JP6269124B2 - Device management system, information processing apparatus, device management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management system, an information processing apparatus, a device management method, and a program.

  A network device such as an image forming apparatus can use a service for remotely managing status information indicating the status of the device, failure notification, automatic ordering of consumables, and the like. Since this service is usually performed by remote management via a network or the like, it is necessary for the network device and the management device that provides the service to communicate with each other. In a network device management system such as an image forming apparatus, status information indicating the status of the device is periodically notified to the management device. Therefore, as a regular notification, for example, once every 6 hours or once a day Status information to the management device.

  In recent years, a cellular phone network such as a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) or a 3G (3rd Generation) line has come to be used as a communication method between a network device and a management apparatus. In this case, for example, a manufacturer managing the image forming apparatus provides a service by making a use contract with a mobile phone company such as a mobile communication carrier. As a contract form, a flat-rate contract in which a price is determined based on how many MB of data communication is per month per device is common. In this flat-rate contract, a contract (packet sharing) in which the data communication amount is shared among the total data communication amount obtained by multiplying the number of contracted devices by the data communication amount that can be used by one device is common. However, with this flat-rate contract, the billing fee increases every time the number of contracted devices increases. Further, if the fixed amount contract exceeds the determined data communication amount, a charge is charged for the excess packets.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a communication disconnection method for a data communication apparatus that is connected to a communication line and has an outgoing / incoming function. The communication disconnection method described in Patent Document 1 quickly and surely prevents continuation of invalid line connection due to DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) runaway during communication, and remedies that communication charges continue to be charged. It is.

  In order for the device management system to provide a remote management service to the device, for example, when the device communicates with the management device via the mobile communication terminal via the mobile communication terminal, the communication mounted on the device It is anxious to be able to reliably acquire the communication status of the terminal and grasp the communication status of the communication terminal.

  However, although the communication disconnection method described in Patent Document 1 can prevent the communication fee from being charged continuously, there is a problem that the communication status of the communication terminal attached to the device cannot be acquired.

  Further, in the conventional device management system, the identification information (communication terminal ID) of the communication terminal attached to the device can be acquired based on the identification information (device ID) of the device, but information on the contractor installed in the communication terminal. Since the identification information (for example, the ID of a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module Card)) for identifying the component storing the ID cannot be acquired, the communication status (for example, data traffic) of the communication terminal cannot be acquired. For this reason, the conventional device management system has a problem that it cannot be determined whether or not a remote management service is implemented for the device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device management system, an information processing apparatus, a device management method, and a program that can acquire the communication status of a communication terminal attached to a device. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a device management system according to the present invention includes first identification information for identifying one or more communication terminals that connect one or more devices to a first communication network, and A first correspondence information acquisition unit that acquires first correspondence information that associates second identification information that identifies one or more devices, and is mounted on the communication terminal for each of the first identification information and relates to a contractor A communication terminal information management unit that holds second correspondence information associated with third identification information that identifies a component that stores information, and the second correspondence information that is held by the communication terminal information management unit. A specifying unit that specifies the third identification information associated with the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information acquired by the one correspondence information acquisition unit; and Corresponding to the identified third identification information An inquiry unit that inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount; and when receiving the inquiry about the communication status, extracts the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information, and obtains the extracted communication status as a result of the inquiry And a communication information management unit for notifying as described above.

  According to the present invention, there is an advantageous effect that the communication status of a communication terminal attached to a device can be acquired.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the device management device, the device, the communication terminal management device, and the communication status management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first correspondence information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of device management information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second correspondence information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication terminal information. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for registering a device as a device that manages the device in the device management apparatus when the device is installed. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which the device management apparatus confirms the communication status of the communication terminal. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when it is determined that communication with a communication terminal attached to a device is not continued. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which the device management apparatus confirms the communication status of the communication terminal with a plurality of communication status management apparatuses. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration of a device management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a device management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a device management system, an information processing apparatus, a device management method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the contents do not contradict each other.

  The device management system of the present embodiment includes a communication terminal ID (first identification information) for identifying a communication terminal from remotely managed devices (image forming apparatuses), a device ID (second identification information) for identifying the devices, and the like. Is acquired. The device management system associates, for each communication terminal ID (first identification information) of the communication terminal, third identification information (IC chip ID) that identifies a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information about the contractor. The third identification information of the component associated with the communication terminal ID (first identification information) that matches the communication terminal ID (first identification information) included in the acquired first correspondence information from the second correspondence information (IC chip ID) is specified. The device management system inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the specified component, and the data corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component which is the inquiry result The communication between the communication terminal and the device management apparatus is controlled based on the result of the communication status including the communication amount. As a result, the communication status of the communication terminal attached to the device can be acquired. For example, by specifying a device that does not implement the remote management service and disabling the communication function of the attached communication terminal Billing charges can be reduced.

  Below, the example which implement | achieves the apparatus management apparatus of this embodiment as a one part apparatus of the apparatus management system which communicates with an image processing apparatus (apparatus) and manages remotely is demonstrated. A system to which the device management apparatus of this embodiment can be applied is not limited to such a device management system. In the following, a case where the device according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is a device having at least two functions among a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

(First embodiment)
First, an example of the overall system configuration of the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the device management system 1 includes a device management device 10 that remotely manages a plurality of devices 20a to 20c, a device 20a, a device 20b, a device 20c, and a device 20a to be managed by the device management device 10. A communication terminal management device 30 for managing the communication terminals 21a to 21c attached to the device 20c, and a communication state management device 40 for managing a communication state including the data communication amount of the communication terminals 21a to 21c attached to the devices 20a to 20c. Is provided. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the plurality of devices 20a to 20c, they are referred to as devices 20.

  The device management device 10 is a device that performs counter counting (billing processing), consumable ordering, CE dispatch (customer engineer dispatch), and the like from data notified from the device 20, for example. The device 20 is a network device, for example, an MFP. In the present embodiment, the device 20 will be described using an MFP as an example. The device 20 can be connected to the mobile phone network 60 wirelessly by inserting, for example, USB dongles (communication terminals) 21a to 21c containing IC chips (for example, SIM cards) 22a to 22c into predetermined devices. Data is transmitted to and received from the device management apparatus 10. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the plurality of communication terminals 21a to 21c, they are referred to as communication terminals 21. Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the plurality of IC chips 22a to 22c, the IC chips 22 are described.

