JP5855362B2 - Information equipment life cycle management system and management method thereof, information management center, information management apparatus and information management method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information equipment life cycle management system and information management method for managing information equipment such as a personal computer (personal computer), a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, etc., which install and use a plurality of software including applications, an information management center, The present invention relates to an information management apparatus and an information management method thereof.

  More specifically, if you change the information device to a new device and want to continue using the software that was used before the change, manage that software on behalf of the user (user) and easily install it. The present invention relates to an information equipment life cycle management system and method, and an information management center.

  When you purchase a new information device or use additional services or functions you want, you can install software necessary for that service or function, or information (setting information) allocated to each device, such as authentication information or service category It is necessary for the user to set information or the like in the information device before the start of use, either manually or by using setting software that is partially efficient.

  Generally, for example, after purchasing an information device such as a personal computer, it is necessary for a user to individually perform setting work and software installation work based on the manual or the like.

  However, those settings and installation operations are not easily implemented by anyone, and are generally used in accordance with instructions from the IT department or the like until the information device is made available according to the purpose of use. It is necessary for the user to operate or to request a business trip service such as software installation or setting information setting by an external specialist.

  In addition, the following problems have occurred in the life cycle of information equipment until the information equipment to which additional software has been sequentially installed is replaced with a new information equipment.

(1) Introduction of software and services to be used at the start of use When users want to use services and functions provided by information devices, they apply and contract for the purchase and lease of information devices. If the user cannot understand the work contents to be performed, the information device remains unusable. Also, if you want to continue to use software that you have been using until now, it is not easy for users to understand the details of the update procedure that they carry out, and the software cannot be used continuously after all. It can be.

(2) Easy recovery to the pre-failure state at the time of device failure When an information device fails, there are many cases where the user has not been able to grasp the services and functions added since the start of use, or forgot In this case, it is difficult to return before failure. Even with the cooperation of IT departments and external specialists, it is not easy to return to the state before failure. The reason is that it is difficult to carry out a history survey and to grasp installation information and setting information for addition and deletion.

(3) Continuous use of software and services when changing models When performing model changes (information device updates), conduct history surveys, etc., and grasp installation information and setting information for additions and deletions On the other hand, it was necessary for users to be aware of information leakage countermeasures such as licensing, maintenance suspension, software deletion from discarded devices, and deletion of stored data. After that, installation of software for new models and work for changing service contracts occur.

  In other words, under the present situation, after purchasing an information device such as a PC, for example, as described above, the user himself / herself performs setting work, software installation work, instructions from a specialized IT department, or setting / installation by an external specialist. A business trip service request had to be made.

  In order to improve work efficiency and reduce mistakes, there are systems in which work is set as a system for a large number of devices at the time of initial shipment in the same procedure. For example, as a conventional technique, a remote setting method has been proposed in which a computer on a user side is connected to a center via a network and a network communication function of the computer is set (initially set) from the center to the computer. (See Patent Document 1)

However, the prior art is merely a method in which the center side substitutes for predetermined software installation and setting work on behalf of the user, and history management such as addition and deletion, especially for the above problem (3) Not considered.
Therefore, for example, there is a problem that it is impossible to cope with the case where the user forgets the software used from the beginning, the added software, or the setting items necessary for the network connection.
Further, as a conventional technique, for example, when a program is upgraded, there is a system (for example, Java (registered trademark)) that can be downloaded from a network and applied, but this is limited to version upgrade. Even new software and setting information required by users are not taken into consideration. (See Patent Document 2)
In addition, as a prior art, for example, when renting a computer, there is a system that checks the performance of the necessary software to operate, or confirms that the useful life of the hardware is longer than the renting period. It is limited to the time requirement check, and does not take into account the software installed / uninstalled by the user during use or the history of use / termination of the service. (See Patent Document 3)

JP 11-338805 A JP 2011-14094 A JP 2010-225052 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the present situation, and software, services, and functions that a user has started to use when starting to use information equipment, and software, services, and functions that are added during use are used as history information. Manage and automatically set and install on behalf of the user when adding software, services, functions, or changing the model of information equipment based on the managed information It is.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an information device life cycle management system, a management method thereof, and an information management center that can flexibly use and return devices while maintaining the preservation of the use environment of data and software, services and functions to be used. An information management apparatus and an information management center are provided.

  In addition, the object of the present invention is to enable setting and installation without disclosing information related to individual settings and installation to persons other than those involved, for example, workers other than the information management center and users, and prevent information leakage. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information device life cycle management system and a management method thereof, an information management center, an information management device, and an information management center.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information equipment life cycle management system and its management method, an information management center, an information management apparatus, and an information management center capable of accurately performing individual setting and installation on the equipment. It is in.

  In addition, for example, when an information device is exchanged, an object of the present invention is to automatically set installation based on management data, and to improve the efficiency of software installation work on the information device used by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information equipment life cycle management system and its management method, an information management center, an information management apparatus, and an information management center capable of accurately performing individual setting and installation.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the device identification information of the information device used by the user and the user number of the user are associated with each other and stored and managed in the information management center.

