JP2022071608A - Installation management system for information processing device, installation management server, information processing device and installation management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method capable of flexibly coping with addition and change of setting of an information processing device and managing whether the setting is correctly performed.SOLUTION: A system includes an installation management server, an information processing device, and a communication terminal. In the installation management system for the information processing device, the information processing device includes an actual machine data storage unit for storing actual machine installation data to be set when being set correspondingly to a configuration and executable functions, and the installation management server includes a registration data storage unit for accepting and storing advanced registration of corresponding registration installation data before installing the information processing device, an actual machine data reference unit for referring to the actual machine installation data, an installation data comparison unit for determining whether there is difference between the referred actual machine installation data and the registration installation data, and a confirmation request notification unit for transmitting a confirmation request for the actual machine installation data and the registration installation data related to the difference to the communication terminal if it is determined that there is the difference between both of them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an installation management system, an installation management server, an information processing device, and an installation management method for managing the installation of an information processing device such as an image processing device.

Information processing devices such as image processing devices, cash registers, and point-of-sale information management terminals are stored in a non-volatile manner by making settings corresponding to the configuration of devices including optional devices and the functions that can be executed when the devices are installed. It is widely practiced to store it on a device. These large, complex functions are often carried in, installed and set up by professional installers rather than being installed by the user himself.
Those installers are required to make similar and non-similar settings for multiple devices efficiently and without error.

The following techniques have been proposed in order to reduce the burden on the installer related to the installation of the image forming apparatus, shorten the working time, and prevent setting mistakes. The shipping table data in which the order information for each image forming device and the identification information for each image forming device are associated with each other and the identification information data for identifying the own device are written in the non-volatile memory of the image forming device at the time of shipment. I'll leave it. The order information in the shipping table includes an order table associated with preset information to be set for each image forming apparatus. Here, the contents of the shipping table to be written are the same as the contents of the shipping table of other image forming apparatus having the same shipping conditions such as the shipping date, the shipping destination, and the model. In other words, the shipping table includes order information for each image forming device and identification information for each image forming device of all image forming devices having the same shipping conditions.

At the time of installation, when the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus, the controller of the image forming apparatus reads out the identification information of the own apparatus written in the non-volatile memory at the time of shipment and the shipping table. Then, the order information addressed to the own device is specified from the order information for each image forming apparatus included in the shipping table. From the order table included in the specified order information addressed to the own device, the preset information for the own device is read and the operating conditions of the own device are set (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-132175

However, configurations and settings may be added or changed after the order is placed. On the day of installation, we may make corrections or add or change settings at the site in response to customer requests. Therefore, the settings registered before installation may differ from the settings made at the installation site. Even in such a case, it is desirable to manage whether or not the installation has been performed correctly, to reliably respond to the addition or change of settings according to the customer's request, and to prevent incorrect settings or forgetting to set.

Further, if the setting is modified at the time of installation due to malicious hacking or the like, it is desired to have a mechanism that can detect it as soon as possible and deal with it.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and is a method capable of flexibly responding to additions and changes of information processing apparatus settings and managing whether or not the settings are made correctly. It is to provide.

The present invention is a system including an installation management server, an information processing device, and a communication terminal that are communicably connected, and the information processing device is set at the time of installation corresponding to a configuration and a feasible function. It is equipped with an actual machine data storage unit that stores the actual machine installation data, and the installation management server accepts pre-registration of registration installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device. Difference between the registered data storage unit to be stored, the actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device, and the referenced actual machine installation data and the registered installation data stored in the registration data storage unit. An installation data comparison unit that determines the presence or absence of data, and a confirmation request notification unit that sends a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two. The communication terminal provides an installation management system for an information processing apparatus including a terminal communication circuit that receives the confirmation request from the installation management server.

Further, from a different point of view, the present invention relates to a server communication circuit that communicates with an information processing device and a communication terminal, and prior registration and installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device. A registration data storage unit that accepts and stores registrations, and an actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device that is set and stored at the time of installation and stores the actual machine installation data corresponding to the functions that can be configured and executed. , The installation data comparison unit that determines whether there is a difference between the referenced actual machine installation data and the registered installation data stored in the registration data storage unit, and the actual machine installation data related to the difference if it is determined that there is a difference between the two. Provided is an installation management server including a confirmation request notification unit for transmitting a confirmation request between the registered installation data and the registered installation data to the communication terminal.

As a different aspect, the present invention comprises a communication circuit that communicates with an installation management server and a communication terminal, an actual machine data storage unit that receives and stores settings of actual machine installation data corresponding to functions that can be configured and executed at the time of installation, and the actual machine installation. Access to the installation management server where the registered installation data that should correspond to the data is pre-registered, and compare the installation data to determine whether there is a difference between the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit and the registered installation data. It includes an information processing device including a unit and a confirmation request notification unit that transmits a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two units.

