JP5387714B2 - Communication device, remote device management system, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, one or more of the OA apparatus (e.g. a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or printing machine) communication device that communicates with the electronic device such as a (communication adapter), through the communication device by the management device each concerning the electronic equipment remote device management system for remote management, and program for causing a computer to execute (CPU) for controlling the communication device.

  As a remote device management system, for example, as seen in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus (OA device) such as a copying machine installed in a user (customer) office or the like is used as an intermediary device (management terminal) and a communication line. A remote device management system that is used and can be connected to a management device (center system) installed in a service center or the like is generally known.

  On the other hand, in recent years, encryption of data flowing on a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) has been used due to an improvement in information security awareness. Therefore, in addition to communication using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Security) performed in the transport layer, communication using IPsec (IP Security Protocol) communication mode (communication method) in which encryption is performed in the network (IP) layer includes VPN (Virtual With the spread of the Private Network, etc., it is becoming more common.

Here, the IPsec communication mode will be briefly described.
There are two IPsec communication modes, “transport mode” and “tunnel mode”. In the transport mode, only the data portion of an IP packet (hereinafter also simply referred to as “packet”) is encrypted (or authenticated). In the tunnel mode, encryption (or authentication) processing is performed on both the header information and the data portion of the packet. The side that receives the encrypted packet needs to decrypt the packet by a device that supports IPsec.

  IPsec is also used for communication with OA devices connected to a network environment such as a LAN in an office. However, in IPsec communication (encrypted communication in the IPsec communication mode), encryption (or authentication) processing is performed at the IP level, and therefore, in an office environment, OA devices that perform IP communication and OA devices that perform IPsec communication coexist. May be installed. Even if only OA equipment that performs only IPsec communication is installed, because it is a different network segment, communication in the tunnel mode is used when communicating via a router, and transport mode is used in the case of the same network segment. It is necessary to communicate by

Therefore, according to the conventional remote device management system that manages maintenance and maintenance of OA devices, when the intermediary device communicates with a plurality of OA devices in a different communication mode, the following (1) to (1) to The problem shown in (3) occurs.
(1) A network administrator consumes a great deal of labor for managing OA devices connected to the network.
(2) Since the configuration management of OA equipment is not performed for new introduction of OA equipment to a customer, the operating status of the OA equipment cannot be grasped and a burden on the customer's business may occur. is there.
(3) When OA equipment that performs IP communication and OA equipment that performs IPsec communication coexist due to new introduction of OA equipment to a customer, it is impossible to manage each OA equipment. This lowers the security level of the network.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and even when the intermediary device is an environment in which communication is performed in a different communication mode with a plurality of electronic devices such as OA devices, the burden of management work by the network administrator The purpose is to avoid an increase and a decrease in network security.

The present invention, for achieving the above object, a communication device, provides remote device management system, and a program to be executed by a computer for controlling the communication device.

The communication device according to the present invention includes a device information acquisition means for communicating with each electronic device and acquiring device information from each electronic device in a communication device that communicates with one or a plurality of electronic devices, and the device information acquisition Storage means for associating and holding the device information acquired by the means and the communication method at the time of acquisition, and when communicating with the electronic device that acquired the device information held in the storage means, the storage means Communication is performed using a communication method held in association with device information.

The device information acquisition means acquires device information from each electronic device by executing communication with each electronic device using a predetermined communication method, and from the electronic device capable of communicating with the communication method using the communication method. It may be executed by performing a device search for acquiring device information.
Alternatively, the device information acquisition means sequentially acquires the device information from each of the electronic devices, performs communication with each of the electronic devices in a plurality of different communication methods, and is capable of communicating with any of the communication methods. It can also be executed by performing a device search for acquiring device information from the device by the communication method.

In this case, it is preferable to provide search condition setting means for setting the execution order of communication in each communication method used for device search by the device information acquisition means.
Preferably, the search condition setting means includes means for setting whether or not communication is performed in each communication method used for device search by the device information acquisition means.
In addition, when the device information acquisition unit acquires device information using a communicable communication method, the device search for the electronic device having the device information may be terminated.
Furthermore, when the communication status check means for checking the communication status with each electronic device and the check by the communication status check means have failed to communicate with any of the electronic devices, the device information acquisition is performed. The device may be provided with device search instruction means for starting the device search.

In the remote device management system according to the present invention, a management device and one or a plurality of electronic devices can communicate with each other via a communication device, and the management device remotely manages the electronic device via the communication device. In the management system, device information acquisition means for communicating with each electronic device and acquiring device information from each electronic device in the communication device, device information acquired by the device information acquisition means, and communication method at the time of acquisition Storage means for holding communication-related information associated with each other, and when the communication device communicates with the electronic device that has acquired the device information held in the storage means, the storage means corresponds to the device information. Communication is performed using the attached communication method.

The device information acquisition unit of the communication device acquires device information from each electronic device by communicating with each electronic device using a predetermined communication method, and from an electronic device capable of communicating with the communication method. It may be executed by performing a device search for acquiring device information using the communication method.
Alternatively, the device information acquisition unit of the communication device sequentially acquires the device information from each electronic device, and performs communication with each electronic device in a plurality of different communication methods. It can also be executed by performing a device search for acquiring device information from a communicable electronic device by the communication method.

In this case, it is preferable to provide search condition setting means for setting the execution order of communication in each of the communication methods used for device search of the device information acquisition means of the communication device.
It is desirable that the search condition setting unit of the communication apparatus includes a unit that sets whether or not communication is performed in each of the communication methods used for device search of the device information acquisition unit.
In addition, when the device information acquisition unit of the communication device acquires device information using a communicable communication method, the device search for an electronic device having the device information may be terminated.

In addition, when the communication device becomes unable to communicate with any one of the electronic devices as a result of checking by the communication state checking means for checking the communication state with each electronic device and the communication state checking means. The device information acquisition means may be provided with device search instruction means for starting the device search.
Furthermore, the communication status check means for checking the communication status with each electronic device in the management device, and the communication status check means has failed to communicate with any of the electronic devices as a result of the check by the communication status check means. In addition, it is preferable to provide device search request transmission means for transmitting the device search request to the communication device.

Further, each of the communication methods may be an IPsec communication mode that is an IP communication mode and a security communication mode. In this case, a transport mode and a tunnel mode may be provided as the IPsec communication mode.

Further, when the communication device is provided with communication related information transmitting means for transmitting the communication related information held in the storage means to the management device, and the management device receives the communication related information from the communication device. It is preferable to provide communication related information management means for accumulating and managing the communication related information.

