JP4561373B2 - Control download of information from servers connected to the network - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for downloading predetermined information to be used by a device from a server connected via a network.

  In recent years, with the spread of network technologies such as the Internet and local area networks, a device management system that manages a plurality of devices such as printers connected to a network by a management server connected via the network has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 below). In this device management system, each device connected to the network, for example, acquires predetermined monitoring information about the device, such as the operation status of the device, by a network board built in each device, and individually transmits it to the management server. To do. As the monitoring information, for example, when the device is a printer, the number of copies, the amount of ink and toner used, the remaining amount, error information, and the like can be given. In such a device management system, the management server holds information such as the latest program and data to be used by each device, and each device individually downloads these from the management server. May be used. For example, Patent Document 2 described below describes a technique for downloading content from a main server and distributing it to a user terminal.

JP 2004-185351 A JP 2003-186785 A

  In the above-described device management system, when a firewall is installed between the management server and the device, the management server is the main, push type, used from the management server to each device by each device. In some cases, it was not possible to download the latest programs and data. In addition, when each device is the main, pull type, download request for the information is sent to the management server, and the information is downloaded from the management server, the number of devices to be managed by the management server is enormous. Then, a large number of devices may access the management server all at once and transmit download requests all at once, and processing for the download request in the management server may be delayed or disabled. Such a problem is not limited to a printer, but is a common problem in a device management system in which various devices connected to a network are managed by a management server.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and reduces the frequency of access from a device to a server in a device management system that downloads predetermined information to be used by the device from the server to the device. For the purpose.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.
The information collection / delivery control device of the present invention comprises:
An information collection and distribution control apparatus that is incorporated in a device connected to a predetermined network and downloads predetermined information to be used by the device from a predetermined server connected to the network,
A download request storage unit for storing a download request for the information to the server;
A determination unit that determines whether a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at a preset timing;
When the determination unit determines that the download request to be transmitted is stored in the download request storage unit, the other device holds the other device connected to the network. A transmission request collecting unit that transmits the transmission request for the download request to be transmitted, and collects the download request to be transmitted from the other device as a response to the transmission request;
A transmission unit that transmits the collected download requests and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server;
As a response to the transmitted download request, a receiving unit that receives the information corresponding to the download request from the server;
A distribution unit that distributes the information corresponding to the collected download request to the other devices among the received information;
It is a summary to provide.

  The information collection and distribution control apparatus of the present invention is built in a device connected to a network, for example, as a network card or a network board. Examples of the device include various devices that are connected to a network and used, such as a printer, a scanner, a projector, an audio device, a home appliance, a client computer, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). The “preset timing” is a timing set to download predetermined information to be used by the device from the server. Hereinafter, this timing is also referred to as download time.

  In the present invention, when a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at the download time, the download request to be transmitted held by the device is collected from another device. Then, these are transmitted to the server together with the download request to be transmitted which is held by itself. In other words, even when the download time comes, if the download request to be transmitted to the management server is not stored in the download request storage unit, the download requests from other devices are not collected, It does not send download requests. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the download time comes, it is possible to cause a case where collection of download requests from other devices and transmission to the server are not performed. Access frequency to the server can be reduced.

In the information collection and distribution control apparatus,
The download request collection unit may prohibit the collection when the determination unit determines that the download request to be transmitted is not stored in the download request storage unit.

  In the present invention, when the download request to be transmitted to the management server is not stored in the download request storage unit even at the download time, download requests from other devices are not collected and downloaded to the management server. It also does not send requests. Therefore, the access frequency from the device monitoring control apparatus to the management server can be reduced.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
An identification information storage unit for storing identification information for identifying a device in which the information collection and distribution control apparatus is incorporated;
The download request collection unit further collects identification information for identifying the other device from the other device,
The transmission unit includes the collected download request and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit, the collected identification information, and the identification stored in the identification information storage unit. It is preferable to perform the transmission in association with information.

  As the identification information, for example, a name given to the device, a MAC address, an IP address, a manufacturing number, or the like can be used. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily identify the device that has output each download request on the server side.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
A download request file creation unit that creates a download request file that integrally records the collected download requests and the download request stored in the download request storage unit;
Preferably, the transmission unit transmits the download request file to the server.

  By doing so, download requests for a plurality of devices can be transmitted to the management server at a time, so that an increase in network traffic can be suppressed.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
A download request deletion unit that deletes the download request corresponding to the received information stored in the download request storage unit in response to reception of the information may be provided.

  By doing so, all the download requests stored in the download request storage unit become download requests to be transmitted to the server, so the determination unit stores the download request to be transmitted to the server in the download request storage unit. It can be easily determined whether or not.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
An information storage unit for storing the information received from the server;
A distribution request receiving unit that receives a distribution request for the information corresponding to the download request collected from the other device from the other device;
The distribution unit may perform the distribution in response to the distribution request.

  In this way, the information can be distributed at a timing requested from another device. Regardless of the distribution request from other devices, for example, immediately after the information is downloaded from the server, the information may be distributed at a timing set in the information collection and distribution control device. Good.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
The distribution unit may distribute the download request deletion request corresponding to the information together with the information.

  In this way, other devices can delete the collected download requests in accordance with the deletion request received from the information collection and distribution control apparatus. Since all download requests held by other devices become download requests to be sent to the server, other devices can easily determine whether or not they hold download requests to be sent to the server. it can.