Further, from a different point of view, the present invention relates to an installation management server capable of communicating with an information processing device and a communication terminal, which is registered and installed data corresponding to a configuration and a function that can be executed by the information processing device before the installation of the information processing device. The step of accepting and storing the pre-registration, the step of referring to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device in which the actual machine installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions are set and stored at the time of installation, and the referenced actual machine installation. The step of determining whether or not there is a difference between the data and the stored registered installation data, and when it is determined that there is a difference between the two, a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference is transmitted to the communication terminal. Provided is an installation management method of an information processing apparatus including a step to be performed.

In the installation management system of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the installation management server determines that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, the installation management server requests confirmation between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference. Since the confirmation request notification unit to be transmitted to the communication terminal is provided, it is possible to flexibly respond to the addition or change of the setting of the information processing device and to manage whether or not the setting is correctly performed.
The installation management server, the information processing device, and the installation management method of the information processing device according to the present invention also have the same effect.

It is a block diagram which shows the configuration example of the installation management system according to Embodiments 1, 2 and 3. It is a 1st flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the installation management server by this embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the installation management server by this embodiment. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen of the pre-registration of the registration installation data to the installation management server. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen which confirms the difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the confirmation request which is transmitted when there is a difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen which corrects the actual machine installation data. In this embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the notification which is transmitted when the actual machine installation data is corrected. It is explanatory drawing which shows the registration data correction request transmitted when the registration installation data is corrected in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen which modifies the registered installation data in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correction notice which is transmitted when the registration installation data is corrected autonomously in Embodiment 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the notification of the function limitation which is transmitted when there is a difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data in Embodiment 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the notification of the function restriction release which is transmitted when the difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data is eliminated in Embodiment 3. It is a block diagram which shows the configuration example of the installation management system according to Embodiment 4.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is exemplary in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the invention.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an installation management system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the installation management system 10 includes an installation management server 20, a multifunction device 30 as an information processing device, and an installation worker-carrying PC 60 as a communication terminal. A typical embodiment is a mobile computer, but an embodiment such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone can also be considered. The installation management server 20, the multifunction device 30 as an information processing device, and the installation worker-carrying PC 60 as a communication terminal are communicably connected via the Internet 70. Further, as the communication terminal, the management PC 50 of the installation service company 40 may further exist.

The multifunction device 30 is installed in the customer building 80, and the customer uses the multifunction device 30 alone or as a peripheral device of the customer PC 81. The multifunction device 30 and the customer PC 81 may be connected via the Internet 70, or may be connected via the intranet without the Internet 70.
This embodiment is closely related to the installation management when the multifunction device 30 is installed in the customer building 80. However, the installation management system may be used not only when the multifunction device 30 is installed in the customer building 80 but also after the installation.

The work of installing the multifunction device 30 in the customer building 80 is performed by the installation worker, and the installation worker carries the PC 60 carried by the installation worker to perform the installation work.
The installation management server 20 includes a processor that performs processing as a server. FIG. 1 shows the server processing unit 22. Further, the installation management server 20 includes a registration data storage unit 24 which is a storage device, and a server communication circuit 26 that communicates with an external device including a multifunction device 30 and a PC 60 carried by an installation worker.
By executing the processing program, the server processing unit 22 functions as an actual machine data reference unit 22a, an installation data comparison unit 22b, and a confirmation request notification unit 22c. Further, although it is not an essential configuration, it may function as a registration data correction unit 22d, a correction determination unit 22f, and a function restriction unit 22e.

The multifunction device 30 includes a multifunction device control unit 32 as a processor for controlling the multifunction device 30. Further, it includes an actual machine data storage unit 34 as a storage device. Further, the multifunction device communication circuit 36 that communicates with an external device including the installation management server 20 is provided. Furthermore, the multifunction device operation display unit 38 as a display device and the multifunction device operation input unit 39 as an input device such as a touch panel are provided.
The installation worker carrying PC 60 includes a carrying PC processing unit 62 as a processor. It also includes a portable PC communication circuit 66 that communicates with external devices including the installation management server 20. Further, a portable PC operation display unit 68 as a display device and a portable PC operation input unit 69 as an input device such as a keyboard are provided.
Similarly, the management PC 50 installed in the installation service company 40 includes a management PC processing unit 52 as a processor. It also includes a management PC communication circuit 56 that communicates with external devices including the installation management server 20. Further, it includes a management PC operation display unit 58 as a display device and a management PC operation input unit 59 as an input device such as a keyboard.

