JP4595975B2 - Management device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, in a plurality of communication protocols, directed to the management device for managing a communication device that communicates with devices in the network.

  Conventionally, an Internet protocol (IP) used for communication on the Internet is known as a communication protocol (see, for example, cited documents 1 to 3). In recent years, with the spread of information infrastructure, IP address depletion has become a problem, and a new Internet protocol is being developed and adopted instead of IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) which is an existing Internet protocol. The new Internet protocol is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).

Currently, it is in the transition period to IPv6, and there are many network environments in which terminals operating in IPv4 and terminals operating in IPv6 coexist. For this reason, currently, a method of developing as a product a communication device that can communicate with both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols is employed. In addition, such a communication device that can operate with a plurality of protocols adopts a configuration that can turn on / off the communication function based on IPv6 and the communication function based on IPv4 so as to be compatible with various network environments. It is considered to be.
JP 2004-32699 A JP 2000-183874 A JP 2001-034344 A

  By the way, in communication using the Internet protocol, when communicating with a specific device (such as a server), a communication destination is specified by an IP address, a domain name, or the like, and a packet storing this information is transmitted into the network. At this time, if the IPv4 format IP address is registered in the setting information related to the communication destination even though the communication function based on IPv4 is turned off, the communication device can communicate with the communication destination device. Can not.

  In addition, when a communication destination is specified by a domain name or the like, a DNS (Domain Name System) server is accessed and the domain name is converted into an IP address. If the relationship is not compatible, the DNS server cannot be accessed, and a situation where communication with the communication destination device cannot be expected.

  That is, in a communication device configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of protocols and capable of turning on / off the communication function according to each protocol, a mismatch occurs between the setting contents related to communication and the on / off of the communication function. There is a possibility that communication will be hindered. In addition, by turning on / off the communication function, it is expected that another apparatus having only the IPv4 or IPv6 communication function (single communication function) cannot access the communication apparatus having both communication functions. Is done.

  In addition, regardless of whether the communication function is on or off, if there is a mismatch between the capability of the communication destination device and the protocol used to access the communication destination device, it becomes impossible to communicate with the communication destination device. Things are expected.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and is connected to a network including a device that communicates using a first communication protocol and a device that communicates using a second communication protocol. To change the operation of a communication device having a first communication function for communicating with a device in the network and a second communication function for communicating with a device in the network using the second communication protocol. For this reason, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of preventing the occurrence of trouble or quickly solving the problem when trouble occurs in communication with a device that changes the operation of the communication device.

An apparatus of the present invention made to achieve such an object is a network including an apparatus that communicates using a first communication protocol, and an apparatus that communicates using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. And a first communication function for communicating with a device in the network using a first communication protocol, and a second communication function for communicating with a device in the network using a second communication protocol. a communication equipment, a communication unit, an input unit, those comprising a changing unit, and determine the constant means.

  The communication means communicates with the communication device via the network using the first or second communication protocol, and the changing means communicates with the communication device via the communication means according to a command input from the input means by a user operation. When the operation of the communication apparatus is changed by the changing unit, the determining unit determines whether or not the change causes a problem in communication within the network.

  Here, the determination unit includes a maintenance determination unit that determines whether or not communication between the communication device and the management device can be maintained after the change by the change unit, and the maintenance determination unit determines whether the communication device and the management device are connected. When it is determined that the communication cannot be maintained, it is determined that the communication in the network is hindered.

According to the present invention, when changing the operation of the communication device according to the user's operation, it is determined whether or not the communication with the management device is hindered. It is possible to take measures such as notifying the user of the effect or prohibiting the change so as not to cause a problem. Therefore, according to the management device, to the communication device, because applying behavior change, when trouble in communication between the management device to change the operation of the communication device occurs, prevent their occurrence Or solve problems quickly.

  Here, as is well known, in the IP network, the operation (setting) of the communication device can be changed by remote control from the management device using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

  Thus, when the user is away from the communication device, it is difficult for the user to notice the trouble and deal with the trouble. Therefore, the present invention that can prevent the occurrence of trouble is very useful.

  That is, in the above-described system, there is a possibility that communication between the management device and the communication device cannot be maintained when the operation (setting) of the communication device is changed remotely from the management device. Such a problem can be dealt with and it is possible to prevent the communication between the management device and the communication device from being maintained.

  Note that the determination unit may be configured to determine that the above-described trouble occurs when communication between the communication device and another device in the network becomes impossible.

In addition , when the determination unit determines that the determination unit operates before the change unit changes the operation of the communication device, and the determination unit determines that the communication in the network is hindered, the prohibition unit is changed by the change unit. The operation is prohibited. According to the management apparatus, it is possible to prevent because direct the operation changes the user has accidentally the trouble will arise in the communication.

Other changes means, in accordance with instructions input from the input means, the first and the second communication function of the communication device, if it has been configured to turn on / off, a judgment means, the change means first or when changing off the second communication system from on, by its change, to determine whether trouble in the communication in the network occurs, it may be configure.

When the communication function is off, there is a possibility that communication with the device was communicating before change becomes impossible, according to the management apparatus, for such problems, suitably Can be dealt with. For example, when communication becomes impossible, it is possible to prevent communication from becoming impossible by prohibiting the change by the prohibiting means. Also, by notifying the user of this fact, the user can be quickly resolved from the incommunicable state.

Incidentally, the above-described management apparatus, stored in a past predetermined period, the information indicating a communication protocol apparatus employing in the network that communicates with the communication device, as the communication history information, in a storage unit included in the management apparatus It is preferable to provide history recording means for making the determination means as follows .

That is, the management apparatus includes the history recording unit and the determination unit includes a device determination unit. The device determination means communicates whether or not a device that cannot communicate with the communication device by the changing operation by the changing device is present in a device in the network that has communicated with the communication device during a predetermined period. Judge based on historical information. The determination unit determines that the communication in the network is hindered when the device determination unit determines that there is a device that cannot communicate with the communication device.

According to the management apparatus, the apparatus in the network that communicates with the communication device in a predetermined period, the determining whether trouble in communication with the device takes place, the network that communicates frequently with the communication device Various problems caused by the inability to communicate with the other apparatus can be solved in advance or quickly.

In addition, information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol or information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the second communication protocol is used for the communication device. A setting storage unit that stores the setting information related to communication with the communication unit, and in accordance with the setting information stored in the setting storage unit, the determination unit includes: It may be configured as follows.

That is, definitive determination unit in the management apparatus, when the changing means to change from on to off first communication function, setting storage means of the communication device, as the setting information, the network in a first communication protocol When information for communicating with a specific device is stored, it is determined that communication within the network is hindered. Further, when the changing means to change from ON to OFF a second communication function, setting storage means of the communication device, as the setting information, to communicate with a particular device in the network at a second communication protocol When the information is stored, it is determined that the communication within the network is hindered.

Assuming the above communication device, in the communication device, when the first communication function is turned off, information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol is set and stored. If the second communication function is on, communication with the specific device cannot be performed. Similarly, when the second communication function is turned off and the information for communicating with the specific device in the network using the second communication protocol is stored in the setting storage means, the first communication function Even if is on, communication with the specific device cannot be performed.

  Therefore, when switching on / off of a communication function as in the present invention, it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch in the relationship between on / off of the communication function and setting information. (Problem in which communication with a specific device becomes impossible) can be solved. When the network is an IP network, examples of the specific device include a DNS server and a mail server. In addition, as a specific device, a gateway, router, access point, etc., when a communication device communicates with another device, a device used as a data repeater, or a communication device prior to communication with another device, An apparatus used for acquiring information necessary for communication may be used. The setting information includes the IP address of a specific device.

The information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol is the address information of the specific device, which is address information that conforms to the first communication protocol, and The information for communicating with the specific device in the network may be the address information of the specific device and address information compatible with the second communication protocol .

  More specifically, when the first communication protocol is IPv4 and the second communication protocol is IPv6, the 32-bit address information corresponds to the address information conforming to the first communication protocol, and the 128-bit address information is This corresponds to address information conforming to the second communication protocol.

In addition , the management device includes message display means for displaying a message to that effect when the determination means determines that there is a problem with communication within the network. According to the present invention, the message display can notify the user that a communication trouble occurs, and this notification can make the user aware that there is some error in his operation. it can.