  The plurality of devices 20a to 20c are connected to the base stations 50a to 50c wirelessly via the communication terminals 21a to 21c for each device 20, and connected to the communication network 70 via the mobile phone network 60. 10 is connected. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the base stations 50a to 50c, they are referred to as the base station 50.

  The communication terminal management device 30 is a server device that manages the communication terminal 21. Specifically, the communication terminal management device 30 includes, for example, a component 22 that is mounted on the communication terminal 21 and stores information about the contractor for each first identification information (communication terminal ID) that identifies the communication terminal 21. The second correspondence information associated with the third identification information (IC chip ID) to be identified is managed. In the following description, “third identification information for identifying the component 22 that is mounted on the communication terminal 21 and stores information related to the contractor” is referred to as “IC chip ID”. Further, “the component 22 that is mounted on the communication terminal 21 and stores information related to the contractor” is also referred to as “IC chip”. The “IC chip ID” corresponds to “third identification information of a part” in the claims.

  The communication status management device 40 is a server device that manages the communication status including the amount of data communication for each IC chip ID. The communication status management device 40 sets wireless communication validity (activation) and invalidity (deactivation) for each IC chip ID. When the wireless communication of the IC chip ID is set to be valid, it is registered as a billing target.

  The cellular phone network 60 is, for example, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) or 3G (3rd Generation) line, and is capable of high-speed data communication. The communication network 70 is a network such as a dedicated line with high security, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet, for example. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of devices 20 connected to the device management apparatus 10 is three, the number is not limited to this, and the number of devices 20 is arbitrary. 1 illustrates the case where the number of communication status management devices 40 connected to the device management device 10 is one, but the number is not limited to this, and the number of communication status management devices 40 is arbitrary. . The mobile phone network 60 corresponds to the “first communication network” in the claims, and the communication network 70 corresponds to the “second communication network” in the claims.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the device 20 is configured to be connected to each base station 50 wirelessly via the communication terminal 21 and connected to the communication network 70 via the mobile phone network 60, but is not limited thereto. For example, the device 20 may be configured to connect to the communication network 70 via a communication network different from the cellular phone line network 60, or may be configured to connect directly to the communication network 70. There may be.

  Further, as a communication standard for the device 20 to communicate with each base station 50 wirelessly via the communication terminal 21, for example, GSM (registered trademark) (Global System for Mobile communications), cdmaOne (Code Division Multiple Access) (Also called TIA: Telecommunication Industry Association (ISIA) standard IS-95 compliant mobile phone system brand name), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), CDMA2000 (Wideband cdmaOne) (current cdmaOne standard (IS-95) ), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multi) le Access), TD-SCDMA (Time Division - Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), mobile WiMAX (Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), AXGP (Advanced eXtended Global Platform), LTE-Advanced (IMT- Wireless communication system conforming to the Advanced standard).

  In addition, the device management system 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving processing requests and responses to methods of applications to be mounted on each device 20 by RPC (Remote Procedure Call) in order to perform remote management. Also, in order to realize RPC, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), HTTP (HyperTex protocol, etc.). Can be used.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the device management apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the device management apparatus 10 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 12, a memory device 13, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, an interface device 15, and a display connected to the system bus 18. A device 16 and an input device 17 are provided.

  The HDD 12 stores various programs executed by the device management apparatus 10. The HDD 12 stores files and data necessary for realizing various functions of the device management apparatus 10. Further, the HDD 12 stores various management information parameters (device management information) and a management program used for managing the device 20 to be managed. Various management information is registered in advance based on contract information with a customer.

  The memory device 13 reads the program from the HDD 12 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program from the CPU 14. Further, the memory device 13 can be configured to be detachable from the device management device 10. In this case, the memory device 13 may be, for example, a USB memory, a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), or the like as long as it is a non-volatile memory that reads or writes data under the control of the CPU 14. .

  The CPU 14 comprehensively controls the operation of the device management apparatus 10. The CPU 14 controls the overall operation of the device management apparatus 10 by executing a program stored in the memory device 13. Further, the CPU 14 implements various functions. The CPU 14 has a function of receiving device information (management information parameter) including at least status information indicating the status of the device 20 and identification information for identifying the device 20 from the device 20, and based on the device information, the CPU 14 Control management.

  The interface device 15 is an interface for communicating with an external device (device 20). The interface device 15 is an interface for connecting to the communication network 70.

  The display device 16 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like by a program. The display device 16 is a display that displays an image or the like, for example. The display is, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Display) such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL.

  The input device 17 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like, and is a user interface that receives various user operation instructions. The input device 17 is an input interface for inputting various data. As the input device 17, for example, a touch panel or a voice input device can be used as the input device 17.

  The program for the device management apparatus 10 is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  Note that the hardware configurations of the communication terminal management device 30 and the communication status management device 40 described later are the same as those of the device management device 10 described above, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the device 20 includes a controller board 230, an operation panel 231, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 232, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 233, an IEEE 1394 I / F 234, a plotter / scanner engine 235, and the like. Peripheral device 236.

  The controller board 230 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory) 212, a flash memory 213, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive Management) 214, and an ASIC (Application 15 Application License). A system memory 216, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 217, and a modem 218 are provided.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls the operation of the device 20. The CPU 211 controls the operation of the entire device 20 by executing programs stored in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214. Further, the CPU 211 implements various functions. In addition, the CPU 211 performs data calculation based on programs in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214, controls each unit of the device 20, and executes processing as the device 20.

  The SDRAM 212 is a memory that stores various programs. The SDRAM 212 is a memory used by the CPU 211 during data processing.

  The flash memory 213 is a memory that stores various programs and an OS (Operating System) image. The flash memory 213 is a memory for storing data (model number, IP address, etc.) requiring various non-volatility. The flash memory 213 is also a storage memory for realizing each function in the device management system 1.

  The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage medium and stores various management information, update firmware, and execution firmware of the target device 20. The HDD 214 stores image data and the like when the device 20 is an MFP or the like.

  The ASIC 215 supports sharing of devices to be controlled by the CPU 211, and supports high efficiency in development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. The ASIC 215 performs various image processing when the device 20 is an MFP or the like.

  The management system memory 216 is a memory that stores various data necessary for realizing each function of device management processing in the device management system 1.