In this case, when each of the electronic devices is instructed to change the communication method setting means for setting the communication method used for communication with the communication device and the communication method setting means, the communication method setting means Setting change information transmitting means for transmitting the setting change information to the communication device, and when the communication device receives the setting change information from any of the electronic devices, the setting change information is transmitted based on the setting change information. Communication related information updating means for updating communication related information held in the storage means, and updated communication related information transmitting means for transmitting communication related information updated by the communication related information updating means to the management device, When the management device receives the updated communication related information from the communication device, it is managed by the communication related information management means based on the communication related information. It may be provided with communication-related information updating means for updating the communication-related information that.

Then, the storage means of the communication device is a means for holding a plurality of different security information necessary for communication in the security communication mode, and any one of the security information held in the storage means is stored in the communication device. Security information selection means for selecting, security information change destination selection means for selecting a change destination of the security information from the electronic devices, and security information selected by the security information selection means for the security information change destination selection means Security information transmitting means for transmitting to the electronic device selected by the security device, security information holding means for holding security information used for communication with the communication device in each electronic device, and the security information from the communication device. If you receive The security information held in may be provided with a security information update means for updating on the received security information.

Alternatively, setting change instruction means for instructing the management apparatus to change setting of a communication method used for communication with any of the communication devices of each electronic device, and setting of the communication method by the setting change instruction means. When a change is instructed, setting change information transmitting means for transmitting the setting change information to the communication device, and communication related information managed by the communication related information managing means based on the setting change information are updated. Communication-related information update means, and when the communication device receives the setting change information from the management device, the setting change information is transmitted to the corresponding electronic device among the electronic devices. A transmission unit, and a communication related information update unit that updates the communication related information held in the storage unit based on the received setting change information. Communication method setting means for setting a communication method used for communication with the communication device in each electronic device, and when the setting change information is received from the communication device, the communication method setting means based on the setting change information It is preferable to provide setting change instruction means for changing the setting of the communication method.

And the security information holding means for holding a plurality of different security information necessary for communication in the security communication mode in the management device, and the security for selecting either of the security information held in the security information holding means An information selection means; a security information change destination selection means for selecting a change destination of security information from the electronic devices; and security information selected by the security information change destination selection means is selected by the security information selection means. Security information transmitting means for transmitting to the communication device together with the device information of the electronic device. When the security information is received from the management device together with the device information, the security information is transmitted to the communication device. To electronic devices with Security information transmitting means for communicating, and each of the electronic devices has security information holding means for holding security information used for communication with the communication device, and the security information is received when the security information is received from the communication device. Security information updating means for updating the security information held in the information holding means to the received security information may be provided.

A program according to the present invention includes a computer that controls a communication device that communicates with one or a plurality of electronic devices, a device information acquisition function that communicates with the electronic devices and acquires device information from the electronic devices, A storage function that associates and holds the device information acquired by the device information acquisition function and the communication method at the time of acquisition, and when communicating with an electronic device that acquires the device information held by the storage function, the storage function This is a program for realizing a function of performing communication using a communication method held in association with the device information .

  According to the present invention, the intermediary device constituting the remote device management system sets in advance the communication execution order for each of the plurality of communication modes including the security communication mode used for device search, and each electronic device and each communication Executes device-by-mode communication sequentially, searches for devices that acquire device information in communication modes that can communicate from each electronic device, and supports device information acquired by device search and the communication mode at the time of device information acquisition In addition, since it is held as communication related information, it is possible to reliably perform communication in a communication mode different from each of the electronic devices by referring to the communication related information. Further, even when any one of the electronic devices becomes incapable of communication due to the occurrence of an abnormality such as a failure, it is possible to reliably perform communication in a different communication mode from the other electronic devices. Therefore, even in an environment in which the mediation device communicates with multiple electronic devices in different communication modes, it is possible to avoid an increase in the burden of management work by the network administrator and a decrease in network security, and the operational efficiency of the electronic device Can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the remote apparatus management system by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the server 3a of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the communication adapter 21 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the copying machines 13 and 23 of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the search condition setting process by the communication adapter 21 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which similarly shows an example of the content of an apparatus search process It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of an apparatus search process similarly. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of a communication mode setting change process by the copying machine 23 shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the communication relevant information update process by the communication adapter 21 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to a change in communication mode setting by the copy machine and the communication adapter when a change in communication mode setting is instructed by the copy machine in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the setting change information transmission process of the communication mode by the center system 1 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the content of the communication related information update process by the communication adapter 21 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to a communication mode setting change by the center system 1, a communication adapter 21, and a copier 23 when a change in communication mode setting is instructed in the center system 1 of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the security information selection / transmission process by the communication adapter 21 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of security information update processing by the copying machine 23 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to updating of security information by the communication adapter 21 and the copying machine 23 when the selection of security information is instructed by the communication adapter 21 of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the security information selection / transmission process by the center system 1 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the content of the security information transmission process by the communication adapter 21 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to updating of security information by the center system 1, a communication adapter 21, and a copying machine when an instruction to select security information is given in the center system 1 of FIG.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a remote device management system (image forming apparatus management system) according to the present invention.
The remote device management system includes a center system 1 as a central management device (also simply referred to as “management device”) installed in a service center and electronic devices installed in customer sites (user side) A and B, respectively. It consists of a group of devices.

The center system 1 includes a router 2, a plurality of servers 3 a and 3 b, and a network 4 such as a LAN for connecting them so that they can communicate with each other.
The electronic device group at the customer site A includes a router 11, a communication adapter (mediation device) 12 communicatively connected to the center system 1 via the router 11 and the Internet 5, and OA devices such as a copier 13 and a printer 14. A network segment is configured by the (image forming apparatus) and a network 15 such as a LAN for connecting the OA device, the router 11 and the communication adapter 12 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The electronic equipment group at the customer site B includes a communication adapter 21 that is communicably connected to the center system 1 via the public communication network 6 and the access point 7, a facsimile (FAX) device 22, a copier 23, a printer 24, and the like. A network 25 such as a LAN for connecting the OA equipment, the communication adapter 21, the copying machine 23, and the printer 24 so that they can communicate with each other, and a wired connection for connecting the communication adapter 21 and the facsimile apparatus 22 so that they can communicate with each other. A network segment is constituted by the dedicated I / F 26.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server 3a in FIG.
The server 3a includes a CPU 31, a real-time clock circuit 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, an external memory control unit 35, a network I / F unit 36, a hard disk device (hereinafter abbreviated as “HDD”) 37, and the like. Since the server 3b has the same configuration as the server 3a, the illustration and description of each part other than the network I / F unit 36 are omitted.

The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that performs overall control of the entire server 3 a by a control program in the ROM 33.
The real-time clock circuit 32 generates time information, and the CPU 31 can know the current time by reading it.
The ROM 33 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 31.
The RAM 34 is a readable / writable memory used as a work memory or the like used when the CPU 31 performs data processing.

