation control conditions such as network settings and use restriction settings are performed, for example, when a new device is introduced. In such a case, the method of setting the device via the operation panel or the like provided in the device places a great work load on the user and the administrator. Furthermore, many network devices are introduced in the office environment, and the manual method is not realistic.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, each time the power is turned on, a host computer that manages unique device management information is searched from the network, the device management information of the own device is acquired from the host computer, and based on the acquired information, A technique for automatically setting a print operating environment is disclosed. Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, a serial number, a terminal ID, a password, and the like are transmitted to a setting file storage server, authenticated by the setting file storage server, and acquired from the setting information table based on the serial number and the terminal ID. A technique is disclosed in which relevant data is transmitted to a network device in which device settings are performed. With such a device setting method, automatic setting of network devices can be performed.

  However, in the conventional device setting method, the device management apparatus that transmits the setting information to the network device (such as “host computer” and “setting file storage server” in the above-mentioned patent document) has the network device specific information (specific information). Device information) must be registered in advance.

  In such a device setting method, when a new network device is introduced, unique information (for example, “serial number”, “MAC address (Media Access Control address)”) of the network device newly introduced in advance in the device management apparatus, or "Device name" etc.) and setting information must be linked and registered. In this case, registration work must be performed every time a network device is introduced, and the work becomes complicated. Furthermore, in an environment where the number of network devices to be managed is frequently increased or decreased or an environment where a large number of network devices are introduced, a large work load is placed on the user or the administrator.

  As described above, in the device setting in the network environment, even if the network device to be managed is added or deleted (the device configuration in the network environment is changed), the registration information is updated on the device management apparatus side (every time) (Registration or deletion) It is desirable that automatic setting can be performed without requiring any work.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device management system, a device management apparatus, and a device setting method that can reduce the work load in setting network devices. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, a device management system according to the present invention includes one or more devices, a device management apparatus that performs device settings for the devices, and settings that manage setting information when performing the device settings. The information management apparatus is a device management system connected via a predetermined data transmission path, and the device acquires first acquisition means for acquiring acquisition destination information indicating an acquisition destination of the setting information, and the acquisition destination A second acquisition unit that acquires setting information corresponding to the own device from the setting information management device based on information; and a setting unit that performs device setting of the own device based on the setting information. When the management device is introduced, the distribution condition information in which device information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range and that can be acquired from the device is set is associated with the acquisition destination information, To the equipment And holding means for holding distribution information for distributing the setting information acquisition destination, and specifying means for specifying the acquisition destination of setting information corresponding to the device based on the distribution information. Device information is transmitted to the device management apparatus by the first acquisition unit, and the device management apparatus refers to the distribution information based on the device information acquired from the device by the specifying unit, and corresponds to the device. The setting information acquisition destination is identified, and the acquisition destination information is transmitted to the device from which the device information has been acquired. The device acquires the acquisition destination information received from the device management apparatus by the second acquisition unit. The setting information management apparatus is accessed based on the setting information, the setting information corresponding to the own device is acquired, and the device setting of the own device is performed based on the acquired setting information by the setting unit.

  As described above, in the device management system according to the present invention, the device management apparatus holds the distribution information for distributing the setting information acquisition destination according to the network device, and the distribution information is allocated to the network device within a predetermined range at the time of introduction. Device information (for example, non-unique device information such as “assigned IP address (Internet Protocol address)”) and acquisition destination information (for example, “device storing the setting information”). "IP address assigned to", "storage destination reference key", etc.) are associated with each other. That is, the device management apparatus does not manage the acquisition source of the setting information based on the unique device information, but manages the non-unique device information that can be acquired from the network device. Thereby, in the device management system, the device management apparatus refers to the distribution information based on the acquisition information (acquired device information) from the network device, and specifies the acquisition destination of the setting information corresponding to the network device. In the device management system, the device management apparatus transmits the specified acquisition destination information to the network device. As a result, the network device acquires the setting information based on the acquisition destination information, and the device setting of the own device is performed.

  As a result, the device management system according to the present invention does not need to update the registration information on the device management apparatus side every time a network device is added or deleted (when a network device is added or deleted, There is no need to update the distribution information each time). As a result, it is possible to reduce the work load (work load on system maintenance / operation) in setting network devices.

  In order to achieve the above object, a device management apparatus according to the present invention is a device management apparatus that transmits device information indicating an acquisition destination of setting information to one or a plurality of devices and performs device settings. Distribution condition information in which device information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range and settable from the device is set is associated with the acquisition destination information, and the acquisition source information is associated with the device according to the device. Holding means for holding distribution information for distributing setting information acquisition destinations, and specifying means for specifying an acquisition destination of setting information corresponding to the device based on the distribution information. The distribution information is referred to based on the acquired device information, the setting information acquisition source corresponding to the device is specified, and the acquisition destination information is transmitted to the device from which the device information has been acquired. To.

  In order to achieve the above object, a device setting method according to the present invention includes one or a plurality of devices, a device management apparatus that performs device settings for the devices, and a setting that manages setting information when performing the device settings. A first setting procedure in which the information management apparatus is a device setting method in a device management system connected by a predetermined data transmission path, and the device acquires acquisition destination information indicating an acquisition destination of the setting information; A second acquisition procedure for acquiring setting information corresponding to the own device from the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information, and a setting procedure for performing device setting of the own device based on the setting information. Then, when the device is introduced, the distribution condition information in which device information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range and that can be acquired from the device is set is associated with the acquisition destination information. Cage A specifying procedure for specifying an acquisition destination of setting information corresponding to the device based on distribution information for distributing an acquisition destination of the setting information according to the device, and the device performs the first acquisition procedure according to the first acquisition procedure. , Device information is transmitted to the device management device, and the management device refers to the distribution information based on the device information acquired from the device and specifies the acquisition source of the setting information corresponding to the device by the specifying procedure. The acquisition destination information is transmitted to the device that acquired the device information, and the device accesses the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information received from the device management device according to the second acquisition procedure. Then, the setting information corresponding to the own device is acquired, and the device setting of the own device is performed based on the acquired setting information by the setting procedure.