  The NIC 217 is an interface connected to the proxy server of the device management apparatus 10 via the local network or further via the network.

  The modem 218 is connected to the interface device 15 of the device management apparatus 10 via a public line network.

  The operation panel 231 is an interface for an operator who operates the MFP as the device 20, and accepts data input, job execution, and the like. The operation panel 231 includes various operation keys, function keys, and the like, and a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands and the like necessary for causing the device 20 to perform various operations are input from the operation keys. On the display, the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various information notified from the device 20 to the operator are displayed.

  The FCU 232 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line. Further, the FCU 232 exchanges facsimile control signals with an external FAX apparatus, and executes G3 and G4 facsimile communication procedures.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) 233 is a serial bus for connecting to a peripheral device. In the device management system 1, it is also an interface connected to the communication terminal (mobile communication dongle) 21. By attaching the communication terminal 21 to the USB 233, the device 20 can perform wireless communication. The communication terminal 21 is equipped with an IC chip 22 in which information (for example, contractor information such as a mobile phone number) for communication via the mobile phone network 60 is recorded. A USB device is connected to the USB 233, and data is exchanged with the connected USB device under the control of the CPU 211.

  The IEEE 1394 I / F 234 is used for connection with an external scanner, a plotter, or the like.

  The plotter / scanner engine 235 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the ASIC 215, reads the original image data by performing main scanning / sub scanning, and outputs the original image data to the ASIC 215. The plotter / scanner engine 235 is connected to a peripheral device 236 such as a post-processing machine or an ADF (automatic document feeder).

  Next, functions of the device management device 10, the device 20, the communication terminal management device 30, and the communication status management device 40 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the device management device, the device, the communication terminal management device, and the communication status management device.

  First, the functional configuration of the device management apparatus 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the device management apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 101, a first correspondence information acquisition unit 102, a first correspondence information holding unit 103, a first notification unit 104, a communication status management unit 105, A communication status confirmation unit 106, a reception unit 107, a determination unit 108, and a device management unit 109 are included. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Further, a form in which a part of each of the above units is mounted on the device management apparatus 10 may be employed.

  The communication unit 101 communicates with the device 20 via the communication network 70. The communication unit 101 transmits and receives various data via one or more devices 20 and the mobile phone network 60. Specifically, the communication unit 101 identifies, for example, the first identification information (communication terminal ID) that identifies the communication terminal 21 that connects the device 20 to the first communication network (cellular phone network 60) and the device 20. The first correspondence information in association with the second identification information (device ID) to be received is received and transferred to the reception unit 107. In addition, the communication unit 101 receives device information including state information indicating the state of the device 20 and passes it to the device management unit 109. In the following description, “first identification information for identifying the communication terminal 21” is denoted as “communication terminal ID”, and “second identification information for identifying the device 20” is denoted as “device ID”.

  The first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 obtains first correspondence information that associates a device ID with a communication terminal ID that is attached to the device 20 and connects the device 20 to the first communication network (mobile phone network 60). get. Specifically, the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 receives the first correspondence information in which the communication terminal ID notified from the device 20 and the device ID are associated with each other via the communication unit 101, so that the first correspondence information is obtained. To get.

  The first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 also includes first identification information (communication terminal ID) for identifying one or more communication terminals 21 that connect one or more devices 20 to the first communication network, and one or more devices 20. First correspondence information in which second identification information (device ID) to be identified is associated is acquired.

  The first correspondence information holding unit 103 holds first correspondence information in which the acquired communication terminal ID is associated with the device ID.

  Here, the first correspondence information held by the first correspondence information holding unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first correspondence information. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first correspondence information is information in which a communication terminal ID is associated with each device ID.

  In the example of FIG. 5, it is shown that the communication terminal 21 with the communication terminal ID 0123456789A is attached to the device 20 with the device ID ABCDE1. Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789B is attached to the device 20 having the apparatus ID ABCDE2. Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 with the communication terminal ID 0123456789C is attached to the device 20 with the device ID ABCDE3. Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789D is attached to the device 20 having the apparatus ID ABCDE4.

  Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789E is attached to the device 20 having the apparatus ID ABCDE5. Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789F is attached to the device 20 having the apparatus ID ABCDE6. Further, it is indicated that the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789G is attached to the device 20 having the apparatus ID ABCDE7.

  As described above, the first correspondence information holding unit 103 holds information in which the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 is associated with each acquired device ID of the device 20. Note that the first correspondence information in which the device ID and the communication terminal ID are associated with each other may be held by the device management unit 109 described later. Further, the first correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example, and the setting items of the first correspondence information are arbitrary.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The first notification unit 104 receives the first correspondence information acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 and notifies the communication terminal management device 30 of the first correspondence information. Specifically, the first notification unit 104 sends the first correspondence information in which the communication terminal ID acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 is associated with the device ID to the communication terminal management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 101. Notify them.

  In addition, the first notification unit 104 notifies the communication terminal management apparatus 30 of the first correspondence information in order to request confirmation of the communication status of the communication terminal 21.

  The communication status management unit 105 associates with the communication terminal ID of each communication terminal 21 and identifies third component information (IC chip ID) that identifies the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21. The communication status including the amount of data communication during the preset period is held, and the communication status of each communication terminal 21 is managed. Specifically, the communication status management unit 105 acquires the communication status including the data communication amount of the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID from the communication terminal management device 30. And the communication condition management part 105 matches and manages the communication condition containing data traffic for every communication terminal ID matched with apparatus ID.

  The communication status confirmation unit 106 confirms the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID mounted on the communication terminal 21 mounted on the device 20 in the preset period at every preset interval. . Specifically, for example, the communication status confirmation unit 106 includes a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to an IC chip ID mounted on a communication terminal ID associated with a device ID at an interval of once a month. The confirmation is requested to the communication terminal management device 30 described later. The communication status confirmation unit 106 notifies the communication terminal management apparatus 30 of the first correspondence information via the first notification unit 104 when requesting confirmation of the communication status of the communication terminal 21.

  The communication status confirmation unit 106 extracts the device 20 that performs the confirmation of the communication status based on a preset extraction condition. Next, the communication status confirmation unit 106 generates a communication terminal ID list in which the extracted device ID of the device 20 is associated with the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20. Then, the communication status confirmation unit 106 transmits a communication status inquiry request including the generated communication terminal ID list to the communication terminal management apparatus 30. Note that the extraction conditions for the device 20 that inquires about the communication status include, for example, the device 20 to which the communication terminal 21 is attached, the device 20 for which device information is not regularly acquired, and the like. Can be set.