The external memory control unit 35 performs interface control with the HDD 37.
The network I / F unit 36 performs interface control with other servers 3b and routers 2 connected to the network 4.
The HDD 37 is a storage unit that can store various types of information including communication-related information and security information, which will be described later, as a DB (database). The server 3a can be provided with a non-volatile memory to store various information.

  Here, the CPU 31 of the servers 3a and 3b operates in accordance with a control program in the ROM 33, inputs information such as various instructions from a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) (not shown), the RAM 34, and the external memory control unit 35. By controlling the network I / F unit 36, HDD 37, etc., communication state check means, device search request transmission means, communication related information management means, communication related information update means, setting change, which are various functions related to the present invention Functions as instruction means, setting change information transmission means, security information holding means, security information selection means, security information change destination selection means, and security information transmission means can be realized.

  Alternatively, a disk device such as a flexiville disk device or an optical disk device is built in or externally attached to the servers 3a and 3b, and is recorded on an inserted recording medium (a disk such as a flexiville disk or an optical disk) by the disk device. The above-mentioned various functions can be realized by reading a control program, installing it in a built-in HDD or RAM, and operating according to the control program.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication adapter 21 of FIG. Since the communication adapter 12 has the same configuration, its illustration and description are omitted. However, the communication adapter 12 is different from the communication adapter 21 in that it communicates with the router 11.
In the communication adapter 21, data from the public communication line network 6 is first input to the line switching circuit 41. Here, if the communication from the public communication line network 6 side is directed to the facsimile apparatus 22 connected to the communication adapter 21, the public communication line network 6 side is connected to the facsimile apparatus 22, and the communication from the center system 1 is performed. For communication, the public communication network 6 side is connected to the modem 42.

Further, the network I / F unit 43 performs communication with the OA equipment side such as the copying machine 23.
These controls and processes are performed mainly by the CPU 44 in accordance with a control program (software including firmware) in the ROM 45.
The ROM 45 stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 44.

The RAM 46 is a storage unit that can store various types of information including communication-related information and security information described later. A backup battery (battery) 47 is connected to the RAM 46.
The switch 48 is used for selectively setting various modes and inputting information such as various instructions.
The display unit 49 displays various information.
The communication adapter 21 performs a polling operation on each of the OA devices connected to the communication adapter periodically and in the order of the device addresses assigned thereto.

Here, the CPU 44 of the communication adapters 21 and 12 operates according to the control program in the ROM 45, inputs information from a terminal device such as the switch 48 or a PC (not shown), the network I / F unit 43, the RAM 46, and the display. By controlling the unit 49 and the like, device search means, storage means (communication related information holding means, security information holding means) , search condition setting means, communication status check means, equipment search instruction means, which are various functions related to the present invention , communication-related information sending means, the communication-related information updating means updates the communication-related information sending means, the security information selecting means, the security information change destination selection means, realizes the function as the security information transmission unit, and setting change information transmission means be able to.

  Alternatively, a disk device such as a flexiville disk device or an optical disk device is built in or externally attached to the communication adapter 21, and is recorded on the inserted recording medium (disk such as a flexiville disk or an optical disk) by the disk device. The various functions described above can also be realized by reading a control program, installing it in a built-in RAM, and operating according to the control program.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the copying machines 13 and 23 of FIG.
The copying machines 13 and 23 are controlled based on a control program and data stored in the ROM 102 with the CPU 101 as the center. In addition, the RAM 103 (storage means) is used to store intermediate results of processing, various set values, device statuses, and the like. The RAM 103 is a nonvolatile RAM backed up by a battery. In addition to the RAM 103, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD may be provided.

The A / D converter 104 supplies the supply voltage to the exposure lamp, the light emission voltage and light reception voltage of the P sensor, the output of the potential sensor, the output of the ADS sensor, the output of the lamp light quantity sensor that detects the light quantity of the exposure lamp, and the photosensitive drum. It is used to input the output of a drum current sensor that detects the flowing current, the thermistor voltage in the fixing unit, and the like.
The optical system control unit 105 controls the exposure lamp.
The high-voltage power supply unit 106 supplies a high voltage to be applied to the charging charger, separation charger, transfer charger, and pre-transfer charger (PTC), and a developing bias voltage to be applied to the developing roller in the developing unit.

The motor control unit 107 controls the main motor that drives the photosensitive drum, each paper feed unit, the rollers of the transport unit, and the like.
The heater control unit 108 controls energization to the fixing heater that heats the fixing roller of the fixing unit, and maintains the surface temperature of the fixing roller within a predetermined range.
The sensor control unit 109 is used to vary the light reception gain of the lamp light quantity sensor, the light reception gain of the ADS sensor, the light reception gain of the P sensor, the light emission voltage of the LED of the P sensor, and the like.
The network I / F unit 110 is a unit that performs communication with the communication adapters 12 and 21.

The operation unit 111 is an operation / display panel having a display unit for displaying various types of information and a switch unit (operation keys) for inputting various types of information.
Here, the CPU 101 of the copiers 13 and 23 operates according to a control program in the ROM 102, inputs information such as various instructions from the operation unit 111, the RAM 103, the network I / F unit 110, the operation unit 111, and the like. By controlling the functions, it is possible to realize functions as communication mode setting means, setting change information transmitting means, setting change instruction means, security information holding means, and security information updating means, which are various functions related to the present invention.
Although the control system of the copying machines 13 and 23 has been described above, other OA devices such as the printers 14 and 24 are also provided with a similar control system, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Hereinafter, embodiments of control and processing related to the present invention in the remote device management system configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
For convenience of explanation, the communication control in this remote device management system includes electronic devices including a communication adapter 21 installed at the customer site B and an image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “OA device”) such as a copying machine 23. Only communication control between devices and communication control between the communication adapter 21 and the server 3a of the center system 1 will be described.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the communication adapter 21 includes a copying machine 231, a printer 241, and a router 300 together with the copying machine 23 and the printer 24 via a network 25. Further, a copying machine 301 and a printer 302 are connected to the router 300 via a network 310. The network 25 side is the network seg cement C, and the network 310 side is the network seg cement D. The copiers 231 and 301 have the same configuration as the copier 23 (FIG. 4), and the printers 241 and 302 have the same configuration as the printer 24, respectively.

Furthermore, it is assumed that a transport mode and a tunnel mode as IPsec communication modes, which are security communication modes, are applied to some OA devices and routers 300 according to the customer's security policy. Therefore, the network environment is a mixture of OA devices in which the IP communication mode is set, OA devices in which the transport mode is set, and the router 300 in which the tunnel mode is set.
In this network environment, the communication adapter 21 has a device search function for searching for each electronic device without knowing the communication mode of each electronic device (OA device, router) registered as a management target device. Necessary.