  For example, specifically, the information management center receives device specific information (such as a MAC address and a manufacturing number) from a device vendor, registers the device specific information, and uses the device specific information held by the device itself. The user selects the service and function that he / she wants to use and applies to the information management center. The information management center then selects the settings and software suitable for the service and function that the user wants to use based on the application. After selecting and associating with the device, the device vendor ships the device to the place where the user uses the device and installs it, so that the user can connect the device to the network and cooperate with the information management center. The system configuration, method, and information management center for performing individual settings and installation based on the device identification information.

  According to the present invention, by using and returning a device that can use a necessary service and function when necessary, it is possible to satisfy a user's demand with fewer devices compared to device purchase and operation maintenance according to the prior art. Equipment maintenance costs can be reduced.

  In addition, it is possible to reduce the risk of information leakage that occurs when requesting setting and installation to a third party worker.

  In addition, the initial cost required for the start of use can be reduced by reducing user education and work related to setting and installation.

  When a user purchases information equipment in advance, if he / she applies for necessary software and setting information in advance, the user connects the information equipment to a network, for example, the Internet, an in-house network, etc. Based on the information management center that has been individually set up and installed, for example, by entering the user number (which may also be used to receive the information device), the user is required to cooperate with the information management center. The software and setting information are automatically installed and set on the user's information device, and can be used according to the user's prior application. This is also effective when replacing hardware by adding or replacing services and functions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information equipment life cycle management system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship among the vendor side device, the user side device, and the information management center device that constitute the system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the vendor-side device, the user-side device, and the information management center device in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing between the functional units of the user terminal and the functional units related to the user controlled by the user device control unit of the registration receiving server. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information on an application-related table, a setting value table, a software / service table, a hardware table, and a master table in the information management database. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of registration in the information management database such as device setting information and software and automatic installation of device setting information and software on the user side device when a new use is started. (Example 1). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a record of management / setting data in the information management database when automatic installation is completed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from the user application shown in FIG. 6 until the setting information and software are automatically installed and made available on the user device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the transition of records of management / setting data in the information management database at that time. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a flow of registration of device setting information and software in an information management database and automatic installation of device setting information and software on a user-side device when a service or function is added. (Example 2). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes in the records of management / setting data in the information management database before and after the addition. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the service and function of FIG. 8 are added. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of records of management / setting data in the information management database at that time. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of hardware replacement when a defect occurs or by replacement (Example 3). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing changes in records of management / setting data in the information management database at that time. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the case of failure in FIG. 10 or when hardware is replaced by replacement. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the transition of records of management / setting data in the information management database at that time. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the transition of records of management / setting data in the information management database at that time, following FIG.

  In the present invention, when a user purchases an information device, he / she applies to the information management center on the service providing side for services, functions, etc. that he / she wants to use on the device. Upon receiving this application, the information management center associates (binds) the necessary software and setting information with the information device (device provided by the device vendor etc. to the user) based on the information (content) of the application. Send to the information equipment on the user side. Upon receiving the device, the user side connects the device to a network (Internet, in-house network, etc.), acquires necessary setting information and software from the information management center, and uses the acquired setting information and software as information device. Installed in, make the services and functions requested by users available to information devices.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a device vendor, a software vendor, or a leasing company side (hereinafter referred to as a vendor side), and the vendor side refers to the information device 11 to be set as a user at the place of going out, home, office, etc. To the side (hereinafter referred to as user side 2). The provision of information equipment from the vendor side to the user side is performed, for example, by a delivery vehicle or by mail (equipment sending route (5)).

  Further, the vendor side 1 sends device identification information 1111 related to the information device 11 such as device identification ID, device type, serial number, etc., to be described later via the network 4 (device identification information registration route (1)). Transmit to the center 3. These pieces of information are registered and recorded in a device table 31417 (see FIG. 5) of the information management database 314 described later.

  Therefore, the vendor-specific side 1 that provides (delivery and installs) the information device 11 to the user side 2 receives the device-specific information 1111 specific to the device via the network 4 (device-specific information registration route (1)). A device having a function of transmitting to the management center 3 is provided. This function will be described later.

  The information device 11 is a user terminal such as a personal computer (PC; hereinafter referred to as PC), a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, and the like, and the device specifying information 1111 can use a MAC address, a serial number, etc. in addition to the above information. . In the case of a mobile phone, a telephone number or a SIM number may be used as device specifying information.

  When receiving a service such as a cloud, authentication information or service classification information is individually allocated to the information device 11. At this time, the information specifying the user of the information device is a user number or a telephone number, and the device specifying information is a MAC address or a serial number.

  The information device 11 has a function of receiving setting information, software, and the like from the information management center 3 via the network 4 (software distribution / setting information sending route (8)).

  When the user 2 wishes to use a new information device or add a new service or function to an existing information device, the user 2 applies by sending a use application form 2111 to the information management center 3. The use application form 2111 is used to select a function that the user wants to use. The contents are, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, 1) the function that the user wants to use, such as document creation, money management, e-mail, and letter browsing Painting, music appreciation, video appreciation, video editing, data storage, etc., and 2) existing service usage numbers. These pieces of information are registered and recorded in application-related tables 31413 and 31414 (see FIG. 5) of the information management database 314 described later.