  As described above, in the device setting method according to the present invention, the non-unique device information that can be acquired from the network device is associated with the acquisition destination information that indicates the acquisition source of the setting information based on the acquisition information from the network device. By referring to the distribution information, an acquisition destination of setting information corresponding to the network device is specified, and an operation of transmitting the specified acquisition destination information to the network device is realized.

  As a result, the device setting method according to the present invention does not need to update the registration information on the device management apparatus side every time a network device is added or deleted, thus reducing the work load in setting the network device. A possible environment can be provided.

  According to the present invention, the acquisition destination information indicating the acquisition destination of the setting information can be specified based on non-unique device information (device information having a predetermined range) that can be acquired from the network device. It is possible to provide a device management system, a device management apparatus, and a device setting method that reduce the work load in setting.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the apparatus management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the apparatus management apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the network apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the apparatus setting function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the apparatus management apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the setting information management apparatus by the maker side which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the setting information management apparatus by the side of the user which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process sequence which performs the apparatus setting which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the apparatus management apparatus which concerns on the modification of this invention has. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the setting information management apparatus by the maker side which concerns on the modification of this invention has. It is a figure which shows the example of data which the setting information management apparatus by the side which concerns on the modification of this invention has. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence which distributes the setting information acquisition destination which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device management system 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a system 1 in which network environments CA and CB constructed on the user side and a network environment CM constructed on the manufacturer side are connected by an external network I such as the Internet. . The network environment CA, CB on the user side and the network environment CM on the manufacturer side are connected to the external network I via network control devices 400 _A , 400 _B , 400 _M having a firewall function.

The network environment CM on the manufacturer side, other network control devices 400 _M, the equipment managing apparatus (device management server) 100 and the setting information managing unit (configuration database) 300 _M is the internal network N such as LAN (Local Area Network) Connected with.

The device management apparatus 100 is a device that has a server function and performs overall device management of network devices installed on the user side. The device management apparatus 100 performs device management including device state monitoring and device setting based on device information acquired from the network environments CA and CB on the user side. The setting information managing unit 300 _M holds setting information related to the operation control items such as network settings and use restriction setting in the network device in a predetermined storage area of the storage device, an apparatus for managing the DB (Data Base) is there. Thus, from the setting information managing unit 300 _M, can acquire the information to be set in the network device based on the reference key of the DB.

In addition to the network control devices 400 _A and 400 _B , one or more image processing apparatuses 200 _A and 200 _B are connected to the user-side network environments CA and CB via the internal network N. Furthermore, the network environment CB is connected the setting information managing unit 300 _B.

The image processing devices 200 _A and 200 _B are devices including a communication device having an image processing function such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) or LP (Laser Printer). In the present embodiment, these image processing apparatuses 200 _A and 200 _B correspond to network devices. Therefore, in the following description, the network devices 200 _A and 200 _B are simply referred to, and a plurality of network devices are collectively referred to as “network device 200”. The setting information managing unit 300 _B is a device having the same functions as the setting information management unit 300 _M, which is equipment installed on the user side. In the following description, the case of collectively and setting information managing unit 300 _B and setting information management unit 300 _M, referred to as "setting information managing unit 300".

  The device management system 1 can perform the following device settings with the above system configuration. First, the network device 200 newly joining the network transmits the device information of its own device to the device management apparatus 100 and requests acquisition of storage location information indicating the storage location of the setting information corresponding to its own device. As a result, the network device 200 acquires setting information from the setting information management device 300 based on the storage location information returned from the device management device 100, and performs device setting.

  In this way, the device management system 1 can provide a service (device setting function) for automatically setting the network device 200 introduced to the user.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, hardware configurations of the device management apparatus 100, the network device 200, and the setting information management apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the setting information management apparatus 300 has substantially the same configuration as the device management apparatus 100, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

《Equipment management device》
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the device management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the device management apparatus 100 includes an input device 101, a display device 102, a drive device 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, an interface. A device 107, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, and the like are provided and are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The input device 101 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used to input each operation signal to the device management apparatus 100. The display device 102 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the device management device 100.

  The interface device 107 is an interface that connects the device management apparatus 100 to a predetermined data transmission path (network). Accordingly, the device management apparatus 100 can perform data communication with another device (for example, “network control device”) to be connected via the interface device 107.

  The HDD 108 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and data. The stored programs and data include, for example, an information processing system (OS (Operating System) which is basic software such as “Windows (registered trademark)” and “UNIX (registered trademark)”) that controls the entire device management apparatus 100, In addition, there are applications that provide various functions on the information processing system. The HDD 108 manages the stored program and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB.

  The drive device 103 is an interface with a removable recording medium 103a. As a result, the device management apparatus 100 can read and / or write to the recording medium 103 a via the drive apparatus 103.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores data such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) that is executed when the device management apparatus 100 is activated, and system settings and network-related settings of the device management apparatus 100.