Hereinafter, the procedure for managing the setting data when installing the multifunction device 30 in the customer building 80 will be described. 2A and 2B are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the installation management server 20 according to this embodiment, and more specifically, the processing executed by the server processing unit 22.
As shown in FIG. 2A, prior to the installation of the multifunction device 30, the installation worker preliminarily inputs the setting data to be set at the time of installation corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the multifunction device 30 to the installation management server 20. to register. The registered data is stored in the registration data storage unit 24 of the installation management server 20. The stored data is called registered installation data. When the multifunction device 30 is actually installed, a series of actual device installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the multifunction device 30 is stored in the actual device data storage unit 34 of the multifunction device 30. The registered installation data is a series of data that should completely correspond to the actual machine installation data. Here, the pre-registration means that the pre-registration is performed in the installation management server 20 before or in parallel with the actual installation of the multifunction device 30.

Registration to the installation management server 20 Registration of installation data may be performed using a PC 60 carried by an installation worker, may be performed using a management PC 50 of another installation service company 40, or other communication. It may be performed using a terminal (PC). The PC 60 carried by the installation worker is brought to the site by the installation worker who performs the installation work of the multifunction device 30, but the registration of the registered installation data may be performed on the same PC or a different communication terminal (PC). It may be done at.
As shown in FIG. 2A, when the server processing unit 22 of the installation management server 20 receives, for example, a registration request for registration / installation data related to the multifunction device 30 from the management PC 50 (Yes in step S11), the server processing unit 22 is registered and installed from the management PC 50. The operation of registering the data is accepted and stored in the registration data storage unit 24 (step S13).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen when pre-registering registration installation data in the installation management server 20 in this embodiment. The pre-registration operation screen 90 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the management PC operation display unit 58 when the registration operation is performed using the management PC 50. When the registration operation is performed using the installation worker carrying PC 60, the pre-registration operation screen 90 is displayed on the carrying PC operation display unit 68. On the pre-registration operation screen 90, the registered values of a series of registered installation data are displayed for each installation data name. The installation data name is displayed in the leftmost column, and the set value of the registered installation data is displayed in the center column. The actual machine installation data is displayed in the rightmost column, but since it is before the installation of the multifunction device 30, all the actual machine installation data are "not set".

The "new creation" key on the pre-registration operation screen 90 shown in FIG. 3 is used for an operation of adding a new item to the installation data name. The "Edit" key is used for operations such as setting registered installation data or changing the registered setting value for any of the existing installation data names. The "Delete" key is used to delete any of the existing installation data names.
After pre-registering the registered installation data, the installation worker brings the PC 60 carried by the installation worker to the customer building 80 to install the multifunction device 30. At the time of installation work, the installation worker carrying PC 60 may access the installation management server 20 to refer to the registered installation data stored in the registration data storage unit 24, or the installation worker carrying PC 60 may be used for installation data. You may store and bring it with you.

However, the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit 34 of the multifunction device 30 is set by the installation worker performing a predetermined work. The setting may include, for example, one set by the installer performing a predetermined operation using the multifunction device operation input unit 39 of the multifunction device 30. Alternatively, a device that can be set remotely by performing a predetermined operation using the portable PC operation input unit 69 of the installation worker portable PC 60 may be included. Further, the device may be set by detecting the presence / absence of mounting of an optional device regardless of the operation by the multifunction device operation input unit 39.

For example, among the installation data names shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of "expansion kit 1", "expansion kit 2", "option 1", and "option 2" detects the installation of the corresponding expansion kit or optional equipment. By doing so, the set value will be reflected in the actual machine installation data. At least some are mentioned because some expansion kits or optional equipment may not have the ability to detect wearing. Such expansion kits or optional devices need to be installed and the corresponding actual machine installation data must be set by the installation worker or the like.

Further, the "setting value 1" shown in FIG. 3 is an initial value of the setting related to double-sided printing, and is an initial value in which the installation worker, the user of the multifunction device 30, or the like should set the actual machine installation data. However, if the double-sided unit required to realize the double-sided printing function is an optional device (for example, option 1 shown in Fig. 3), in a configuration where the double-sided unit is not installed, only the "single-sided" setting is taken and the "double-sided" setting is set. Can't. That is, the setting value that the "setting value 1" can take depends on the configuration of the multifunction device 30 (the setting value of the "option 1").
Even if the installation data of the actual machine reflects the installation of expansion kits and optional equipment as described above, it is necessary to register all the data for the registration installation data to be pre-registered by the operation of the installation worker, etc. be.

Registration to the installation management server 20 After completing the pre-registration of the installation data, the installation worker goes to the customer building 80 to install the multifunction device 30. At this time, the installation worker shall bring the PC60 carried by the installation worker. The installation work of the multifunction device 30 includes the installation of expansion kits and optional devices and the setting of actual machine installation data.
When the installation work is completed, the installation worker performs a predetermined operation using the multifunction device operation input unit 39 of the multifunction device 30 in a state where the actual machine installation data is set and stored in the actual machine data storage unit 34, and the installation work is performed. Notify the installation management server 20 of the completion of. The installation management server 20 may be notified of the completion of the installation work by using the PC 60 carried by the installation worker instead of the multifunction device 30.