In the information collection and distribution control device of the present invention,
A transmission request receiving unit that receives the transmission request from the other device;
The transmission unit may further transmit the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the other device that has transmitted the transmission request in response to the transmission request.

  By doing so, the information collection and distribution control apparatus can transmit a download request to be transmitted to another device in accordance with the transmission request received from the other device.

In the information collection and distribution control apparatus,
The transmission unit may further transmit a distribution request for the information corresponding to the download request transmitted to the other device to the other device.

  By doing so, another device that has transmitted the download request to the server and downloaded the information corresponding to the download request from the server can distribute the information in response to the distribution request.

In the information collection and distribution control apparatus,
The receiving unit may further receive the information corresponding to the distribution request from the other device.

  Thus, the information corresponding to the distribution request can be received from another device that has downloaded the information from the server.

In the information collection and distribution control device comprising the transmission request receiving unit,
A deletion request receiving unit that receives a deletion request for the download request that has already been transmitted to the other device from the other device;
In response to the deletion request, a download request deletion unit that is stored in the download request storage unit and deletes a download request that has been transmitted to the other device;
You may make it provide.

  By doing so, the information collection and distribution control apparatus can delete the download request that has been transmitted to the other device in accordance with the deletion request received from the other device.

The present invention can also be configured as a device invention. That is,
The device of the present invention
A device connected to the network,
The gist is to provide any of the information collection and distribution control devices described above.

  By doing so, the access frequency from the device to the server can be reduced, as in the information collection and distribution control apparatus described above.

The present invention can also be configured as an invention of an information collection and distribution system. That is,
The information collection / delivery system of the present invention comprises:
An information collection and distribution system configured by connecting a first device, a second device, and a predetermined server to each other via a predetermined network,
The first device includes a monitoring information storage unit that stores a download request for the information to the server,
The first device determines, at a preset timing, whether or not a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit, and based on the determination, the first request is stored in the download request storage unit. When it is determined that the download request to be transmitted is stored, the transmission request for the download request to be transmitted held by the second device is transmitted to the second device,
In response to the transmission request, the second device transmits the download request to be transmitted held by the second device to the first device,
The first device transmits the download request received from the second device and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server,
The server transmits the information corresponding to the download request transmitted from the first device to the first device;
The gist of the first device is that the information corresponding to the collected download request among the information received from the server is distributed to the second device.

  In the present invention, the first device and the second device incorporate the above-described device of the present invention. In this case, when a download time is reached in a certain device (first device) and a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit, from another device (second device). Since the download requests are collected, the probability that the download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit of the other device is low even when the download time is reached in the other device. If the download request to be transmitted to the server is not stored in the download request storage unit because the other device has already collected the other device, the download request is also collected at the upload time. Is not sent to the server. Therefore, the frequency of access to the server from a plurality of devices can be reduced. Further, in the present invention, any device can collect a download request and collect the download request and send it to the server without fixing the device that collects the download request and sends it to the server. The download request held by the device can be reliably transmitted to the server and downloaded.

  The present invention does not necessarily have all the various features described above, and may be configured by omitting some of them or combining them appropriately. In addition to the configuration as the information collection and distribution control apparatus, device, and information collection and distribution system described above, the present invention provides a control method for the information collection and distribution control apparatus, a device control method, and a control method for the information collection and distribution system It can also be configured. Further, the present invention can be realized in various modes such as a computer program that realizes these, a recording medium that records the program, and a data signal that includes the program and is embodied in a carrier wave. In addition, in each aspect, it is possible to apply the various additional elements shown above.

  When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, the information collection / distribution control device or the entire program for controlling the operation of the device may be configured. It is good also as what comprises only the part to fulfill. The recording medium includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, a computer internal storage device (RAM or Various types of computer-readable media such as a memory such as a ROM and an external storage device can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Device management system configuration:
B. First embodiment:
B1. Printer configuration:
B2. Printer operation processing:
B3. FTP command processing:
B4. Download process:
C. Second embodiment:
D. Third embodiment:
E. Fourth embodiment:
F. Variations:

A. Device management system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a device management system 1000 as an embodiment to which an information collection and distribution system of the present invention is applied. The device management system 1000 is configured by connecting a local area network LAN in a company and a management server SV of a management center via the Internet INT. A firewall FW is installed between the local area network LAN and the Internet INT, and access to the local area network LAN from the Internet INT side is prohibited. In the illustrated example, the number of local area network LANs connected to the management server SV is one, but is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily set.

  A personal computer PC and a plurality of printers PRT # 1 to PRT # n are connected to a local area network LAN in the company (hereinafter, the printers PRT # 1 to PRT # n are collectively referred to as a printer PRT). ). In the illustrated example, the number of personal computers PC is one, but is not limited to this, and can be set arbitrarily.

  The personal computer PC is installed with an application program such as a document creation program, a printer driver for controlling the operation of the printer PRT, and the print job output from the personal computer PC is set by the personal computer PC. The data is transferred to one of the printers PRT and printed.

  Each of the printers PRT # 1 to PRT # n has a built-in custom network board CNB # 1 to CNB # n (hereinafter, the custom network boards CNB # 1 to CNB # n are collectively referred to as a custom network board CNB). Also called). The custom network board CNB is a network interface for exchanging various data such as a print job, a download request to be described later, and distribution data in response to the download request via the local area network LAN or the Internet INT. The custom network board CNB corresponds to the information collection / delivery control device in the present invention.