  The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data read from the various storage devices. The CPU 106 executes the program read from the ROM 105 or the HDD 108 onto the RAM 104, thereby realizing overall control of the device management apparatus 100 and operations of various installed functions.

  The device management apparatus 100 can provide a service (device management function) for performing various device management processes including device settings with the above hardware configuration. In the setting information management apparatus 300, the setting information is held in the HDD 108 and managed by the DB.

<Network equipment>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the network device 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the network device 200 is a multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus). Therefore, for convenience, in the description of FIG. 3, the network device 200 is described as “image processing apparatus 200”.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 200 mainly includes a controller 210, an operation panel 220, a plotter 230, a scanner 240, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 220 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various types of information such as device information to the user and receives various types of user operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 230 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. Examples of a method for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 240 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage device 212, a network I / F 213, an external storage I / F 214, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 211 controls the entire apparatus by executing a program. The storage device 212 stores and holds the program and various data (such as “image data”). Examples of the storage device 212 include a RAM that is a volatile memory, a ROM that is a nonvolatile memory, and an HDD having a large-capacity storage area. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 211 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 200, the CPU 211 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 213 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 200 to a predetermined data transmission path such as a network. The external storage I / F 214 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 214a corresponding to an external storage device. Examples of the recording medium 214a include an SD memory card (SD Memory Card) and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. As a result, the image processing apparatus 200 reads the program and data stored in the recording medium 214a via the external storage I / F 214.

  The image processing apparatus 200 can provide a service (image processing function) for performing various image processing such as printing and document reading by the above hardware configuration.

<Device setting function>
From here, the device setting function according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 100 holds distribution information for distributing setting information acquisition destinations according to the network device 200, and the distribution information is transmitted to the network device 200 within a predetermined range at the time of introduction. The device information that can be acquired from the assigned device is associated with the acquisition source information that indicates the acquisition source of the setting information. In other words, the device management apparatus 100 does not manage the acquisition destination of the setting information based on the device specific information, but manages it based on non-specific device information that can be acquired from the network device 200. Thereby, in the device management system 1, the device management apparatus 100 refers to the distribution information based on the acquisition information from the network device 200, and specifies the acquisition destination of the setting information corresponding to the network device 200. In the device management system 1, the device management apparatus 100 transmits the specified acquisition destination information to the network device 200. As a result, the network device 200 acquires the setting information based on the acquisition destination information, and the device setting of the own device is performed. The device management system 1 has such a device setting function.

  In the conventional device setting method, when a new network device 200 is introduced, the unique information and setting information of the network device 200 to be newly introduced must be registered in advance in the device management apparatus 100. . For this reason, every time the network device 200 is introduced, a registration operation must be performed, which is complicated. Furthermore, in an environment where the network device 200 to be managed is frequently increased or decreased or in an environment where a large number of network devices 200 are introduced, a great work load is imposed on the user or the administrator.

  Therefore, in the device setting function according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 100 specifies acquisition destination information indicating a setting information acquisition destination based on non-unique device information that can be acquired from the network device 200.

  Thereby, in the device setting function according to the present embodiment, even when the network device 200 is added or deleted, it is not necessary to update the registration information on the device management apparatus side each time, and the operation for setting the network device 200 is performed. The load can be reduced.

The configuration and operation of the device setting function will be described below.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the device setting function according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a device setting function that functions between the network environment CB on the user side and the network environment CM on the manufacturer side.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device management apparatus 100 includes a reference DB specifying unit 11. Further, the network device 200 _B is, DB information acquisition unit 21, a setting information acquiring unit 22, and a setting unit 23. The setting information management apparatuses 300 _B and 300 _M have DB management units 31 _B and 31 _M (hereinafter collectively referred to as “DB management unit 31”). Below, the said function part is demonstrated for every apparatus.

《Equipment management device》
The reference DB specifying unit 11 is a functional unit that refers to the distribution information 12D based on the acquisition information from the network device 200 and specifies the acquisition source of the setting information corresponding to the network device 200. The “setting information acquisition destination” here refers to which setting information management device 300 is accessed from the network device 200 and from which storage area in the DB the setting information is acquired. The distribution information 12D is control information that distributes the acquisition destination of the setting information according to the network device 200, and is stored and held in a predetermined storage area of a storage device (for example, “HDD”) included in the device management apparatus 100. For example, the distribution information 12D is held in a data configuration as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data included in the device management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution information 12D has a data structure having information items such as a [distribution condition] item, a [reference DB] item, and a [reference key] item, and each item for each distribution condition. Are associated.

  The [distribution condition] item is a setting item for designating a control condition (acquisition destination control condition) for distributing setting information acquisition destinations. For example, in the item value, a range of IP addresses assigned to the network device 200, an IP address assigned to the proxy (network information assigned to the network device), and the like are set. That is, in the [sorting condition] item, device information that is assigned to the network device 200 within a predetermined range at the time of introduction and can be acquired from the device is set as the sorting condition information.

The [reference DB] item is a setting item for designating a DB to be referred to as an acquisition destination (reference DB). For example, an IP address assigned to the setting information management apparatuses 300 _B and 300 _M is set in the item value. The [reference key] item is a setting item for designating a storage area (storage destination) in which the setting information to be acquired is stored in the reference DB. For example, in the item value, a reference key or the like in the setting information management devices 300 _B and 300 _M is set. That is, in the [reference DB] item and the [reference key] item, acquisition destination information indicating the acquisition destination of the setting information is set.

