JP2016218601A - Network system, server device and setup method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system for preventing a wrong network equipment from being installed when carrying out setup work for the network equipment by having a worker visit a customer.SOLUTION: A network equipment 7 transmits unique identification information 37 to a management server 4a through a network along with connection of a power source in a state of being connected to a network. A management server device 4a stores setup information associated with the setup time for the identification information and the network device and determines whether or not the setup work is carried out at a correct time by referring to the setup information P11. When determined that the work is carried out during the correct time, an effective command 51 is outputted to an application server 4b. The application server 4b transmits a control command 52 to the network device and has it normally activated P12 and starts providing cloud service P13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, a server device, and a setup method, and more particularly to a technique for setting up a network device to be installed in a customer's network environment.

  In recent years, server devices are installed on the Internet cloud, and various cloud services are provided via the Internet (for example, Patent Document 1). For cloud services, for example, in addition to a storage service that stores and manages document data and the like on a server device, various application programs can be executed on the server device so that document editing and data processing can be performed on the cloud. There are services such as Such a cloud service is highly convenient because it can be used anytime and anywhere if there is an environment that can be connected to the Internet. As one form of cloud service usage, for example, a user accesses a server device by operating a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet device outside the company, and the document data stored in the server device is transferred to a local network in the company. There is a form in which printing is performed by transmitting the image to an image forming apparatus provided.

  However, since a firewall exists between the local network and the Internet, even if a user gives a print instruction to the server device, data is transferred from the server device on the Internet to the image forming device provided in the local network. Cannot send. Therefore, conventionally, a network device for using a cloud service is installed in the customer's local network, and the network device establishes a connection state with the server device on the Internet. Data can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, conventionally, when a customer starts using a cloud service, an operator visits the customer and installs a network device customized in advance according to the customer's request on the customer's local network for setup. Doing work to do.

JP 2013-167984 A

  However, since the network device is customized in advance according to the customer's request as described above, if the operator installs an incorrect network device at the customer's site, the service desired by the customer cannot be used. There is a problem. Especially for this type of network equipment, the information stored inside is different for each customer, or the internal functions are different for each customer. Difficult to do. Therefore, for example, when an operator visits a plurality of customers in order and sets up network equipment at each customer, there is a possibility that the network equipment is installed by mistake.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can prevent an erroneous device from being installed when an operator visits a customer and performs a network device setup operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a network system, a server device, and a setup method.

  To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a network system comprising: a network device customized for a customer; and a server device that effectively operates the network device by remotely controlling the network device. The network device has storage means for storing unique identification information given in advance to the network device, and the power is turned on while connected to the network. Information transmitting means for accessing the server device and transmitting the identification information to the server device, wherein the server device stores setup information in which the identification information is associated with a time at which the network device is set up. Storage means for storing and access from the network device If the network device is detected, whether the network device is set up at the correct time by referring to the setup information based on the access time of the network device and the identification information received from the network device. Determining whether or not the setup work is accurate and determining that the setup work is accurate by the work judging means, and enabling the network device via the network. It is the structure characterized by having an operation control means to operate.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the network system according to claim 1, wherein the setup information is information in which status information of the network device is further associated with the identification information, and the operation control means includes As the network device is operated effectively, information indicating that the status has been set up is added to the status information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the second aspect, information related to a set-up schedule of a plurality of network devices is registered in the setup information in advance, and the work determination means If it is determined that the setup work is being performed at the correct time, the status information associated with another network device that is scheduled to be set up before the network device indicates that the setup has been completed. It is a configuration characterized in that it is determined that the setup work is accurate on the condition that information is given.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the setup information includes installation position information indicating a position where the network device is to be further installed with respect to the identification information. The server device further includes position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information regarding the current position of the network device, and the work determination means is configured so that the position information acquisition means relates to the network device. When the current position information is acquired, the current position information is checked against the installation position information to further determine whether or not the network device is set up at the correct installation position. When the setup work is performed at the correct installation position, A construction which is characterized in that determined to be accurate.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the network system according to claim 4, wherein the position information acquisition means acquires current position information from a portable terminal possessed by an operator performing the setup operation. It is the structure to do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the position information acquisition unit acquires current position information based on information received from the network device.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the network system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the server device includes the storage unit and the work determination unit, and manages a setup schedule of the network device. And the operation control means, and when the management server determines that the setup operation is accurate, the network device is operated effectively, and the network device is operated effectively. And an application server that communicates with the network device and provides a predetermined application service.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the work determination means determines that the setup work is not accurate, an operator who performs the setup work is provided. On the other hand, there is provided a notifying means for notifying that the setup work is not accurate.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the network system according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit transmits the e-mail to an e-mail address of an operator who is performing the set-up work, whereby the setup work is performed. It is the structure characterized by notifying that it is not accurate.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the eighth aspect, the network device further includes a light emitting unit that emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern when operated effectively by the operation control unit, and the notification The means is configured to notify that the setup operation is not accurate by causing the light emitting means to emit light with a light emission pattern different from the predetermined light emission pattern.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the eighth aspect, the network device further includes a display unit capable of displaying various types of information, and the notification unit is configured to perform the setup operation on the display unit. This is characterized in that it is displayed that it is not accurate.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the eighth aspect, the network device further includes a speaker that generates a sound, and the notification unit generates a warning sound from the speaker. The configuration is characterized in that a notification is made that the setup work is not accurate.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the notifying unit makes a call via a public telephone line to a portable terminal possessed by the worker who is performing the setup work. In this configuration, the fact that the setup work is not accurate is notified.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the network system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the server device accepts an access from a portable terminal possessed by a worker performing the setup work, and the portable device The system further comprises setup information updating means for updating the setup information based on information received from the terminal.