[First embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the contents of search condition setting processing by the communication adapter 21.

  The CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 starts the processing routine of FIG. 5 in response to a search condition setting instruction through the user interface (operation of the switch 48 or operation on the terminal device), and first proceeds to step S1 and is necessary for communication in the IPsec communication mode. When IKE (Internet Key Exchange) information, which is security information, is input by a user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “UI”), the IKE information is stored in the RAM 46 (internal storage area) and set. When a plurality of IKE information is used in the network 25 connected to the communication adapter 21, all the IKE information is stored. The IKE information is protocol information for completely determining an encryption method constituting SA (Security Association) information, exchanging an encryption key (or an electronic certificate including the encryption key), and performing mutual authentication.

Next, the process proceeds to step S2, and when SA (Security Association) information, which is security information necessary for communication in the IPsec communication mode (transport mode, tunnel mode), is input by the UI, the SA information is stored in the RAM 46. And set. The SA information includes information such as an encryption method and an encryption key. These pieces of information can be exchanged and shared with a communication partner during communication in the IPsec communication mode, and a safe communication path can be established.
Finally, the process proceeds to step S3, and when the execution order of communication for each communication mode (communication in each communication mode) is designated and input by the UI, the execution order of communication for each communication mode is stored in the RAM 46 and set. .

For example, when the IPsec communication mode (transport mode or tunnel mode) is not set for any of the electronic devices registered as management target devices, communication in the IPsec communication mode is not executed when searching for devices. Then, the processing load on the CPU 44 is reduced by that amount, so that whether or not to execute communication for each communication mode can be designated and input via the UI, and can be stored and set in the RAM 46.
Further, when searching for each electronic device registered as a management target device by the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21, it is necessary to set a range of IP addresses. Therefore, after setting the search condition in the communication adapter 21, the range of the IP address input from the UI is stored and set in the RAM 46 as the target IP address.

Here, the processing based on the IKE information performed immediately before the start of communication in the IPSec communication mode will be described.
The processing based on the IKE information determines SA information used at the time of communication in the IPSec communication mode, and is divided into two stages.
In the first half, the encryption method to be used in the second half is determined, and the same encryption key is generated and shared with the communication partner. After sharing the encryption key, use this to go to the second half.

  In the latter half stage, encrypted communication limited to IKE becomes possible. Therefore, by starting negotiation for communication (encrypted communication) in the IPSec communication mode and presenting mutually usable encryption methods, After determining the encryption method that can be used in step 1, various information (SA information) necessary for communication in the IPSec communication mode is exchanged, such as exchanging encryption keys corresponding to the encryption method. Thereby, communication in the IPSec communication mode becomes possible.

  Note that security information necessary for communication in the IPsec communication mode (transport mode, tunnel mode) includes SP (security policy) information in addition to SA (Security Association) information. This SP information indicates processing rules for packets during communication in the IPsec communication mode, and is stored and set in the RAM 46 in advance. This SP information is also used in communication in the IPsec communication mode together with the IKE information and SA information described above, but a description of the communication procedure including the SP information is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of device search processing by the communication adapter 21. The target IP addresses are assumed to be IP1 and IP2 here for convenience of explanation.
The CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 starts the processing routine of FIG. 6 at a predetermined timing, and first performs the process of step S11.

Here, the start timing will be described.
For example, device information (model number, model name, model number, device number, MIB information, etc. for remote management) of each electronic device registered as a management target device is held in the RAM 46 and each device information having the device information is stored. The state of communication with the electronic device is checked, and if the result of the check indicates that communication with any of the electronic devices is disabled, the processing routine of FIG. 6 is started.
Alternatively, in the server 3a of the center system 1, device information of each electronic device registered as a management target device is stored (stored) in the HDD (DB) 37, and communication with each electronic device having the device information is performed. The CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 checks the status and transmits a device search request to the communication adapter 21 when communication with one of the electronic devices is disabled as a result of the check. 6 processing routine is started.

In step S 11, the communication execution order for each communication mode is read from the RAM 46. Here, the execution order is the order of the IP communication mode, the transport mode, and the tunnel mode.
Next, communication (connection) in the IP communication mode, transport mode, and tunnel mode for each IP address (target IP address) of each electronic device registered as a management target device in steps S12 to S14. If the communication is successful, device information is acquired from the electronic device having the IP address in the communication mode, and device search is performed to determine whether the electronic device is to be managed. Although explanation is omitted here, as described above, the processing based on the IKE information is performed immediately before performing the communication in the transport mode and the tunnel mode, which are the IPSec communication modes. The same applies to the following.

  In step S12, Ping (network diagnosis) is performed for IP1 in communication in the IP communication mode, and when there is a Ping response from the IP1 electronic device, the IP1 electronic device uses HTTPS or SNMP. Information is acquired, and a device search is performed to determine whether the electronic device is to be managed. Next, a similar device search is performed for IP2 (next IP address). Note that the device search is terminated for the IP address that has received the Ping response (the electronic device having the acquired device information), and the ping is performed in the subsequent communication in the IPsec communication mode (transport mode, tunnel mode). Does not search for devices that contain it.

  In step S13, Ping is performed for IP1 in communication in the transport mode, which is one of the IPsec communication modes, and when there is a Ping response from the IP1 electronic device, the IP1 electronic device receives HTTPS or Device information is acquired by SNMP, and device search is performed to determine whether the device is an electronic device to be managed. Next, a similar device search is performed for IP2. Note that the device search is terminated for the IP address for which a Ping response has been received, and the device search including the implementation of Ping in the subsequent communication in the tunnel mode is not performed.

In step S14, Ping is performed on IP1 in communication in tunnel mode, which is one of the IPsec communication modes, and when a Ping response is received from the IP1 electronic device, HTTPS or SNMP is transmitted from the IP1 electronic device. The device information is acquired at, and device search is performed to determine whether the device is an electronic device to be managed. Next, a similar device search is performed for IP2.
After the device search is completed, the process proceeds to step S15, and the management target device is registered based on the result of the device search. That is, device information acquired by device search (device information of an electronic device to be managed) is stored in the RAM 46. As a result, an electronic device having the device information is registered as a management target device.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S16, and the following process is performed. That is, the device information of the electronic device to be managed is associated with the communication mode at the time of acquisition, and held in the RAM 46 as communication related information. At this time, if the communication mode when acquiring the device information of the electronic device to be managed is the IPsec communication mode (transport mode or tunnel mode), the SA information and SP information used for communication in the IPsec communication mode Are associated with the device information and stored in the RAM 46 as an SA database (hereinafter abbreviated as “SAD”) and an SP database (hereinafter abbreviated as “SPD”). In addition, you may add the communication mode at the time of apparatus information acquisition to SP information.