  In the distribution information 12D, each item value of the [reference DB] item and the [reference key] item can be acquired based on the item value of the [distribution condition] item by the above data configuration. These item values are set in advance in accordance with, for example, the system operation policy (the method of assigning acquisition destinations desired by the user) decided by the manufacturer at the time of user contract.

  As described above, in the distribution information 12D, distribution condition information that is device information (non-specific device information) having a predetermined range that can be acquired from the network device 200 is associated with acquisition destination information that indicates an acquisition destination of setting information. It has been.

  That is, in the device management apparatus 100, the acquisition destination of the setting information is not managed by the device unique information, but is managed by non-unique device information that can be acquired from the network device 200. By managing the setting information acquisition destination with such a data structure, there are the following merits. In the distribution information 12D, information (distribution conditions) for associating the network device 200 with the setting information must be set in advance, as in the case where the setting information acquisition destination is managed using unique device information. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the information that associates the network device 200 with the setting information is not the unique device information that has a one-to-one relationship with the network device 200 but the device information that can be specified as a range such as an IP address. Enabled to set as a condition. Thereby, even if the network device 200 is added or deleted, it is not necessary to update the registration information on the device management apparatus side each time.

Returning to the description of FIG. Specifically, the reference DB specifying unit 11 specifies the acquisition source as follows. For example, the reference DB identification unit 11, from the network device 200 _B, to obtain the IP address assigned to the device. Based on the acquired IP address, the reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the IP address range (acquisition destination control condition) set in the [distribution condition] item of the distribution information 12D and applies the corresponding range (matching acquisition destination control). It is determined whether or not (condition) exists. If there is a corresponding range, the reference DB specifying unit 11 sets each item value (reference DB) of the [reference DB] item and the [reference key] item associated with the [sorting condition] item in which the corresponding range is set. Get each setting value of the designation and storage destination designation). As a result, the reference DB specifying unit 11 specifies the acquisition destination of the setting information corresponding to the network device 200 to which the IP address is transmitted, from the acquired item values (IP address and reference key assigned to the reference DB). .

  In this way, the device management apparatus 100 distributes setting information acquisition destinations. That is, the device management apparatus 100 controls setting information acquisition processing in the network device 200.

<Network equipment>
The DB information acquisition unit 21 is a functional unit that acquires acquisition destination information indicating an acquisition destination of setting information as DB information. Specifically, the DB information acquisition unit 21 acquires DB information as follows. First, the DB information acquisition unit 21 transmits the IP address assigned to the own device to the device management apparatus 100. In the device management apparatus 100, the reference DB specifying unit 11 specifies the acquisition destination of the setting information based on the received IP address and the distribution information 12D, and acquires the acquisition destination information ([reference DB] item and [reference key] item). Each item value) is returned to the network device 200. As a result, the DB information acquisition unit 21 acquires acquisition destination information as DB information.

The setting information acquisition unit 22 is a functional unit that acquires setting information from the setting information management apparatus 300. Specifically, the setting information acquisition unit 22 acquires the setting information as follows. The setting information acquisition unit 22 refers to each item value of the [reference DB] item and the [reference key] item acquired by the DB information acquisition unit 21 as DB information. Setting information acquisition unit 22 accesses to the reference DB] based on the set IP address to the item, setting address is assigned information managing device 300 _M or setting information managing unit 300 _B. If the access is successful, the setting information acquisition unit 22 refers to the DB based on the reference key set in the [reference key] item, and acquires the setting information stored in association with the reference key.

  Further, the information acquisition timing by the setting information acquisition unit 22 may be performed at any timing synchronous with or asynchronous with the DB information acquisition by the DB information acquisition unit 21. For example, in the case of performing asynchronously, the timing is controlled so that setting information is acquired every predetermined time according to an internal timer (not shown) provided in the network device 200. Thereby, the setting information can be reflected in the network device 200 even when the device is not introduced. For example, when the setting information corresponding to the network device 200 is changed in the setting information management apparatus 300 after the network device 200 is introduced, the contents are automatically reflected in the network device 200. Note that the setting information acquisition timing may be set in a limited period in consideration of the communication load at the time of information acquisition.

  The setting unit 23 is a functional unit that performs device setting of the own device. The setting unit 23 performs device setting based on the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit 22.

  In this way, the network device 200 acquires setting information from the acquisition destination distributed by the device management apparatus 100, and performs device setting based on the acquired information.

<< Setting information management device >>
The DB management units 31 _B and 31 _M are functional units that each setting information management device 300 has and that manages a DB in which setting information is stored. The DB management unit 31 performs various data operations in the DB (for example, “addition (data registration)”, “deletion”, “change (data update)” of setting information). Further, the DB management unit 31 performs data operation in response to an operation request received from the DB administrator via a predetermined UI (User Interface). Data operated by the DB management unit 31 has a data structure as shown in FIGS.

  6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating examples of data included in the setting information management apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of data on the manufacturer side, and FIG. 7 shows an example of data on the user side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the data 32D _B and 32D _M in the DB have a data configuration including information items such as a [reference key] item and a [setting content] item, and each data is referred to for each reference key. Items are associated.

  [Setting content] is an item for defining setting information. For example, in the item value, various operation control conditions (security (use restriction), operation control conditions such as FAX and Mail (transmission)) such as network settings and use restriction settings in the network device 200 are defined.