  The invention according to claim 15 is a server device that effectively operates the network device by remotely controlling the network device customized for the customer, and the network device is set up with identification information unique to the network device. Based on the storage means for storing the setup information in which the network device is associated, and the access time of the network device and the identification information received from the network device when access from the network device is detected. By referring to the setup information, the work determination means for determining whether the setup work of the network device is performed at a correct time and determining the accuracy of the setup work, and the work determination means Setup work is accurate If it is determined that that is a structure characterized by having a a running control means for effectively operate the network equipment.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the fifteenth aspect, the setup information is information in which status information of the network device is further associated with the identification information. As the network device is operated effectively, information indicating that the status has been set up is added to the status information.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the sixteenth aspect, information related to a setup schedule of a plurality of network devices is registered in the setup information in advance, and the work determination means If it is determined that the setup work is being performed at the correct time, the status information associated with another network device that is scheduled to be set up before the network device indicates that the setup has been completed. It is a configuration characterized in that it is determined that the setup work is accurate on the condition that information is given.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the server device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information relating to a current position of the network device, wherein the setup information includes: The identification information is information in which installation position information indicating a position where the network device is to be further installed is associated with the identification information, and the work determination unit is configured so that the position information acquisition unit determines the current position information regarding the network device. If acquired, the current location information is checked against the installation location information to further determine whether the network device setup operation is performed at the correct installation location, and the network device setup operation is correct. Determines that the setup is correct when it is performed at the installation location A structure characterized by and.

  The invention according to claim 19 is the server apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the position information acquisition means acquires current position information from a portable terminal possessed by an operator who performs the setup operation. It is the structure to do.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the eighteenth aspect, the position information acquisition unit acquires current position information based on information received from the network device.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the server device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the server device includes the storage unit and the work determination unit, and manages a setup schedule of the network device. And the operation control means, and when the management server determines that the setup operation is accurate, the network device is operated effectively, and the network device is operated effectively. And an application server that communicates with the network device and provides a predetermined application service.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-first aspects, when the work determination unit determines that the setup work is not accurate, an operator who performs the setup work is notified. On the other hand, there is provided a notifying means for notifying that the setup work is not accurate.

  The invention according to claim 23 is the server device according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the information received from the portable terminal is received from the portable terminal possessed by the worker performing the setup work. And a setup information updating means for updating the setup information based on the configuration.

  The invention according to claim 24 is a setup method for effectively operating a network device customized for a customer by remote control of a server device, and (a) a power supply in a state where the network device is connected to a network. The server device is accessed via the network, and the identification information unique to the network device is transmitted to the server device, and (b) the server device is connected to the network device from the network device. When access is detected, it is determined whether or not the network device is set up at a correct time based on the time when the network device has accessed and the identification information received from the network device. A step of determining the accuracy of the setup work, and (c ) When it is determined in step (b) that the setup work is accurate, the server device effectively operates the network device via the network. is there.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous network device from being installed when an operator visits a customer and performs a network device setup operation.

It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of a network system. It is a figure which shows the example of the state in which the network apparatus worked normally. It is a figure which shows an example of the procedure in which an operator visits the local environment of a some customer in order, and performs the setup operation of a network apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions and functional constitution of a server apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of setup information. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions and functional constitution of a network apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the process of a network apparatus and a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed in a network device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed in a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a work determination process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 1 has a configuration in which a cloud of the Internet 2 and a customer's local environment 3 are connected in a communicable state. The Internet 2 is provided with a server device 4. The server device 4 includes a management server 4a and an application server 4b, and the management server 4a and the application server 4b can operate in cooperation with each other on the Internet 2. In the present embodiment, the server device 4 is exemplified by the case where the server device 4 is configured by two servers, that is, the management server 4a and the application server 4b. However, the server device 4 is configured by a single server that integrates these two servers. It does not matter.

  On the other hand, the local environment 3 is provided with a local network 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as a network 5) such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The network 5 includes a firewall 6, a network device 7, an MFP ( Multifunction Peripherals) is connected to the image forming apparatus 8. Although not shown, the network 5 is connected to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  The server device 4 is connected to a network 5, a storage service that stores and manages document data, a software service that enables document editing and data processing on the Internet 2 by executing various programs, and the like. The server provides various services (cloud service) such as a job cooperation service that communicates with the image forming apparatus 8 and causes the image forming apparatus 8 to execute a job via the Internet 2. The management server 4a is a server that manages the work of the operator visiting the customer's local environment 3 and connecting the network device 7 to the network 5 in order to use the cloud service in the local environment 3. It is. The application server 4b is a server that provides a cloud service according to a customer's request by executing various applications. That is, when the customer can use the cloud service in the local environment 3, the user can use the cloud service by accessing the application server 4b.

  The firewall 6 is an interface that connects the network 5 to the Internet 2. The firewall 6 allows mutual communication between the various devices and the server when the various devices provided in the network 5 are connected to the server provided in the Internet 2. On the other hand, when various devices provided on the network 5 are not connected to a server provided on the Internet 2, the firewall 6 is connected to the network 5 from a server on the Internet 2. Block access to other devices.

  The network device 7 is a device that relays communication between various devices such as the image forming apparatus 8 connected to the network 5 and the server device 4. The network device 7 is for enabling the cloud service provided by the server device 4 to be used in the local environment 3, and is installed by a worker when a customer starts using the cloud service. That is, the operator connects the network device 7 to the network 5 in the local environment 3 and then performs an operation of turning on the network device 7. When the setup work by the operator is finished and the network device 7 is turned on, the network device 7 accesses the server device 4. If the setup work by the operator is correctly performed, the server device 4 activates the network device 7 that has been accessed. That is, the server device 4 validates the cloud service use function of the network device 7 and starts normal operation.