Therefore, according to the management device, before executing the operation by the changing means, by operating the message display unit, it is possible to prevent the trouble will arise in the communication. In addition, if the message display means is operated after the changing operation by the changing means, the user can be made aware that there is a problem in communication, and the problem can be solved promptly by the user.

In addition , when the determination unit determines that the communication in the network is hindered by the determination unit , the management device derives a solution derivation unit that derives a solution to the failure and a solution derived by the solution derivation unit (for example, Solution display means for displaying (as character information).

According to the management apparatus, the display problems a method for solving (trouble), the user, can be solved the problem early. As a method for deriving a solution, for example, information indicating the cause of a problem that is determined by the determining means and the correspondence relationship between the cause and the solution to the cause is stored in the solution deriving means, and the determination is made. If it is determined that the problem causes a problem, a method for deriving a solution corresponding to the determination cause based on the information indicating the correspondence relationship may be considered.

Further, the management device, in place of the solution display means, in accordance with derivations solution deriving means may be provided with correction means for changing the operation of the communication device. According to the management apparatus configured as described above, the operation of the communication apparatus is automatically corrected, which is very convenient for a user who is not familiar with network knowledge. Note that if the correction means is operated regardless of the user's intention, the user's degree of freedom is lost, and the user may be dissatisfied. Therefore, Oite the above management system, if the command by the user is input, it may actuate the modifying means.

Other, said administrative system, the computer capable of communicating with the passage ShinSo location, by executing a program for realizing the function as the respective means described above, may be implemented.

The program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium and provided to the user.

Examples of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) 10a, 10b, 10c, a multi-function device 20, a DNS server 31, and a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server 33 in a network NL. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 to which a management system of the present invention including a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server 35, a Post Office Protocol (POP) server 37, and a gateway 39 is applied. 2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 10 (here, the PCs 10a to 10c are collectively expressed as the PC 10), and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multi-function device 20. It is.

  The network NL is a network that is premised on communication using the Internet protocol (IP), and is connected to the Internet. Each device in the network NL has at least one protocol stack of IPv4 and IPv6, and uses that protocol stack to execute another device in the network NL (however, the same kind of protocol stack is executed) And communication).

  The PC 10 includes a CPU 11 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM 12 that stores programs, a RAM 13 that serves as a temporary storage area, a hard disk device (HDD) 14 that stores an operating system, and a protocol for performing communication control. A stack 15, a network interface (network I / F) 16 to which a communication cable LN is connected, a display unit 17 such as a liquid crystal display, and an input unit 18 (for example, a keyboard or a pointing device) that can be operated by a user And these are connected via a bus 19.

  The protocol stack 15 conceptually shows a state in which data communication by the network interface 16 is performed through processing according to the protocol stack 15, and actually, in order to realize data communication according to IPv6, the PC 10 The program module is mounted on the PC 10 (stored in the hard disk device 14) and / or the program module is mounted on the PC 10 to realize data communication according to IPv4. When the program module is executed by the CPU 11, the PC 10 functions as a device capable of communicating with IPv6 and / or IPv4, and communicates with devices in the network NL such as the multi-function device 20.

  Specifically, the PC 10a in the network NL has a program module for realizing data communication according to IPv4, and functions as a device capable of communication by IPv4 by being executed by the CPU 11. Further, the PC 10b has a program module for realizing data communication in accordance with IPv6, and functions as a device capable of communicating with IPv6 by being executed by the CPU 11. In addition, the PC 10c has both program modules, and functions as a device that can communicate with IPv4 and IPv6 by executing them with the CPU 11.

  The hard disk device 14 of any one of the PCs 10a to 10c in the network NL (hereinafter referred to as “management PC”) stores the setting information of the multi-function device 20 in SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). A management tool (program) 14a for making a change on the basis of the management PC 14a is stored. The management PC executes this on the CPU 11 to change the setting of the multi-function device 20 via the network NL based on the SNMP. Configured to be executable.

On the other hand, the multi-function device 20 includes a CPU 21 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM 22 that stores programs, a RAM 23 as a temporary storage area, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 24, and a protocol stack 25 for performing communication control. A network interface (network I / F) 26 connected to the communication cable LN, a user interface (user I / F) 27, and a printing unit 28 capable of forming an image on recording paper. It is configured to be connected via.

  The protocol stack 25 conceptually shows a state in which data communication by the network interface 26 is performed through processing according to the protocol stack 25, and actually a program for realizing data communication according to IPv6. Modules and program modules for realizing data communication according to IPv4.

  That is, the multi-function device 20 implements an IPv6 communication function (hereinafter referred to as “IPv6 communication function”) by executing a program module corresponding to IPv6 on the CPU 21, and a program module corresponding to IPv4. When executed by the CPU 21, a communication function based on IPv4 (hereinafter referred to as “IPv4 communication function”) is realized, and functions as a device capable of communication using IPv4 and IPv6. The multi-function device 20 is configured to be able to turn on / off the IPv6 communication function and the IPv4 communication function.

  The multi-function device 20 also causes the ROM 22 (or NVRAM 24) to receive print data from the PC 10 in the network NL on the basis of lpr (Line Printer Daemon protocol), and cause the printing unit 28 to form an image based on the print data. The CPU 21 functions as the print server unit 21a that executes the processing described above by executing this program. In addition, the ROM 22 (or NVRAM 24) stores a program for transmitting mail via an SMTP server and receiving mail stored in a POP server (specifically, a POP3 server). By executing this program, it functions as the mail transmission / reception unit 21b.

  Further, in the NVRAM 24, a database (MIB: Management Information Base) in which setting information (see FIG. 3B) regarding the multi-function device 20 is registered, and setting information registered in the database in response to an instruction from the management PC. And an agent program for performing notification / updating according to SNMP is stored, and the multi-function device 20 functions as an SNMP agent 21d by executing this agent program on the CPU 21. The setting information is provided according to the command, and the setting information is updated.

  In addition, the multi-function device 20 writes, in the ROM 22 (or NVRAM 24), communication history information about a device in the network that has communicated with the multi-function device 20 in an access log (see FIG. 3A) in the NVRAM 24. The CPU 21 functions as the communication history recording unit 21c by executing this program. This access log is registered in the MIB, and is provided from the multi-function device 20 to the management PC via SNMP.

  Next, the configuration of the access log and setting information will be described. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an access log, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of setting information.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the access log includes a node name that is a name on the network and an IP address corresponding to the node name for each access source device that has accessed the multi-function device 20 in the past predetermined period. Communication history information including the last access date and time. In the access log, when the access source apparatus has the same node name but the address format is different, the last access date and time is recorded for each IP address having a different format.

  In other words, the IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses and the last access date and time are recorded in the access log even if the node names are the same. As is well known, an IP address corresponding to IPv4 is represented by 32 bits, and an IP address corresponding to IPv6 is represented by 128 bits.

  On the other hand, the setting information stored in the NVRAM 24 mainly represents the setting value of the IP mode, the value indicating the validity / invalidity of the IPv4 automatic setting, and the IP address (IPv4 address) of the own device used for the IPv4 communication. A value representing a subnet mask in IPv4, a value representing an IP address of a default gateway used for communication in IPv4, a value representing an IP address (IPv6 address) of the own apparatus used for communication in IPv6, and a primary A value representing the IP address of the DNS server, a value representing the IP address of the secondary DNS server used in place of the primary DNS server, and the address (IP address) of the SMTP server used for mail transmission by the mail transmitting / receiving unit 21b (Or domain name) and P used when receiving mail P (specifically, POP3) A value representing the server address (IP address or domain name), a value representing the mail address of its own device, and a user as authentication information necessary for obtaining received mail from the POP server It consists of a value representing a name and a value representing a password.

  The CPU 21 performs various processes based on this setting information. That is, the CPU 21 performs an operation corresponding to each value (each set value) indicated by the setting information stored in the NVRAM 24. For example, the CPU 21 communicates with the SMTP server based on the value representing the address of the SMTP server, and acquires the received mail from the POP server based on the value representing the address of the POP server.

  Further, when the CPU 21 holds the setting information in the MIB and receives an acquisition request (GetRequest) from the management PC via the network interface 26, the CPU 21 sends a response signal (GetResponse) storing these values to the request source. It transmits to management PC based on SNMP. When a value change request (SetRequest) is received from the management PC via the network interface 26, the setting values constituting the setting information are changed according to the request, and the setting information in the NVRAM 24 is updated.