  Although not described in detail, the custom network board CNB also has a function of monitoring the operation of the printer PRT for each print job and notifying the management server SV of monitoring information that is the monitoring result. . The monitoring information includes various log data such as the number of printed sheets, toner usage, and error information.

  The management server SV of the management center stores the monitoring information notified from the custom network board CNB built in the printer PRT in a database (not shown). Further, the management server SV holds distribution data to be distributed to each printer PRT, for example, the latest program and data to be used in each printer PRT, and in response to a download request from the printer PRT, It has a function of transmitting distribution data corresponding to the download request to the printer PRT that has transmitted the download request. This distribution data is transmitted in a file format (hereinafter, distribution data transmitted in response to a download request from the management server SV is also referred to as download data or a download data file). The management server SV is connected to a display DP, a mouse MS, and a keyboard KB, and the manager in charge can view various monitoring settings stored in the database and manage various settings for managing the printer PRT. Can go.

  The outline of the operation of the device management system 1000 of this embodiment is as follows. In each custom network board CNB, a download time for downloading download data is set by transmitting a download request for distribution data to the management server SV. In this embodiment, it is assumed that different download times are set for each custom network board CNB. In this embodiment, each printer PRT is set with a waiting time from when the printer PRT is powered on until the first download time and a periodic download cycle thereafter. The download is repeated periodically. The download time may be set in advance in the printer PRT, or manually set by the user, or a random number may be used, or the download time designated on the management server SV side may be downloaded from the management server SV. Or may be performed automatically.

  In any printer PRT, when the download time comes, the printer PRT determines whether or not a download request should be transmitted to the management server SV. A download request transmission request held by the printer PRT is transmitted. As a response, the download request is collected from the other printer PRT, and the download request held by itself and the download request collected from the other printer PRT are transmitted to the management server SV. These download requests include a request for inquiring the management server SV as to whether the latest program to be downloaded and data exist in the management server SV, a request for downloading the latest program, and data. The printer PRT that has transmitted the download request to the management server SV downloads download data corresponding to the download request from the management server SV as a response to the download request, and distributes the download data to the corresponding other printer PRT. . That is, in the device management system 1000, the printer PRT that collects download requests from other printers PRT and transmits them to the management server SV is not fixed, and switches according to the operating status of each printer PRT. Hereinafter, a printer PRT that collects download requests from other printers PRT and transmits the download request to the management server SV is also referred to as a “proxy printer”, and a printer PRT that collects download requests is also referred to as a “proxy printer”. Call. In the illustrated example, a download request and a flow of distribution data when the printer PRT # 1 functions as a proxy printer are indicated by a dashed arrow and a two-dot chain arrow. Details of these operations will be described later.

B. First embodiment:
B1. Printer configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the printer PRT. The printer PRT includes a printer main body 100 that executes printing and a custom network board CNB. The printer main body 100 includes a printer engine 110 and a printer controller 120.

  The printer controller 120 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, and ROM (not shown), receives a print job from the personal computer PC via the custom network board CNB, and controls the printer engine 110 to execute printing. In addition, the printer controller 120 includes a monitoring unit (not shown), collects various types of monitoring information regarding the printer main body 100, and stores it in a MIB (Management Information Base) format. The MIB includes information that is preliminarily standardized with respect to the printer main body 100 and information that is uniquely defined by the manufacturer. The printer controller 120 also has a function for the custom network board CNB to receive and update the latest program and data included in the download data received from the management server SV or another printer PRT. .

  The custom network board CNB includes a CPU 10, a memory 20, and a timer 30. The memory 20 includes both volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The CPU 10 includes a memory control unit 12, a determination unit 14, a batch download request file creation unit 16, a distribution data file creation unit 17, and a communication control unit 18. These functional blocks are constructed in software by the CPU 10 reading and executing a predetermined computer program stored in a ROM (not shown). You may make it comprise at least one part of these functional blocks by hardware.

  The memory control unit 12 writes, reads, and deletes various data in the memory 20. As will be described later, the data stored in the memory 20 includes a download request file that records a download request for its own management server SV, a download request file collected from each printer PRT, and a batch to be transmitted to the management server SV. A download request file, a download data file downloaded from the management server SV, and the like are included. The memory 20 and the memory control unit 12 correspond to a download request storage unit, an identification information storage unit, a download request deletion unit, and an information storage unit in the present invention.

  The determination unit 14 makes various determinations in operation processing, FTP command processing, and download processing described later. The determination unit 14 corresponds to the determination unit in the present invention.

  The batch download request file creation unit 16 synthesizes the download request file stored in the spool directory 22 set in the memory 20 and the download request file stored in the other directory 24, and transmits it to the management server SV. Create a batch download request file to That is, one or more download requests are integrally recorded in the batch download request file. The batch download request file creation unit 16 corresponds to the download request file creation unit in the present invention.

  The distribution data file creation unit 17 analyzes the contents of the download data file downloaded in batch from the management server SV, divides it into distribution data for each printer PRT, and creates a distribution data file for distribution to each printer PRT. To do.

  The communication control unit 18 switches the communication protocol according to the communication partner, and communicates with the personal computer PC, other printers PRT, and the management server SV via the local area network LAN or the Internet INT. The communication control unit 18 also exchanges data with the printer controller 120. The communication control unit 18 corresponds to a download request collection unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a transmission request reception unit, and a deletion request reception unit in the present invention.

  The timer 30 measures the time after the printer PRT is turned on. In this embodiment, the timer 30 measures the time after the printer PRT is turned on and counts the number of times the power is turned on.