  When the network device 7 operates normally, for example, a connection state 101 with the application server 4b is established as shown in FIG. Thereby, for example, the user accesses the application server 4b by operating a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal outside the office, specifies the document data 100 stored in the application server 4b, and is provided in the local environment 3. It is possible to perform printing output by the image forming apparatus 8 that is present. That is, the application server 4b can transmit the document data 100 designated by the user from the Internet 2 side to the local environment 3 by using the connection state 101 established by the network device 7 as a tunnel. The document data 100 can also be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 8 via the device 7. Such a network device 7 is customized in advance so that a cloud service according to a customer's request can be used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure in which an operator visits the local environments 3 of a plurality of customers in order and installs the network devices 7 one by one. For example, when an operator visits the local environments 3a, 3b, and 3c of three customers in order, three network devices 7a, 7b, and 7c customized for each of the three customers are taken out, and arrows A1, A2, and A3 are taken out. The local environments 3a, 3b, and 3c are visited in a predetermined order as shown in FIG. 6 and the setup work of the network devices 7a, 7b, and 7c is performed individually. At this time, the worker visits each local environment 3a, 3b, 3c with his / her own portable terminal 9 and operates the portable terminal 9 to access the management server 4a, thereby setting up a schedule for the setup work. It is possible to grasp the next place to visit, etc. However, since some customers may be prohibited from bringing in the mobile terminal 9, the worker may not be able to bring his / her mobile terminal 9 into the local environment 3a, 3b, 3c. Then, the operator performs the setup work by sequentially installing the network device 7a in the local environment 3a, the network device 7b in the local environment 3b, and the network device 7c in the local environment 3c in order.

  As described above, the network devices 7a, 7b, and 7c installed in each of the plurality of local environments 3a, 3b, and 3c have the same casing, and the serial numbers assigned to the casings are respectively Except for the points with different numbers, it is difficult to distinguish in appearance, and the information and internal functions stored inside are different, so they are installed in the wrong local environment 3 by the operator. There is a possibility that. In order to prevent this, in the network system 1 of the present embodiment, the management server 4a of the server device 4 manages the setup work by the worker, and determines whether or not the correct setup work is being performed by the worker. If the correct setup work is performed by the operator, the network device 7 installed in the local environment 3 is effectively operated. On the other hand, when an erroneous setup operation is performed by the operator, the network system 1 does not operate the network device 7 installed in the local environment 3 effectively. Therefore, if the worker does not become able to use the cloud service even after the setup work is completed, the worker notices that the setup work is wrong, and can immediately perform the work again. Hereinafter, the details of the network system 1 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the server device 4. As described above, the server device 4 includes the management server 4a and the application server 4b. The management server 4a includes the CPU 10, the storage unit 11, and the network interface 12, and the application server 4b includes the CPU 20 and the CPU 20. A storage unit 21 and a network interface 22. The CPUs 10 and 20 perform various arithmetic processes by executing various programs. The storage units 11 and 21 are nonvolatile storage means configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like. The network interfaces 12 and 22 are used for communication by connecting the management server 4a and the application server 4b to the network.

  The management server 4a functions as the information management unit 14, the position information acquisition unit 15, and the work determination unit 16 when the CPU 10 executes a predetermined program. The information management unit 14 is a processing unit that manages the setup work performed by the worker. For example, based on information input via the network interface 12, the schedule information related to the setup work of the network device 7 is registered in the setup information 13, and the information management unit 14 The setup information 13 is stored in the storage unit 11 and managed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setup information 13. The setup information 13 is registered by associating the scheduled work date and time 13a, customer information 13b, identification information 13c, status information 13d, installation position information 13e, and information 13f related to the worker performing the setup work. Information. The scheduled work date and time 13a is information in which the scheduled date and time when the setup work by the worker is to be performed is recorded. The customer information 13b is information for identifying a customer. The identification information 13c is information for identifying the network device 7 to be set up, and is information in which a serial number unique to the network device 7 customized for the customer is recorded. The status information 13d is information indicating the state of the setup work. When the setup work has not yet been performed, “incomplete” is recorded, the setup work is completed, and the network device 7 has effectively started normal operation. "Complete" is recorded. The installation position information 13e is information in which a position where the network device 7 specified by the identification information 13c is to be installed is recorded. For example, the local environment 3 such as an address, a map code, an IP address, or a domain can be specified. Possible information is recorded. Further, in the information 13f regarding the worker, the name of the worker, the electronic mail address and the telephone number of the portable terminal 9 possessed by the worker are recorded.

  The information management unit 14 creates the setup information 13 as described above and stores it in the storage unit 11. Then, based on the setup schedule registered in the setup information 13, the worker visits the plurality of local environments 3 in order and performs setup work for the network device 7 customized for each customer.

  Further, the information management unit 14 functions as a setup information update unit, accepts access from the portable terminal 9 possessed by the worker performing the setup work, and updates the setup information 13 based on the information received from the portable terminal 9 Is possible. As a result, the operator changes the setup schedule registered in the setup information 13 by operating his / her mobile terminal 9 and accessing the management server 4a when the order of performing the setup work changes. Will be able to.

  The position information acquisition unit 15 is a processing unit that acquires from the network interface 12 current position information indicating a current position where the worker is performing the setup work. For example, the position information acquisition unit 15 is configured to transmit the current position information directly transmitted from the portable terminal 9 held by the worker to the management server 4a via the public telephone network or the like, or the portable terminal 9 transmits the network 5 via the network device 7. The current position information to be transmitted to the management server 4a is acquired. The location information acquisition unit 15 is not limited to this, and when the access from the network device 7 is detected, if the information received from the network device 7 includes an IP address or domain information, the location information acquisition unit 15 Obtained as location information. When the position information acquisition unit 15 acquires the current position information, the position information acquisition unit 15 outputs the current position information to the work determination unit 16. However, the position information acquisition unit 15 may not always acquire the current position information indicating the current position where the worker is performing the setup work. For example, when it is prohibited to bring the mobile terminal 9 into the customer's local environment 3, the mobile terminal 9 cannot transmit the current position information to the management server 4a. When no domain is set in the network 5 of the local environment 3, the network device 7 cannot transmit domain information to the management server 4a. In such a case, the position information acquisition unit 15 cannot acquire the current position information.