  The application by the use application form 2111 is made by paper, IC card, WEB or the like. In the case of WEB, the user terminal 2 on the user side 2 (in the case of using a new information device, a user terminal different from the information device 11 to be set) from the network 4 (use application sending route (2)) ) Is done through. The application receipt sent from the information management center 3 after the use application acceptance process includes a user number (numbered by the information management center 3 and registered in the user table 31411 of the information management database 314). In the case of WEB, this application copy can also be received at the user terminal on the user side 2 via the network 4 (application copy sending route (4)).

The information device 11 provided from the vendor side is sent to the user side 2 and installed (device reception (6)). On the user side 2, a predetermined setting is performed on the installed information device, and the user side 2 is connected to the network 4 to enable transmission and reception with the information management center 3.
The user side 2 sends the user number included in the application receipt together with the device identification information 1111 (MAC address, serial number, etc.) specific to the device through the information device 11 to the network 4 (device identification information notification route). (7)) to the information management center 3. The information management center 3 receives the device identification information and the user number, identifies the device, authenticates the user, and then the user via the network 4 (software distribution / setting information transmission route (8)). Send software and configuration information to side 2.

  Accordingly, the device specifying information 1111 and the user number are transmitted to the setting target information device 11 via the network 4 (device specifying information notification route (7)), and the network 4 (software distribution, setting information sending route ( 8)) A functional unit having a transmission / reception function for receiving software and setting information is provided. The operation of the functional unit will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the use of the information device 11 is to be ended (shift from the start of use (9) to the end of use (10)), the information application center 2113 is used as a use application form 2113 in the same manner as the use application form 2111 at the start of use. 3. Use end application (11). After that, the data erasure software sent from the information management center 3 is downloaded via the network 4 (software distribution, setting information sending route (8)), and the information equipment 11 is erased. 11 is returned to the vendor side 1 through the device return route (13).

  The information management center 3 selects the software and service according to the application from the user 2, the device (recipient terminal 34) having a use application proxy function for creating necessary setting information and software information 3141, and these data An information device life cycle management apparatus 31 (see FIG. 2) including an information management database 314 to be managed and stored is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the information management database 314 includes various tables including a table for recording management / setting data information 31411 and the like. This table will be described later.

  When the information management center 3 receives the application form information from the user side 2 by paper, IC card, WEB, etc., the information management center 3 sends an application copy including the user number to the user side 2. Is sent by paper, IC card or WEB as described above.

  The management and setting data of the information management database 314 is for managing and setting the device identification information 1111 from the device vendor side, the setting information of the information management center database 314, and the software information 3141 in association with each other. The information distributed to the user side from the database 314 is software information or setting information. In the embodiment, the information management center performs the user application on behalf of the user, for example, in the center according to the contents of the user application. The software and services (cloud) prepared in the above are selected and necessary software information and setting information are created. Software information and setting information may be procured from outside the information management center 3, for example. The selection and application proxy processing procedures will be described later.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information management center 3 includes an information device life cycle management device 31, a receiver terminal 34 for registering various information such as application information, a registration terminal 111, a firewall 112, and a router 113. Receives various information (device identification information 1111 and applicant information, etc.) transmitted via the network 4 from the user terminal 2 including the vendor side 1 and the user PC 22 including the user PC 22 and the user mobile 23 and information A router 32, a firewall 33, and the like that are supplied to the device life cycle management device 31, the acceptor terminal 34, and the like are provided.

  The information equipment life cycle management device 31 includes an application reception server 311 for receiving application information received via the network 4, a registration reception server 312 for receiving and registering device identification information and shipping information transmitted from the vendor side 1, An information management database 314 that stores various data of information and an information management server 313 that manages the information are configured.

  The information management database 314 stores setting / software information 3111 corresponding to an application from the user side 2 and device identification information 1111. The information management server 313 is applied by an application form from the user side. Information necessary for a function to be used, that is, software information, setting information 3111 and the like are selected and extracted from the database 314 and supplied to the information device 11 on the user side 2 via the network 4 or information is managed It is.

The acceptor terminal 34 is used when the information of the application form is received by paper and is input by the administrator of the information management center 3. In the case of a paper application form, the contents of the use application form 2111 sent from the user side 2 to the information management center 3 are input from the acceptor terminal 34 and stored in the information management database 314 via the information management server 313. sign up. The information management center 3 outputs the application copy in paper after the use application acceptance process, and sends it to the user 2.
When the application form information is received via the network 4, the information is received by the application reception server 311 via the router 32 and then registered in the information management database 314 via the information management server 313.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the user side 2, the information management center 3, and the registration terminal 111 on the vendor side 1.

  In the figure, the user terminal 2 on the user side (for example, the user PC 22 or the user mobile phone 23 shown in FIG. 2) applies to the application reception server 311 of the information management center 3 for use application information by WEB or the like. An application form transmission function unit 211 is provided.

  In addition, the user terminal is configured to individually set user information transmission function unit 231 for transmitting user information (device identification information 1111, user number, work history information, etc.), software installation function unit 232 for installing software, and setting information. And an individual setting function unit 233 for erasing data and the like.

  Although not shown, the user terminal includes a memory for storing the information and software, a control unit for executing the installed software, and the like.

  The application reception server 311 of the information management center 3 includes an application reception function unit 3111 for receiving information on a use application form from a user terminal (for example, the user PC 22 or the user mobile phone 23), and the application reception information as information of the information management server 313. The management database 314 includes an application storage function unit 3112 that enables storage as management / setting data.