  In the memory 20, a spool directory 22, an other directory 24, a batch download request file directory 26, and a download directory 28 are set. The spool directory 22 stores its own download request in a file format. In the other directory 24, download request files collected from other printers PRT are stored. The batch download request file directory 26 stores the batch download request file created by the batch download request file creation unit 16. The batch download request file is a file transmitted to the management server SV. A download data file downloaded from the management server SV is stored in the download directory 28.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing generation of a batch download request file. As shown, download request files Fa1, Fa2, Fa3 are stored in the spool directory 22, and download request files Fb1, Fb2, Fb3, Fc1, Fc2, Fc3,... Are stored in the other directory 24. Suppose that it is preserved. In each download request, as described above, the latest program to be downloaded and the request to inquire the management server SV whether the data exists in the management server SV, the latest program, and the data are downloaded. Download request to be included. In addition, in each download request file, identification information of each printer PRT is recorded together with the download request. As this identification information, for example, a name assigned to each printer PRT, a MAC address, an IP address, a manufacturing number, or the like can be used. Each download request file also has a time when the download request file is created and stored in the memory 20.

  The batch download request file creation unit 16 synthesizes the download request files Fa1, Fa2, and Fa3 and the download request files Fb1, Fb2, Fb3, Fc1, Fc2, Fc3,. A request file Fr is created and saved in the batch download request file directory 26. By doing so, download requests for a plurality of printers PRT can be transmitted to the management server SV at a time, and an increase in network traffic can be suppressed. Since each download request file also includes identification information of the printer PRT, the management server SV that has received the batch download request file Fr analyzes the contents of the batch download request file Fr to obtain each download request file Fr. Can be easily specified.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing generation of a distribution data file. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that a download data file Fd downloaded from the management server SV is stored in the download directory 28. In the present embodiment, the download data file Fd includes, for example, data data # 1 for the printer PRT # 1 and data data for the printer PRT # 2 corresponding to the download request recorded in the batch download request file Fr. # 2, data data # 3,... For the printer PRT # 3 are recorded integrally. These data include the name of the program file to be downloaded, the name of the data file, the program, the data, and the like. The distribution data file creation unit 17 analyzes the contents of the download data file Fd, divides it into distribution data for each printer PRT, and distributes the distribution data file for printer PRT # 1 in which data # 1 for PRT # 1 is recorded. Distribution data file F # 2 for printer PRT # 2 in which data # 2 for F # 1 and PRT # 2 is recorded Distribution data file F # 2 for printer PRT # 3 in which data # 3 for PRT # 3 is recorded 3. Create ...

B2. Printer operation processing:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of the printer PRT. This operation process is a process continuously executed by the CPU 10 of the custom network board CNB until the printer PRT is turned off when the power is turned on.

  First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a broadcast inquiring for existence confirmation is received from another printer, that is, a proxy printer (step S100). Upon receiving this broadcast (step S100: YES), the CPU 10 causes this printer PRT to function as a proxy printer, and transmits a response indicating its presence to the proxy printer that is the broadcast transmission source (step S110). In step S100, when the broadcast is not received from the proxy printer (step S100: NO), the process proceeds to step S120.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether an FTP connection request has been received from another printer, that is, a proxy printer (step S120). If the CPU 10 receives an FTP connection request from the proxy printer (step S120: YES), the CPU 10 executes FTP command processing in accordance with the received FTP command (step S200). When the FTP command processing ends, the role as a proxy printer also ends. The FTP command processing will be described later. If no FTP connection request is received from the proxy printer in step S120 (step S120: NO), the process proceeds to step S300.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the timer 30 and determines whether or not the download time has come (step S300). If the download time has not come (step S300: NO), the process returns to step S100. On the other hand, when the download time comes (step S300: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not a download request file to be transmitted to the management server SV exists in the spool directory 22 (step S320). If there is a download request file to be transmitted to the management server SV in the spool directory 22 (step S310: YES), this printer PRT is made to function as a proxy printer, and download processing is executed (step S400). When the download process is completed, the role as a proxy printer is terminated, and the process returns to step S100. If no download request file to be uploaded to the management server SV exists in the spool directory 22 in step S310 (step S310: NO), the download process is not performed, that is, the printer PRT functions as a proxy printer. Then, the process returns to step S100.

B3. FTP command processing:
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of FTP command processing in step 200 of FIG. This process is a process executed by the CPU 10 of the proxy printer.

  First, the CPU 10 of the proxy printer determines whether the FTP connection with the proxy printer has been disconnected (step S210). If the FTP connection is disconnected (step S210: YES), the FTP command processing is terminated.

  If the FTP connection is not disconnected in step S210 (step S210: NO), the CPU 10 determines whether an FTP command has been received from the proxy printer (step S220). When the FTP command has not been received from the proxy printer (step S220: NO), the CPU 10 stands by until the FTP command is received.

  In step S220, when the FTP command is received from the proxy printer (step S220: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the received FTP command is an end command (step S230). If the FTP command received from the proxy printer is not an end command (step S230: NO), the CPU 10 executes processing corresponding to the received FTP command (step S240). As will be described later, this process includes transfer of a download request file, deletion, and the like. When this process ends, the process returns to step S210. In step S230, if the FTP command received from the proxy printer is an end command (step S230: YES), the CPU 10 disconnects the FTP connection with the proxy printer (step S250), and ends the FTP command processing. Then, the role as the proxy printer is terminated.