  The work determination unit 16 is a processing unit that determines whether the setup work performed by the worker is a correct work when the access from the network device 7 is detected due to the completion of the setup work by the worker. is there. When the work determination unit 16 detects access from the network device 7, the work determination unit 16 specifies the network device 7 on which the setup work has been performed based on the identification information received from the network device 7. Then, the setup information 13 is read out, and it is determined whether or not the network device 7 set up by the operator has been set up as scheduled. When the work determination unit 16 determines that the setup work by the worker is a correct work, the work determination unit 16 outputs a command for enabling the network device 7 to the application server 4b. If the work determination unit 16 determines that the setup work by the worker is correct, the work determination unit 16 rewrites the status information 13d corresponding to the work process from “incomplete” to “completed” and updates the setup information 13.

  The work determination unit 16 includes a notification unit 17. The notification unit 17 notifies the worker of the determination result by the work determination unit 16. For example, the notification unit 17 functions when it is determined that the setup work by the worker is not correct, and notifies the worker performing the setup work that the setup work is not accurate. However, the notification unit 17 may also notify the fact that it is determined that the setup work by the worker is a correct work.

  There are various modes of notification by the notification unit 17. For example, the notification unit 17 notifies that the setup work is not accurate by causing the LED light emitting unit provided in the network device 7 to emit light with a predetermined light emission pattern. Further, when the network device 7 is provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, the notification unit 17 may notify the display unit that the setup work is not accurate. Further, when the network device 7 is provided with a speaker that generates sound, the notification unit 17 may perform notification by generating a warning sound from the speaker. In addition to this, the notification unit 17 may notify that the setup work is not accurate by sending an e-mail to the e-mail address of the worker registered in the setup information 13, for example. It may be notified that the setup work is not accurate by calling the telephone number of the worker registered in the information 13. When a call is made to the worker's telephone number, the notification unit 17 automatically reproduces voice to notify that the setup work is not accurate by voice when the worker operates the mobile terminal 9 to start a call. It is preferable to have a function.

  On the other hand, the application server 4b functions as the operation control unit 23 and the service providing unit 24 when the CPU 20 executes a predetermined program. The operation control unit 23 functions when receiving a command for enabling the network device 7 from the management server 4a. The operation control unit 23 performs control to effectively operate the network device 7 installed in the local environment 3 by transmitting a control command to the network device 7 designated from the management server 4a. When the operation control unit 23 operates the network device 7 effectively, the network device 7 accesses the application server 4b from the local environment 3 and establishes a connection state 101 with the application server 4b.

  The service providing unit 24 holds the connection state 101 established on the basis of access from the network device 7 after the network device 7 operates normally, and uses the connection state 101 as a tunnel, so that the local environment 3 The cloud service is provided in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 8 and the information processing apparatus connected to the network 5. For example, when it is specified that the document data 100 stored in the storage unit 21 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 8, the service providing unit 24 reads the document data 100 from the storage unit 21 and communicates with the network device 7. The document data 100 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 8 using the connection state 101 established in step S1.

  4 illustrates the case where the server device 4 is configured by two servers, that is, the management server 4a and the application server 4b. However, the case where the server device 4 is configured by one server is described above. The information management unit 14, the position information acquisition unit 15, the work determination unit 16, the operation control unit 23, and the service providing unit 24 function in one server.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the network device 7. The network device 7 includes a CPU 30, a storage unit 31, a network interface 32, an external interface 33, an LED light emitting unit 34, a display unit 35, and a speaker 36. The CPU 30 performs various arithmetic processes by executing various programs. The storage unit 31 is a nonvolatile storage unit configured by a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like. In this storage unit 31, unique identification information 37 given to the network device 7, access information 38 describing an address for the network device 7 to access the management server 4a, and the like customized for the customer Customization information 39 is stored in advance. The network interface 32 is for connecting the network device 7 to the network 5 for communication.

  The external interface 33 is for communicating with the portable terminal 9 possessed by the worker. The external interface 33 may perform wired communication via a cable connected to the mobile terminal 9 or may perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 9. When the current position information is input from the portable terminal 9 via the external interface 33 before the normal operation starts after the network device 7 is turned on, the current position information is transmitted to the management server 4a. The Further, when the management server 4a notifies that the setup work is not accurate, if the external interface 33 can communicate with the mobile terminal 9, the setup work is not accurate on the mobile terminal 9 via the external interface 33. May be displayed.

  The LED light emitting unit 34 is arranged on the surface of the network device 7 and displays the status of the network device 7 according to the light emission state. For example, when the network device 7 starts normal operation, the LED light emitting unit 34 emits light with a normal light emission pattern indicating a normal operation state. On the other hand, when the management server 4a notifies that the setup work is not accurate, the LED light emitting unit 34 emits light with an abnormal light emission pattern different from the normal light emission pattern.

  The display unit 35 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, can display various information, and can also display the status of the network device 7 and the like. For example, when the network device 7 starts normal operation, the display unit 35 displays that it is in a normal operation state. On the other hand, when the management server 4a notifies that the setup work is not accurate, the display unit 35 displays that the setup work is not accurate.

  The speaker 36 can output sound, and when the management server 4a is notified that the setup work is not accurate, the speaker 36 generates a warning sound and notifies the worker.

  The network device 7 functions as an initial operation unit 41 and a cooperative operation unit 42 when the CPU 30 executes a predetermined program. The initial operation unit 41 functions at start-up after power-on, and accesses the management server 4a via the network 5 connected to the network interface 32, and whether or not the setup work performed by the operator is accurate. Process to confirm whether or not. When performing the processing, the initial operation unit 41 reads the access information 38 from the storage unit 31 and accesses the management server 4a based on the access information. The initial operation unit 41 reads the identification information 37 from the storage unit 31 and transmits it to the management server 4a. That is, the initial operation unit 41 functions as an information transmission unit that accesses the management server 4a via the network 5 and transmits the identification information 37 to the management server 4a. As a result, the management server 4a can identify the network device 7 on which the worker is performing the setup work based on the identification information 37 transmitted from the initial operation unit 41, and the worker's setup work is accurate. It can be determined whether or not. When the initial operation unit 41 receives the control command transmitted from the application server 4b, the initial operation unit 41 causes the cooperative operation unit 42 to function. Note that when the cooperative operation unit 42 starts to function in the CPU 30, the processing by the initial operation unit 41 ends.