  The accepting unit 107 accepts an input of a user operation. The accepting unit 107 accepts customer information including information related to the customer including the device ID and passes it to the device managing unit 109. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 107 receives customer information in which an ID (second identification information) for identifying the customer's device 20 and information related to the customer are associated with each other and is received by the device management unit 109. hand over. That is, the reception unit 107 associates, for each ID (device ID) for identifying the customer device 20, customer information in which information including at least management service information including setting information for managing the customer device 20 is associated. Is transferred to the device management unit 109.

  The accepting unit 107 accepts communication terminal information including the communication terminal ID and passes it to the device management unit 109. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 107 associates an ID (first identification information) for identifying the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 with an ID (second identification information) for identifying the device 20. The first correspondence information is received and acquired and transferred to the device management unit 109.

  The receiving unit 107 also has third identification information (IC chip ID) for identifying a component 22 that stores information about a contractor mounted on the communication terminal 21 for each of one or more communication terminal IDs (first identification information). Is received and transferred to the device management unit 109.

  The accepting unit 107 accepts the communication status including the data communication amount of the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID, which is the communication status inquiry result, and receives the received communication status in the communication status management unit 105 and the device management unit 109. hand over. It should be noted that the inquiry result of the communication status of the communication terminal 21 notified from the communication terminal management device 30 includes the communication status including the above-mentioned data communication amount for the communication terminal ID and the company of the IC chip ID contracted for use, for example. May be included.

  The receiving unit 107 also associates the first identification information (communication terminal ID) of the communication terminal 21 on which the component 22 is mounted with the communication status corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22. The third correspondence information is received and transferred to the determination unit 108.

  The receiving unit 107 receives and acquires device information including state information indicating the state of the device 20 for each of the one or more devices 20. Specifically, the device management unit 109 transmits device information including state information indicating the state of the device 20 transmitted from the device 20 via the mobile phone network 60 at a predetermined notification interval set in advance. Device information including state information indicating the state of the device 20 is acquired. The accepting unit 107 delivers device information including state information indicating the state of the accepted device 20 to the device managing unit 109. Here, the device information indicates “device information including state information indicating the state of the device 20 transmitted at a predetermined notification interval”.

  When the determination unit 108 receives the inquiry result of the communication status of the communication terminal 21, based on the data communication amount included in the communication status, the communication terminal with the communication terminal ID associated with the IC chip ID of the second correspondence information 21 and whether or not to continue communication with the device management apparatus 10 is determined. Specifically, the determination unit 108 notifies the data communication amount included in the communication status of the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID notified from the communication terminal management device 30 if the data communication amount is equal to or greater than a preset threshold. It is determined that the communication between the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID associated with the IC chip ID and the device management apparatus 10 is continued.

  Further, the determination unit 108 determines that the IC chip if the data communication amount included in the communication status of the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID notified from the communication terminal management device 30 is less than a preset threshold value. It determines with not continuing communication with the communication terminal 21 of communication terminal ID matched with ID, and the apparatus management apparatus 10. FIG. The determination unit 108 notifies the determination result to the device management unit 109 and the communication terminal management apparatus 30 via the communication unit 101.

  Further, when receiving the third correspondence information including the communication status, the determination unit 108 corresponds to the third identification information (IC chip ID) included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication status. It is determined whether or not to continue communication between the communication terminal 21 of the attached first identification information (communication terminal ID) and the device management apparatus 10.

  Here, the determination method of the determination unit 108 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The detailed description of FIG. 8 will be described later. First, it is assumed that a preset threshold of data communication amount used as a criterion for determination is 5 MB. In the example of FIG. 8, for example, the data communication amount of the IC chip ID 000000001 associated with the communication terminal ID 0123456789A is 10 MB, and is a preset data communication amount threshold value of 5 MB or more. Accordingly, the determination unit 108 determines to continue communication between the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789A associated with the IC chip ID 0000000001 and the device management apparatus 10. On the other hand, for example, the data communication amount of the IC chip ID 000000006 associated with the communication terminal ID 0123456789F is 1 MB, which is less than the preset data communication amount threshold 5 MB. Therefore, the determination unit 108 determines that communication between the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789F associated with the IC chip ID 000000006 and the device management apparatus 10 is not continued.

  Specifically, for example, the amount of data communication per month is less than a certain amount (threshold), the amount of data communication continuously for three months is less than a certain amount (threshold), and the average amount of data communication for three months is a certain amount (threshold) ) Etc. It should be noted that a preset threshold value for data communication volume can be set arbitrarily. Further, the data communication amount indicates a total data communication amount in a preset period, a monthly average data communication amount in a preset period, or the like. The preset period is, for example, one month or three months, but can be arbitrarily set.

  Here, the case where the data communication amount of the communication terminal 21 is less than the threshold value is, for example, a state in which the wireless communication state is bad and the mobile phone network 60 can be connected only occasionally. For example, the communication terminal 21 itself is not attached to the device 20. Further, for example, the wireless communication state is bad due to a change in the installation location of the device 20, and the mobile phone network 60 cannot be connected. In addition, for example, a communication network such as a LAN is provided, and a remote management service is being implemented via the communication network.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The device management unit 109 holds customer information including information related to a customer registered in advance. Specifically, the device management unit 109 holds, for example, customer information (for example, contract details) associated with information related to a customer for each device ID that identifies the customer's device 20. That is, the device management unit 109 includes at least management service information including setting information for managing the customer device 20 for each device ID for identifying the customer device 20 in order to remotely manage the device 20. Stores customer information associated with information. As information related to the customer, for example, customer number, customer name, address, telephone number, contact information, contract details, management service information, management level setting information, installation information for installing the device 20 used by the customer, etc. It is information including. The customer information includes an installation request number, customer number, customer name, address, telephone number, device ID, management service information, management level setting information, and the like. The customer information is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set.

  The device management unit 109 holds first correspondence information in which a device ID and a communication terminal ID are associated with each other as device management information.