Upon receiving the notification of the completion of the installation work, the server processing unit 22 (Yes in step S15 in FIG. 2A) accesses the multifunction device 30 as the actual machine data reference unit 22a, and receives the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit 34. Refer to the set value (step S17). Then, the installation data comparison unit 22b compares each item of the actual machine data with the registered value of each item of the registered installation data pre-registered and stored in the registration data storage unit 24 (step S19).
As a result, if there is no difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data for any of the items (No in step S19), the process ends.

On the other hand, when there is a difference in any of the items of the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data (Yes in step S19), the server processing unit 22 sends a confirmation request notification to the installation worker carrying PC 60 in this embodiment (Yes). Step S25). That is, the server processing unit 22 urges the installation worker to confirm the difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data as the confirmation request notification unit 22c.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a confirmation request notification transmitted when there is a difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the confirmation request notification 100 is transmitted from the installation management server 20 to the installation worker carrying PC 60.
The process of step S21 shown by the chain line frame in FIG. 2A and the process of step S47 shown by the chain line frame in FIG. 2B will be described in the second embodiment. Further, the processing of steps S23, S27 and S29 shown by the chain line frame in FIG. 2A will be described in the third embodiment.

Upon receiving the confirmation request notification 100 from the installation management server 20, the installation worker confirms the difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data using the installation worker carrying PC60. If it is determined that the difference is caused by the installation worker forgetting to set or erroneous operation, the installation worker corrects the actual machine installation data.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming the difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data in this embodiment. The difference confirmation screen 92 shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed on the carrying PC operation display unit 68 of the installation worker carrying PC 60. Alternatively, it may be displayed on the multifunction device operation display unit 38 of the multifunction device 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the installation worker can confirm the presence or absence of a difference in each item of the registration setting data and the actual machine setting data on the difference confirmation screen 92. Further, the actual machine installation data can be corrected on the actual machine installation data correction screen 94 shown in FIG. When modifying the actual machine installation data, the installation worker operates the "edit" key on the actual machine installation data correction screen 94 to correct the set value. When the actual machine installation data correction screen 94 is displayed on the portable PC operation display unit 68 of the installation worker carrying PC 60, the installation worker carrying PC 60 is remotely confirmed and corrected while communicating with the multifunction device 30.
In addition, there may be a mode in which only the confirmation is performed by the portable PC operation display unit 68 of the installation worker's portable PC 60, and the actual machine installation data is corrected by the multifunction device operation display unit 38 and the multifunction device operation input unit 39 of the multifunction device 30.

By the way, in FIG. 6, regarding the "setting value 1" related to the initial value setting of the double-sided printing function, the registered installation data is "double-sided" and the actual machine installation data is "single-sided", but the actual machine setting data is "double-sided". Shows the state in which the difference has been resolved by correcting to.
When the actual machine installation data related to the difference is corrected and the difference is resolved, the multifunction device control unit 32 of the multifunction device 30 transmits a notification that the actual machine installation data has been corrected to the installation management server 20.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a notification of actual machine installation data correction transmitted when the actual machine installation data is corrected in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the actual machine installation data correction notification 102 is transmitted from the multifunction device 30. However, when the actual machine installation data is corrected using the installation worker carrying PC 60, the actual machine installation data correction notification 102 may be transmitted from the installation worker carrying PC 60 to the installation management server 20.

On the other hand, the difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data may be caused by an error in the registered installation data. Alternatively, the order or settings may have been changed after pre-registration, but the registered installation data may not have been updated. Orders and changes in settings may occur at the site of installation work of the multifunction device 30. In those cases, it is necessary to correct the registered installation data related to the difference.
In that case, as shown in FIG. 8, the registration installation data correction request 104 is transmitted to the installation management server 20. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the registration installation data correction request 104 is transmitted from the installation worker carrying PC 60 that has received the confirmation request notification 100. However, in the embodiment in which the difference is confirmed using the multifunction device operation display unit 38 of the multifunction device 30, the registration / installation data correction request 104 may be transmitted from the multifunction device 30 to the installation management server 20.
In response to the reception of the registration installation data correction request 104, the server processing unit 22 as the registration data correction unit 22d corrects the registration installation data stored in the registration data storage unit 24.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for modifying the registered installation data in this embodiment. The registered installation data correction operation screen 96 shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed on the portable PC operation display unit 68 of the installation worker portable PC 60. Alternatively, it may be displayed on the multifunction device operation display unit 38 of the multifunction device 30.
As shown in FIG. 9, the installation worker remotely corrects the registered installation data stored in the registered data storage unit 24 of the installation management server 20 by operating the "edit" key on the registered installation data correction operation screen 96. can.
The registered installation data correction operation screen 96 shown in FIG. 9 may be a screen common to the actual machine installation data correction screen 94 shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, for the "expansion kit 2", the actual machine installation data is "valid", while the registered installation data is "invalid" and pre-registered, but it is corrected to "valid". Indicates that the operation to be performed has been performed.
When the expansion kit 2 is attached to the multifunction device 30, the actual machine installation data of the item of the "expansion kit 2" is set to "valid". If the set value of the registered installation data is "invalid", it is possible that the expansion kit 2 was installed by mistake, or that the registration error or the option configuration was changed after registration. The example shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to a case where a registration error or an option configuration is changed after registration, and shows a case where the registered installation data is corrected as a result of confirmation.