In the data 32D _B and 32D _M in the DB, the item value (defined setting information) of the [setting content] item can be acquired based on the item value of the [reference key] item by the above data configuration.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting information managing unit 300 _M on the manufacturer side, the setting information in the customer unit (e.g., "Company A" and "Company C") is managed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the user side of the setting information managing unit 300 _B, each network area built B company for each area unit (e.g., "floor or department network environments CB built on the user side )), The setting information is managed. In the data 32D _B and 32D _M in the DB, the management unit (classification granularity) of the setting information can be flexibly handled according to the user's request.

  As described above, the device setting function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating together.

  Next, a detailed operation of the device setting function (operation of function unit group) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure. The device setting function is a program (software component that realizes the device setting function) installed (installed) in the device management apparatus 100, the network device 200, or the setting information management apparatus 300. ”) Is read out from the storage location (for example,“ HDD ”) onto the work memory (for example,“ RAM ”), and the following processing is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for performing device setting according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of device setting processing performed between the user-side network environment CB and the manufacturer-side network environment CM, as in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the network device 200 _B uses the DB information acquisition unit 21 to transmit the IP address assigned to the own device to the device management apparatus 100, and requests acquisition of DB information (step S101). . It is assumed that the network information of the device management apparatus 100 is set in advance in the network device 200B.

The device management apparatus 100 refers to the distribution information 12D by the reference DB specifying unit 11 based on the received IP address, and uses the reference DB IP address and reference key (acquisition destination information) associated with the corresponding distribution condition. Obtain (step S102). Thereby, in the device management apparatus 100, the acquisition source of setting information is specified. As a result, the device management apparatus 100, obtains information is responded to the network device 200 _B.

Network device 200 _B is, DB information acquisition unit 21 acquires the DB information, passes the acquired DB information to the setting information acquiring unit 22 requests the acquisition of the setting information (step S103).

Network device 200 _B is the setting information acquiring unit 22, IP address of the reference DB accesses to the setting information managing unit 300 assigned. For example, the setting information obtaining unit 22, if the IP address of the reference DB is an address of the setting information managing unit 300 _M on the manufacturer side, the process of step S201. Also, in the case of the address of the user setting information managing unit 300 _B performs the process of step S301.

  In step S103, an example of a processing procedure when the setting information acquisition timing is performed in synchronization with the DB information acquisition timing is shown. Therefore, in the case of asynchronous, the setting information acquisition unit 22 accesses the setting information management apparatus 300 based on the DB information acquired by the DB information acquisition unit 21 according to an internal timer (not shown).

<< When accessing the manufacturer's DB >>
Network device 200 _B is the setting information acquiring unit 22 accesses the setting information managing unit 300 _M (step S201). In the setting information managing unit 300 _M, the DB management unit 31 _M, based on the reference key passed at the time of acquisition request from the setting information obtaining unit 22, setting information corresponding the data 32D _M in DB is obtained (step S202 ). As a result, from the setting information managing unit 300 _M, obtaining information is responded to the network device 200 _B.

<< When accessing the DB on the user side >>
Network device 200 _B is the setting information acquiring unit 22 accesses the setting information managing unit 300 _B (step S301). Configuration information management apparatus 300 _B, the DB management unit 31 _B, based on the reference key passed at the time of acquisition request from the setting information obtaining unit 22, setting information corresponding the data 32D _B in DB is obtained (step S302 ). As a result, from the setting information managing unit 300 _B, acquired information is the response to the network device 200 _B.

Network device 200 _B, when the setting information acquiring unit 22 acquires the setting information, pass and the acquired setting information to the setting unit 23 requests the device setting (step S401).

Network device 200 _B includes a setting unit 23, the device setting is performed based on the setting information (step S402).

  As described above, in the network device 200, setting information acquisition processing is controlled by the device management apparatus 100, and device setting is performed based on the acquired setting information. Thereby, the setting information applied to the network device 200 can be changed by changing only the distribution condition set in the device management apparatus 100.

<Modification>
From here, a modified example of the distribution information 12D held by the device management apparatus 100 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data included in the device management apparatus 100 according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the distribution information 12D, a plurality of conditions can be set in the [Distribution condition] item. For example, in the item value, the model name, installed function name, installed option device name, installed software name, or the like of the network device 200 is set in combination with the range of IP addresses assigned to the network device 200. That is, a plurality of pieces of device information that can be acquired from the network device 200 at the time of introduction can be combined and set in the [sorting condition] item.

  In this modification, a [priority] item is added to the distribution information 12D. The [Priority] item is a setting item for designating a policy for determining a condition to be applied when the device information acquired from the network device 200 corresponds to a plurality of distribution conditions. For example, a priority order for determining the condition to be applied is set in the item value (in this modification, an example in which a lower numerical value has a higher priority order is shown).

  The device management apparatus 100 can control setting information acquisition processing in the network device 200 according to basic device information related to the network device 200 in addition to the IP address by using the distribution information 12D having the above-described data configuration (the acquisition destination is determined). Can be distributed). A specific operation example will be described below.

  For example, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.222. XXX. 1] is assigned and the device information is acquired from the network device 200 equipped with the FAX function, the setting information acquisition source is specified as follows.

The reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the [distribution condition] item of the distribution information 12D illustrated in FIG. 9 and determines that the device information acquired from the network device 200 corresponds to the condition R11 in the distribution condition R1. As a result, the network device 200, IP address,: [222.2.222.2] is assigned setting information managing reference from device 300 _M key: [KEY1] retrieves the configuration information based on.

On the other hand, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.222. XXX. 1] and device information is acquired from the network device 200 not equipped with the FAX function, the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that the condition R12 of the distribution condition R1 is met. As a result, the network device 200, reference key from the setting information managing unit 300 _M: acquires the setting information based on [KEY2].