  In addition, the device management unit 109 holds, as device management information, information in which at least the communication terminal ID, the data communication amount, and the IC chip ID are associated with each device ID of the device 20.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the device management information held by the device management unit 109 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of device management information. As shown in FIG. 6, the device management information is information in which at least a communication terminal ID, a data communication amount, and an IC chip ID are associated with each other for each device ID. In the example of FIG. 6, information in which the IC chip ID company (for example, a mobile phone company such as a mobile communication carrier) contracted for use is further associated with the above information is shown. In the case of the example in FIG. 6, the communication status inquiry result of the communication terminal 21 notified from the communication terminal management apparatus 30 is associated with the communication status and the company of the IC chip ID contracted for use. Contains information.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the device 20 with the device ID ABCDE1 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789A attached to the device 20, a data communication amount of 10 MB, and the ID (IC of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 (Chip ID) is 000000001, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company A. Further, the device 20 with the device ID ABCDE2 has a communication terminal ID mounted on the device 20 of 0123456789B, a data communication amount of 5 MB, and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 is 000000002, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company A. The device 20 with the device ID ABCDE3 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789C attached to the device 20, a data communication amount of 0 MB, and an ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21. 000000003, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company B. The device 20 with the device ID ABCDE4 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789D mounted on the device 20, a data communication amount of 15 MB, and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 is 000000004, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company B.

  The device 20 with the device ID ABCDE5 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789E mounted on the device 20, a data communication amount of 20 MB, and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 is 000000005, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company C. The device 20 with the device ID ABCDE6 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789F mounted on the device 20, a data communication amount of 1 MB, and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 is 000000006, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company C. The device 20 with the device ID ABCDE7 has a communication terminal ID of 0123456789G mounted on the device 20, a data communication amount of 0 MB, and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 is 000000007, indicating that the company contracted for use is Company D. Note that the device management information illustrated in FIG. 6 is an example, and the setting content of the device management information is arbitrary.

  Thus, the device management unit 109 generates and holds device management information that is information for remotely managing the device 20. That is, the device management unit 109 identifies the communication terminal ID attached to the device 20 associated with the device ID of the device 20 from the first correspondence information. The device management unit 109 identifies the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 associated with the communication terminal ID from second correspondence information described later. The device management unit 109 identifies the data communication amount and company associated with the IC chip ID from the communication status acquired by the communication status management unit 105 described above. And the apparatus management part 109 produces | generates and hold | maintains the apparatus management information which is the information which matched at least data communication amount, communication terminal ID, and IC chip ID for every apparatus ID.

  Next, the functional configuration of the device 20 will be described. The device 20 will be described by taking an MFP, which is a network device, as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 20 includes a communication unit 201, a communication terminal management unit 202, and a device information management unit 203. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Moreover, the form mounted in the apparatus 20 may be sufficient as some of said each part.

  The communication unit 201 communicates with the device management apparatus 10 via the mobile phone network 60. The communication unit 201 transmits and receives various data via the device management apparatus 10, the mobile phone network 60 and the communication network 70. Specifically, the communication unit 201 transmits the first correspondence information in which the communication terminal ID attached to the device 20 and the device ID are associated with each other to the device management apparatus 10. Further, the communication unit 201 transmits, for example, device information in which state information indicating the state of the device 20 is associated with a device ID (second identification information) for identifying the device 20 to the device management apparatus 10. .

  The communication terminal management unit 202 confirms the USB device for the communication terminal 21 and connects the communication terminal 21 when the communication terminal (USB dongle) 21 is connected to the USB 233 connector of the device 20 and the device 20 is turned on. Check if there is any.

  In addition, the communication terminal management unit 202 communicates with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 and acquires a communication terminal ID (first identification information) for identifying the communication terminal 21 from the communication terminal 21. The communication terminal management unit 202 passes the acquired communication terminal ID to the device information management unit 203. The communication terminal management unit 202 holds the acquired communication terminal ID.

  The device information management unit 203 generates and holds first correspondence information in which the communication terminal ID acquired by the communication terminal management unit 202 is associated with the device ID (second identification information) for identifying the device 20. The device information management unit 203 notifies the generated first correspondence information to the device management apparatus 10 via the communication unit 201.

  The device information management unit 203 receives a setting request for enabling remote management from the device management apparatus 10 and effectively sets and holds a remote management function for remotely managing the device 20. Specifically, the device information management unit 203 performs processing for receiving a registration completion notification of the device 20 from the device management apparatus 10 and setting the flag of the remote management function to be valid, and holds the setting. As a result, the device 20 is recognized as a device under the management of the device management apparatus 10.

  Next, the functional configuration of the communication terminal management apparatus 30 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication terminal management apparatus 30 includes a communication unit 301, a reception unit 302, a communication terminal information management unit 303, a specification unit 304, an inquiry unit 305, a second notification unit 306, a request Part 307. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Moreover, a form in which a part of the above-described units is mounted on the communication terminal management apparatus 30 may be employed.

  The communication unit 301 communicates with the device management apparatus 10 and the communication status management apparatus 40 via the communication network 70. The communication unit 301 transmits and receives various data via the device management apparatus 10, the communication status management apparatus 40, and the communication network 70. Specifically, the communication unit 301 receives first correspondence information in which a device ID and a communication terminal ID notified from the device management apparatus 10 are associated with each other, and passes the first correspondence information to the reception unit 302.

  The communication unit 301 receives the communication status inquiry result including the data communication amount corresponding to the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores the information about the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 from the communication status management device 40. To the reception unit 302.

  The accepting unit 302 accepts the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 and the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 and receives the communication terminal information. Delivered to the management unit 303.

  The accepting unit 302 accepts first correspondence information in which a device ID notified from the device management apparatus 10 is associated with a communication terminal ID.

  The accepting unit 302 accepts a request from the device management apparatus 10 to confirm the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21. To the inquiry unit 305.

  The receiving unit 302 receives a communication status inquiry result from the communication status management device 40 and passes it to the communication terminal information management unit 303 and the second notification unit 306.

  The communication terminal information management unit 303 is a third identification that identifies the component 22 that is mounted on the communication terminal 21 and stores information about the contractor for each of the first identification information (communication terminal ID) of one or more communication terminals 21. The second correspondence information in which the information (IC chip ID) is associated is held.