  The access log described above is updated in the communication history recording unit 21c when the CPU 21 executes the communication history recording process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this communication history recording process. The communication history recording process is repeatedly executed by the CPU 21 after the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

  When the communication history recording process is executed, the CPU 21 stands by until there is an external access (connection) to the multi-function device 20 (S110). If there is an access (Yes in S110), the access source device (the communication partner) ) Is extracted from the received packet (S120), and the node name of the access source device is acquired (S130). When acquiring the domain name as the node name, for example, a method of accessing the DNS server 31 and acquiring the domain name based on the IP address (so-called “reverse lookup”) can be considered.

When the processing in S130 is completed, the CPU 21 registers the communication history information (node name, IP address, and last access date / time information) for the same node name (domain name) in the access log stored in the NVRAM 24. If it is determined whether it is not registered (No in S140), the communication history information about the access source device, that is, the node name acquired in S130, the IP address extracted in S120, and the current The date and time are additionally written in the access log (S150). If the access log exceeds a certain amount of data, the communication history information with the oldest last access date is deleted, and instead, the communication history information for this access is registered in the access log (S150). ). Then C
The PU 21 ends the communication history recording process.

  On the other hand, when determining that the communication history information of the node name acquired in S130 is already registered in the access log (Yes in S140), the CPU 21 determines that the IP address of the communication history information already registered is S120. It is determined whether the address format is the same as the IP address extracted in step S145.

  Specifically, here, the extracted IP address is in IPv4 format and the already registered IP address is in IPv6 format, or the extracted IP address is in IPv6 format and the already registered IP address is in IPv4 format. If it is, it is determined that the address format of the extracted IP address is different from the registered IP address (No in S145), the node name acquired in S130, the IP address extracted in S120, and the current date and time Are added to the access log (S150).

  If it is determined in S145 that the address formats are the same (Yes in S145), the CPU 21 sets the IP address and the last access date / time of the already registered communication history information to the IP address and current date / time acquired in S120. The access log is updated (S160), and then the communication history recording process is terminated.

  Next, processing realized by the CPU 11 of the management PC executing the management tool 14a will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting screen display process realized by the CPU 11 executing the management tool 14a. The setting screen display process is executed by the CPU 11 when an execution command is input from the input unit 18 by a user operation.

  When the setting screen display process is executed, the CPU 11 transmits an acquisition request (GetRequest) for each value (setting value) of the setting information shown in FIG. 3B to the multi-function device 20 via the network interface 16 by SNMP. Thus, the setting values (values of the setting information shown in FIG. 3B) are acquired from the multi-function device 20 and stored in the RAM 13 (S210). By this processing, the same setting values as the setting information shown in FIG. 3B are stored in the RAM 13 of the management PC. Thereafter, the CPU 11 displays a tab configuration setting screen reflecting the setting value on the display unit 17 (S220).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the setting screen. As shown in FIG. 6, the setting screen has a plurality of tab sheets each including a tab and a dialog corresponding to the tab. Specifically, the setting screen includes a tab sheet (FIG. 6A) having a dialog having various setting items related to the communication protocol (TCP / IP), and a tab sheet having a dialog having various setting items related to the POP server and the SMTP server. (FIG. 6B) can be displayed. In S220, the tab sheet set as the initial screen among the tab sheet having the configuration shown in FIG. 6A, the tab sheet having the configuration shown in FIG. 6B, or other tab sheets is displayed on the front.

  When the process in S220 is completed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a command is input by operating the input unit 18 by the user (S230). If the command is not input (No in S230), the CPU 11 waits for the input. If it is determined (Yes in S230), it is determined whether or not the input command is a tab switching command (S240). If it is determined that the command is a tab switching command (Yes in S240), the tab sheet displayed on the front of the setting screen is switched (S245), and then the process proceeds to S230.

On the other hand, when determining that the input command is not a tab switching command (No in S240), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the input command is a protocol switching command (S2).
50). In this embodiment, when an IP mode setting item provided on the tab sheet shown in FIG. 6A is selected through the input unit 18, it is determined that a protocol switching command has been input from the input unit 18.

  When it is determined that the input command is a protocol switching command (Yes in S250), protocol switching processing (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is executed in S255. The contents of this process will be described in detail later. When the protocol switching process is finished in S255, the CPU 11 proceeds to S230.

  If it is determined that the input command is not a protocol switching command (No in S250), the CPU 11 determines whether the input command is a server setting command (S260). Here, the input field of the setting item “primary DNS server address” or “secondary DNS server address” provided on the tab sheet shown in FIG. 6A is selected through the input unit 18 or FIG. 6B. When the input field of the setting item “SMTP server address” or “POP server address” provided on the tab sheet is selected through the input unit 18, it is determined that a server setting command has been input.

  When CPU 11 determines that the input command is a server setting command (Yes in S260), CPU 11 executes server setting processing (see FIG. 15) in S265. The contents of this process will be described in detail later. When the server setting process is finished in S265, the CPU 11 proceeds to S230.

  In addition, when the CPU 11 determines that the input command is not a server setting command (No in S260), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the “OK” button provided on the setting screen is selected through the input unit 18 (S270). If it is determined that the “OK” button has been selected (Yes in S270), each setting value for the multi-function device 20 stored in the RAM 13 updated based on the setting screen is set together with a value change request (SetRequest). The information is transmitted to the multi-function device 20 via the network interface 16, and the contents of each setting value updated on the setting screen are reflected in the setting information of the multi-function device 20 (S275). Although details will be described later, each setting value acquired in S210 and recorded in the RAM 13 is updated by the protocol switching process or the server setting process, and an “OK” button provided on the setting screen is selected through the input unit 18. At this point, it is transmitted / reflected to the multi-function device 20.

  When the processing in S275 is executed, the setting changed by the user through the setting screen is applied to the multi-function device 20, and the multi-function device 20 corresponds to the changed setting value (setting information in the NVRAM 24). Processing (operation) is performed.

  When the process in S275 is completed, the CPU 11 closes the setting screen displayed on the display unit 17 and ends the display (S290). Thereafter, the setting screen display process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined No in S270, the CPU 11 determines whether the “cancel” button provided on the setting screen is selected through the input unit 18, and determines that the “cancel” button is selected (Yes in S280). The process proceeds to S290, the display of the setting screen is ended, and the setting screen display process is ended. If it is determined that the “cancel” button has not been selected, the CPU 11 executes other processing corresponding to the command input from the input unit 18 in S230 (S285), and then proceeds to S230 and is described above. Perform the steps again.

Subsequently, the protocol switching process will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the protocol switching process executed by the CPU 11 of the management PC in S255. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the server determination process executed in the protocol switching process, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the protocol determination process executed in the server determination process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a log determination process executed in the protocol switching process.

  The setting items of the IP mode are in a pull-down format, and when the CPU 11 executes the protocol switching process, the selection screen shown in the dashed line in FIG. 6A is displayed in the pull-down format (S310).

  The selection screen is the “Dual mode” in which the multi-function device 20 operates both the IPv4 communication function and the IPv6 communication function as the IP mode, “IPv4 mode” in which only the IPv4 communication function is operated, and IPv6. One of “IPv6 modes”, which is a mode for operating only the communication function, can be selected. By changing the setting value of the IP mode, the IPv4 communication function and the IPv6 communication function of the multi-function device 20 are turned on / off by remote operation from the management PC.

  When the selection screen is displayed, the CPU 11 waits until one of the IP modes is selected from the selection screen, and when selected, determines whether the IP mode has been switched (S320). That is, it is determined whether or not a mode different from the already set IP mode is selected from the selection screen (S320). If the selected IP mode is the same as the already set IP mode, No is determined. Then, the selection screen is closed (S325), and the protocol switching process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an IP mode different from the already set IP mode has been selected (Yes in S320), the CPU 11 determines that its own device (management PC) when the multi-function device 20 operates in the selected IP mode. ) And the multi-function device 20 can be continued (whether communication can be maintained) (S330).

  Here, when the own device is a device capable of communicating with IPv4 and IPv6, the CPU 11 determines that communication between the own device and the multi-function device 20 can be continued regardless of the selected IP mode ( Yes at S330). On the other hand, if the own device is a device that can communicate only with IPv4, the CPU 11 determines Yes only when the selected IP mode is IPv4 or Dual mode, and otherwise determines No. In addition, when the device itself is a device that can communicate only with IPv6, the CPU 11 determines Yes only when the selected IP mode is IPv6 or Dual mode, and otherwise determines No.