  The registration reception server 312 includes a device management function unit 3122 that receives device identification information 1111 from the registration terminal 111 installed on the vendor side 1, an output from the device management function unit, and a binding input unit of the receiver terminal 34. A software / hardware binding function unit 3121 is provided that receives the output from 3621 and the management / setting data of the information management database 314 and stores the software and hardware in the information management database 314. The device management function unit 3122 delivers the information device 11 from the database 314, extracts management / setting data relating to the user to be installed, and executes a shipping instruction to the registration terminal 111 by e-mail, WEB, or the like.

  In addition, a user confirmation function unit 3125 and a user terminal (for example, user PC 22) that receive device identification information 1111, user information, work history information, and the like transmitted from the user terminal (for example, user PC 22 and user mobile phone 23). Software installation function unit 232, individual setting function unit 233, data deletion function unit 234, etc., software distribution function unit 3126, setting information distribution function unit 3127, and deletion software distribution function Part 3128 and the like. In addition, a user device control unit 231 is connected to the functional units and the information management database 314 and controls them.

  The acceptor terminal 34 includes a binding input unit 3621 that supplies a binding input to the software / hardware binding function unit 3121 of the registration reception server 312, and the registration terminal 111 on the vendor side 1 uses a device such as e-mail, WEB, etc. A transmission / reception unit (not shown) that transmits the specific information 1111 and receives the shipping instruction 3521 is provided. Although not shown, the history can be easily known by providing a functional unit for accumulating work history.

That is, an information management server 313 including an information management database 314 that manages services, software, and / or setting information used by the information device 11 as management / setting data, and a user terminal (for example, a user) including the information device 11 An application receiving server 311 having a function of receiving an application for applying for the use of service, software and / or setting information from the PC 22 or the user's mobile phone 23), executing an application receiving process, and storing it in the information management database 314; A user terminal (for example, a function for linking software and the information device 11, a function for managing the function, and a registration terminal 111 and the information device 11 on the vendor side) Executes necessary information transmission / reception between the user PC 22 and the user mobile phone 23). Registration server 312 having the ability constitutes an information apparatus lifecycle management device 31 of the information device 11,
The registration receiving server 312 receives user information from the information device 11 and authenticates the user. The user confirmation function unit 3125 authenticates the user, and the information management unit 314 software that matches the application related to the information device 11 and / or A software distribution function unit 3126 that extracts setting information and distributes it to the information device 11, a setting information distribution function unit 3127, an erasure software distribution function unit 3128, a user device control unit 3124 that controls the respective function units, A software / hardware binding function unit 3121 for associating the information device 11 with the software and / or the setting information, a device management function unit 3122 for managing the function, and the like are included.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing between the functional units of the information device 11 to be set and the functional units related to the information device controlled by the user device control unit 3124 of the registration reception server 312. In the figure, in the information device 11 connected to the network, a user number is input from an input device such as a keyboard (not shown) of the user information transmission function unit 231 (step S4001), and device specifying information for specifying the information device 1111 is transmitted to the user confirmation function unit 3125 of the registration receiving server 312 (step S4002).

  The user confirmation function unit 3125 of the registration reception server 312 receives the device identification information and the user number from the user information transmission function unit 231 (step S4010). Next, the management / setting data in the database 314 is searched based on the received data, and the case classification (new, changed, collected, etc.) is determined (step S4011). When the item classification is new or changed, the implementation item list (software / service management table 31416 and setting value information table 31415 in FIG. 5) is acquired from the database 314 (step S4012).

Subsequently, the software distribution function unit 3126 acquires installed software corresponding to the list from the database 314 (step S4013). Next, it is determined whether the software needs to be installed one by one for the list (step S4014).
If software installation is necessary (required), the software is transmitted to the software installation function unit 232 of the information device 11 to be set (step S4015).

The information device receives and downloads the software transmitted from the registration receiving server 312 in the software installation function unit 232 (step S4003), and installs the software (step S4004). At this time, the result of the installation is notified to the software distribution function unit 3126 of the registration reception server 312 and the notification is accumulated in the database 314 via the registration reception server 312 as an execution history (step S4016).
Repeated the determination of whether installation is necessary for the number of installed software targets. (Step S4014)

When all of the installed software is in a state where there is no need (no) for installation, the setting information distribution function unit 3127 takes over the processing.
The setting information distribution function unit 3127 determines whether setting is required (necessary) or not (not required) for each setting target (step S4021).
If setting is necessary (required), the setting tool is transmitted to the individual setting function unit 233 of the setting target information device 11 (step S4023). Further, the set value is transmitted (step S4024).
The information device receives and downloads the setting tool transmitted from the registration receiving server 312 in the individual setting function unit 233 (step S4005), receives the setting value (step S4006), and sets the device itself. (Step S4007). At this time, the setting execution result is notified to the setting information distribution function unit 3127 of the registration receiving server 312, and the notification is stored as an execution history in the database 314 via the registration receiving server 312 (step S4025).
Repeat the determination of necessity of setting for the number of setting targets. (Step S4021)
When all the setting targets are in a state where there is no need for setting (no), the use is started. (Step S4022)

  The individual setting function unit 233 of the setting target information device 11 receives and downloads the setting tool transmitted from the setting information distribution function unit 3127 (step S4005), receives the setting value (step S4006), and sets the setting value. Is set (step S4007). At this time, the setting information distribution function unit 3127 receives a notification of setting execution from the information device and stores it in the database 314 (step S4025).