  The cooperation operation unit 42 operates the network device 7 normally. When the CPU 30 starts functioning, the cooperation operation unit 42 reads the customization information 39 from the storage unit 31 and realizes a state where the cloud service can be used based on the customization information 39. To do. That is, the cooperative operation unit 42 performs an operation in cooperation with the application server 4b by establishing the connection state 101 with the application server 4b. In other words, the cooperative operation unit 42 constructs an environment in which the application server 4b can execute a job in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 8 connected to the network 5. Accordingly, each device provided in the local environment 3 can use the cloud service provided by the application server 4b via the network device 7. For example, even when the user accesses the application server 4b from an outside location and gives an instruction to transmit the document data 100 or the like to the image forming apparatus 8 or the like, the application server 4b sends the image forming apparatus 8 or the like in the local environment 3 or the like. Document data 100 and the like can be transmitted.

  On the other hand, the initial operation unit 41 may not receive a control command from the application server 4b after transmitting the identification information 37 to the management server 4a. In that case, the network device 7 does not operate normally because the cooperative operation unit 42 does not function in the network device 7. In this case, the initial operation unit 41 may be notified from the management server 4a that the setup work by the worker is not accurate. When the initial operation unit 41 receives a notification that the setup operation is not accurate from the management server 4a, the initial operation unit 41 causes the LED light emitting unit 34 to emit light with an abnormal light emission pattern, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 35 may display that the setup work is not accurate, or a warning sound may be generated from the speaker 36. Furthermore, if the external interface 33 is in a state where it can communicate with the operator's mobile terminal 9, the initial operation unit 41 may cause the mobile terminal 9 to display that the setup work is not accurate via the external interface 33. good. Thereby, the worker can grasp that the setup work is not accurate, and can quickly redo the work.

  6 illustrates the case where the network device 7 is provided with the external interface 33, the LED light emitting unit 34, the display unit 35, and the speaker 36, these are not essential for the network device 7. That is, the network device 7 may not include at least one or all of the external interface 33, the LED light emitting unit 34, the display unit 35, and the speaker 36. Even in this case, the management server 4a can notify that the setup work is not accurate by sending an e-mail to the portable terminal 9 of the worker or calling the portable terminal 9.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing process between the network device 7 and the server device 4. FIG. 7A illustrates a case where the setup work by the operator is accurate. First, when the network device 7 is turned on while being connected to the network 5 (process P10), the network device 7 transmits the identification information 37 to the management server 4a on the Internet 2 via the network 5. The management server 4a determines the setup work as it receives this identification information 37 (process P11). At this time, the work determination unit 16 identifies the network device 7 based on the identification information 37, and whether the date and time when the setup work of the network device 7 is performed matches the scheduled work date and time registered in the setup information 13 Judge whether or not. As a result, if the work date / time matches the scheduled work date / time, it is determined that the work is accurate.

  However, the work determination unit 16 may determine that the work is not exceptionally accurate even when the date and time when the setup work is performed matches the scheduled work date and time. For example, if another network device 7 to be set up prior to the network device 7 specified in the setup information 13 is registered and the status information of the other network device 7 is “incomplete”, it is scheduled. The setup work is not performed in the order. In this case, the work determination unit 16 determines that the work is not an accurate work even when the date and time when the setup work is performed matches the scheduled work date and time.

  Further, when the work determination unit 16 performs the work determination, the current position information may be acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15. In this case, the work determination unit 16 compares the current position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15 with the installation position information 13e registered in the setup information 13, and determines whether the setup work is being performed at the correct position. Judging. As a result, when it is determined that the setup work is being performed at a position different from the position determined in the installation position information 13e, the work determination unit 16 matches the date and time when the setup work was performed with the scheduled work date and time. Even if it is a case, it is determined that the work is not accurate. If an address or map code is registered in the installation position information 13e and the current position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15 is an IP address, the work determination unit 16 performs the setup operation at the correct position. It is not possible to judge whether or not Therefore, when the current position information of a type different from the information registered in the installation position information 13e is acquired, it is not determined whether the setup work is being performed at the correct position, and the setup work is performed. If the received date and time match the scheduled work date and time, it is determined that the work is accurate.

  When it is determined by the above operation determination (process P11) that an accurate setup operation is being performed, the management server 4a outputs an activation command 51 to the application server 4b. Then, the application server 4 b sends out a control command 52 for causing the network device 7 to operate normally based on the validation command 51. As a result, the network device 7 activates the cooperative operation unit 42 and starts normal operation (process P12). Thereby, the network device 7 establishes the connection state 101 with the application server 4b. Then, the application server 4b starts providing a cloud service in cooperation with the network device 7 (process P13).

  Next, FIG. 7B illustrates a case where the setup work by the worker is not accurate. First, when the network device 7 is powered on while connected to the network 5 (process P20), the network device 7 transmits the identification information 37 to the management server 4a on the Internet 2 via the network 5. The management server 4a determines the setup work as it receives this identification information 37 (process P21). At this time, the work determination unit 16 specifies the network device 7 based on the identification information 37, and determines whether or not the setup work for the network device 7 is an accurate work as described above. As a result, when it is determined that an accurate setup work is not performed, the management server 4a performs a notification process for notifying that the setup work is not accurate (process P22). In this notification process, a process of notifying the operator that the setup work is not accurate in a predetermined notification mode is performed. For example, the management server 4a may notify the worker that the work is not accurate by sending a notification command to the network device 7 and causing the LED light emitting unit 34 to emit light with an abnormal light emission pattern. You may notify by transmitting an electronic mail to the portable terminal 9. FIG.