B4. Download process:
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of download processing in step 400 of FIG. This process is a process executed by the CPU 10 of the proxy printer.

  First, the CPU 10 of the proxy printer transmits a broadcast inquiring existence confirmation to other printers, that is, all the proxy printers connected to the local area network LAN (step S410). Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a response to this broadcast has been received from any of the proxy printers (step S420). If no response to the broadcast is received from any of the proxy printers (step S420: NO), the CPU 10 determines that there is no proxy printer to collect the download request file, and saves it in the spool directory 22. The downloaded download request files are combined to create a batch download request file Fr (step S440), and the batch download request file Fr is compressed and transmitted to the management server SV (step S450). The batch download request file Fr is uploaded to the management server SV using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to ensure security.

  In step S420, if a response to the broadcast is received from any of the proxy printers (step S420: YES), FTP connection is established with one of the response source proxy printers (step S430), and FTP connection is established. It is determined by inquiring whether or not there is a download request file to be uploaded to the management server SV in the proxy printer that has been sent (step S432). If the CPU 10 determines that there is a download request file to be uploaded to the management server SV in the FTP-connected proxy printer (step S432: YES), the CPU 10 transmits a transmission request for the download request file, and the download request All files are copied and received (step S434) and stored in the other directory 24. Then, the CPU 10 disconnects the FTP connection (step S436). If it is determined in step S432 that there is no download request file to be transmitted to the management server SV in the proxy printer connected by FTP (step S432: NO), the CPU 10 disconnects the FTP connection as it is (step S436). ).

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the processes in steps S430 to S436 have been performed on all the proxy printers that have responded to the broadcast (step S438). If there remains a proxy printer that has not undergone the processes of steps S430 to S436 (step S438: NO), the process returns to step S430. In step 438, when the processes in steps S430 to S436 have been performed for all the proxy printers that have responded to the broadcast (step S438: YES), the download request file stored in the spool directory 22; The download request file stored in the other directory 24 is combined to create a batch download request file Fr (step S440), the batch download request file directory 26 is stored, and the batch download request file Fr is compressed. Is transmitted to the management server SV (step S450).

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the download is successful (step S460). This determination is made based on whether or not a download data file has been received from the management server SV. The CPU 10 determines that the download is successful when the download data file is received from the management server SV, and determines that the download is unsuccessful when the download data file is not received.

  If the download is successful in step S460, the CPU 10 creates a distribution data file (step S470). Then, the CPU 10 performs FTP connection with one of the acquisition source proxy printers that acquired the download request file in step S434 (step S472), and distributes the distribution data file and the distribution to the proxy printer. A request to delete the collected download request file corresponding to the data file is transmitted (step S474). The proxy printer that has received these performs processing according to the contents of the distribution data file and deletes the download request file in response to the deletion request. By doing this, only the unsent download request file is left in the management server SV in the spool directory 22 of the proxy printer, so that the CPU 10 later has an unsent download request file in the spool directory 22. It can be easily determined whether or not there is.

  Then, the CPU 10 disconnects the FTP connection with the proxy printer that is connected (step S476).

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the processes in steps S472 to S474 have been performed on the proxy printers from which all download request files have been acquired (step S478). If there remains a proxy printer that has not been subjected to the processes in steps S472 to S474 (step S478: NO), the process returns to step S472. On the other hand, when the processes of steps S472 to S474 have been performed for all the proxy printers (step S478: YES), the CPU 10 corresponds to the downloaded download data stored in its own spool directory 22. The download request file to be deleted is deleted (step S480). Further, the CPU 10 deletes the batch download request file Fr stored in the batch download request file directory 26 and the download request file acquired from the proxy printer stored in the other directory 24 (step S490).

  If the download has failed in step 460 (step S460: NO), the CPU 10 represents the batch download request file Fr stored in the batch download request file directory 26 and the proxy stored in the other directory 24. The download request file acquired from the printer is deleted (step S490), and the download request file stored in the spool directory 22 is held until any printer PRT executes the download process. Then, the download process ends.

  In the device management system 1000 according to the first embodiment described above, each printer PRT has a download request file transmitted to the management server SV stored in the spool directory 22 at the download time. It functions as a proxy printer, collects download request files from other printers PRT, and sends them to the management server SV along with unsent download request files held by itself. In other words, each printer PRT does not function as a proxy printer if a download request file that has not been transmitted to the management server SV is not stored in the spool directory 22 even at the download time. The download request file of the printer PRT is not collected and is not downloaded from the management server SV. Therefore, the access frequency from each printer PRT to the management server SV can be reduced.

  Also, according to the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment, any printer PRT can be a proxy printer without fixing the proxy printer. One of the printers PRT becomes a proxy printer, and download requests held by other proxy printers can be collected and transmitted to the management server SV without fail.

C. Second embodiment:
The configuration of the device management system 1000 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the printer PRT of the second embodiment is the same as that of the printer PRT of the first embodiment. However, the printer PRT of the second embodiment is partially different from the printer PRT of the first embodiment in the processing performed by the CPU 10 of the custom network board CNB. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of the printer PRT in the second embodiment. The illustrated flowchart is a process performed in place of step S300 in the operation process (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, as will be described later, when the download data file is successfully downloaded from the management server SV, the proxy printer transmits a download postponement request to the proxy printer.

  First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a download postponement request has been received from another printer, that is, a proxy printer (step S300a). When the download postponement request is received (step S300a: YES), the CPU 10 refers to the timer 30 and stores the download postponement request reception time Tr in the memory 20 (step S302a).