If it is determined in step S4011, and in the case of collection, the deletion software distribution function unit 3128 transmits the data deletion software to the data deletion function unit 235 of the target device 11 (step S4031).
The data erasure function unit 235 receives and downloads the data erasure software (step S4008), performs data erasure and notifies the erasure software distribution function unit 3128 of the execution result (step S4009), and the notification is recorded as an execution history. The data is accumulated in the database 314 via the registration receiving server 312 (step S4032), and the device is collected (step S4033).

  FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of items of management / setting data in which various types of information in the information management database 314 are accumulated.

In the figure, the management / setting data items are composed of table groups below.
It includes device identification information, user number, service / software, setting value, status, management master information, etc., and has the following table.

  1) Application form table 31413 and application form detail table 31414 for registering and recording application information, 2) Information management table 31411 for registering and recording management / setting data information, and 3) Equipment for registering and recording device specifying information Specific table 31417, 4) User table 31212 for registering and recording user information, 5) Software / service management table 31416 for registering and recording software and service information, and 6) Settings for registering and recording setting information A value information table 31415, and 7) a device master 31418, a software / service management master 31419, and a software / service setting value master 31420 as master tables.

  The application form table 31413 includes application form information such as an application number, an information management ID, an applicant name, an applicant address, an applicant telephone number, and an applicant mail address.

The application detail table 31414 includes application details such as application number, detail number, software to be used, software / service ID for identifying the service, application date, use / cancellation flag (use / cancel recording). Yes.
As for the detailed information of the application, a record is added every time an application occurs.

The information management table 31411 includes information indicating each status such as an information management ID, device identification ID, user number, setting value management ID, software / service management ID, usage start date, usage end date, and installation confirmation. ing.
Universal state management is performed until records are added and collected at the start of device use.

The device table 31417 includes information such as a device identification ID, device type, serial number, substitute device identification ID, in-use flag, utilization start date, and utilization end date.
Manage detailed device information.

The user table 31412 includes user information such as a user number, a user name, a user address, a user telephone number, and a user mail address.
Manage user details.

The software service management table 31416 includes information such as a software service management ID, a detailed number, a software service ID, and a busy flag.
Manage detailed information about software services.

The setting value management table 31415 includes information such as a setting value management ID (recording setting information), a detailed number, a software service ID, a setting number, and a setting value.
Manage detailed information on setting values.

  The device master table 31418 includes information such as device type, detailed number, usable software / service master ID, and restrictions.

  The software / service management master table 31419 includes information such as software / service ID, software / service name, and function description.

  The software / service set value master table 31420 includes information such as a software / service ID, a setting number, a setting destination, and a setting method.

  With reference to the above configuration and various types of information, processing at the time of starting new use, at the time of adding a service, function, at the time of failure, or at the time of hardware replacement by replacement will be described.

  FIGS. 6 and 8 show registration of usage history information such as a user number, device identification information, software, and settings on the information management center side when the information device 11 is newly used for purchase or lease. It is the flowchart which showed typically the flow which records and also installs software, a setting, etc. to an apparatus automatically, and a process sequence. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing management / setting data in a state where setting is completed, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a record transition of management / setting data.

  In FIG. 6, the user side 2 performs an application processing procedure with the information management center 3 with the application information of the application form 2111 described above. Based on this application, the setting target information device 11 having the device identification information 1111 provided from the device vendor side 1 is sent and installed to the user side 2. After connecting the device to the network, the user number (user number A) included in the application form receipt received from the information management center 3 is input to the information device 11 to be set. The entered user number is sent to the information management center 3 via the network 4 together with device specific information 1111 unique to the device, for example, a MAC address and a serial number.

  Here, the application is performed through the paper or WEB after the user side 2 describes or checks the function to be used in the application form 2111 of a predetermined format. The user 2 who has received the information device 11 registers device identification information 1111 and a user number.

  The information management center 3 receives the user number and the device identification information 1111 sent from the information device 11 on the user side via the network 4, and executes the processing in the following procedure.

  That is, in FIG. 8, the information management center 3 selects a service and software based on the application information from the user side 2 and the device identification information from the vendor side 1 (step S3001), and performs the use procedure. (Step S3002). In this usage procedure, the usage start of the selected service and software is notified to the vendor side to request usage registration (step S1003), and the information on the user side 2 is notified to the vendor side 1 so that the vendor side 1 To the information device 11 to be sent to the user side. Further, the user number transmitted to the user side 2 after the use application acceptance process is associated with the device identification information and registered and recorded as management / setting data in the information management database 314 (step S3003).

  Here, when selecting software and services, the software and services are selected according to the application contents of the user side. The service will be used on behalf of the user application. At this time, setting information suitable for the user's environment is created. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which service A and software D are selected from the use application contents on the user side. These processes are executed by the registration receiving server 312.

  In association with the device specifying information, the device specifying information 1111 of the information device 11 shipped from the vendor side 1 to the user side 2 is associated with the software service information. In this embodiment, device identification information 1111 is associated with device identification information A, and software / service information is associated with service A, setting value A, software D, and setting value D. These are registered and recorded (recorded) as management / setting data in the information management database 314 (see FIG. 9). These processes are executed by the registration receiving server 312.