  In addition, the communication terminal information management unit 303 sets, for each communication terminal ID, information that associates the IC chip ID and the IC chip ID company (for example, a mobile phone company such as a mobile communication carrier) that has been contracted with the second information. You may make it hold | maintain as correspondence information.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the 2nd correspondence information which the communication terminal information management part 303 hold | maintains is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second correspondence information. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second correspondence information is information in which at least an IC chip ID is associated with each communication terminal ID. The example of FIG. 7 shows information in which the above-described information is further associated with an IC chip ID company (for example, a mobile phone company such as a mobile communication carrier) with which a usage contract is made.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the communication terminal 21 with the communication terminal ID 0123456789A has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor as 000000001, and the company that has made a use contract is Company A. It is shown that. Further, in the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789B, the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the installed contractor is 000000002, and the company that has contracted for use is the company A. Yes. Further, in the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789C, the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000003, and the company contracted for use is B company. Yes. Further, in the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789D, the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores the information on the installed contractor is 000000004, and the company contracted for use is B company. Yes.

  Further, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789E indicates that the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the installed contractor is 000000005, and that the company contracted for use is the company C. Yes. Further, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789F indicates that the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000006, and that the company that has made a use contract is Company C. Yes. Further, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789G indicates that the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores the information related to the installed contractor is 000000007, and that the company contracted for use is the company D. Yes. The second correspondence information may be information in which at least an IC chip ID is associated with each communication terminal ID.

  In this way, the communication terminal information management unit 303 associates, for example, the IC chip ID and the IC chip ID company (for example, a mobile phone company such as a mobile telecommunications carrier) that has been contracted with each communication terminal ID. Information is held as second correspondence information. The second correspondence information shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the setting content of the second correspondence information is arbitrary.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The communication terminal information management unit 303 holds a communication status inquiry result. Specifically, the communication terminal information management unit 303 stores, for each communication terminal ID, the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 and the data corresponding to the IC chip ID. Communication terminal information associated with a communication status including the traffic is generated and held.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, communication terminal information in which an IC chip ID and a data communication amount are associated with each communication terminal ID held by the communication terminal information management unit 303 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication terminal information. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication terminal information is information in which the IC chip ID and the data communication amount of the IC chip ID are associated with each communication terminal ID. That is, the communication terminal information is information obtained by further adding the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID included in the second correspondence information to the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit 303. It is. In the example of FIG. 8, information is shown in which the data communication amount is further associated with the company contracted for use.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789A has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000001, the data communication amount is 10 MB, and is used. It shows that the contracted company is company A. Further, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789B has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000002, the data communication amount is 5 MB, and the company that has made a use contract It shows that it is Company A. In addition, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789C has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the installed contractor is 000000003, the data communication amount is 0 MB, and the company that has made a use contract. It shows that it is B company. In addition, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789D has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000004, the data communication amount is 15 MB, and the company that has made a use contract It shows that it is B company.

  In addition, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789E has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 for storing information on the installed contractor is 000000005, the data communication amount is 20 MB, and the company with which the use contract has been made. It shows that it is Company C. In addition, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789F has the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information on the installed contractor is 000000006, the data communication amount is 1 MB, and the company that has made a use contract It shows that it is Company C. Further, the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID 0123456789G has an ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 for storing information on the installed contractor is 000000007, the data communication amount is 0 MB, and the company that has made a use contract It shows that it is D company. Note that the communication terminal information shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and the setting content of the communication terminal information is arbitrary.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The identification unit 304 matches the first identification information (communication terminal ID) included in the first correspondence information acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 from the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit 303. The third identification information associated with the first identification information (communication terminal ID) to be identified is specified. That is, the identification unit 304 matches the communication terminal ID (first identification information) included in the first correspondence information received by the reception unit 302 from the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit 303. The ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 associated with the terminal ID (first identification information) is specified. The specifying unit 304 passes the specified IC chip ID to the inquiry unit 305.

  The inquiry unit 305 inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified by the specifying unit 304. That is, the inquiry unit 305 inquires of the communication status management apparatus 40 about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 specified by the specifying unit 304.

  The inquiry unit 305 inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22 in a preset period for each preset interval. Note that a preset interval and a preset period can be arbitrarily set.

  The inquiry unit 305 inquires of one or more communication status management devices 40 about the communication status including the data traffic corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22.

  When the second notification unit 306 receives a communication status inquiry result corresponding to the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 from the communication status management device 40, the second notification unit 306 receives the third identification information of the component 22 included in the second correspondence information ( With reference to the IC chip ID), the first identification information (communication terminal ID) of the communication terminal 21 on which the component 22 is mounted corresponds to the communication status corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22 The attached third correspondence information is notified to the device management apparatus 10.

  When the determination unit 108 determines that the communication between the device management apparatus 10 and the communication terminal 21 is not continued, the request unit 307 determines the communication terminal 21 associated with the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22. The communication status management device 40 is requested to invalidate the communication function.

  Next, the functional configuration of the communication status management device 40 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication status management device 40 includes a communication unit 401, a reception unit 402, a communication information management unit 403, a communication information holding unit 404, and a setting unit 405. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Further, a form in which a part of the above-described units is mounted on the communication status management device 40 may be employed.

  The communication unit 401 communicates with the device management apparatus 10 and the communication terminal management apparatus 30 via the communication network 70. The communication unit 401 transmits and receives various data via the communication network 70 and the device management apparatus 10 and the communication terminal management apparatus 30. Specifically, the communication unit 401 receives an inquiry about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22 from the communication terminal management apparatus 30 and passes it to the reception unit 402. . That is, an inquiry request for the communication status of the IC chip ID is received and transferred to the receiving unit 402.

  The accepting unit 402 inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor mounted on the communication terminal 21 from the communication terminal management device 30. The communication information management unit 403 is notified that the communication status inquiry has been received.

  The communication information management unit 403 manages information related to the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21. The ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 is, for example, the ID of a SIM card that stores contractor information. Specifically, for example, the communication information management unit 403 manages the communication status including the data communication amount in association with each IC chip ID.

  As the communication status, for example, the data communication amount (packet amount) of the IC chip ID, the number of times the IC chip ID is connected to the communication line, the connection time, the connection date and time of the IC chip ID to the communication line, the communication history information, etc. Contains. The communication status can be set arbitrarily.