  Next, the operation of the network device 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the network device 7. When the network device 7 starts this process upon power-on, it determines whether the network 5 is connected to the network interface 32 (step S10). If the network 5 is not connected (NO in step S10), the network device 7 cannot access the management server 4a, and thus ends this process. At this time, the network device 7 notifies the operator that the network 5 is not connected by causing the LED light emitting unit 34 to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern or using another method described above. Anyway. On the other hand, when it is detected that the network 5 is connected (YES in step S10), the network device 7 reads the access information 38 (step S11) and accesses the management server 4a constituting the server device 4. (Step S12). Thereafter, the network device 7 waits until a response is received from the management server 4a (step S13). When a response is received from the management server 4a, the identification information 37 is read (step S14), and the identification information 37 is stored in the management server. Transmit to 4a (step S15). Further, the network device 7 determines whether or not the current position information is input from the mobile terminal 9 via the external interface 33 (step S16). If the current position information is input (YES in step S16), The current position information is transmitted to the management server 4a (step S17). For example, the mobile terminal 9 has a GPS function, and the GPS function can generate current position information such as a place name and a map code and output it to the network device 7. In step S17, not only the current position information input from the portable terminal 9 but also a domain or the like is set in the network 5 of the local environment 3, the domain information is transmitted to the management server 4a as the current position information. You can also. Since the IP address of the network device 7 has already been notified to the management server 4a when accessing the management server 4a, it is necessary to transmit the IP address of the network device 7 to the management server 4a as current location information in step S17. There is no.

  Thereafter, the network device 7 determines whether or not a command has been received from the server device 4 until a predetermined time has elapsed (step S18). This predetermined time is, for example, about several minutes, and is set to a time longer than the time required for the work determination in the management server 4a. If the command is not received from the server device 4 as a result of the determination (NO in step S18), the network device 7 ends the process without performing the subsequent process. On the other hand, when the command is received from the server device 4 (YES in step S18), the network device 7 determines whether or not the control command 52 is for making the cloud service available (step S19). ). If it is the control command 52 (YES in step S19), the network device 7 starts normal operation (step S20) and starts a cooperative operation with the application server 4b (step S21). On the other hand, when the received command is not the control command 52 (NO in step S19), the received command is a notification command for notifying the operator that the setup work is not accurate. In this case, the network device 7 notifies the operator that the setup work is not accurate by causing the LED light emitting unit 34 to emit light with an abnormal light emission pattern based on the notification command (step S22).

  Next, the operation of the server device 4 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the server device 4. The server device 4 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 9 in the state where the steady operation is performed. When starting this processing, the server device 4 first determines whether or not the management server 4a has detected an access from the network device 7 (step S30). If the access is detected (YES in step S30), the access is made. Time is acquired (step S31). The management server 4a waits until the identification information 37 is received from the network device 7 (step S32). When the identification information 37 is received (YES in step S32), the setup information 13 is read (step S33). A work determination process for determining whether or not the setup work performed by the above is a correct work is executed (step S34).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the work determination processing (step S34). When starting the work determination process (step S34), the management server 4a first specifies a setup target device based on the identification information 37 acquired from the network device 7 (step S50). That is, the network device 7 on which the operator is performing the setup work is identified by comparing the information registered in the column of the identification information 13c of the setup information 13 with the identification information 37 acquired from the network device 7. . Then, the management server 4a reads the scheduled work date and time 13a to be set up for the specified network device 7 from the setup information 13, and obtains the access time when the access from the network device 7 is detected and the scheduled work date and time 13a. Collation is performed (step S51), and it is determined whether or not the work time during which the setup work of the setup target device is being performed is a correct time as scheduled (step S52). If the work time is not correct (step S52), the process by the management server 4a proceeds to step S61.

  If the work time is correct (YES in step S52), the management server 4a next determines whether there is another device scheduled to be set up before the specified setup target device in the setup information 13. (Step S53). As a result, if there is another device scheduled to be set up before the specified setup target device (YES in step S53), the management server 4a checks the status information 13d corresponding to the other device ( In step S54, it is determined whether or not “completed” is recorded in the status information 13d of another device scheduled to be set up first (step S55). If the status information 13d of another device scheduled to be set up is “incomplete” (NO in step S55), the process by the management server 4a proceeds to step S61. In step S53, when there is no other device scheduled to be set up prior to the setup target device, the processing in steps S54 and S55 is skipped.

  Subsequently, the management server 4a determines whether or not the position information acquisition unit 15 has acquired the current position information (step S56). When the current position information is acquired (YES in step S56), the management server 4a further determines whether the current position information is information that can be collated with the installation position information 13e registered in the setup information 13. Judgment is made (step S57). That is, the management server 4a determines whether or not the current position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15 is the same type of information as the information registered in the installation position information 13e. And the installation position information 13e are determined. When the current position information can be collated with the installation position information 13e (YES in step S57), the management server 4a collates the installation position information 13e with the current position information (step S58), and the installation position of the setup target device is determined. It is determined whether or not it is correct (step S59). If the installation position of the setup target device is not correct (NO in step S59), the process by the management server 4a proceeds to step S61. If the current position information is not acquired in step S56, or if the current position information cannot be compared with the installation position information 13e in step S57, the processes in steps S58 and S59 are skipped.

  Then, in step S60, the management server 4a determines that the setup work by the worker is an accurate work. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S61, the management server 4a determines that the setup work by the worker is not an accurate work.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the management server 4a determines that the setup work is correct in the work determination process (step S34) as described above (YES in step S35), the management server 4a causes the application server 4b to function. Then, the application server 4b transmits the control command 52 to the network device 7 that is the setup target device, thereby performing a process for effectively operating the network device 7 (step S36). Accordingly, the management server 4a updates the setup information 13 by rewriting the status information 13d of the setup target device from “incomplete” to “completed” (step S37). Thereafter, the application server 4b cooperates with the network device 7 to start providing a cloud service (step S38).