  The user number notified from the information management center to the user is received by paper or WEB (step S2002).

  Next, the vendor side 1 registers the use procedure from the information management center 3 (step S1003) and, based on the request from the information management center 3, sends the information equipment to the user side (step S1002). At the time of shipment, the information device 11 is installed.

  On the user side 2 where the information device 11 is installed, the information device 11 is connected to the network 4 (S2004), and device identification information is sent to the management center 3 via the network 4 (step S2005). Is sent (step S2006).

  The information management center 3 identifies the device based on the device identification information 1111 from the user side 2 (step S3004), verifies the user with the user number (step S3005), and responds to the application on the user side. The software / setting information to be transmitted is transmitted to the user side and distributed (step S3006).

The user side 2 automatically installs the distributed software (step S2007) and executes automatic device setting (step S2008). Software installation and device setting are performed based on information registered as management / setting data in the information management database. In this embodiment, the service A is set, the software D is installed, and the software D is set. These processes are executed by the registration receiving server 312.
By these procedures, the user side 2 can use as requested by the user (step S2009).

Distribution software and setting information at this time are registered in the information management database 314 as a history. An example of the registration and recording is as shown in FIG. That is, the device identification information column includes device identification information A, the user number column includes user number A, the service / software column includes service A and software D, and the setting value column includes setting value A and setting value. D, registered in the status column as active and active.
FIG. 9 shows how the management / setting data items change along the flow of FIG.

  FIGS. 10 and 12 schematically illustrate a flow of registering and recording usage history information such as a user number, device identification information, software, and settings in the case where a service and a function are added to the information device 11. It is a flowchart which shows the figure shown in FIG. 11 and 13 are diagrams showing record transitions of management / setting data in the information management database.

  In the case of this embodiment, the information management center 3 already knows the user number and the device identification information. Therefore, the information management center 3 applies the service to be added to the information management center 3 by the method described above. It ’s fine. Therefore, the notification of the user number from the information management center 3 to the user side 2 and the device shipping request to the vendor side 1 are unnecessary.

  That is, FIG. 10 shows an example of adding software C and setting value C, and FIG. 11 shows an example of management / setting data before addition (before change) and after addition (after change). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing record transition of management / setting data of the information management database at that time.

  If the user wishes to change the content, the user can use the application form 2111 'to describe the contents to be used in the same way as the new application. The information management center selects software and services according to the application. The existing information is updated using the existing service usage number indicating the already used equipment, software and service registered and managed in the information management center. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, software C is added to the management / setting data. These processes are executed by the registration receiving server 312.

  FIGS. 14 and 16 show the usage history information such as a user number, device identification information, software, and settings to the information management center 3 when a failure occurs in the information device 11 or when hardware is replaced by replacement. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a flow of registration and recording and a processing procedure thereof. 15, 17, and 18 are diagrams showing record transition of management / setting data in the information management database.

  In the case of this embodiment, the application is made in the same manner as the application for the new information device with the hardware replacement application form 2111 ″. However, for the old information device, the information for requesting the collection of the old information device is available if it can be reused. The user side 2 sends the information management center 3 to the information management center 3 via the network 4. Then, the information management center 3 sends the data erasure software to the old information equipment on the user side 2 via the network 4, and the old information equipment The old information device is collected after the data is erased.

  That is, when changing the device, a hardware replacement application is made with the application form 2111 ″ shown in FIG. 14. This application is made with reference to the existing information using the existing service usage number.

  The selection of the software and service is as described above. In this embodiment, the service A, software C, and software D are linked to the device specifying information B of the new device from the existing management contents of the information management database 314. , A record is added to the management / setting data of the information management database 314 for the associated device identification information B.

  Data erasure is performed by downloading data erasure software to the old device. After the return of the old device is completed, the management / setting data of the old device is returned.

  15, 17 and 18 show the transition of management / setting data. In other words, after the new device is set, the device identification information A becomes the device identification information B. After the old device is returned, the fields such as the user number, service software, and setting value indicating the existing usage status are cleared, The field of is changed to returned.

  As described above, users apply to the management center to start using services and functions, and the management center selects, creates, prepares, and procures necessary software and setting information as information. , Information that identifies the information device that is scheduled to be sent to the user provided by the device vendor or leasing company, for example, device-specific information and user information are associated with each other on the user side, such as a network such as the Internet, When an information device is connected to an in-house network or the like, the software and setting information required by the user can be installed in the information device by linking with the information management center, making it easy to use as requested and improving convenience.

  An information management center is set up in a company, and it can be used as a support service for equipment operation, for example, personnel changes and organizational revisions. In addition, for companies and agents, it is possible to realize a lease service for equipment already installed with an application, that is, a flexible equipment lease by selecting an equipment lease and a dedicated application.