  When the communication information management unit 403 receives an inquiry about the communication status, the communication information management unit 403 extracts the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information, and notifies the extracted communication status as an inquiry result. That is, when the communication information management unit 403 receives an inquiry about the communication status, the communication information management unit 403 displays the communication status including the data traffic corresponding to the third identification information (IC chip ID) of the component 22 held by the communication information holding unit 404. The extracted communication status is notified as an inquiry result. Specifically, the communication information management unit 403 receives inquiry information including the IC chip ID from the communication terminal management device 30 and includes the data communication amount for each IC chip ID held by the communication information holding unit 404. The communication status of the IC chip ID that matches the IC chip ID included in the inquiry information is identified and extracted from the communication status data associated with the communication status. Then, the communication information management unit 403 associates the communication status of the extracted IC chip ID with the IC chip ID, and notifies the communication terminal management apparatus 30 as an inquiry result.

  The communication information holding unit 404 holds, as communication information, communication status data in which a communication status including a data communication amount is associated with each IC chip ID. The communication information held by the communication information holding unit 404 is, for example, a list in which the IC chip ID and the data communication amount are associated with each other as described with reference to FIG. The setting of communication information is arbitrary.

  The setting unit 405 receives third processing information (IC chip) for identifying the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 when a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal 21 is received. ID) communication function is disabled. The setting unit 405 also receives third identification information for identifying the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 when a request for processing for enabling the communication function of the communication terminal 21 is received. IC chip ID) communication function is enabled. The setting unit 405 holds the IC chip ID communication setting (valid or invalid) and notifies the communication information management unit 403 of the setting information.

  Next, an example of a processing operation for registering the device 20 as a device for managing the device 20 in the device management apparatus 10 when the device 20 is installed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for registering a device as a device that manages the device in the device management apparatus when the device is installed.

  The device management apparatus 10 receives device management information including a device ID, registers and holds the device management information (step S11). For example, the device management apparatus 10 holds various management information parameters (device management information) used for managing the device 20 to be managed. Further, for example, the device management apparatus 10 holds customer information (for example, contract details) in which a device ID (second identification information) for identifying the customer device 20 is associated with information related to the customer. .

  Next, the communication terminal management apparatus 30 receives the communication terminal information, registers and holds the communication terminal information (step S12). For example, the communication terminal management apparatus 30 associates the communication terminal ID with the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 that stores information related to the contractor installed in the communication terminal 21 and holds it as communication terminal management information. Next, the communication terminal management device 30 requests the communication status management device 40 for activation for effectively setting the communication function of the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 mounted on the communication terminal 21 (step S13). ).

  Next, the communication status management apparatus 40 enables the communication function of the requested ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 (step S14). Then, the communication status management device 40 notifies the communication terminal management device 30 of a setting completion notification indicating that the communication function of the ID (IC chip ID) of the component 22 has been set valid (step S15). The communication terminal management device 30 sends the communication terminal 21 equipped with a component (IC chip) 22 that stores information related to the contractor whose communication function is enabled to the device 20 (step S16).

  Next, the device 20 mounts the communication terminal 21 on which the component (IC chip) 22 that stores information related to the contractor whose communication function is set to be effective is mounted on the device 20 (step S17). The device 20 communicates with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20, acquires a communication terminal ID (first identification information) for identifying the communication terminal 21 from the communication terminal 21, and holds it (step S18). Next, the device 20 transmits the first correspondence information in which the device ID of the device is associated with the acquired communication terminal ID to the device management apparatus 10 (step S19).

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 acquires the first correspondence information by receiving the first correspondence information from the device 20, and registers and holds the first correspondence information as device management information (step S20). That is, the device management apparatus 10 holds the first correspondence information in which the device ID is associated with the communication terminal ID as device management information. Next, the device management apparatus 10 notifies the device 20 of a registration completion notification indicating that the device 20 has been registered as a managed device (step S21).

  By causing the device management system 1 to execute the above sequence processing, the device 20 can be registered in the device management apparatus 10 as a device for managing the device 20 when the device 20 is installed. Further, the first correspondence information in which the device ID held by the device management apparatus 10 and the communication terminal ID attached to the device 20 are associated with each other can be generated and held by the above processing. Accordingly, since the device management apparatus 10 can request acquisition of the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 based on the first correspondence information, the communication management device 21 attached to the device 20 can be remotely managed. can do.

  Next, an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which the device management apparatus confirms the communication status of the communication terminal.

  The device management apparatus 10 starts processing for confirming the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the managed device 20 (step S31). For example, the device management apparatus 10 starts checking the communication status at a time interval (for example, once a month) set in advance by a timer or the like. Also, the operator can start confirmation of the communication status by manual operation.

  The device management apparatus 10 extracts the device 20 that inquires about the communication status from the stored device management information (step S32). Next, the device management apparatus 10 generates a communication terminal ID list in which the extracted device ID of the device 20 is associated with the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 (step S33). The device management apparatus 10 transmits a communication status inquiry request including the generated communication terminal ID list to the communication terminal management apparatus 30 (step S34).

  Next, using the communication terminal ID list included in the communication status inquiry request, the communication terminal management device 30 associates the communication terminal ID with the communication terminal ID that matches the communication terminal ID from the second correspondence information held by itself. The obtained IC chip ID is extracted (step S35). The communication terminal management apparatus 30 generates an IC chip ID list of the extracted IC chip ID (step S36). The communication terminal management device 30 transmits a communication status inquiry including the generated IC chip ID list to the communication status management device 40 (step S37).

  Next, the communication status management apparatus 40 extracts a communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID using the IC chip ID list included in the inquiry (step S38). The communication status management apparatus 40 generates the communication status list 1 in which the IC chip ID is associated with the communication status including the extracted data communication amount (step S39). The communication status management device 40 transmits the generated communication status list 1 to the communication terminal management device 30 (step S40).

  Next, the communication terminal management apparatus 30 uses the second correspondence information held by itself and the received communication status list 1 to create a communication status list 2 in which the communication status including the communication terminal ID and the data communication amount is associated. Generate and hold (step S41). Next, the communication terminal management device 30 transmits the generated communication status list 2 to the device management device 10 (step S42).

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 uses the first correspondence information held by itself and the received communication status list 2 to generate device management information in which the device ID, the communication terminal ID, and the data communication amount are associated with each other. (Step S43). Next, the device management apparatus 10 determines whether or not to continue communication with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 based on the data communication amount of the device management information (step S44). Next, the device management apparatus 10 executes various processes based on the determined result (step S45).