Further, for example, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.155. XXX. 1] and device information is acquired from the network device 200 of model AAA, the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that the distribution condition R4 is satisfied. As a result, the network device 200, reference key from the setting information managing unit 300 _M: acquires the setting information based on [KEY3].

Further, for example, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.155. XXX. 1] and device information is acquired from the network device 200 of the model BBB, the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that the distribution condition R5 is satisfied. As a result, the network device 200, reference key from the setting information managing unit 300 _M: acquires the setting information based on [KEY4].

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of data included in the setting information managing unit 300 _M on the manufacturer side according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 10, the data 32D _M in the DB is stored in finer units with respect to the network devices 200 belonging to (connected to) the same network area by controlling the acquisition process using the above-described model and installed function. Setting information can be defined.

For example, the data 32D _M in the DB is associated with the reference keys: [KEY1] and [KEY2], and the network area of Company A: [111.222. XXX. XXX], two pieces of setting information of the network device 200 are defined. The distribution key of “FAX function” is associated with the reference key [KEY1] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _M in DB, the reference key: [KEY1] to setting information for the FAX function mounted apparatus may be defined in association with each other. On the other hand, the distribution key of “FAX function” is not associated with the reference key [KEY2] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _M in DB, the reference key: [KEY2] the configuration information for the FAX function non-equipped device may be defined in association with each other.

For example, the data 32D _M in the DB is associated with the reference keys: [KEY3] and [KEY4], and the network area of the company C: [111.155. XXX. XXX], two pieces of setting information of the network device 200 are defined. The distribution key of “model AAA” is associated with the reference key [KEY3] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _M in DB, the reference key: can be defined in association with the setting information for the model AAA equipment [KEY3]. On the other hand, the distribution key of “model BBB” is associated with the reference key [KEY4] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _M in DB, the reference key: can be defined in association with the setting information for the model BBB equipment [KEY4].

  Further, for example, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.111. XXX. 1] is assigned and the device information is acquired from the network device 200 in which the extended software is installed, the setting information acquisition source is specified as follows.

The reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the [distribution condition] item of the distribution information 12D illustrated in FIG. 9 and determines that the device information acquired from the network device 200 corresponds to the distribution condition R2. At this time, since there are a plurality of applicable conditions, the reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the [Priority] item, and determines an item with a high priority (item with a small numerical value: distribution condition R21) as an application condition. . As a result, the network device 200, IP address,: [111.111.1.5] is referenced from the setting information managing unit 300 _B assigned key: [KEY1] retrieves the configuration information based on.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of data provided on the user side of the setting information managing device 300 _B according to the present modification.
As shown in FIG. 11, the data 32D _B in DB, under control of the acquisition process in accordance with the priority order described above, the network device 200 corresponding to the same sorting conditions can be defined setting information according to the priorities .

For example, the data 32D _B in DB, the reference key: [KEY1] and in association with the [KEY2], B's network area: 111.111. XXX. XXX], two pieces of setting information of the network device 200 equipped with the extended software are defined. Setting information 1 and setting information 2 are associated with the reference keys [KEY1] and [KEY2] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _B in DB, in accordance with the priority can define configuration information different content.

  Thereby, in the network device 200, the setting information to be applied is controlled by changing the item value of the [priority] item of the distribution information 12D.

Returning to the description of FIG. For example, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.114. XXX. 1] and device information is acquired from the finisher-equipped network device 200, the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that the condition R32 of the distribution conditions R3 is satisfied. As a result, the network device 200, reference key from the setting information managing unit 300 _B: acquires the setting information based on [KEY5].

On the other hand, the device management apparatus 100 has an IP address: [111.114. XXX. 1] and device information is acquired from the network device 200 not equipped with a finisher, the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that the condition R31 of the distribution condition R3 is met. As a result, the network device 200, reference key from the setting information managing unit 300 _B: acquires the setting information based on [KEY4].

As shown in FIG. 11, the data 32D _B in DB, under control of the acquisition process by the mounted option device described above, belong to the same network area (connected) to the network device 200, configured in finer units Information can be defined.

For example, the data 32D _B in DB, the reference key: [KEY4] and in association with the [KEY5], B's network area: 111.114. XXX. XXX], two pieces of setting information of the network device 200 are defined. The distribution condition of “finisher installation” is associated with the reference key [KEY5] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _B in DB, the reference key: [KEY5] the configuration information for the finisher mounting device may be defined in association with each other. On the other hand, the distribution condition of “finisher installation” is not associated with the reference key [KEY4] of the distribution information 12D. Therefore, the data 32D _B in DB, the reference key: [KEY4] the configuration information for the finisher non-equipped device may be defined in association with each other.

  A detailed processing procedure for the acquisition processing control by the reference DB specifying unit 11 will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for distributing the setting information acquisition destination according to the present modification. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 is processing performed in step S102 illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the [sorting condition] item of the sort information 12D based on the IP address received from the network device 200 (step S1021). The reference DB specifying unit 11 determines whether or not a corresponding distribution condition exists (step S1022).

  When the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines that there is a corresponding distribution condition (step S1022: YES), the reference DB specifying unit 11 determines whether there are a plurality of corresponding conditions (step S1023). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no corresponding distribution condition (step S1022: NO), predetermined error processing (notification of condition mismatch: error notification) is performed, and the processing is terminated.