1 Vendor side 11 Target information device 2 User side 22 User PC
23 User mobile phone 231 User information transmission function unit 232 Software installation function unit 233 Individual setting function unit 234 Data erasure function unit 3 Information management center 31 Information device life cycle management device 311 Application reception server 312 Registration reception server 313 Information management server 314 Information management database 3121 Software / hardware binding function unit 3122 Device management function unit 3124 User device control unit 3125 User confirmation function unit 3126 Software distribution function unit 3127 Setting information distribution function unit 3128 Erase software distribution function unit 4 Network

Claims (14)

Information information device and the information management center and equipment vendors to provide the information equipment, connected via a network, services the information equipment is available, management information which is allocated individually to the software and the information device, to be set In equipment lifecycle management system,
The information management center, said information service from the user side of the equipment, software, new application functionality, or services, software, when additional application functionality is, selected service, the information including the software based on an application for said gain Means for registering, managing, and setting information including the service and software in a data storage unit in association with information for identifying a user of the information device;
Registered in the data storage unit, management, user information including the set service, the software, from the information device that has been sent from the device vendor, and device identification information for identifying the information device via the network receiving an information for identifying and means for identifying the information device,
Means for distributing the information including the management, setting means service, and software to the information device having the device identification information via the network;
The information device, the information identifying the user and the information device specifying information to the information management center, means for sending via the network,
Means for automatically installing information including the service and software distributed from the information management center, and automatically setting a device;
The information management center identifies the information device based on the information device identification information sent from the information device when the information device is connected to the network, and the user wants to use the information device based on the use application The setting and software suitable for the service and function are selected and associated with the information device, and the information device cooperates with the management center by connecting the information device to the network by the user, Based on the device identification information, automatically install information including the service to be used and the selected software, and perform individual settings for the service and installation of the software
Information equipment life-cycle management system according to claim.   2. The information equipment life cycle management system according to claim 1, wherein the information equipment further comprises means for deleting data of the information equipment when the information equipment is defective or when hardware replacement is replaced by replacement. Information device life cycle management system characterized by   3. The information equipment life cycle management system according to claim 1, wherein the information management center further comprises means for sending and registering a usage procedure to the software vendor when the service and software are selected. Characteristic information equipment lifecycle management system.   4. The information device life cycle management system according to claim 1, wherein the information individually allocated to the information device is setting information, authentication information, or service classification information, and the information device The information device life cycle management system is characterized in that the information specifying the user is a user number or a telephone number, and the device specifying information is a MAC address or a serial number. In the information equipment lifecycle management system 1 of the claimed of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data storage unit, the device identification information for identifying the information device, based on the user information及BiToshi for application information service , An information device life cycle management system, which is a database that stores software and device setting information in association with each other. A process of accepting an application for a service to be used from the user side and selecting software for executing the service based on the application;
Processing for registering, managing, and setting information including the selected software in a data storage unit;
The information including the software registered, managed and set in the data storage unit, the information device specifying information sent from the user side, and the information specifying the user are received, and the information device used by the user is specified. Processing,
A process of distributing information including software installed in the information device identified in the information device identification process to the information device via a network;
An information device life cycle management method comprising: when the information device is connected to the network, the information device is identified based on the information device identification information sent from the information device, and the user is based on the application In conjunction with the process of selecting a setting and software suitable for the function that the user wants to use and associating it with the information device, and the process of identifying the information device when the user connects the information device to the network The information including the selected software is distributed based on the device identification information in cooperation with the process of identifying the information device on the user side based on the device identification information and distributing it to the information device. And a process for performing individual settings and installation on the information device,
Information device life cycle management method comprising:   7. The information device life cycle management method according to claim 6, further comprising receiving application information of a service desired to be used from a user side and device specifying information from a vendor of the information device, and using the information, the device together with the service and software. Information equipment lifecycle management method including processing to select. In an information management center that is connected to an information device and a device vendor that provides the information device via a network, and manages and sets services, software, and information individually allocated to the information device used by the information device.
An information device life cycle management device for managing the life cycle of the information device;
Means for selecting information including service and software based on the use application when the device is a new application for service, function, or application for addition of service or function from the user side of the information device;
Means for registering, managing, and setting information including the service and software in a data storage unit in association with information for identifying a user of the information device;
The device specifying information and the user specifying the information device via the network from the information including services and software registered, managed and set in the data storage unit, and the information device sent from the device vendor. Means for receiving the information to be identified and identifying the information device;
When the information device is connected to the network, the information including the management, setting means service, and software for the information device having the device identification information is connected to the network. Means for identifying an information device based on the information device identification information to be sent, means for selecting a setting and software suitable for a function that a user wants to use based on the application, and associating with the information device; When a user connects the information device to the network, a process of identifying a user-side information device based on the device identification information and distributing the information device to the information device in cooperation with the process of identifying the information device In cooperation with the device, based on the device identification information, the information including the set service and the selected software is distributed to the information device. Individual settings, and the means to carry out the installation,
Information management center, characterized in that it comprises a. An information management device for information equipment,
An information management unit that manages the service, software and / or setting information used by the information device as management / setting data, and receives a service / function use application from the information device, and registers and records it in the information management unit An application reception processing unit, and a registration reception processing unit that receives device identification information from a device vendor that provides the information device, registers and records the information in the information management unit,
The registration acceptance processing unit
A user information device processing unit for transferring the management / setting data to the information device, and a software / hardware binding unit for binding the information device with the software and / or the setting information,
The user information device processing unit is
A confirmation function unit that receives information for identifying a user from the information device and authenticates the user;