  If the determination is Yes in S330, the CPU 11 proceeds to S350. On the other hand, if it is determined No in S330, the CPU 11 determines that communication is hindered, and the CPU 11 proceeds to S335 and displays a warning screen indicating that the operation of the multi-function device 20 by the management tool becomes impossible due to the change of the IP mode. 17 is displayed.

  FIG. 12A shows an example of a GUI configuration warning screen displayed in S335. On the warning screen, an “OK” button for obtaining a command to enable the operation by ignoring the warning from the user (input unit 18) and a command for invalidating the operation are input to the user (input). And a “cancel” button for obtaining from (18).

After displaying the warning screen in S335, the CPU 11 waits until the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button is selected. When the button is selected, the selected button is the “OK” button or “Cancel”. ”Button (S340), and if it is determined to be a“ cancel ”button (No in S340), the process proceeds to S485, the IP mode switching operation is invalidated, and the protocol switching process is terminated. That is, without changing the setting value of the IP mode held in the RAM 13, the setting change is prohibited and the protocol switching process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button has been selected (Yes in S340), the CPU 11 proceeds to S350. In S350, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the IP address is automatically set in the switched IP mode. Specifically, when the IP mode selected in S310 is the IPv6 mode, the IP address is automatically set by the IPv6 communication function, so that it is determined Yes in S350. On the other hand, when the selected IP mode is the IPv4 mode, the determination is “Yes” only when the setting value of the setting item “IPv4 automatic setting” stored in the RAM 13 is enabled, and otherwise. In the case of No, it is determined No.

  If the determination is Yes in S350, the CPU 11 proceeds to S400. If it is determined No in S350, the process proceeds to S360. When the process proceeds to S360, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value of the IPv4 address held in the RAM 13 is not set. A warning screen indicating that it has not been set is displayed on the display unit 17 (S365). FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a GUI configuration warning screen displayed in S365.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, in the warning screen displayed in S365, in order from the top, a character string (message) indicating that the setting from the management tool cannot be continued, and whether or not to continue the operation. A character string to be asked, a character string indicating the reason why the setting cannot be continued from the management tool, and a character string indicating the solution are displayed. Further, as a solution, a proposal “to enable automatic setting of IPv4 and change the IP address to be automatically acquired” is displayed on the warning screen as a character string.

  The warning screen also includes a radio button for obtaining a command to make a change from the user (input unit 18) according to the solution (proposed change) presented on the warning screen, and an operation that ignores the warning. Provided are a radio button for obtaining a command for enabling from the user (input unit 18) and a radio button for obtaining a command for invalidating operation from the user (input unit 18). It has been. In addition, this warning screen is provided with an “OK” button that is selected by the user when selection of the radio button is completed.

  After displaying the warning screen on the display unit 17 (S365), the CPU 11 waits until one of the radio buttons is selected and the “OK” button is selected, and when the “OK” button is selected, the radio button is displayed. It is determined that any of the above commands corresponding to is input, and the process proceeds to S380.

  In S380, it is determined whether or not the input command is a command to change, and if it is determined to be a command to change (Yes in S380), the corresponding set value is determined according to the solution (change plan). Is temporarily changed (S385). Here, instead of changing the setting value held in the RAM 13, as a temporary change, the contents of changing the setting value (information for effectively changing the IPv4 automatic setting value) are temporarily stored. To do. When the process in S385 is completed, the process proceeds to S400.

On the other hand, if the input command is not a command to change (No in S380), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the input command is a command to validate the operation while ignoring the warning. (S390) If it is determined that the command is for ignoring the warning and the operation is valid (Yes in S390), the process proceeds to S400, and if it is not the above command (No in S390), the process proceeds to S485. . Then, the IP mode switching operation is invalidated and the protocol switching process is terminated.

  In addition, in S360, when it is determined that the value of the IPv4 address is not set (that is, set), the CPU 11 proceeds to S370, and whether the value of the subnet mask of IPv4 held in the RAM 13 is not set. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that it has not been set (Yes in S370), a warning screen indicating that the subnet mask has not been set is displayed on the display unit 17 assuming that communication will be hindered (S375). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI configuration warning screen displayed in S375.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the warning screen displayed in S375 includes, in order from the top, a character string indicating that setting cannot be continued from the management tool, a character string asking whether or not to continue the operation, and a management tool A character string indicating the reason why it is impossible to continue the setting from, and a character string indicating the solution are displayed. As a solution, a proposal “change the subnet mask of IPv4 to the same value as the subnet mask of the management PC” is displayed on the warning screen as a character string.

  The warning screen also includes a radio button for obtaining a command to make a change from the user (input unit 18) according to the solution (proposed change) presented on the warning screen, and an operation that ignores the warning. Provided are a radio button for obtaining a command for enabling from the user (input unit 18) and a radio button for obtaining a command for invalidating operation from the user (input unit 18). It has been. In addition, this warning screen is provided with an “OK” button that is selected by the user when selection of the radio button is completed.

  After displaying the warning screen on the display unit 17 (S375), the CPU 11 waits until one of the radio buttons is selected and the “OK” button is selected, and when the “OK” button is selected, the radio button is displayed. If it is determined that any one of the corresponding commands is input, the process proceeds to S380.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the input command is a command to change, and if it is determined to be a command to change (Yes in S380), the corresponding set value ( Specifically, the subnet mask value) is temporarily changed (S385), and the process proceeds to S400.

  On the other hand, if the input command is not a command to change (No in S380), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the input command is a command to validate the operation while ignoring the warning. (S390) If it is determined that the command is for ignoring the warning and the operation is valid (Yes in S390), the process proceeds to S400, and if it is not the above command (No in S390), the process proceeds to S485. . Then, the IP mode switching operation is invalidated and the protocol switching process is terminated.

  In S400, the CPU 11 executes a server determination process shown in FIG. When the server determination process is executed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the Dual mode is selected as the IP mode in S310 (S401). If it is determined that the Dual mode is selected (Yes in S401), the CPU 11 ends the server determination process as it is. To do.

  On the other hand, when determining that the selected IP mode is not the Dual mode (No in S401), the CPU 11 selects a server to be determined (S403) and sets the address (IP address or domain name) of the selected server. The value is set as a protocol determination target (S405).

The determination target server in the present embodiment is an SMTP server, POP server, primary DNS server, or secondary DNS server that the multi-function device 20 may access. In S403, one of these is determined as the determination target. Select as a server. The protocol determination target is a setting value acquired from the multi-function device 20 in S210 and a value representing the address (IP address or domain name) of each of the servers held in the RAM 13.

  After completing the process in S405, the CPU 11 determines whether the protocol determination target is represented by a name, that is, a domain name (S407), and determines that the protocol determination target is represented by an IP address instead of a domain name ( The process proceeds to S409, and it is determined whether the IP address subject to protocol determination is a 32-bit IP address compatible with IPv4 or a 128-bit IP address compatible with IPv6. In other words, it is determined here whether the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv4 or IPv6. Thereafter, the CPU 11 proceeds to S420.

  On the other hand, when determining that the protocol determination target is represented by a domain name (Yes in S407), the CPU 11 proceeds to S410 and executes the protocol determination process shown in FIG.

  When the protocol determination process is executed, the CPU 11 accesses the DNS server 31 in the network NL and inquires about the A record and the AAAA record corresponding to the domain name to be determined (S411). As is well known, an A record is an IPv4 address (IP address) corresponding to a domain name, and an AAAA record is an IPv6 address (IP address) corresponding to a domain name.

  When the DNS server 31 receives the inquiry signal of the A record, the DNS server 31 determines whether or not the A record of the domain name to be inquired is registered, and if it is registered, returns the A record. The record is not sent back. Further, when the DNS server 31 receives the AAAA record inquiry signal, the DNS server 31 determines whether or not the AAAA record of the domain name to be inquired is registered, and if it is registered, returns the AAAA record. The AAAA record is not returned.

  When the processing in S411 is completed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not both the A record and the AAAA record have been received from the DNS server 31 via the network interface 16 as inquiry response signals after the reception waiting period. If it is determined that it has been received (Yes in S412), in S413, it is determined that the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv4 and IPv6 (that is, Dual is determined), and the protocol determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that both the A record and the AAAA record have not been received (No in 412), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the A record has been received (S415), and if it has determined that the A record has been received (in S415) Yes), it is determined that the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv4 (S416), and the protocol determination process ends.