Thereafter, the communication related information and SAD and SPD held in the RAM 46 in step S17 are transmitted to the center system 1 by HTTPS communication.
When the CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 receives the communication related information and SAD, SPD sent from the communication adapter 21, they are stored and managed in the HDD (DB) 37 as device management information.

Here, the device search processing by the communication adapter 21 will be described in a little more detail.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of device search processing by the communication adapter 21.
For example, the execution order of communication for each communication mode, which is the search condition set in the communication adapter 21, is the order of IP communication mode, transport mode, and tunnel mode, and the copying machine installed in the network segment cement C 7 and 231, the printers 24 and 241, and the IP addresses of the router 300, the copier 301, and the printer 302 installed in the network segment C, and the communication modes set in them are as shown in FIG. If the communication adapter 21 is in the IP address range “192.168.30.50-192.168.40.85”, the communication adapter 21 uses the IP address “192.168.30.50” for each communication mode (IP communication mode, transport mode, tunnel mode). Device search is performed for each IP address.

At the time of device search in the first IP communication mode, if each IP address “192.168.30.55”, “192.168.30.56” is sequentially pinged in communication in the IP communication mode, a copy machine for each IP address is obtained. Since there is a Ping response sequentially from the printer 231 and the printer 241, device information is sequentially acquired from the copier 231 and the printer 241 by HTTPS or SNMP.
At the time of device search in the next transport mode, if each IP address “192.168.30.70”, “192.168.30.71” is sequentially pinged by communication in the transport mode, the copying machine 23, Since there is a Ping response sequentially from the printer 24, device information is sequentially acquired from the copier 23 and the printer 24 by HTTPS or SNMP.

When searching for devices in the last tunnel mode, if each IP address “192.168.40.11”, “192.168.40.80”, “192.168.40.82” is pinged in communication in the transport mode, each IP address Since there is a Ping response from each of the router 300, the copier 301, and the printer 302, device information is acquired from the router 300, the copier 301, and the printer 302 by HTTPS or SNMP, respectively.
Although the device search for each communication mode is sequentially repeated for each IP address here for each communication mode, it may be repeatedly performed for each IP address. In this case, if there is a Ping response, the device search for the IP address at that time may be terminated, and the device search for the next IP address may be performed.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following effects (1) to (6) can be obtained.
(1) The communication execution order for each of a plurality of communication modes including a security communication mode (transport mode and tunnel mode which are IPsec communication modes) used by the communication adapter (mediation device) for device search is set in advance. Executes communication for each electronic device registered as a management target device in order for each communication mode, performs device search to acquire device information in a communication mode that can be communicated from each electronic device, and acquires by device search Since the device information and the communication mode at the time of device information acquisition are associated with each other and held as communication related information, by referring to the communication related information, communication different from each electronic device registered as a management target device It becomes possible to communicate reliably in the mode.

In addition, even if any of the electronic devices registered as managed devices becomes incapable of communication due to the occurrence of an abnormality such as a failure, communication can be reliably performed in a communication mode different from that of other electronic devices. It becomes possible.
Therefore, even in an environment where the communication adapter communicates with multiple electronic devices in a different communication mode, it is possible to avoid an increase in the burden of management work by the network administrator and a decrease in network security, and the operational efficiency of the electronic device. Can be improved.

(2) If the communication adapter can set whether or not to execute communication for each communication mode used for device search, it is not necessary to perform device search by executing communication in an unnecessary communication mode. The processing load on the adapter is reduced and the processing efficiency is improved.
(3) When the communication adapter acquires device information in a communicable communication mode, if the device search for the electronic device having the device information is completed, the device search is performed by repeatedly executing communication in the communication mode. Therefore, the processing load of the communication adapter is reduced accordingly.
(4) The communication adapter checks the communication status with each electronic device registered as a managed device, and if the result of the check is that communication with any of the electronic devices is disabled, device search Since the device search does not need to be performed periodically, the processing load of the communication adapter is reduced accordingly.

(5) The center system (management device) checks the communication status with each electronic device registered as a management target device, and as a result of the check, communication with any one of the electronic devices is disabled In addition, if a device search is requested to the communication adapter, the communication adapter does not need to check the communication state with each electronic device registered as a management target device, so the processing load of the communication adapter is further reduced. .
(6) The communication adapter associates the device information acquired by the device search with the communication mode at the time of acquiring the device information and holds it as communication related information, and then transmits the communication related information to the center system. However, by receiving communication-related information from the communication adapter, storing it in the HDD and managing it, each electronic device registered as a management target device can be reliably managed on the center system side.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the following processing is performed in addition to the processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of the communication mode setting change process by the copying machine 23. Since other electronic devices such as the printer 24 perform the same processing, the corresponding illustration and description are omitted.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of the communication related information update process by the communication adapter 21.

  The communication adapter 21 can manage a plurality of electronic devices that perform communication in different communication modes by the above-described device search. However, when the setting of the communication mode of any of the electronic devices is changed (IP communication mode⇔IPsec communication mode), the communication adapter 21 tries to perform communication in the communication mode in which communication was possible until now. Can't communicate. Therefore, since the electronic device is in the same state as when the power is turned off, it cannot be managed even if the electronic device is in an operating state.

Therefore, the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 starts the processing routine of FIG. 8 periodically. First, in step S21, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to change the communication mode is given by the user interface (operation of the operation unit 111). If the setting change is not instructed, the processing routine of FIG. 8 is terminated.
When the setting change of the communication mode is instructed, the communication mode is also designated by the user interface. Therefore, in step S22, the communication adapter 21 sets the setting change information including the information on the designated communication mode together with its own device information. Send to.

Then, after the communication is successful, the setting is changed to the communication mode designated by the user interface in step S23. For example, when the IPsec communication mode (transport mode) is designated while the IP communication mode is set, the setting is changed to the designated IPsec communication mode. Alternatively, when the IP communication mode is designated while the IPsec communication mode (transport mode) is set, the setting is changed to the designated IP communication mode.
When the setting change is completed, the processing routine of FIG. 8 ends.

On the other hand, the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 starts the processing routine of FIG. 9 periodically. First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not setting change information has been received from any one of the electronic devices. If not received, the processing routine of FIG. 9 is terminated.
When the setting change information is received together with the device information from any of the electronic devices, the communication related information held in the RAM 46 is updated based on the information in step S32.