  When it is determined that there are a plurality of applicable conditions (step S1023: YES), the reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to the item value of the [priority] item of the distribution information 12D and applies the distribution according to the set priority order. Conditions are determined (step S1024). On the other hand, if it is determined that there are not a plurality of applicable conditions (step S1023: NO), the process proceeds to step S1025 assuming that the distribution condition to be applied has already been determined.

  The reference DB specifying unit 11 refers to each item value (IP address and reference key of the reference DB) of the [reference DB] item and the [reference key] item corresponding to the applicable (or determined) distribution condition (step S1025). ). The reference DB specifying unit 11 acquires the acquired item value (acquisition destination information).

Thereby, in the device management apparatus 100, the acquisition source of setting information is specified. As a result, the device management apparatus 100, obtains information is responded to the network device 200 _B.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 100 holds the distribution information 12D that distributes the acquisition destination of the setting information according to the network device 200, and the distribution information 12D is introduced. Device information (for example, “IP address”) that is sometimes assigned to the network device 200 within a predetermined range and can be acquired from the device, and acquisition destination information (for example, “reference DB IP address” or “reference DB Reference key "etc.) are associated with each other. In other words, the device management apparatus 100 does not manage the acquisition destination of the setting information based on the device specific information, but manages it based on non-specific device information that can be acquired from the network device 200.

  In the device management system 1, the device management apparatus 100 refers to the distribution information 12 </ b> D based on the acquisition information from the network device 200 and specifies the acquisition destination of the setting information corresponding to the network device 200. In the device management system 1, the device management apparatus 100 transmits the specified acquisition destination information to the network device 200. As a result, the network device 200 acquires the setting information based on the acquisition destination information, and the device setting of the own device is performed.

  As a result, the device management system 1 can identify acquisition source information indicating the acquisition source of the setting information based on non-unique device information that can be acquired from the network device 200. As a result, even if a network device is added or deleted, it is not necessary to update the registration information on the device management apparatus side each time, and the work load in setting the network device can be reduced.

  The above-described embodiment has been described so far. The “device setting function” of the device management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment describes each processing procedure described with reference to the drawings in accordance with the operating environment (platform). A program coded in a programming language suitable for the above is implemented by a control unit (eg, “CPU”) of each device.

  For example, in the case of the device management apparatus 100, the program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 103a. Examples of the recording medium 103a include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an SD memory card, and a USB memory.

  Therefore, by storing the program in the recording medium 103a, the program can be installed in the device management apparatus 100 via the drive device 103 that can read the recording medium 103a. In addition, since the device management apparatus 100 includes the interface device 107, the program can be downloaded and installed using a telecommunication line.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the description is omitted, but the device management apparatus 100 or the setting information management apparatus 300 may be configured to perform authentication processing for access from the network device 200. In this case, the network device 200 transmits authentication information (eg, “authentication ID” and “password”) to each device. As a result, the device management apparatus 100 or the setting information management apparatus 300 performs access authentication based on the received authentication information, and sends a response such as acquisition destination information and setting information only to the network device 200 permitted to be authenticated. . If the authentication is not permitted, the network device 200 is notified of this. Note that the authentication information is set in advance, for example, when the network device 200 is manufactured or sold.

  In the above embodiment, the system configuration in which the device management apparatus 100 is installed on the manufacturer side has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the device management apparatus 100 may be installed on the user side. In this case, the device management apparatus 100 is maintained and operated by an administrator on the user side. That is, the distribution information 12D is managed by the administrator on the user side.

  In the above embodiment, the device configuration is different from the device management apparatus 100 and the setting information management apparatus 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a device management function including device settings and a setting information management function may be realized by a single device.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device management system 11 Reference DB specific | specification part 12D Distribution information 21 DB information acquisition part 22 Setting information acquisition part 23 Setting part 31 DB management part ( _A , _B : User side, _M : Manufacturer side)
Data in 32D DB ( _A , _B : user side, _M : manufacturer side)
100 Device management device (device management server)
101 Input Device 102 Display Device 103 Drive Device (a: Recording Medium)
104 RAM (volatile semiconductor memory)
105 ROM (nonvolatile semiconductor memory)
106 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
107 Interface device (NIC: Network I / F Card)
108 HDD (nonvolatile storage device)
200 Network devices (image processing devices, etc.)
210 Controller (control board)
211 CPU
212 Storage devices (RAM, ROM, HDD, etc.)
213 Network I / F
214 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
220 Operation panel (input / output device)
230 Plotter (image forming unit)
240 Scanner (Original reading unit)
300 Setting information management device (device provided with storage device)
400 Network control device (device with firewall function)
C Network environment (A, B: user side, M: manufacturer side)
I External network (Internet etc.)
N Internal network (LAN etc.)

JP 2001-297052 A JP 2005-55940 A

Claims (15)