  If it is determined that an A record has not been received (No in S415), the CPU 11 determines whether an AAAA record has been received (S417), and if it has determined that an AAAA record has been received (Yes in S417). ), It is determined that the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv6 (S418), and the protocol determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the AAAA record has not been received (No in S417), the CPU 11 determines that the domain name is invalid because it has received neither the A record nor the AAAA record (S419). Thereafter, the protocol determination process ends.

When the protocol determination process ends, the CPU 11 proceeds to S420, determines whether the IP mode (switched IP mode) selected in S310 is the IPv6 mode, and determines that it is the IPv6 mode (S420). Yes), based on the above determination result, it is determined whether or not the determination target server can communicate with IPv6 (S421).

  When it is determined that the determination target server can communicate with IPv6 (Yes in S421), the process proceeds to S430. Further, when it is determined that the determination target server is unable to communicate with IPv6 (No in S421), such as when the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv4, it is determined that communication is hindered, and a warning screen is displayed. As a server to be listed, information on the determination target server is registered in the warning list stored in the RAM 13 (S423), and thereafter, the process proceeds to S430. The warning list is generated in the RAM 13 as empty information every time the server determination process is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the switched IP mode is not the IPv6 mode (No in S420), the CPU 11 determines whether the switched IP mode is the IPv4 mode (S425) and determines that it is not the IPv4 mode. (No in S425), the process proceeds to S430, and if it is determined that the mode is the IPv4 mode (Yes in S425), it is determined whether or not the determination target server can communicate with IPv4 based on the above determination result (S427).

  If it is determined that the determination target server can communicate with IPv4 (Yes in S427), the process proceeds to S430, and the determination target server cannot communicate with IPv4, for example, when the communication protocol of the determination target server is IPv6. (No in S427), it is determined that communication will be hindered, and information on the determination target server is registered in the warning list stored in the RAM 13 as a server to be listed when the warning screen is displayed (S429). Then, the process proceeds to S430.

  When the process proceeds to S430, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the processing after S405 has been executed for all the servers to be determined, and determines that the processing has not been executed for all the servers to be determined (in S430). No), the next determination target server is selected (S431), and the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process has been executed for all servers to be determined (Yes in S430), the server determination process is terminated.

  When the server determination process ends in S400, the CPU 11 determines, based on the result of the server determination process, when the multi-function device 20 operates in the switched IP mode (the determination target server). It is determined whether or not communication with the server is possible (S435). Specifically, here, it is determined whether or not server information is registered in the warning list. If registered, it is determined No because there is a server that cannot communicate. On the other hand, if the server information is not registered in the warning list, there is no server that cannot communicate, so it is determined Yes.

  If the determination is Yes in S435, the CPU 11 proceeds to S450, and if the determination is No in S435, the CPU 11 determines that communication will be hindered, and a warning screen that the set value of the server does not conform to the switched IP mode. Is displayed (S440). FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of a GUI configuration warning screen displayed in S440.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, in the warning screen displayed in S440, a character string indicating that there is a protocol (server) that cannot be used, and a character string asking whether to continue the operation, from the top. A character string indicating a list of protocols (servers) that cannot be used is displayed. The warning screen uses an “OK” button for obtaining a command to enable the operation while ignoring the warning from the user (input unit 18) and a command to invalidate the operation. A “cancel” button is provided for acquisition from the user (input unit 18).

  After displaying the warning screen in S440, the CPU 11 waits until the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button is selected. When the button is selected, the selected button is the “OK” button or “Cancel”. ”Button (S445), and if it is determined to be the“ cancel ”button (No in S445), the process proceeds to S485, the IP mode switching operation is invalidated, and the protocol switching process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button has been selected (Yes in S445), the CPU 11 proceeds to S450 and executes the log determination process shown in FIG.

  When the log determination process is executed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the Dual mode is selected as the IP mode in S310 (S451). If it is determined that the Dual mode is selected (Yes in S451), the server determination process is ended as it is. To do.

  On the other hand, when determining that the selected IP mode is not the Dual mode (No in S451), the CPU 11 acquires an access log from the multi-function device 20 via the network interface 16 based on SNMP (S452), and thereafter Then, it is determined whether or not the IP mode (IP mode after switching) selected in S310 is the IPv6 mode (S453).

  If it is determined that the IP mode after switching is the IPv6 mode (Yes in S453), the CPU 11 selects one access source device (node) registered in the access log as an address determination target (S455). It is determined whether or not the address determination target is a device that has accessed only with IPv4 (S456). That is, in S456, the communication history information of the same node (same node name) is analyzed to determine whether or not the IP address of the address determination target recorded in the access log is only an IPv4 IP address. If there is an IPv6 IP address as the IP address of the address determination target in the access log, it is determined No, and if it is only the IPv4 IP address, it is determined Yes.

  If it is determined No in S456, the CPU 11 proceeds to S459. On the other hand, if YES is determined in S456, the CPU 11 displays a warning list stored in the RAM 13 to display the node name and IP address of the address determination target on the warning screen (different from the warning list used in the server determination process). ) (S458), and then the process proceeds to S459. The warning list is generated in the RAM 13 as empty information every time the log determination process is executed.

  In S459, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the determination in S456 has been made for all the nodes registered in the access log. If it is determined that the determination has not been made (No in S459), the CPU 11 proceeds to S455 and proceeds to the next step. The address determination target is selected, and the processes after S456 are executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination in S456 has been made for all the nodes registered in the access log (Yes in S459), the log determination process ends.

  In addition, if it is determined that the switched IP mode is not the IPv6 mode (No in S453), the CPU 11 determines whether the switched IP mode is the IPv4 mode (S460), and determines that it is not the IPv4 mode. Then (No in S460), the log determination process is terminated, and when it is determined that the IPv4 mode is selected (Yes in S460), the process proceeds to S461.

In S461, one of the access source devices (nodes) registered in the access log is selected as an address determination target, and it is determined whether the address determination target is a device accessed only by IPv6 (S462). That is, in S462, the communication history information of the same node (same node name) is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not the IP address of the address determination target recorded in the access log is only an IPv6 IP address. . And in the access log,
If there is an IPv4 IP address as the IP address to be determined, it is determined No, and if it is only an IPv6 IP address, it is determined Yes.

  If the determination is No in S462, the CPU 11 proceeds to S465. On the other hand, if the determination in step S462 is Yes, the CPU 11 registers the node name and IP address of this address determination target in the warning list stored in the RAM 13 in order to display the warning screen (S464), and then proceeds to S465. To do.

  In S465, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the determination in S462 has been made for all the nodes registered in the access log. If it is determined that the determination has not been made (No in S465), the CPU 11 proceeds to S461 and proceeds to the next step. The address determination target is selected, and the processes after S462 are executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination in S462 has been made for all the nodes registered in the access log (Yes in S465), the log determination process ends.

  When the log determination process in S450 ends, the CPU 11 proceeds to S470, and a device that cannot communicate with the multi-function device 20 is registered in the access log when the IP mode is switched based on the result of the log determination process. It is judged whether or not it exists in the designated node. Specifically, here, it is determined whether or not the node name and IP address of the address determination target not corresponding to the switched IP mode are registered in the warning list stored in the RAM 13, and the address is stored in the warning list. If the determination target node name and IP address are registered, it is determined Yes in S470 because there is a device that cannot communicate. Further, it is determined No if the warning list is empty.

  If the determination is No in S470, the CPU 11 proceeds to S490, and if the determination is Yes in S470, the CPU 11 proceeds to S475 because communication is hindered. Then, a warning screen indicating that the currently communicable node cannot communicate with the multi-function device 20 is displayed by switching the IP mode (S475). FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a GUI configuration warning screen displayed in S475.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, in the warning screen displayed in S475, in order from the top, a character string indicating that there is a device (device) that cannot communicate, and a character string asking whether to continue the operation. A character string indicating the IP address and node name of the device that cannot communicate is displayed. The warning screen uses an “OK” button for obtaining a command to enable the operation while ignoring the warning from the user (input unit 18) and a command to invalidate the operation. A “cancel” button is provided for acquisition from the user (input unit 18).