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the timer 30 and determines whether or not the download time has come (step S304a). If the download time has not come (step S304a: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the download time is reached (step S304a: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the current time Tp has passed a predetermined time Tc from the reception time Tr that received the download postponement request (step S306a). ). The predetermined time Tc can be arbitrarily set. When the current time Tp has not passed the predetermined time Tc from the reception time Tr when the download postponement request is received (step S306a: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the current time Tp has passed the predetermined time Tc from the reception time Tr when the download postponement request is received (step S306a: YES), the process proceeds to step S310 in FIG.

  In step S300a, if a download postponement request has not been received from the proxy printer (step S300a: NO), the timer 30 is referenced to determine whether the download time has come (step S308a). If the download time has not come (step S308a: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the download time is reached (step S308a: YES), the process proceeds to step S310 in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of download processing in the second embodiment. The download processing in the second embodiment is partially different from the download processing in the first embodiment in the processing after step S460 of the download processing in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 7 and 8). That is, step S479 is inserted between step S478 and step S480 in FIG. Other processes are the same as the download process in the first embodiment.

  If the download is successful in step S460 of FIG. 7, the CPU 10 creates a distribution data file (step S470). Then, the CPU 10 performs FTP connection with one of the acquisition source proxy printers that acquired the download request file in step S434 (step S472), and distributes the distribution data file and the distribution to the proxy printer. A request to delete the collected download request file corresponding to the data file is transmitted (step S474). The proxy printer that has received these performs processing according to the contents of the distribution data file and deletes the download request file in response to the deletion request.

  Then, the CPU 10 disconnects the FTP connection with the proxy printer that is connected (step S476).

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the processes in steps S472 to S474 have been performed on the proxy printers from which all download request files have been acquired (step S478). If there remains a proxy printer that has not undergone the processes of steps S470 to S474 (step S478: NO), the process returns to step S472. On the other hand, when the processing of steps S472 to S474 has been performed for all of the proxy printers (step S478: YES), the CPU 10 sends a download postponement request to all of the proxy printers that acquired the download request file. Is transmitted (step S479). By doing so, the proxy printer that has received the download deferral request becomes a proxy printer based on the download deferral request as described above when the download time set for itself is reached. Can be judged.

  Next, the CPU 10 deletes the download request file corresponding to the downloaded download data stored in the spool directory 22 (step S480). Further, the CPU 10 deletes the batch download request file Fr stored in the batch download request file directory 26 and the download request file acquired from the proxy printer stored in the other directory 24 (step S490).

  If the download has failed in step 460 (step S460: NO), the CPU 10 represents the batch download request file Fr stored in the batch download request file directory 26 and the proxy stored in the other directory 24. The download request file acquired from the printer is deleted (step S490), and the download request file stored in the spool directory 22 is held until any printer PRT executes the download process. Then, the download process ends.

  In the device management system 1000 according to the second embodiment described above, each printer PRT spools when the predetermined time Tc has not passed since the collection postponement request was received from the proxy printer at the download time. Even if there is a download request file that has not been transmitted to the management server SV in the directory 22, it is determined that it is still not necessary to collect the download request files from other printers PRT and send them to the management server SV. Accordingly, the collection of download request files from other printers PRT and the download from the management server SV are postponed until the next download time does not function as a proxy printer. That is, in the device management system 1000 according to the second embodiment, one printer PRT is made to function as a proxy printer as much as possible, and a plurality of printers PRT are prevented from performing download processing individually. By doing so, the access frequency from each printer PRT to the management server SV can be reduced as compared with the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment.

D. Third embodiment:
The configuration of the device management system 1000 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the printer PRT of the third embodiment is the same as that of the printer PRT of the first embodiment. However, the printer PRT of the third embodiment is partially different from the printer PRT of the first embodiment in the processing performed by the CPU 10 of the custom network board CNB. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation processing of the printer PRT in the third embodiment. The illustrated flowchart is a process performed in place of step S300 in the operation process (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, each proxy printer stores the deletion time Td in the memory 20 when the download request file is deleted in response to the deletion request described above.

  First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the deletion time Td is stored in the memory 20 (step S300b). When the deletion time Td is stored in the memory 20 (step S300b: YES), the CPU 10 refers to the timer 30 and determines whether the download time has come (step S302b). If it is not the download time (step S302b: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the download time is reached (step S302b: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the current time Tp has passed a predetermined time Tc from the deletion time Td (step S304b). The predetermined time Tc can be arbitrarily set. When the current time Tp has not passed the predetermined time Tc from the deletion time Td (step S304b: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the current time Tp has passed the predetermined time Tc from the deletion time Td (step S304b: YES), the process proceeds to step S310 in FIG.

  In step S300b, when the deletion time Td is not stored in the memory 20 (step S300b: NO), it is determined whether the download time has come (step S306b). If the download time has not come (step S306b: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the download time is reached (step S308: YES), the process proceeds to step S320 in FIG.

  In the device management system 1000 of the third embodiment described above, each printer PRT transmits a download request file last time when the download time comes, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after deleting the transmitted download request file. If Tc has not elapsed, even if there is a download request file that has not been transmitted to the management server SV in the spool directory 22, the download request file is still collected from another printer PRT and managed. Since it is determined that it is not necessary to transmit to the server SV, it does not function as a proxy printer, and collection of download request files from other printers PRT and download from the management server SV are postponed until the next download time To do. This also makes it possible to reduce the access frequency from each printer PRT to the management server SV as compared with the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment.