When the correction of the registered installation data is completed, the installation management server 20 as the registration data correction unit 22d sends the registration installation data correction notification 106 to the sender of the registration installation data correction request 104 to indicate that the registration installation data has been corrected. Inform (see Figure 10).
The flow of the above-mentioned processing will be described with reference to the flowchart.
After transmitting the confirmation request notification in step S25 of FIG. 2A, the server processing unit 22 waits for the confirmation result difference to be corrected. First, as shown in FIG. 8, it is checked whether or not a correction request for the registered installation data has been received (step S41 in FIG. 2B).

When the registration installation data correction request is received (Yes in step S41), the server processing unit 22 as the registration data correction unit 22d accepts the correction of the registration installation data using the registration installation data correction operation screen 96. Then, the registered installation data stored in the registered data storage unit 24 is modified (step S43), and the registered installation data modification notification 106 is transmitted (step S45).
After that, the server processing unit 22 returns the processing to step S17 in FIG. 2A, and checks whether there are any items having a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S41 of FIG. 2B does not receive the correction request for the registered installation data, the server processing unit 22 as the installation data comparison unit 22b subsequently checks whether or not the actual machine installation data has been corrected. That is, it is checked whether or not the actual machine installation data correction notification 102 has been received (step S49). When the actual machine installation data correction notification 102 notifying that the actual machine installation data has been corrected is received (Yes in step S49), the server processing unit 22 returns the processing to step S17 in FIG. 2A. Then, check if there are any items that have a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data.

As described above, the server processing unit 22 monitors that either the registered installation data or the actual machine installation data related to the difference is corrected after the notification of the confirmation request is transmitted (No. in step S41 of FIG. 2B). , A loop returning to step S41 via No in S49).
The above is the flow of processing related to installation management executed by the server processing unit 22 in this embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, when the server processing unit 22 determines that there is a difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data, an embodiment including a function limiting unit 22e that limits the function of the multifunction device 30 related to the difference will be described.
As described in the first embodiment, the server processing unit 22 compares each item of the actual machine data and the registered installation data (step S19 in FIG. 2A), and if any of the items is different, the confirmation request notification 100 (See Fig. 5). In this embodiment, in addition to that, when it is determined that there is a difference between the two (Yes in step S19), a function limitation instruction 108 is sent to the multifunction device 30 so as to limit the function of the multifunction device 30 related to the difference (FIG. 2A). (See step S21 and FIG. 11) shown by a chain line frame.

Upon receiving the function restriction instruction 108, the multifunction device control unit 32 of the multifunction device 30 disables the function related to the difference until the difference is resolved. For example, if there is a difference in the "set value 1" related to the double-sided printing function as shown in FIG. 6, the double-sided printing function is prohibited and only single-sided printing is performed.
Further, when there is a difference in the "expansion kit 2" as shown in FIG. 9, control is performed assuming that the expansion kit 2 is not installed.
Then, when the registered installation data related to the difference or the actual machine installation data is corrected and the difference between the two is resolved, the function restriction release instruction 110 is transmitted to the multifunction device 30 so as to release the restriction on the function related to the difference (FIG. 2B). (See step S47 and FIG. 12) shown by a chain line frame.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, when the server processing unit determines that there is a difference between the registered installation data and the actual machine installation data, the server processing unit includes a correction determination unit 22f that determines the content of the difference and autonomously corrects the registered installation data. Will be described.
In the first embodiment, the server processing unit 22 compares each item of the actual machine data and the registered installation data (step S19 in FIG. 2A), and sends a confirmation request notification 100 when there is a difference in any of the items (FIG. 5). See). In this embodiment, before transmitting the confirmation request notification 100, it is determined whether or not the difference should be confirmed by the installation worker, and based on the determination, the installation worker does not need to confirm autonomously. The registered installation data may be revised.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where there is a difference in the “expansion kit 2”. The actual installation data of the items related to the expansion kit 2 shall be set by detecting the installation of the expansion kit 2. Then, the actual machine installation data related to the "expansion kit 2" is "valid" only because the expansion kit 2 is mounted on the multifunction device 30.
In this embodiment, the server processing unit 22 as the correction determination unit 22f determines that if the expansion kit 2 is actually mounted on the multifunction device 30, it is meaningless not to make it function as "invalid". .. According to the actual configuration of the multifunction device 30, the set value is corrected from "invalid" to "valid" in the "expansion kit 2" of the registered installation data (see step S23 shown by the chain line frame in FIG. 2A).