  After displaying the warning screen in S475, the CPU 11 waits until the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button is selected. When the button is selected, the selected button is the “OK” button or “Cancel”. ”Button (S480). If it is determined to be a“ cancel ”button (No in S480), the process proceeds to S485, the IP mode switching operation is invalidated, and the protocol switching process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button has been selected (Yes in S480), the CPU 11 proceeds to S490 and changes the setting value of the IP mode stored in the RAM 13 to the value of the IP mode selected in S310. At the same time, if the contents of the temporary change are temporarily stored in the RAM 13, the setting value held in the RAM 13 is updated based on this information (S490).

For example, when a command to change according to the solution (change plan) presented on the warning screen in S365 is input, the setting value of “IPv4 automatic setting” stored in the RAM 13 is validated in S490. If a command to change and input the change in accordance with the solution (change plan) presented on the warning screen in S375 is input, the setting value of the subnet mask held in the RAM 13 is set in the management PC in S490. Change to the same value as the subnet mask.

  Further, the display content of the setting screen is updated so that the display content of the setting screen corresponds to the change content of the setting value (S490). Thereafter, the CPU 11 ends the protocol switching process.

  Next, the server setting process executed in S265 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a server setting process executed by the CPU 11 of the management PC.

  When the server setting process is executed, the CPU 11 waits until the input of the character string to the input field of the setting item that caused the execution of the server setting process is completed (S510), and the input of the character string to the input field is performed. If it is determined that the process has been completed (Yes in S510), the process proceeds to S520. In S510, for example, when a setting item different from the input field is selected, it is determined that the input of the character string to the input field is completed.

  In step S520, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the character string input operation to the setting item input field is an operation for changing the setting value (that is, a character string different from the value already set is input). If the operation is not an operation for changing the setting value (No in S520), the server setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation is to change the set value (Yes in S520), it is determined whether or not the character string newly input in the input field is a domain name (S530). If it is determined that the character string newly input in the input field is a domain name (Yes in S530), the character string input in the input field is set as a protocol determination target (S540), and then FIG. Is executed (S560). The contents of the protocol determination process are as described above. After the execution of the protocol determination process, the process proceeds to S570.

  In addition, if it is determined that the character string newly input in the input field is not a domain name but an IP address (No in S530), the CPU 11 executes an address determination process in S550. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the address determination process. In this address determination process, the input IP address is determined using a well-known function inet_pton (int af, const char * src, void * dst).

  The function inet_pton converts the character string src into a network address structure of the address family af and copies it to the variable dst. If the address family af does not support the character string src, this function returns a negative value as the return value ret. If the character string src is not a correct address, the value 0 is returned as the return value ret. In addition, when a correct address is set in the character string src, a positive value is returned as the return value ret.

  Specifically, when the above function is executed with the value AF_INET set in the address family af, a value of 0 or less is obtained as the return value ret when the character string src is not a correct IPv4 IP address. Conversely, when the character string src is a correct IPv4 IP address, a positive value is obtained as the return value ret by setting the value AF_INET in the address family af and executing the above function.

For IPv4, instead of the function inet_pton, it is determined in turn whether or not the character constituting the character string src is a decimal character, and if it is a decimal number, up to the period 10 Converts a hexadecimal character string to a numerical value, and if the numerical value exceeds 255, an error occurs. The above process can be substituted by a series of processes in which a return value ret is output by repeating until a character other than a decimal number or a period appears.

  Further, when the above function is executed with the value AF_INET6 set in the address family af, a value of 0 or less is obtained as the return value ret when the character string src is not a correct IPv6 IP address. Conversely, when the character string src is a correct IPv6 IP address, a positive value is obtained as the return value ret by setting the value AF_INET6 in the address family af and executing the above function.

For IPv6, instead of the function inet_pton, it is determined whether or not each character constituting the character string src is a hexadecimal character in order. Converts a hexadecimal character string to a numerical value, and if the numerical value exceeds 0xffff, an error occurs. If there is a character string “::”, the position is stored, and if there is a second character string “::”, an error occurs. The above processing is repeated until a character other than a hexadecimal number or a colon appears, and if the position of “::” is stored, the value 0 is inserted at that position, and then the return value ret
Can be substituted by a series of processes of outputting.

  In the address determination process shown in FIG. 16, whether the input character string is an IPv4 IP address or an IPv6 IP address using the above function for outputting the return value ret in this way, or , It is determined whether the IP address is an invalid IP address that does not belong to any of them.

  Specifically, when the address determination process is executed, the CPU 11 sets the variable af = AF_INET, sets the variable src to the character string input in the input field, executes the function inet_pton, and sets the return value ret. Obtain (S551).

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 determines whether the return value ret is a positive value (that is, whether ret> 0) (S553). If the CPU 11 determines that the return value ret is a positive value (Yes in S553), the input field It is determined that the IP address input to is an IPv4 address and the communication protocol of the server corresponding to the input field is IPv4 (S557). Thereafter, the address determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S553 that the return value ret is not a positive value (No in S553), the CPU 11 sets the variable af = AF_INET6 and sets the character string input in the input field in the variable src. The function inet_pton is executed, and the return value ret is acquired (S555).

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the return value ret is a positive value (ie, whether ret> 0) (S556). If the CPU 11 determines that the return value ret is a positive value (Yes in S556), the input field It is determined that the IP address input to is an IPv6 address and the communication protocol of the server corresponding to the input field is IPv6 (S558). Thereafter, the address determination process ends.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the return value ret is not a positive value (No in S556), the CPU 11 determines that an invalid address has been input and makes an illegal determination (S559). Thereafter, the address determination process ends, and the process proceeds to S570.

When the process proceeds to S570, the CPU 11 determines whether the server corresponding to the input field is a server that can communicate with IPv4 and IPv6 based on the result of the protocol determination process or the result of the address determination process (S570). ). Here, it is determined as Yes only when the Dual determination is made in the protocol determination process, and it is determined as No in other cases.

  If YES is determined in S570, the CPU 11 changes (updates) the setting value of the server corresponding to the input field held in the RAM 13 to the character string input in the input field (S630), and performs the server setting process. Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined No in S570, the CPU 11 determines whether the communication protocol of the server corresponding to the input field is IPv4 based on the result of the protocol determination process or the result of the address determination process (S580). If it is determined that it is IPv4 (Yes in S580), it is determined whether or not the IPv4 communication function of the multi-function device 20 is turned on based on the setting value of the IP mode stored in the RAM 13 (S590). Specifically, it is determined here that the IPv4 communication function is turned on only when the IP mode is the Dual mode or the IPv4 mode.

  If it is determined that the IPv4 communication function is turned on (Yes in S590), the process proceeds to S630, and the setting value of the server corresponding to the input field causing the execution of the server setting process is input. Change (update) the character string input in the field and end the server setting process.

  If it is determined in S590 that the IPv4 communication function is turned off (No in S590), the CPU 11 instructs to input a server address that conforms to the set IP mode, assuming that communication is hindered. The warning screen to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 17 (S595). In S590, No is determined, and the warning screen is displayed on the display unit 17, for example, although the IP mode is set to IPv6 (the IPv4 communication function is off), the server address is changed from IPv6. This is a case of changing to an IPv4 address.

  FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 17 in S595. As shown in FIG. 17A, the warning screen displayed in S595 displays a character string for instructing to input a server address suitable for the IP mode, and an “OK” button.

  After displaying the warning screen in S595, the CPU 11 stands by until the user operates the input unit 18 to select the “OK” button (S620). When the “OK” button is selected (S620). Yes), the character string input in the input field in S510 is erased, and instead of this, the setting value (server address) held in the RAM 13 is displayed in the input field, so that the display contents of the input field on the setting screen Is restored (S640). Thereafter, the server setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when determining that the communication protocol of the server is not IPv4 in S580 (No in S580), the CPU 11 performs communication of the server corresponding to the input field based on the result of the protocol determination process or the result of the address determination process. It is determined whether or not the protocol is IPv6 (S600). If it is determined that the protocol is IPv6 (Yes in S600), the IPv6 communication function of the multi-function device 20 is determined based on the setting value of the IP mode stored in the RAM 13. It is determined whether it is turned on (S610). Specifically, it is determined here that the IPv6 communication function is turned on only when the IP mode is the Dual mode or the IPv6 mode.