That is, the communication mode corresponding to the received device information in the communication related information is updated to the communication mode specified by the setting change information (communication mode after the setting change).
Thereafter, in step S33, the updated communication related information is transmitted to the center system 1 by HTTPS communication, and the processing routine of FIG. 9 is terminated.
When the CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 receives the updated communication related information from the communication adapter 21, the communication related information stored in the HDD (DB) 37 based on the communication related information (actually it is Including device management information).

Here, the processing related to the communication mode setting change by the copying machine 23 and the communication adapter 21 when the copying machine 23 is instructed to change the communication mode setting will be described in a little more detail.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing relating to the setting change of the communication mode by the copying machine 23 and the communication adapter 21.

The CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 with the IP address “192.168.30.70” is in the state where the transport mode (one of the IPsec communication modes) is set, and when the setting change to the IP communication mode is instructed by the user interface. After the setting change information is transmitted to the communication adapter 21 together with the device information, the setting is changed from the transport mode to the designated IP communication mode.
When the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 receives the setting change information from the copier 23 with the IP address “192.168.30.70” together with the device information, the communication mode corresponding to the received device information among the communication related information held in the RAM 46. Is updated to the communication mode specified by the setting change information, and the communication related information after the update is transmitted to the center system 1.

  Thus, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. In other words, when each electronic device is instructed to change the setting of the communication mode used for communication with the communication adapter, the setting change information is transmitted to the communication adapter, and then the communication mode setting is changed and the communication is performed. When the adapter receives the setting change information from any of the electronic devices, the adapter updates the communication related information held by itself based on the setting change information, and the updated communication related information is transmitted to the center system. When the center system receives the updated communication related information from the communication adapter, the communication related information stored and managed on the basis of the communication related information is updated based on the communication related information. Even if the setting of the communication mode is changed on the device, there is no possibility that communication with the communication adapter is disabled. The number is reduced.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the following processing is performed in addition to the processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of the communication mode setting change information transmission processing by the center system 1.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the contents of the communication related information update process by the communication adapter 21.

The CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 starts the processing routine of FIG. 11 periodically. First, in step S41, communication with a customer's electronic device is performed by a user interface (a terminal device such as a PC (not shown) in the center system 1). It is determined whether or not a mode setting change has been instructed. If the setting change has not been instructed, the processing routine of FIG. 11 is terminated.
When the setting change of the communication mode is instructed, device information of the electronic device whose setting is to be changed and the communication mode are specified by the user interface, and therefore the following processing is performed in step S42.

That is, setting change information including information on the communication mode specified by the user interface is transmitted to the communication adapter 21 by HTTPS communication together with the device information input by the user interface.
After the communication is successful, the communication related information stored in the HDD (DB) 37 is updated based on the device information of the setting change target electronic device input by the user interface and the designated communication mode in step S43. . That is, the communication mode corresponding to the input device information in the communication related information is updated to the designated communication mode.

On the other hand, the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 periodically starts the processing routine of FIG. 12, first determines whether or not the setting change information is received from the center system 1 in step S51, and receives the setting change information. If not, the processing routine of FIG. 12 is terminated.
When the setting change information is received together with the device information from the center system 1, the following processing is performed in step S52.

That is, an electronic device to be managed is searched, and if there is an electronic device indicated by the received device information, setting change information received by HTTPS is transmitted to the electronic device.
After the communication is successful, the communication related information held in the RAM 46 is updated based on the setting change information and device information received in step S53.
Upon receiving the setting change information from the communication adapter 21, each electronic device CPU (such as the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23) changes the setting to the communication mode specified by the setting change information.

Here, processing related to the communication mode setting change by the center system 1, the communication adapter 21, and the copying machine 23 when the center system 1 is instructed to change the communication mode setting will be described in a little more detail.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing relating to the communication mode setting change by the center system 1, the communication adapter 21, and the copying machine 23.

  When the CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 is instructed by the user interface to change the setting to the IP communication mode for the copying machine 23 having the IP address “192.168.30.70” for which the transport mode is set. After the setting change information is transmitted to the communication adapter 21 together with the device information of the copying machine 23, the communication mode corresponding to the input device information is specified among the communication related information stored in the HDD (DB) 37. Update to the new communication mode.

When the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 receives the setting change information from the center system 1 together with the device information, the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 transmits the setting change information to the copying machine 23 indicated by the device information, and then includes the communication related information held in the RAM 46. Then, the communication mode corresponding to the received device information is updated to the communication mode specified by the setting change information.
When receiving the setting change information from the communication adapter 21, the CPU 101 of the copier 23 with the IP address “192.168.30.70” changes the setting from the transport mode to the IP communication mode specified by the setting change information.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. That is, when the center system is instructed to change the setting of the communication mode used for communication with one of the communication adapters of each electronic device, the setting change information is transmitted to the communication adapter and the setting change information is also included in the setting change information. The communication-related information stored and managed by itself is updated based on the information, and when the communication adapter receives the setting change information from the center system, the setting change information is transmitted to the corresponding electronic device among the electronic devices. In addition, the communication related information held by itself is updated based on the received setting change information, and when each electronic device receives the setting change information from the communication adapter, the communication is performed based on the setting change information. By changing the mode setting, communication with the communication adapter may not be possible even if the communication mode setting is changed on the electronic device. Becomes therefore, it decreases the number of times to perform the device search processing in the communication adapter side. In addition, since the setting of the communication mode of each electronic device is changed by remote operation by the center system, the work load on the user side is reduced.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the following processing is performed in addition to the processing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of security information selection / transmission processing by the communication adapter 21.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of security information update processing by the copying machine 23. Since other electronic devices such as the printer 24 perform the same processing, the corresponding illustration and description are omitted.

The CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 starts the processing routine of FIG. 14 periodically. First, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the change of security information is instructed by the user interface (the switch 18 or the input unit of the terminal device). If the change is not instructed, the processing routine of FIG. 14 is terminated.
If security information change is instructed, the following processing is performed in step S62.

  That is, a list of a plurality of different security information (SA information or SP information) necessary for communication in the IPsec communication mode (security communication mode) held in the RAM 46 is read out and displayed on the display unit 49 or a terminal such as a PC (not shown). Display on the display of the device. The security information list can be input in advance through the user interface and stored in the RAM 46.

Next, the process proceeds to step S63, and when the user interface instructs to select arbitrary security information in the list of security information displayed on the display unit 49 or the display unit of the terminal device, the security information is selected. .
Next, the process proceeds to step S64, and when the change destination of the security information is designated by the user interface from among the electronic devices to be managed, the change destination electronic device is selected.
When the selection of the security information and the change destination electronic device is completed, the selected security information is transmitted to the selected electronic device by HTTPS communication in step S65, and the processing routine of FIG.