The flow of the above-mentioned processing will be described with reference to the flowchart.
If the server processing unit 22 determines in step S19 of FIG. 2A that there is a difference in any of the items of the actual machine data and the registered installation data, the server processing unit 22 as the correction determination unit 22f informs the installation worker at that time. It is determined whether or not it should be confirmed (see step S23 shown by the chain line frame in FIG. 2A).
If it is determined that there is no rationality for the installation worker to confirm (No in step S23), the server processing unit 22 as the correction determination unit 22f corrects the set value of the registered installation data according to the actual machine installation data (chained line frame). See step S27 shown in. For example, as described above, when the installation of an expansion kit or an optional device is detected and the actual machine installation data is set. The server processing unit 22 that limits the functions related to the difference in the process of step S21 and determines that the difference has been eliminated by the modification of step S27 cancels the restriction of the function performed based on the difference. The function restriction release instruction 110 is sent to the multifunction device 30.

Then, the registration installation data correction notification 106 is transmitted to the installation worker carrying PC60 (see step S29 indicated by the chain line frame).
On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination of step S23 that the installation worker should be confirmed (Yes in step S23), the server processing unit 22 carries the installation worker as described in the first embodiment. A confirmation request notification is transmitted to the PC 60 (step S25).
The above is the processing of the server processing unit 22 according to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, the multifunction device control unit 32 replaces the actual machine data reference unit, the installation data comparison unit, and the confirmation request notification unit of the server processing unit 22 in the first embodiment with the registration data reference unit, the installation data comparison unit, and the confirmation unit. Functions as a request notification unit. Further, instead of the function limiting unit of the server processing unit 22, the multifunction device control unit 32 may function as a function limiting unit.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the installation management system 10 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1. In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the server processing unit 22 as shown in FIG. 1 does not include the actual machine data reference unit 22a, the installation data comparison unit 22b, the confirmation request notification unit 22c, and the function restriction unit 22e. Instead, the multifunction device control unit 32 of the multifunction device 30 includes an actual machine data reference unit 32a, an installation data comparison unit 32b, a confirmation request notification unit 32c, and a function restriction unit 32e. However, the function limiting unit 32e is not an essential configuration.

According to this embodiment, the multifunction device control unit 32 accesses the installation management server 20 as the registration data reference unit 32a, and refers to the set value of the registration installation data stored in the registration data storage unit 24. Then, the installation data comparison unit 32b compares each item of the actual machine data with the registered value of each item of the registered installation data that has been pre-registered and stored in the registration data storage unit 24. When there is a difference between any of the items of the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, the multifunction device control unit 32 as the confirmation request notification unit 32c transmits a confirmation request notification to the installation worker carrying PC60. By sending a confirmation request to the PC60 carried by the installation worker, the installation worker is urged to confirm the difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data.
Further, when there is a difference between the two, the multifunction device control unit 32 as the function limiting unit 32e may limit the function so that the function related to the difference cannot be used for a period until the difference is resolved.

As mentioned above,
(I) The installation management system of the information processing device according to the present invention is a system including an installation management server, an information processing device, and a communication terminal connected to be communicable, and the information processing device is configured and executed. The installation management server is provided with an actual machine data storage unit that stores actual machine installation data set at the time of installation corresponding to possible functions, and the installation management server can configure and execute the information processing device before installing the information processing device. A registration data storage unit that receives and stores pre-registration of registration installation data corresponding to the above, an actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device, and a reference actual machine installation data and the registration data storage. The communication between the installation data comparison unit that determines whether there is a difference from the registered installation data stored in the unit and the confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two. The communication terminal includes a confirmation request notification unit for transmitting to the terminal, and the communication terminal includes a terminal communication circuit for receiving the confirmation request from the installation management server.

In the present invention, the information processing apparatus performs processing related to information. Specific embodiments thereof include an image processing device that performs processing related to images, a cash register machine that performs processing related to monetary information, a point-of-sale information management terminal, and the like.
Further, the configuration of the information processing apparatus takes into consideration that the information processing apparatus has a different configuration depending on, for example, a destination, specifications, or optional equipment. Further, the functions that can be executed take into consideration that the functions that can be executed by the information processing apparatus differ depending on the configuration. Further, although it does not depend on rectification, for example, it considers the case where the function is enabled or disabled based on the user's usage pattern, preference, or usage contract with the user.