  On the other hand, if the management server 4a determines in the work determination process (step S34) that the setup work is not accurate (NO in step S35), the management server 4a determines whether to perform a notification process for notifying the worker that the setup work is not accurate. Is determined (step S39). As a result, when the notification process is performed (YES in step S39), the management server 4a determines in what manner the notification is performed (step S40). It should be noted that which of the above-described notification modes the management server 4a performs the notification process may be registered in advance in the setup information 13 or the like. In this case, the management server 4a determines which of the plurality of notification modes is used for the notification process based on information registered in the setup information 13 in advance. At this time, it may be determined to perform notification processing in one or more notification modes. Then, the management server 4a performs notification processing for notifying the worker that the setup work is not accurate based on the determined notification mode (step S41). By this notification processing, for example, a notification command is transmitted to the network device 7. Further, an electronic mail is transmitted to the mobile terminal 9 or a call is made to the mobile terminal 9. If the notification process is not performed (NO in step S39), the processes in steps S40 and S41 are skipped.

  If no access from the network device 7 is detected in step S30 (NO in step S30), the process by the management server 4a proceeds to step S42. When proceeding to step S42, the management server 4a determines whether access from the portable terminal 9 has been detected (step S42). As a result, when access from the mobile terminal 9 is detected (YES in step S42), the management server 4a performs a process of updating the setup information 13 based on information input from the mobile terminal 9 (step S43). Therefore, when a sudden change or the like occurs in the setup schedule, the operator can change the setup schedule registered in advance by operating his / her mobile terminal 9 and accessing the management server 4a. it can.

  As described above, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to include the network device 7 customized for the customer and the server device 4 that effectively operates the network device 7 by remotely controlling the network device 7. is there. The network device 7 stores unique identification information 37 given to the network device 7, and the server device 4 is connected via the network 5 when the power is turned on while being connected to the network 5. And the identification information 37 is transmitted to the server device 4. On the other hand, the server device 4 stores setup information 13 in which the identification information 37 and the time for setting up the network device 7 are associated with each other, and when the access from the network device 7 is detected, the network device 7 accesses the server device 4. By referring to the setup information 13 on the basis of the received time and the identification information 37 received from the network device 7, it is determined whether the setup operation of the network device 7 is performed at the correct time. Determine accuracy. If it is determined by the determination that the setup work is accurate, the server device 4 is configured to effectively operate the network device 7 via the network 5.

  According to such a configuration, when the network device 7 customized for the customer is installed in the local environment 3 of the correct customer, the network device 7 can be operated normally. On the other hand, when the network device 7 is installed in the local environment 3 of the wrong customer, the network device 7 does not operate normally, so that the operator can notice that the setup work is wrong, The customized network device 7 can be installed at the correct customer. That is, according to the above configuration, when the operator visits the customer and performs the setup work of the network device 7, the work is finished in a state where the wrong network device 7 is installed. Can be prevented.

  The setup information 13 stored in the server device 4 is information in which the status information 13d of the network device 7 is further associated with the identification information 13c, and the server device 4 operates the network device 7 effectively. Accordingly, information indicating that the setup has been completed is added to the status information 13d. Therefore, the server device 4 can recognize whether or not the setup work of the network device 7 has been completed by managing the setup information 13.

  Further, in the setup information 13, information related to the setup schedule of the plurality of network devices 7 is registered in advance, and when the server device 4 determines that the setup work of one network device 7 is performed at the correct time, Furthermore, on the condition that information indicating that the setup has been completed is added to the status information 13d associated with the other network device 7 scheduled to be set up before the one network device 7. In this configuration, the setup work for one network device 7 is determined to be accurate. According to such a configuration, it can be determined whether the setup work is performed in a predetermined order, and it can be determined with higher accuracy whether the setup work is accurate. .

  The setup information 13 is information in which the installation information 13e indicating the position where the network device 7 should be further installed is associated with the identification information 13c. The server device 4 includes a position information acquisition unit 15 that acquires current position information related to the current position of the network device 7, and the position information acquisition unit 15 acquires current position information about the network device 7 that is being set up. In addition, by comparing the current position information with the installation position information 13e, it is further determined whether or not the network device 7 is set up at the correct installation position. The server device 4 is configured to determine that the setup work is accurate on the condition that the setup work of the network device 7 is performed at the correct installation position. According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether the setup work is being performed at a predetermined location, and it is possible to determine with higher accuracy whether the setup work is accurate.

  Further, the server device 4 described above is configured to notify the worker performing the setup work that the setup work is not accurate when it is determined that the setup work performed by the worker is not accurate. Therefore, when the setup work is not accurate, it is possible to promptly notify the worker.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server apparatus 4 is comprised by the management server 4a and the application server 4b. Therefore, for example, even when there are a plurality of application servers 4b, the management server 4a can comprehensively determine whether or not the cloud service provided by each of the plurality of application servers 4b can be used. Therefore, there is an advantage that the installation efficiency of the server is good.

  Further, the server device 4 has a configuration in which access from the portable terminal 9 possessed by the worker who is performing the setup work is received and the setup information 13 is updated based on information received from the portable terminal 9. For this reason, even if there is a matter for the operator to change the schedule of the setup work, the setup information 13 is updated by updating the setup information 13 based on the information received from the mobile terminal 9 by the server device 4. Work schedules can be managed correctly.