If the CPU 11 determines that the IPv6 communication function is turned on (Yes in S610), the CPU 11 proceeds to S630 and sets the server setting value corresponding to the input field that caused the execution of the server setting process. The character string is changed (updated) to the character string input in the input field, and then the server setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S610 that the IPv6 communication function is turned off (No in S610), the CPU 11 instructs to input a server address that conforms to the set IP mode, assuming that communication is hindered. A warning screen is displayed on the display unit 17 (S615). In S610, it is determined No, and the warning screen is displayed on the display unit 17, for example, although the IP mode is set to IPv4 (that is, the IPv6 communication function is turned off). In this case, the address is changed from IPv4 to IPv6.

  FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 17 in S615. As shown in FIG. 17B, the warning screen displayed in S615 displays a character string for instructing to input a server address suitable for the IP mode, and an “OK” button.

  After displaying the warning screen in S615, the CPU 11 stands by until the user operates the input unit 18 to select the “OK” button (S620), and when the “OK” button is selected (S620). Yes), the display content of the input field on the setting screen is restored (S640), and the server setting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in S600 that the communication protocol of the server is not IPv6 (No in S600), the CPU 11 displays a warning screen including a character string for instructing to input a correct server address and an “OK” button ( (Not shown) is displayed on the display unit 17 (S605), and then waits until the “OK” button is selected (S620). When the “OK” button is selected (Yes in S620), The display contents in the input field are restored (S640). Then, the server setting process ends.

  The server setting process and the protocol switching process have been described above. In these processes, the updated setting value in the RAM 13 is, as described above, when the “OK” button on the setting screen is selected. Is reflected in the setting information of the multi-function device 20 (S275). Accordingly, the server address setting operation and the IP mode switching operation performed by the user through the setting screen are reflected in the multi-function device 20 and the operation of the multi-function device 20 is changed.

  For example, the IP mode setting value in the RAM 13 changed based on the IP mode switching operation is reflected in the setting information (IP mode setting value) stored in the NVRAM 24 of the multi-function device 20. The IPv4 communication function and the IPv6 communication function in the functional device 20 are turned on / off.

  In addition, the setting value (server address) of each server in the RAM 13 changed based on the server address setting operation is reflected in the setting information stored in the NVRAM 24 of the multi-function device 20. The server address of the setting information in is updated, and the multi-function device 20 accesses the server corresponding to the updated server address.

As described above, the communication system 1 of the present embodiment has been described. In this embodiment, the management PC that manages the multi-function device 20 is configured to perform various operations using SNMP in accordance with a command input from the input unit 18 by a user operation. The setting value of the functional device 20 is manipulated to change the operation (setting) of the multi-function device 20. When the functional device 20 operates, it is determined whether or not communication with the device that was communicating before the change is possible after the change, thereby determining whether or not the communication after the change is not hindered. If it is determined that a problem will occur, the change operation by the user is canceled as necessary (S485), and the setting change for the multi-function device 20 is not executed (that is, prohibited).

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent troubles in communication due to making an incorrect setting change for the multi-function device 20.

  In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, since the setting change is performed from the management PC to the multi-function device 20 via the network NL, if communication between the management PC and the multi-function device 20 cannot be performed due to the setting change, it will be difficult for the user. Very inconvenient. In this regard, in this embodiment, before changing the setting value of the multi-function device 20 by SNMP, it is determined whether or not communication between the management PC and the multi-function device 20 can be maintained with the changed setting value. (S330) If the communication cannot be maintained (No in S330), the change operation by the user is canceled (S485) and the setting change for the multi-function device 20 is not executed. It can be prevented that communication between the management PC and the multi-function device 20 cannot be maintained due to the setting change.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the IPv4 communication function and the IPv6 communication function of the multi-function device 20 are configured to be turned on / off, respectively. However, when the IPv4 communication function or the IPv6 communication function is changed to off, the change is made. Thus, it is determined in the protocol switching process whether or not communication will be hindered. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent communication from being hindered by turning on / off the IPv4 communication function / IPv6 communication function.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the information (IP address) indicating the communication protocol of the node that communicated with the own device (multifunction device 20) is accessed to the multifunction device 20 within a range where the access log does not exceed a certain amount of data. Logs are recorded (communication history recording process), and based on this access log, a log determination process is executed, and a device in the network NL that cannot communicate with the multi-function device 20 due to a setting change is It is determined whether or not it exists in a device that has communicated with the multi-function device 20 in a past predetermined period.

  If there is a device that cannot communicate with the multi-function device 20, it is determined that communication in the network NL is hindered (Yes in S470), and an IP mode switching operation is performed as necessary. Was not done. Therefore, according to the communication system 1, it is possible to solve the problem caused by the inability to communicate with devices in the network NL that frequently communicate with the multi-function device 20.

  In the multi-function device 20, only one server address such as an SMTP server can be set (stored as setting information) for each server, whereas the IPv4 and IPv6 communication functions are respectively set. Since it can be turned on / off, there is a possibility that a mismatch occurs between the relation between the on / off state of the communication function and the relation with the server address.

  In order to cope with this problem, in this embodiment, when the IP mode is switched, the server address stored in the multi-function device 20 as the setting information is IPv4 even though the IP mode after the switching is the IPv6 mode. If there is (No in S421), it is determined that communication will be hindered (No in S435), and the setting change is prohibited (S485). If the server address stored in the multi-function device 20 as the setting information is IPv6 (No in S427) even though the IP mode after switching is IPv4, it is determined that communication will be hindered (S435). No), the setting change is not executed (S485).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when the IP mode is switched from the Dual mode to the IPv4 mode in S310 and the IPv6 communication function is changed from on to off, there is a mismatch between the IP mode and the server address. This can be prevented by the processing of S427 to S429 and the like. In addition, when the IP mode is switched from the Dual mode to the IPv6 mode in S310 and the IPv4 communication function is changed from on to off, the IP mode and the server address are inconsistent. S421 to S423, etc. This can be prevented by the process.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when the server address is set even when the operation other than the IP mode switching operation is performed, the server setting process sets the IP mode and the server address input from the input unit 18. If there is no inconsistency, the set value is reflected in the multi-function device 20 in the processing of S630 and S275, but if there is inconsistency (No in S590) In the case of No in S610, the setting change is prohibited (S640). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the above-described inconsistency problem can be solved in advance, and it is possible to prevent the multi-function device 20 from being unable to access the server due to an erroneous setting change by the user. be able to.

  In this embodiment, when there is a mismatch between the IP mode switching operation and the server address setting value, or when there is a mismatch between the server address change operation and the IP mode setting value, the operation is performed. If the message continues, a message indicating that communication will be hindered or a message instructing to input a correct address is displayed on the display unit 17 (S335, S365, S375, S440, S475, S595, S615). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the display of these messages can make the user aware that there is some error in his / her operation, and the correct setting operation can be performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, according to the cause determined that the communication is hindered, a corresponding solution (change plan) is displayed on the warning screen (S365, S375). In addition, when a command to change is input through the warning screen, the setting value corresponding to the proposed solution (change plan) is automatically changed to correct the incorrect setting change. (S385, S490). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, operation management (setting) of the multi-function device 20 can be easily performed even for a user who is not familiar with the network.

  Note that the first and second communication protocols of the present invention correspond to IPv4 and IPv6, and the changing means is realized by processing such as S490, S630, and S275. Further, the determining means is realized by processing such as S330, S360, S370, S435, S470, S590, S610, and the prohibiting means is realized by processing such as S485, S640. The input means corresponds to the input unit 18, and the communication means corresponds to the protocol stack 15 and the network interface 16.

  Further, the maintenance determination unit is realized by the process of S330, the history recording unit is realized by the communication history recording process, and the apparatus determination unit is realized by the processes of S450 and S470. The setting storage means is realized by the NVRAM 24 that stores setting information, and information for communicating with a specific device corresponds to a server address (IP address in IPv4 notation, IP address in IPv6 notation, etc.).

  In addition, the message display means is realized in S335, S365, S375, S440, S475, S595, S615, and the like, and the solution derivation means performs processing for switching the displayed solution (change proposal) according to the cause of occurrence ( This is realized in the protocol switching process). Further, the correction means is realized by the processes of S385 and S490, and the solution display means is realized by the processes of S365 and S375.

Moreover, the management system and program of this invention are not limited to the said Example, A various aspect can be taken. In the above embodiment, the management PC determines whether or not communication is hindered by the setting change, and the setting PC cancels the setting change. However, for example, the above determination is made to the multi-function device 20. In such a case, the cancellation of the setting change may be realized on the multi-function device 20 side.