Furthermore, the actual machine installation data is data set according to the configuration of the information processing device and the functions that can be executed. The setting of the actual machine installation data is set, for example, by the installer performing a predetermined operation. Further, it may be set regardless of the operation by detecting whether or not the optional device is attached. The processor that controls the operation of the information processing device determines the functions that the information processing apparatus can execute based on the actual machine installation data, and controls the information processing apparatus based on the determination. Therefore, the setting of the actual machine installation data is reflected in the processing of the information processing device.

The registered installation data is data in a format corresponding to the actual machine installation data, and is registered in the installation management server, stored and pressed. The registered installation data indicates the contents that should be set in the information processing device as the actual machine installation data. However, the processor of the information processing device does not control the operation of the information processing device with reference to the registered installation data, and the processor controls the operation of the information processing device with reference to the actual machine installation data.
Further, referring to the actual machine installation data means that the actual machine data reference unit of the installation management server refers to the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit of the information processing apparatus via communication.

Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(Ii) The information processing apparatus further includes a communication circuit for notifying the installation management server of the completion of installation including the setting of the actual machine installation data, and the actual machine data reference unit of the installation management server is the information processing apparatus. In response to the notification of installation completion received from, the actual machine installation data set in the information processing apparatus may be referred to.
In this way, when the installation of the information processing device is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a difference from the registered installation data stored in the registered data storage unit, and if there is a difference, a confirmation request is transmitted to the communication terminal. It is possible to make the user of the communication terminal take appropriate measures.

(Iii) When the installation management server determines that there is a difference between the registration data correction unit that corrects the registration installation data related to the difference and the actual machine installation data and the registration installation data, the communication terminal is notified. When a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference is sent and a correction request is received from the communication terminal, the registered data correction unit is made to correct the registered installation data related to the difference, or the same. The registration data correction unit may further include a correction determination unit for determining whether to correct the registration installation data related to the difference without requiring a correction request from the communication terminal.
In this way, if it is determined that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, a confirmation request is sent to the communication terminal to have the user of the communication terminal take measures, or the installation is done without human intervention. It is possible to determine whether to modify the registered installation data on the management server side.

(Iv) The registered data correction unit may send a notification of correction completion to the communication terminal when the correction of the registered installation data related to the difference is completed.
By doing so, it is possible to notify the user of the communication terminal to that effect when the registered installation data is modified on the installation management server side without human intervention.

(V) When the installation management server determines that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, an instruction for limiting the function related to the difference is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and the difference is related. A function limiting unit may be further provided to send an instruction to release the restriction of the function to the information processing apparatus when the actual machine installation data or the registered installation data is corrected and the difference between the two is eliminated.
In this way, if it is determined that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, the function related to that case is restricted, and if appropriate measures are taken and the difference between the two disappears, the function is restricted. Can be released. Then, it is possible to prevent the user of the information processing apparatus from being confused or damaged by the operation based on the irrational setting.

(Vi) One aspect of the present invention is a server communication circuit that communicates with an information processing device and a communication terminal, and registered installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device. A registration data storage unit that accepts and stores pre-registration, and an actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device that is set and stored at the time of installation and stores the actual machine installation data corresponding to the functions that can be configured and executed. And the installation data comparison unit that determines whether there is a difference between the referenced actual machine installation data and the registered installation data stored in the registration data storage unit, and the actual machine installation related to the difference if it is determined that there is a difference between the two. It includes an installation management server including a confirmation request notification unit that transmits a confirmation request between the data and the registered installation data to the communication terminal.

(Vii) Different aspects of the present invention include a communication circuit that communicates with an installation management server and a communication terminal, and an actual machine data storage unit that receives and stores settings of actual machine installation data corresponding to functions that can be configured and executed at the time of installation. Access the installation management server in which the registered installation data corresponding to the actual machine installation data is pre-registered, and determine whether or not there is a difference between the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit and the registered installation data. Includes an information processing device including an installation data comparison unit and a confirmation request notification unit that transmits a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two. ..

(Viii) One aspect of the present invention is registration and installation data in which an installation management server capable of communicating with an information processing device and a communication terminal corresponds to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before the installation of the information processing device. The step of accepting and storing the pre-registration of the actual machine, the step of referring to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device that is set and stored at the time of installation, and the referenced actual machine The step of determining whether or not there is a difference between the installation data and the stored registered installation data, and when it is determined that there is a difference between the two, a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference is sent to the communication terminal. Includes an installation management method for an information processing device comprising a step of transmission.

Aspects of the present invention also include a combination of any of the plurality of embodiments described above.
In addition to the embodiments described above, there may be various variations of the present invention. These variations should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The invention should include claims and equivalent meaning and all modifications within said scope.