When software and / or setting information that matches an application from the information device is extracted from the information management unit and distributed to the information device, and when the information device is connected to the network, the information device A function unit that identifies an information device based on the information device identification information that is sent, a function unit that selects a setting and software suitable for a function that a user wants to use based on the application, and associates the information device with the function unit; When the user connects the information device to the network, based on the device identification information, the user information device is identified, information including the selected software is distributed, and the information device is individually distributed to the information device. And a functional part for performing installation and installation ,
The software / hardware binding unit is
A software / hardware binding function unit for associating the information device with the software and / or the setting information;
Including a device management function unit for controlling the software / hardware binding function unit,
An information management apparatus characterized by that.   10. The information management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the registration acceptance processing unit further includes an erasure software distribution function unit that distributes erasure software to the information device. An information management device for information equipment,
An information management server including a database for managing service, software and / or setting information used by the information device as management / setting data;
Service from the information device receives a use request of the function, the application receiving server having a function of recording the information management unit,
Tied to software and hardware accepts enclose with input from the receiving terminal is composed of a Registration server to perform transmission and reception of necessary software and configuration information to and from the information device,
The registration receiving server receives information for identifying a user from the information device and authenticates the user, and software and / or settings matching the application for the information device from the information management server A software distribution function unit that extracts information and distributes it to the information device side, a setting information distribution function unit, an erasure software distribution function unit, a device control unit that controls each of the function units, the information device, and the software And / or a software / hardware binding function unit for associating the setting information, and a device management function unit for managing the function . When the information management server connects the information device to the network, the information device A function unit that identifies the information device based on the information device identification information sent from the device, and a setting suitable for the function that the user wants to use based on the application And a function unit that selects software and associates it with the information device, and when the user connects the information device to the network, the user information device is identified and selected based on the device identification information. Including distribution of information including the selected software, and individual setting and installation on the information device .
An information management apparatus for information equipment. An information management method for information equipment,
Information management processing for managing the service, software and / or setting information used by the information device as management / setting data by the information management unit;
Accepting service and function use applications from the information device, registering and recording in the information management unit, and accepting device specifying information from device vendors providing the information device,
It consists of a registration acceptance process that registers and records in the information management unit,
The registration acceptance process
User information device processing for transferring the management / setting data to the information device, and a software / hardware bundling processing unit for bundling the information device with the software and / or the setting information,
The user information device processing is
A process of accepting information identifying a user from the information device and authenticating the user;
Software and / or setting information that matches the application for the information device is extracted from the information management unit, distributed to the information device, and sent from the information device when the information device is connected to the network. A processing unit that identifies an information device based on the information device identification information, a processing unit that selects a setting and software suitable for a function that a user wants to use based on the application, and associates the setting with software, and the usage When a user connects the information device to the network, based on the device identification information, the user information device is identified, information including the selected software is distributed, and individual settings for the information device are performed. Consists of a processing unit that performs installation,
An information management method characterized by that. An information management method for information equipment,
A process for managing service software and / or setting information used by the information device as management / setting data in an information management unit;
Accepting service and function usage applications from the information device, registering and recording in the information management unit,
Tied to software and hardware accepts enclose with input from the receiving terminal, composed of a registration reception process to execute the transmission and reception of necessary software and configuration information to and from the information device,
The registration acceptance process
Accepting information for identifying a user from the information device and authenticating the user;
A process of extracting software and / or setting information that matches the application for the information device from the information management unit, and distributing the software and / or setting information to the information device side;
Software / hardware processing for associating the information device with the software and / or the setting information;
Only including, a process managed by the information management unit, when connected to the information appliance to the network, a process of identifying the information device based on the information device specifying information sent from the information device, the application A process of selecting a setting and software suitable for a function that the user wants to use and associating it with the information device; and a process of identifying the information device when the user connects the information device to the network; In cooperation with the process of identifying the information device on the user side based on the device identification information and distributing to the information device, the information including the selected software based on the device identification information Including distribution, and individual setting and installation on the information device.
Information management method of information equipment that characterized a call. Information for managing and setting the information, the information management center, and the device vendor that provides the information device via a network, and the service, software, and information individually allocated to the information device used by the information device In the information equipment life cycle management method in the equipment life cycle management system,
  The information management center
When a new application for a service, software, or function, or an additional application for a service, software, or function is requested from the user side of the information device, processing for selecting information including the service or software based on the use application;
  Processing for registering, managing, and setting information including the service and software in a data storage unit in association with information for identifying a user of the information device;
The device specifying information and the user specifying the information device via the network from the information including services and software registered, managed and set in the data storage unit, and the information device sent from the device vendor. Receiving information to be identified, and identifying the information device;
A process of distributing information including the management, setting means service, and software to the information device having the device identification information via the network;
  The information device is
A process for sending the information device specifying information and information for specifying the user to the information management center via the network;
A process of automatically installing information including the service and software distributed from the information management center and automatically setting a device;
  Run
  When the information management center connects the information device to the network, the information management center specifies the information device based on the information device identification information sent from the information device, and the service that the user wants to use based on the use application Selecting a setting and software suitable for the function and associating with the information device;
  The information device cooperates with the management center by connecting the information device to the network by the user, and based on the device identification information, includes information including the service to be used and the selected software. Perform automatic installation, individual settings, and installation process
An information equipment life cycle management method characterized by the above.

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