It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the communication system 1 to which this invention was applied. 2 is a block diagram (a) showing the configuration of the PC 10 constituting the communication system 1 and a block diagram (b) showing the configuration of the multi-function device 20. FIG. It is explanatory drawing (a) showing the structure of the access log which NVRAM24 memorize | stores, and explanatory drawing (b) showing the structure of setting information. It is a flowchart showing the communication history recording process which CPU21 performs. It is a flowchart showing the setting screen display process which CPU11 of management PC performs. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of a setting screen. It is a flowchart showing the protocol switching process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the protocol switching process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the server determination process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the protocol determination process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the log determination process which CPU11 performs. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S335, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S365. It is a figure which shows the example of the warning screen displayed by S375. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S440, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S475. It is a flowchart showing the server setting process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the address determination process which CPU11 performs. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S595, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen displayed in S615.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system 10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... PC, 11, 21 ... CPU, 12, 22 ... ROM, 13, 23 ... RAM, 14 ... Hard disk drive, 14a ... Management tool, 15, 25 ... Protocol stack, 16, 26 ... Network interface, 17 ... Display unit, 18 ... Input unit, 19, 29 ... Bus, 20 ... Multi-function device, 21a ... Print server unit, 21b ... Mail transmission / reception unit, 21c ... Communication history recording unit, 21d ... SNMP agent, 24 ... NVRAM, 27 ... user interface, 28 ... printing section, 31 ... DNS server, 33 ... DHCP server, 35 ... SMTP server, 37 ... POP server, LN ... communication cable, NL ... network

Claims (9)

An apparatus that communicates with a first communication protocol and a network that includes an apparatus that communicates with a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and that is connected to the network with the first communication protocol. a first communication function for communicating with the device of the inner, the second management for managing the communication equipment that in the communication protocol and a second communication function for communicating with devices in the network A device ,
A communication means for communicating with the communication device by the first or second communication protocol via the network ;
And input means of a Subscriber is operational,
Accordance with a command input from the entering-force means, via said communication means, and changing means for changing the operation of the pre-Symbol communication device by turning on / off the first or second communication function of the communication device,
When changing the operation before Symbol communication device by the previous SL changing means to change the first or off a second communication function from on, by the change, whether trouble occurs in a communication within the network Determination means for determining ;
History recording means for storing information indicating a communication protocol used by the devices in the network that have communicated with the communication device in a past predetermined period as communication history information in a storage means included in the management device;
The determination means comprises
After the change, with the maintenance determination means to determine whether the communication device and the management device and communication can be maintained,
It said determination means, by the pre-Symbol maintenance determining means, when the communication of the communication device and the management device is determined to not be maintained, then determine the constant when trouble in communication in the network occurs,
The determination means includes
Based on the communication history information stored in the storage unit, a device that cannot communicate with the communication device due to the change is present in the devices in the network that have communicated with the communication device during the predetermined period. Device judging means for judging whether or not to do,
It said determination means, by the device determination means, characterized when said communication apparatus and the communication becomes impossible apparatus is determined to be present, and this determines the trouble in communication in the network occurs tube Science device.   A device that communicates with a first communication protocol, and is different from the first communication protocol
A first communication function connected to a network including a device communicating with a second communication protocol, and communicating with a device in the network using the first communication protocol; and the second communication protocol A management device for managing a communication device comprising a second communication function for communicating with a device in the network,
  A communication means for communicating with the communication device by the first or second communication protocol via the network;
  Input means that can be operated by the user;
  Changing means for changing the operation of the communication device by turning on / off the first or second communication function of the communication device via the communication device in accordance with a command input from the input device;
  When the change means changes the operation of the communication device by changing the first or second communication function from on to off, it is determined whether or not the change causes trouble in communication within the network. A determination means;
With
  The determination means includes
  Maintenance determination means for determining whether communication between the communication device and the management device can be maintained after the change;
  The determination unit determines that communication within the network is hindered when the maintenance determination unit determines that communication between the communication device and the management device cannot be maintained.
  The communication device is information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol, or information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the second communication protocol. Comprising setting storage means for storing as setting information relating to communication with the specific device, and configured to communicate with the specific device in the network according to the setting information stored in the setting storage means;
  The determination means includes
  When the changing unit changes the first communication function from on to off, the setting storage unit communicates with the specific device in the network using the first communication protocol as the setting information. And when the change means changes the second communication function from on to off, the setting storage means uses the second communication protocol as the setting information in the network. A management device, wherein information for communicating with a specific device is determined to cause a problem in communication within the network. Information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol is address information of the specific device, and is address information that conforms to the first communication protocol,
The information to communicate with a specific device in the network by the second communication protocol, wherein an address information of the specific device, Ru compatible address information der to said second communication protocol, billed term management apparatus according to 2. The determination unit operates before the change unit changes the operation of the communication device,
The management system further includes:
Wherein the determination means determines that trouble in communication in the network occurs, inhibiting means for inhibiting a change operation by the changing means, Ru with a serial mounting of management apparatus to any one of 請 Motomeko 1-3. Wherein the determination means determines that trouble in communication in the network occurs, a message display means for displaying a message to that effect, Ru with a management device according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1-4. A solution deriving unit for deriving a solution for the trouble when the judging unit determines that the communication in the network is hindered;
Solution display means for displaying the solution derived by the solution derivation means;
Ru with a management device according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1-5. A solution deriving unit for deriving a solution for the trouble when the judging unit determines that the communication in the network is hindered;
Correction means for changing the operation of the communication device according to the derivation result of the solution derivation means;
Ru with a management device according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1-6.   An apparatus that communicates with a first communication protocol and a network that includes an apparatus that communicates with a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and that is connected to the network with the first communication protocol. A computer for managing a communication device comprising: a first communication function for communicating with a device in the network; and a second communication function for communicating with a device in the network using the second communication protocol;
  A communication procedure for communicating with the communication device using the first or second communication protocol via the network;
  A change procedure for changing the operation of the communication device by turning on / off the first or second communication function of the communication device according to a command input from the input means;
  When changing the operation of the communication device by changing the first or second communication function from on to off, a determination procedure for determining whether the change causes trouble in communication in the network;
  A history recording procedure for storing information indicating a communication protocol used by a device in the network that has communicated with the communication device in a past predetermined period as communication history information in a storage unit included in the management device;
A computer program for executing
  The determination procedure is as follows:
  A maintenance judgment procedure for judging whether or not communication between the communication device and the management device can be maintained after the change;
  In the determination procedure, when it is determined by the maintenance determination procedure that communication between the communication device and the management device cannot be maintained, it is determined that communication in the network is hindered,
  The determination procedure is as follows:
  Based on the communication history information stored in the storage unit, a device that cannot communicate with the communication device due to the change is present in the devices in the network that have communicated with the communication device during the predetermined period. Including a device determination procedure for determining whether or not to
  The determination procedure determines that there is a problem in communication in the network if it is determined by the device determination procedure that there is a device that cannot communicate with the communication device. .   An apparatus that communicates with a first communication protocol and a network that includes an apparatus that communicates with a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and that is connected to the network with the first communication protocol. A computer for managing a communication device comprising: a first communication function for communicating with a device in the network; and a second communication function for communicating with a device in the network using the second communication protocol;
  A communication procedure for communicating with the communication device using the first or second communication protocol via the network;
  A change procedure for changing the operation of the communication device by turning on / off the first or second communication function of the communication device according to a command input from the input means;
  When changing the operation of the communication device by changing the first or second communication function from on to off, a determination procedure for determining whether the change causes trouble in communication in the network;
A computer program for executing
  The determination procedure is as follows:
  A maintenance judgment procedure for judging whether or not communication between the communication device and the management device can be maintained after the change;
  In the determination procedure, when it is determined by the maintenance determination procedure that communication between the communication device and the management device cannot be maintained, it is determined that communication in the network is hindered,
  The communication device is information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol, or information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the second communication protocol. Comprising setting storage means for storing as setting information relating to communication with the specific device, and configured to communicate with the specific device in the network according to the setting information stored in the setting storage means;
  The determination procedure is as follows:
  When changing the first communication function from on to off, the setting storage means stores, as the setting information, information for communicating with a specific device in the network using the first communication protocol. And when the second communication function is changed from on to off, the setting storage means communicates with a specific device in the network as the setting information by the second communication protocol. A computer program characterized in that, when information is stored, it is determined that a communication problem occurs in the network.