E. Fourth embodiment:
The configuration of the device management system 1000 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the device management system 1000 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the printer PRT of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the printer PRT of the first embodiment. However, the printer PRT of the fourth embodiment is partially different from the printer PRT of the first embodiment in the processing performed by the CPU 10 of the custom network board CNB. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation processing of the printer PRT in the fourth embodiment. The illustrated flowchart is a process performed in place of Step S310 and Step S320 in the operation process (see FIG. 5) in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, each printer PRT uses the save time of each download request file saved in the spool directory 22 in this operation process.

  First, the CPU 10 refers to the timer 30 and determines whether or not the download time has come (step S300c). If it is not the download time (step S300c: NO), the process returns to step S100 in FIG. On the other hand, when the download time is reached (step S300c: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not a download request file stored before the predetermined time Tc exists in the spool directory 22 (step S302c). . The predetermined time Tc can be arbitrarily set. If there is no download request file stored before the predetermined time Tc in the spool directory 22 (step S302c: NO), it is determined that there is no download request file to be sent to the management server SV immediately. Returning to step S100 of FIG. 5 without causing the printer PRT to function as a proxy printer. On the other hand, if there is a download request file stored in the spool directory 22 before the predetermined time Tc (step S302c: YES), this download request file is immediately downloaded to the management server SV. In step S400 of FIG. 5, the printer PRT functions as a proxy printer, and download processing is performed.

  In the device management system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment described above, each printer PRT has an unsent download request file stored in the spool directory 22 at least a predetermined time Tc at the download time. If there is an unsent download request file, it is determined that it is not necessary to collect the download request file from another printer PRT and send it to the management server SV. Collection of download request files from other printers PRT and download from the management server SV are postponed until the next download time does not function as a proxy printer. That is, in the device management system 1000 of the fourth embodiment, the other printers PRT do not perform the download process for a predetermined time after one of the printers PRT performs the download process as a proxy printer. Also by doing this, the access frequency from each printer PRT to the management server SV can be reduced.

F. Variations:
As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, and implementation in various aspects is possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary. It is. For example, the following modifications are possible.

F1. Modification 1:
In the above embodiment, each printer PRT includes the timer 30, but may include a clock. Further, each printer PRT may acquire the time as necessary from a so-called NTP server installed on the Internet INT.

F2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, all the printers PRT are provided with the custom network board CNB and can function as proxy printers. However, at least two printers PRT have the custom network board CNB that allows the PRTs to function as proxy printers. What is necessary is just to prepare. In this case, other printers that do not include the custom network board CNB that causes the printer to function as a proxy printer may have a function of transferring a download request file, deleting, or the like in response to a request from the proxy printer. .

F3. Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, the proxy printer deletes the downloaded download request file in response to the deletion request from the proxy printer. However, in response to the reception of the distribution data, the proxy printer transmits the downloaded download request file. It may be deleted.

F4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, in the download process, when the download of the download data file from the management server SV is successful, the distribution data is transmitted to each printer PRT in a series of processes. Absent. Until the distribution request from another printer PRT is received, the download data file may be stored in the download directory 28, and the distribution data may be transmitted in response to the distribution request from the other printer PRT. The distribution data may be created before receiving a distribution request from another printer PRT or after receiving the distribution request.

F5. Modification 5:
In the third embodiment, each printer PRT stores the deletion time Td of the download request file in the memory 20 and determines whether or not to perform the download process based on the deletion time Td. Not limited to. For example, instead of the deletion time Td, the download process is performed based on the time when the download request file is transmitted to the proxy printer, the time when the download request file reception response is received from the proxy printer, or the time when the deletion request is received. You may make it judge whether it performs.

F6. Modification 6:
In the second to fourth embodiments, in the operation process of the printer PRT, it is determined whether or not a download request file that has not been transmitted to the management server SV exists in the spool directory 22, but this determination is not performed. May be.

F7. Modification 7:
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the information collection / delivery control device of the present invention is applied to a printer PRT connected to a network is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the device monitoring control device of the present invention is applied to various devices connected to a network such as a scanner, a projector, an audio device, a home appliance, a client computer, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). You may do it.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the device management system 1000 as one Example to which the information collection system of this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of printer PRT. It is explanatory drawing shown about the production | generation of a batch download request file. It is explanatory drawing shown about the production | generation of a delivery data file. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of a printer PRT. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of FTP command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a download process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a download process. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of a printer PRT in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the download process in 2nd Example. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of a printer PRT in the third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation processing of a printer PRT in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1000 ... Device management system 10 ... CPU
12 ... Memory control unit 14 ... Judgment unit 16 ... Batch download request file creation unit 18 ... Communication control unit 20 ... Memory 22 ... Spool directory 24 ... Other directory 26 .. Upload directory 30 ... Timer 100 ... Printer body 110 ... Printer engine 120 ... Printer controller 122 ... Monitoring unit PC ... Personal computer PRT ... Printer CNB ... Custom network board SV ... Management server DP ... Display KB ... Keyboard MS ... Mouse INT ... Internet LAN ... Local area network FW ... Firewall

Claims (17)