  Although one embodiment related to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be applied.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the network device 7 is a device for establishing the connection state 101 with the application server 4b and making the cloud service available in the local environment 3 is exemplified. However, the network device 7 is not necessarily limited to the device described above. In other words, the network device 7 may be any device that is used while connected to the network 5 in the local environment 3, and may be an image forming apparatus 8 such as an MFP, or a server provided in the local environment 3. An information processing apparatus such as In addition, the network device 7 may be a device such as a mass storage device connected to the network 5 of the local environment 3 and used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 4 Server apparatus 4a Management server 4b Application server 5 Network 7 Network equipment 11 Memory | storage part (memory | storage means)
13 Setup information 15 Position information acquisition unit (Position information acquisition means)
16 Work determination unit (work determination means)
17 Notification section (notification means)
23 Operation control unit (operation control means)
31 Storage unit (storage means)
41 Initial operation part (information transmission means)

Claims (24)

Network equipment customized for customers,
A server device for effectively operating the network device by remotely controlling the network device;
A network system comprising:
The network device is:
Storage means for storing unique identification information given in advance to the network device;
Information transmitting means for accessing the server device via the network and transmitting the identification information to the server device as power is turned on while connected to the network;
Have
The server device is
Storage means for storing setup information in which the identification information is associated with a time at which the network device is set up;
When the access from the network device is detected, the setup operation of the network device is performed by referring to the setup information based on the access time of the network device and the identification information received from the network device. Work determination means for determining whether or not it is performed at a correct time and determining the accuracy of the setup work;
When the work determination means determines that the setup work is accurate, operation control means for effectively operating the network device via the network;
A network system comprising: The setup information is information in which status information of the network device is further associated with the identification information,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit adds information indicating that setup has been completed to the status information as the network device is operated effectively. In the setup information, information related to the setup schedule of a plurality of network devices is registered in advance,
When the work determination unit determines that the setup work of the network device is performed at a correct time, the work determination unit is further associated with another network device that is scheduled to be set up before the network device. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the setup operation is determined to be accurate on condition that information indicating that setup has been completed is added to the status information. The setup information is information in which installation information indicating a position where the network device should be further installed is associated with the identification information.
The server device is
Further comprising position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information regarding the current position of the network device;
The work determination means, when the position information acquisition means acquires the current position information related to the network device, compares the current position information with the installation position information, so that the setup work of the network device is correct. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the setup operation is accurate when the network device is set up at a correct installation position. The network system according to any one of the above.   The network system according to claim 4, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires current position information from a portable terminal possessed by an operator who performs the setup operation.   The network system according to claim 4, wherein the location information acquisition unit acquires current location information based on information received from the network device. The server device is
A management server that includes the storage unit and the work determination unit, and manages a setup schedule of the network device;
Having the operation control means, and effectively operating the network device when the management server determines that the setup operation is accurate, and communicating with the network device after operating the network device effectively An application server that provides predetermined application services by performing
The network system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The said work determination means is provided with the notification means which notifies that the said setup work is not accurate with respect to the worker who is performing the said setup work, when it determines with the said setup work being inaccurate. The network system according to any one of 1 to 7.   9. The notification means according to claim 8, wherein the setup work is not accurate by sending an e-mail to an e-mail address of an operator who is performing the setup work. Network system. The network device further includes a light emitting unit that emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern by operating effectively by the operation control unit,
9. The network system according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit notifies that the setup operation is not accurate by causing the light emitting unit to emit light with a light emitting pattern different from the predetermined light emitting pattern. The network device further includes display means capable of displaying various information,
9. The network system according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit causes the display unit to display that the setup work is not accurate. The network device further includes a speaker that generates sound,
9. The network system according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit notifies that the setup work is not accurate by generating a warning sound from the speaker.   The notification means notifies that the setup work is not accurate by calling a portable terminal possessed by a worker performing the setup work via a public telephone line. 9. The network system according to 8. The server device is
The apparatus further comprises setup information updating means for accepting access from a portable terminal possessed by an operator performing the setup work and updating the setup information based on information received from the portable terminal. The network system according to any one of 1 to 13. A server device that effectively operates the network device by remotely controlling a network device customized for a customer,
Storage means for storing setup information in which identification information unique to the network device is associated with time for setting up the network device;
When the access from the network device is detected, the setup operation of the network device is performed by referring to the setup information based on the access time of the network device and the identification information received from the network device. Work determination means for determining whether or not it is performed at a correct time and determining the accuracy of the setup work;
When the work determination means determines that the setup work is accurate, operation control means for effectively operating the network device;
A server device comprising: The setup information is information in which status information of the network device is further associated with the identification information,
16. The server apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the operation control unit adds information indicating that setup has been completed to the status information as the network device is effectively operated. In the setup information, information related to the setup schedule of a plurality of network devices is registered in advance,
When the work determination unit determines that the setup work of the network device is performed at a correct time, the work determination unit is further associated with another network device that is scheduled to be set up before the network device. The server apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the server apparatus determines that the setup work is accurate on condition that information indicating that setup has been completed is added to the status information. Further comprising position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information regarding the current position of the network device;
The setup information is information in which installation information indicating a position where the network device should be further installed is associated with the identification information.
The work determination means, when the position information acquisition means acquires the current position information related to the network device, compares the current position information with the installation position information, so that the setup work of the network device is correct. 18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: determining whether or not the network device is set up correctly, and determining that the set-up operation is accurate when the network device is set up at a correct installation position. The server apparatus in any one of.   The server apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires current position information from a portable terminal possessed by a worker who performs the setup operation.   The server apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires current position information based on information received from the network device. The server device is
A management server that includes the storage unit and the work determination unit, and manages a setup schedule of the network device;
Having the operation control means, and effectively operating the network device when the management server determines that the setup operation is accurate, and communicating with the network device after operating the network device effectively An application server that provides predetermined application services by performing
The server device according to claim 15, comprising: a server device.   The said work determination means is provided with the notification means which notifies that the said setup work is not accurate with respect to the worker who is performing the said setup work, when it determines with the said setup work being inaccurate. The server device according to any one of 15 to 21.   The apparatus further comprises setup information updating means for accepting access from a portable terminal possessed by an operator performing the setup work and updating the setup information based on information received from the portable terminal. The server device according to any one of 15 to 22. A setup method for effectively operating a network device customized for a customer by remotely controlling the server device,
(a) Accessing the server device via the network as power is turned on while the network device is connected to the network, and transmitting identification information unique to the network device to the server device Steps,
(b) When the server device detects an access from the network device, the network device is set up correctly based on the access time of the network device and the identification information received from the network device. Determining the accuracy of the setup work by determining whether or not
(c) when it is determined in step (b) that the setup operation is accurate, the server device effectively operates the network device via the network;
A setup method characterized by comprising:

Images