On the other hand, the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 starts the processing routine of FIG. 15 periodically. First, in step S71, it is determined whether or not security information has been received from the communication adapter 21, and if the security information has not been received. The processing routine of FIG. 15 is terminated.
When security information is received from the communication adapter 21, the security information held in the RAM 46 is updated to the received security information in step S72, and the processing routine of FIG. When security information is received for the first time after the initial installation of the copying machine 23, the security information is held in the RAM 46 as it is.

Here, processing related to updating of security information by the communication adapter 21 and the copying machine 23 when the communication adapter 21 is instructed to select security information will be described in a little more detail.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to the update of security information by the communication adapter 21 and the copying machine 23.

The CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 selects arbitrary security information from the list of security information according to an instruction from the user interface, selects the copier 23 having the IP address “192.168.30.70” as the change destination of the security information, and then The selected security information is transmitted to the copying machine 23 by HTTPS communication.
When the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 with the IP address “192.168.30.70” receives security information from the communication adapter 21, it updates the security information held in the RAM 46 to the received security information. The updated security information is used when performing IPsec communication.

  Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the second embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. In other words, the communication adapter selects one of the security information held by itself, selects the change destination of the security information from each electronic device, and then selects the selected security information to the selected electronic device. Since the electronic device that has transmitted and received the security information updates the security information held by itself to the received security information, the communication adapter can centrally update the security information of each electronic device. The operating time can be secured by shortening the time required for the update. Therefore, the operational efficiency of the electronic device can be further improved.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the following processing is performed in addition to the processing in the third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of security information selection / transmission processing by the center system 1.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the content of the security information transmission process by the communication adapter 21.

  The CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 starts the processing routine of FIG. 18 periodically. First, in step S81, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction to change the security information for the customer's electronic device is given by the user interface. If no change is instructed, the processing routine of FIG. 18 is terminated.

  When the change of security information is instructed, the process proceeds to step S82, and a list of a plurality of different security information (SA information or SP information) necessary for communication in the IPsec communication mode held in the HDD 37 is read out. It displays on the display part of the terminal device which is not illustrated. The list of security information can be input through the user interface and stored in the HDD 37 in advance.

Next, the process proceeds to step S83, and when the user interface instructs to select arbitrary security information in the list of security information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, the security information is selected.
Next, the process proceeds to step S84, and when the change destination of the security information is designated by the user interface from among the electronic devices to be managed, the change destination electronic device is selected.
When the selection of the security information and the electronic device to be changed is completed, the selected security information is transmitted to the communication adapter 21 by HTTPS communication together with the device information of the selected electronic device in step S85, and the processing routine of FIG. .

On the other hand, the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 periodically starts the processing routine of FIG. 18 and first determines whether or not security information has been received from the center system 1 in step S91, and if the security information has not been received. The processing routine of FIG. 18 is terminated.
If the security information is received together with the device information from the center system 1, the process proceeds to step S92, the electronic device to be managed is searched, and if there is an electronic device indicated by the received device information, the electronic device is transferred to that electronic device. The received security information is transmitted by HTTPS communication.

When the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 receives the security information from the communication adapter 21 by the same processing as in FIG. 15, it updates the security information held in the RAM 46 to the received security information in step S72.
Here, the processing related to the update of the security information by the center system 1, the communication adapter 21, and the copying machine when the security information selection is instructed by the center system 1 will be described in a little more detail.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of processing related to the update of security information by the center system 1, the communication adapter 21, and the copying machine 23.

  The CPU 31 of the server 3a of the center system 1 selects arbitrary security information from the list of security information according to an instruction from the user interface, and selects the copier 23 having the IP address “192.168.30.70” as the security information change destination. Thereafter, the selected security information is transmitted to the communication adapter 21 by HTTPS communication together with the device information of the selected copying machine 23.

When the CPU 44 of the communication adapter 21 receives the security information from the center system 1, the CPU 44 transmits the security information to the copier 23 having the IP address “192.168.30.70” indicated by the device information.
When the CPU 101 of the copying machine 23 with the IP address “192.168.30.70” receives security information from the communication adapter 21, it updates the security information held in the RAM 46 to the received security information.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the third embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. In other words, the center system selects one of the security information held by itself, selects the change destination of the security information from each electronic device, and then selects the selected security information from the selected electronic device. The communication adapter that transmits to the communication adapter together with the device information and receives the security information and device information transmits the security information to the electronic device indicated by the device information, and the electronic device that has received the security information retains itself. By updating the security information received to the received security information, the center system can centrally update the security information of each electronic device via the communication adapter. Securement becomes possible. In addition, since the security information of each electronic device is changed by remote operation by the center system, the work burden on the user side is further reduced. Therefore, the operational efficiency of the electronic device can be further improved.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, even in an environment where the mediation device communicates with a plurality of electronic devices in a different communication mode, the burden of management work by the network administrator and network security can be reduced. Since the decrease can be avoided, the operational efficiency of the electronic device can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to provide a remote device management system and an intermediary device with high operational efficiency.

1: Center system (central management device) 2, 11, 300: Routers 3a, 3b: Servers 4, 15, 25, 310: Network 5: Internet 6: Public communication network 7: Access points 12, 21: Communication adapter 13 , 23, 231, 301: Copying machines 14, 24, 241, 302: Printer 22: Facsimile device 26: Dedicated I / F 31, 44, 101: CPU 32: Real-time clock circuit 35: External memory control unit 36, 43, 110: Network I / F unit 37: Hard disk device 41: Line switching circuit 42: Modem 47: Battery 48: Switch 49: Display unit 111: Operation unit

JP 2004-221696 A

Claims (23)