An information collection and distribution control apparatus that is incorporated in a device connected to a predetermined network and downloads predetermined information to be used by the device from a predetermined server connected to the network,
A download request storage unit for storing a download request for the information to the server;
A determination unit that determines whether a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at a preset timing;
When the determination unit determines that the download request to be transmitted is stored in the download request storage unit, the other device holds the other device connected to the network. A transmission request collecting unit that transmits the transmission request for the download request to be transmitted, and collects the download request to be transmitted from the other device as a response to the transmission request;
A transmission unit that transmits the collected download requests and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server;
As a response to the transmitted download request, a receiving unit that receives the information corresponding to the download request from the server;
A distribution unit that distributes the information corresponding to the collected download request to the other devices among the received information;
An information collection and distribution control device comprising: The information collection and distribution control device according to claim 1,
The download request collection unit prohibits the collection when the determination unit determines that the download request to be transmitted is not stored in the download request storage unit.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
An identification information storage unit for storing identification information for identifying a device in which the information collection and distribution control apparatus is incorporated;
The download request collection unit further collects identification information for identifying the other device from the other device,
The transmission unit includes the collected download request and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit, the collected identification information, and the identification stored in the identification information storage unit. The transmission is performed in association with each information.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A download request file creation unit that creates a download request file that integrally records the collected download requests and the download request stored in the download request storage unit;
The transmission unit transmits the download request file to the server;
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A download request deletion unit that deletes the download request corresponding to the received information stored in the download request storage unit in response to reception of the information;
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
An information storage unit for storing the information received from the server;
A distribution request receiving unit that receives a distribution request for the information corresponding to the download request collected from the other device from the other device;
The distribution unit performs the distribution in response to the distribution request.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection and distribution control device according to claim 1,
The distribution unit distributes the download request deletion request corresponding to the information together with the information.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A transmission request receiving unit that receives the transmission request from the other device;
The transmission unit further transmits the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the other device that has transmitted the transmission request in response to the transmission request.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection and distribution control device according to claim 8,
The transmission unit further transmits a distribution request for the information corresponding to the download request transmitted to the other device to the other device.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 9,
The receiving unit further receives the information corresponding to the distribution request from the other device.
Information collection and distribution control device. The information collection / delivery control device according to claim 8,
A deletion request receiving unit that receives a deletion request for the download request that has already been transmitted to the other device from the other device;
In response to the deletion request, a download request deletion unit that is stored in the download request storage unit and deletes a download request that has been transmitted to the other device;
An information collection and distribution control apparatus comprising: A device connected to the network,
The information collection and distribution control device according to claim 1 is provided.
device. An information collection and distribution system configured by connecting a first device, a second device, and a predetermined server to each other via a predetermined network,
The first device includes a monitoring information storage unit that stores a download request for the information to the server,
The first device determines, at a preset timing, whether or not a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit, and based on the determination, the first request is stored in the download request storage unit. When it is determined that the download request to be transmitted is stored, the transmission request for the download request to be transmitted held by the second device is transmitted to the second device,
In response to the transmission request, the second device transmits the download request to be transmitted held by the second device to the first device,
The first device transmits the download request received from the second device and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server,
The server transmits the information corresponding to the download request transmitted from the first device to the first device;
The first device distributes the information corresponding to the collected download request among the information received from the server to the second device.
Information collection and distribution system. A control method of an information collection and distribution control apparatus that is incorporated in a device connected to a predetermined network and downloads predetermined information to be used by the device from a predetermined server connected to the network,
(A) storing a download request for the information to the server in a download request storage unit for storing the download request;
(B) determining whether a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at a preset timing;
(C) When it is determined that the download request to be transmitted is stored in the download request storage unit, the other device is connected to the other device connected to the network. Transmitting the transmission request of the download request to be transmitted to be held, and collecting the download request to be transmitted from the other device as a response to the transmission request;
(D) transmitting the collected download requests and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server;
(E) receiving the information corresponding to the download request from the server as a response to the transmitted download request;
(F) Distributing the information corresponding to the collected download request to the other devices among the received information,
A control method comprising: A control method for an information collection and distribution system configured by connecting a first device, a second device, and a predetermined server to each other via a predetermined network,
The first device includes a monitoring information storage unit that stores a download request for the information to the server,
(A) determining whether a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at a preset timing in the first device;
(B) In the first device, when it is determined by the determination that the download request to be transmitted is stored in the download request storage unit, the second device Transmitting a transmission request for the download request to be transmitted, which is held by two devices;
(C) in the second device, in response to the transmission request, transmitting the download request to be transmitted held by the second device to the first device;
(D) In the first device, transmitting the download request received from the second device and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server;
(E) In the server, transmitting the information corresponding to the download request transmitted from the first device to the first device;
(F) In the first device, among the information received from the server, delivering the information corresponding to the collected download request to the second device;
A control method comprising: A computer program for controlling an information collection and distribution control device that is incorporated in a device connected to a predetermined network and downloads predetermined data to be used by the device from a predetermined server connected to the network. And
A function for storing a download request for the information to the server in a download request storage unit for storing the download request;
A function of determining whether or not a download request to be transmitted to the server is stored in the download request storage unit at a preset timing;
When it is determined that the download request to be transmitted is stored in the download request storage unit by the determination, the other device holds the other device connected to the network. A function of transmitting a transmission request for a download request to be transmitted, and collecting the download request to be transmitted from the other device as a response to the transmission request;
A function of transmitting the collected download requests and the download request to be transmitted stored in the download request storage unit to the server;
A function of receiving the data corresponding to the download request from the server as a response to the transmitted download request;
A function of delivering the information corresponding to the collected download request to the other devices among the received information;
A computer program for realizing a computer.   A recording medium in which the computer program according to claim 16 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

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