10: Installation management system, 20: Installation management server, 22: Server processing unit, 22a: Actual machine data reference unit, 22b, 32b: Installation data comparison unit, 22c, 32c: Confirmation request notification unit, 22d: Registration data correction unit, 22e, 32e: Function restriction unit, 22f: Correction judgment unit, 24: Registration data storage unit, 26: Server communication circuit, 30: Complex machine, 32: Complex machine control unit, 32a: Registration data reference unit, 34: Actual machine data Storage unit, 36: Multi-device communication circuit, 38: Multi-device operation display unit, 39: Multi-device operation input unit, 40: Installation service company, 50: Management PC, 52: Management PC processing unit, 56: Management PC communication circuit , 58: Management PC operation display unit, 59: Management PC operation input unit, 60: Installation worker carrying PC, 62: Carrying PC processing unit, 66: Carrying PC communication circuit, 68: Carrying PC operation display unit, 69: Carrying PC operation input unit, 70: Internet, 80: Customer building, 81: Customer PC, 90: Pre-registration operation screen, 92: Difference confirmation screen, 94: Actual machine installation data correction screen, 96: Registration installation data correction operation screen 100: Confirmation request notification, 102: Actual machine installation data correction notification, 104: Registered installation data correction request, 106: Registered installation data correction notification, 108: Function restriction instruction, 110: Function restriction release instruction

Claims (8)

A system equipped with a communicable installation management server, an information processing device, and a communication terminal.
The information processing device includes an actual machine data storage unit that stores actual machine installation data set at the time of installation corresponding to a function that can be configured and executed.
The installation management server is
A registration data storage unit that receives and stores pre-registration of registration installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device.
An actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device, and
An installation data comparison unit that determines whether or not there is a difference between the referenced actual machine installation data and the registered installation data stored in the registered data storage unit.
It is equipped with a confirmation request notification unit that sends a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two.
The communication terminal is an installation management system for an information processing device including a terminal communication circuit that receives the confirmation request from the installation management server. The information processing apparatus further includes a communication circuit for notifying the installation management server of the completion of installation including the setting of the actual machine installation data.
The installation management system according to claim 1, wherein the actual machine data reference unit of the installation management server refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device in response to a notification of installation completion received from the information processing device. .. The installation management server
The registration data correction unit that corrects the registration installation data related to the difference,
When it is determined that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference is transmitted to the communication terminal, and a correction request is made from the communication terminal. When the data is received, the registered data correction unit is made to correct the registered / installed data related to the difference, or the registered data correction unit is made to correct the registered / installed data related to the difference without requiring a correction request from the communication terminal. The installation management system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a correction determination unit for determining whether to make corrections. The installation management system according to claim 3, wherein the registration data correction unit transmits a notification of the completion of correction to the communication terminal when the correction of the registered installation data related to the difference is completed. When the installation management server determines that there is a difference between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data, it sends an instruction to limit the function related to the difference to the information processing apparatus, and the actual machine installation data related to the difference. Alternatively, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a function limiting unit for transmitting an instruction to release the restriction of the function to the information processing apparatus when the registered installation data is corrected and the difference between the two is eliminated. Installation management system. A server communication circuit that communicates with information processing devices and communication terminals,
A registration data storage unit that receives and stores pre-registration of registration installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device.
The actual machine data reference unit that refers to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device, which is set and stored at the time of installation, and the actual machine installation data corresponding to the functions that can be configured and executed.
An installation data comparison unit that determines whether or not there is a difference between the referenced actual machine installation data and the registered installation data stored in the registered data storage unit.
An installation management server including a confirmation request notification unit that sends a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two. A communication circuit that communicates with the installation management server and communication terminal,
An actual machine data storage unit that accepts and stores the settings of the actual machine installation data corresponding to the functions that can be configured and executed at the time of installation.
Access the installation management server in which the registered installation data corresponding to the actual machine installation data is pre-registered, and determine whether or not there is a difference between the actual machine installation data stored in the actual machine data storage unit and the registered installation data. Installation data comparison unit and
An information processing device including a confirmation request notification unit that transmits a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two. An installation management server that can communicate with information processing devices and communication terminals
A step of accepting and storing pre-registration of registration installation data corresponding to the configuration and executable functions of the information processing device before installation of the information processing device.
Steps to refer to the actual machine installation data set in the information processing device, which is set and stored at the time of installation, and the actual machine installation data corresponding to the functions that can be configured and executed.
Steps to determine if there is a difference between the referenced actual machine installation data and the stored registered installation data,
An installation management method for an information processing device including a step of transmitting a confirmation request between the actual machine installation data and the registered installation data related to the difference when it is determined that there is a difference between the two.

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