In a communication device that communicates with one or more electronic devices,
Device information acquisition means for communicating with each electronic device and acquiring device information from each electronic device;
A storage unit that associates and holds the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit and the communication method at the time of acquisition;
When communicating with the electronic device which acquired the apparatus information hold | maintained at this memory | storage means, it communicates by the communication system hold | maintained matched with this apparatus information at this memory | storage means, The communication apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The device information acquisition means acquires device information from each electronic device by communicating with each electronic device using a predetermined communication method, and from the electronic device capable of communicating using the communication method, device information using the communication method. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is executed by performing a device search for acquiring the device. The device information acquisition means acquires device information from each electronic device, sequentially executes communication with each electronic device in a plurality of different communication methods, and from an electronic device capable of communicating with any one of the communication methods. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is executed by performing a device search for acquiring device information using the communication method. The communication device according to claim 3.
Communication device characterized in that a search condition setting hand stage the setting the execution order of communication in the communication system using the device search of the device information acquisition unit. The communication device according to claim 4 , wherein
The search condition setting means, communication apparatus characterized by comprising means for setting an execution whether communication in each communication scheme to be used for device search of the device information acquisition unit. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 ,
The device information acquisition unit, communication device when acquiring device information in available communication system, characterized by terminating the device search for electronic equipment having the equipment information. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 ,
A communication status check means for checking a communication status with each electronic device, and if the communication status check means has failed to communicate with any of the electronic devices as a result of the check by the communication status check means, the device information acquisition means A communication device comprising: device search instruction means for starting the device search. In a remote device management system in which a management device and each or a plurality of electronic devices can communicate with each other via a communication device, and the management device remotely manages the electronic device via the communication device,
In the communication device,
Communication information that associates the device information acquisition unit that communicates with each electronic device to acquire device information from each electronic device, the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit, and the communication method at the time of acquisition. Storage means for holding,
When the communication device communicates with an electronic device that has acquired the device information held in the storage means, the remote device performs communication by a communication method held in association with the device information in the storage means Management system. The device information acquisition unit of the communication device acquires device information from each electronic device by performing communication with each electronic device using a predetermined communication method, and from the electronic device capable of communication using the communication method. The remote device management system according to claim 8, wherein the remote device management system is executed by performing device search for acquiring device information in a system. The device information acquisition unit of the communication device can acquire device information from each electronic device by sequentially executing communication with each electronic device using a plurality of different communication methods, and can communicate with any one of the communication methods. 9. The remote device management system according to claim 8, wherein the remote device management system is executed by performing device search for acquiring device information from an electronic device by the communication method. The remote device management system according to claim 10, wherein
Remote device management system characterized in that a search condition setting hand stage the setting the execution order of communication in the communication system using the device search of the device information acquisition unit of the communication device. The remote device management system according to claim 11, wherein
The search condition setting means, a remote device management system characterized by having means for setting the execution whether communication in each communication scheme to be used for device search of the device information acquisition unit of the communication device. The remote device management system according to any one of claims 10 to 12 ,
Wherein the device information acquisition unit of the communication device, remote device management system when acquiring device information in available communication system, characterized by terminating the device search for electronic equipment having the equipment information. The remote device management system according to any one of claims 10 to 13 ,
In the communication device ,
A communication status check means for checking a communication status with each electronic device, and if the communication status check means has failed to communicate with any of the electronic devices as a result of the check by the communication status check means, the device information acquisition means A remote device management system comprising device search instruction means for starting the device search. The remote device management system according to any one of claims 10 to 13 ,
In the management device,
A communication state check unit that checks a communication state with each electronic device, and when communication with any of the electronic devices is disabled as a result of the check by the communication state check unit, the communication device A remote device management system comprising device search request transmission means for transmitting the device search request. The remote device management system according to any one of claims 10 to 15 ,
Each of the communication methods is an IP communication mode and an IPsec communication mode which is a security communication mode. The remote device management system according to claim 16, wherein
A remote device management system having a transport mode and a tunnel mode as the IPsec communication mode. The remote device management system according to any one of claims 10 to 17 ,
In the communication device ,
Providing communication related information transmitting means for transmitting communication related information held in the storage means to the management device;
In the management device,
A remote device management system, comprising: communication related information management means for accumulating and managing the communication related information when the communication related information is received from the communication device . The remote device management system according to claim 18 ,
Each before Symbol in each of the electronic devices,
A communication method setting unit that sets a communication method used for communication with the communication device , and when the communication method setting unit instructs to change the setting of the communication method , the setting change information is transmitted to the communication device . Setting change information transmission means,
In the communication device ,
When receiving the setting change information from any of the previous SL each electronic apparatus, and communication-related information updating means for updating the communication-related information stored in said storage means based on the setting change information, the communication related Updating communication related information transmitting means for transmitting the communication related information updated by the information updating means to the management device;
In the management device,
Communication-related information update means is provided for updating communication-related information managed by the communication-related information management means based on the communication-related information when the updated communication-related information is received from the communication device. Remote equipment management system characterized by The remote device management system according to claim 19 ,
The storage means of the communication device is means for holding a plurality of different security information necessary for communication in the security communication mode,
In the communication device ,
Security information selection means for selecting any of the security information held in the storage means , security information change destination selection means for selecting a change destination of the security information from the electronic devices, and the security information selection Security information transmitting means for transmitting the security information selected by the means to the electronic device selected by the security information change destination selecting means,
Each before Symbol in each of the electronic devices,
Security information holding means for holding security information used for communication with the communication device; and when the security information is received from the communication device , the security information held in the storage means is updated to the received security information A remote device management system characterized by comprising security information updating means. The remote device management system according to claim 18 ,
In the management device,
A setting change instruction means for instructing the change of the setting of the communication mode used for communication with any of the communication device of each electronic device, when the change of setting of the communication mode is designated by the setting change instruction means A setting change information transmitting unit for transmitting the setting change information to the communication device; and a communication related information updating unit for updating the communication related information managed by the communication related information managing unit based on the setting change information. Provided,
In the communication device ,
When the setting change information is received from the management device, based on the setting change information transmitting means for transmitting the setting change information to a corresponding electronic device among the electronic devices, and the received setting change information Communication related information update means for updating the communication related information held in the storage means ,
Each before Symbol in each of the electronic devices,
A communication method setting means for setting a communication mode used for communication with the communication device, when receiving the setting change information from the communication device, the communication scheme to the communication method setting means based on the setting change information A remote device management system comprising a setting change instruction means for changing a setting. The remote device management system according to claim 21 ,
In the management device,
Security information holding means for holding a plurality of different security information necessary for communication in the security communication mode, security information selection means for selecting any of the security information held in the security information holding means, and security information Information change destination selection means for selecting the change destination from among the electronic devices, and the security information selected by the security information change destination selection means together with the device information of the electronic device selected by the security information selection means Security information transmitting means for transmitting to the communication device ;
In the communication device ,
When the security information is received together with the device information from the management device, security information transmission means is provided for transmitting the security information to an electronic device having the device information,
Each before Symbol in each of the electronic devices,
Security information holding means for holding security information used for communication with the communication device, and security information held in the security information holding means when the security information is received from the communication device. A remote device management system, characterized in that security information update means for updating is provided. In a computer that controls a communication device that communicates with one or more electronic devices,
A device information acquisition function for communicating with each electronic device and acquiring device information from each electronic device;
A storage function that associates and holds the device information acquired by the device information acquisition function and the communication method at the time of acquisition;
A program for realizing a function of performing communication with a communication method held in association with the device information by the storage function when communicating with the electronic device that has acquired the device information held by the storage function .

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