A device in which one or a plurality of devices, a device management device that performs device settings for the device, and a setting information management device that manages setting information when performing the device settings are connected via a predetermined data transmission path A management system,
The device is
First acquisition means for acquiring acquisition destination information indicating an acquisition destination of the setting information;
Second acquisition means for acquiring setting information corresponding to the own device from the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information;
And setting means for setting the device of the own machine based on the setting information,
The device management apparatus is
The distribution condition information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range when the device is introduced and the device information that can be acquired from the device is set, and the acquisition source information are associated with the device. A holding means for holding distribution information for distributing the acquisition destination of the setting information in response,
A specifying unit that specifies an acquisition source of setting information corresponding to the device based on the distribution information;
The device transmits device information to the device management apparatus by the first acquisition unit,
The device management apparatus refers to the distribution information based on device information acquired from the device by the specifying unit, specifies an acquisition source of setting information corresponding to the device, and stores the acquisition source information in the device. Send
The device accesses the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information received from the device management device by the second acquisition unit, acquires setting information corresponding to the device, and acquires the setting information by the setting unit. A device management system that performs device settings of the own device based on the set information. The holding means is
The distribution condition information including network information assigned to the device when the device is introduced is associated with the acquisition destination information including the network information assigned to the setting information management apparatus and the reference information of the setting information. The device management system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution information is stored. The specifying means is:
Refers to the distribution information based on the network information acquired from the device, acquires the network information assigned to the setting information management device and the reference information of the setting information set in association with the distribution condition information, The device management system according to claim 2, wherein the acquired network information and reference information are used as the acquisition destination information. The second acquisition means includes
4. The setting information management device is accessed according to network information received from the device management device, and setting information corresponding to the own device is acquired based on reference information received from the device management device. Equipment management system. The holding means is
Network information, model information, installed function, installed option device, and / or distribution condition information combined with installed software assigned to the device when the device is introduced, and network assigned to the setting information management device 5. The device management system according to claim 2, wherein the distribution information in which information and acquisition destination information including reference information of the setting information are associated with each other is held. The specifying means is:
Based on the device information acquired from the device, the distribution information is referred to, and is set in association with the distribution condition information in which the network information, model information, installed function, installed optional device, and / or installed software are combined. 6. The device management system according to claim 5, wherein network information assigned to the setting information management apparatus and reference information of the setting information are acquired, and the acquired network information and reference information are used as the acquisition destination information. . The specifying means is:
Refer to the distribution information based on the device information acquired from the device,
When there are a plurality of corresponding sorting condition information,
According to the priority set in association with the distribution condition information, determine distribution condition information to be applied,
Acquire network information assigned to the setting information management apparatus and reference information of the setting information set in association with the determined distribution condition information, and use the acquired network information and reference information as the acquisition destination information The device management system according to claim 6. The second acquisition means includes
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information management apparatus is accessed every predetermined time based on the acquisition destination information received from the device management apparatus, and setting information corresponding to the own apparatus is acquired. The device management system according to one item. A device management apparatus that transmits device information indicating a setting information acquisition location to one or more devices and performs device settings.
The distribution condition information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range when the device is introduced and the device information that can be acquired from the device is set, and the acquisition source information are associated with the device. A holding means for holding distribution information for distributing the acquisition destination of the setting information in response,
Specifying means for specifying an acquisition source of setting information corresponding to the device based on distribution information held by the holding means;
The specifying means refers to the distribution information based on device information acquired from the device, specifies an acquisition source of setting information corresponding to the device, and transmits the acquisition source information to the device. Equipment management device. The holding means is
Reference to the distribution condition information including network information assigned to the device when the device is introduced, the network information assigned to the setting information management device that manages the setting information when the device is set, and the setting information The device management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the distribution information associated with acquisition destination information including information is held. The specifying means is:
Refers to the distribution information based on the network information acquired from the device, acquires the network information assigned to the setting information management device and the reference information of the setting information set in association with the distribution condition information, The device management apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the acquired network information and reference information are used as the acquisition destination information. The holding means is
Network information, model information, installed function, installed option device, and / or distribution condition information combined with installed software assigned to the device when the device is introduced, and network assigned to the setting information management device The device management apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the distribution information in which information and acquisition destination information including reference information of the setting information are associated with each other is held. The specifying means is:
Based on the device information acquired from the device, the distribution information is referred to, and is set in association with the distribution condition information in which the network information, model information, installed function, installed optional device, and / or installed software are combined. 13. The device management apparatus according to claim 12, wherein network information assigned to the setting information management apparatus and reference information of the setting information are acquired, and the acquired network information and reference information are used as the acquisition destination information. . The specifying means is:
Refer to the distribution information based on the device information acquired from the device,
When there are a plurality of corresponding sorting condition information,
According to the priority set in association with the distribution condition information, determine distribution condition information to be applied,
Acquire network information assigned to the setting information management apparatus and reference information of the setting information set in association with the determined distribution condition information, and use the acquired network information and reference information as the acquisition destination information The device management apparatus according to claim 13. A device in which one or a plurality of devices, a device management device that performs device settings for the device, and a setting information management device that manages setting information when performing the device settings are connected via a predetermined data transmission path A device setting method in a management system,
The device is
A first acquisition procedure for acquiring acquisition destination information indicating an acquisition destination of the setting information;
A second acquisition procedure for acquiring setting information corresponding to the own device from the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information;
A setting procedure for setting the device of the own machine based on the setting information;
The device management apparatus is
The distribution condition information that is assigned to the device within a predetermined range when the device is introduced and the device information that can be acquired from the device is set, and the acquisition source information are associated with the device. And a specific procedure for identifying the acquisition source of the setting information corresponding to the device based on distribution information for distributing the acquisition source of the setting information according to
The device transmits device information to the device management apparatus according to the first acquisition procedure,
The management apparatus refers to the distribution information based on the device information acquired from the device by the specifying procedure, specifies an acquisition source of setting information corresponding to the device, and transmits the acquisition destination information to the device. And
The device accesses the setting information management device based on the acquisition destination information received from the device management device according to the second acquisition procedure, acquires setting information corresponding to the device, and acquires the setting information according to the setting procedure. A device setting method, wherein the device setting of the own device is performed based on the set information.

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