  By causing the device management system 1 to execute the above sequence processing, the device management apparatus 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 based on the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20. The communication terminal management device 30 requests the device 30 to identify the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID, and the IC chip ID mounted on the communication terminal 21 in the communication status management device 40 based on the IC chip ID. It is possible to inquire about the communication status including the data communication amount. Therefore, since the device management apparatus 10 can acquire the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20, the device management apparatus 10 can remotely manage the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20.

  The process in which the device management apparatus 10 described with reference to FIG. 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 is merely an example, and the device management apparatus 10 may be configured to have the function of the communication terminal management apparatus 30. In this case, the device management apparatus 10 generates an IC chip ID list (step S36), and transmits a communication status inquiry including the generated IC chip ID list to the communication status management apparatus 40 (step S37). To do. And the apparatus management apparatus 10 produces | generates and hold | maintains the apparatus management information which matched apparatus ID, communication terminal ID, and data traffic by receiving the communication status list 1 produced | generated from the communication status management apparatus 40 ( Step S43).

  Next, an example of a processing operation when the device management apparatus 10 determines not to continue communication with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when it is determined that communication with a communication terminal attached to a device is not continued.

  First, the device management apparatus 10 determines not to continue communication with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device based on the data communication amount of the communication terminal 21 (step S51). The device management apparatus 10 transmits a request to invalidate (deactivate) the communication function of the communication terminal 21 including the communication terminal ID to the communication terminal management apparatus 30 (step S52).

  The communication terminal management device 30 receives a request for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal 21 including the communication terminal ID, and uses the second correspondence information held by itself to use the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID. Is extracted (step S53). The communication terminal management apparatus 30 transmits a process for invalidating (deactivating) the communication function of the communication terminal 21 including the IC chip ID to the communication status management apparatus 40 (step S54).

  Next, the communication status management device 40 sets the communication function of the notified IC chip ID to invalid (step S55). The communication status management device 40 notifies the communication terminal management device 30 of a setting completion notification for the process of setting the communication function of the IC chip ID to be invalid (step S56).

  The communication terminal management device 30 receives the setting completion notification from the communication status management device 40, and notifies the device management device 10 of the setting completion notification of the processing for setting the communication function of the IC chip ID to be invalid (step S57). .

  The device management apparatus 10 updates the device management information for managing the device ID of the device 20 corresponding to the communication terminal ID, and holds the information that the communication with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 is invalid ( Step S58).

  Next, an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 with the plurality of communication status management apparatuses 40A and 40B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which the device management apparatus confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 with a plurality of communication status management apparatuses.

  The device management apparatus 10 starts processing for confirming the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the managed device 20 (step S61). For example, the device management apparatus 10 starts checking the communication status at a time interval (for example, once a month) set in advance by a timer or the like. Also, the operator can start confirmation of the communication status by manual operation.

  The device management apparatus 10 extracts the device 20 that inquires about the communication status from the stored device management information (step S62). Next, the device management apparatus 10 generates a communication terminal ID list in which the extracted device ID of the device 20 is associated with the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 (step S63). The device management apparatus 10 transmits a communication status inquiry request including the generated communication terminal ID list to the communication terminal management apparatus 30 (step S64).

  Next, using the communication terminal ID list included in the communication status inquiry request, the communication terminal management device 30 is associated with the communication terminal ID with the matching communication terminal ID from the communication terminal information held by itself. The IC chip ID and the company associated with the IC chip ID are extracted (step S65). The communication terminal management apparatus 30 generates IC chip ID lists A and B for the extracted IC chip IDs for each company (step S66). The communication terminal management device 30 transmits a communication status inquiry including the generated IC chip ID list A to the communication status management device 40A (step S67). In addition, the communication terminal management device 30 transmits a communication status inquiry including the generated IC chip ID list B to the communication status management device 40B (step S68).

  Next, the communication status management device 40A uses the IC chip ID list A included in the inquiry to extract a communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID (step S69). The communication status management device 40A generates a communication status list A in which the IC chip ID is associated with the communication status including the extracted data communication amount (step S70). The communication status management device 40A transmits the generated communication status list A to the communication terminal management device 30 (step S71).

  Further, the communication status management apparatus 40B extracts a communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID using the IC chip ID list B included in the inquiry (step S72). The communication status management device 40B generates a communication status list B in which the IC chip ID is associated with the communication status including the extracted data communication amount (step S73). The communication status management device 40B transmits the generated communication status list B to the communication terminal management device 30 (step S74).

  Next, the communication terminal management apparatus 30 uses the second correspondence information held by itself and the received communication status lists A and B to associate the communication status including the communication terminal ID and the data communication amount with the communication status list. C is generated and held (step S75). Next, the communication terminal management device 30 transmits the generated communication status list C to the device management device 10 (step S76).

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 uses the first correspondence information held by itself and the received communication status list C to generate device management information in which the device ID, the communication terminal ID, and the data communication amount are associated with each other. (Step S77). Next, the device management apparatus 10 determines whether or not to continue communication with the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 based on the data communication amount of the device management information (step S78). Next, the device management apparatus 10 executes various processes based on the determined result (step S79).

  By causing the device management system 1 to execute the above sequence processing, the device management apparatus 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 based on the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20. Requested to the device 30, the communication terminal management device 30 identifies the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID, and communicates with a plurality of communication status management devices 40A and 40B based on the company associated with the IC chip ID. The communication status including the data communication amount of the IC chip ID mounted on the terminal 21 can be inquired. Therefore, since the device management apparatus 10 can acquire the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20, the device management apparatus 10 can remotely manage the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20.

  Next, an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus 10 acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal.

  The device management apparatus 10 acquires first correspondence information in which the device ID of the device 20 is associated with the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 (step S101). The communication terminal management apparatus 30 registers and holds the second correspondence information in which the IC chip ID is associated with each communication terminal ID (step S102). The device management apparatus 10 notifies the communication terminal management apparatus 30 of a communication status confirmation request including the first correspondence information acquired for confirming the communication status of the communication terminal 21 (step S103).

  The communication terminal management device 30 specifies the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID that matches the communication terminal ID included in the first correspondence information from the second correspondence information (step S104). The communication terminal management device 30 inquires of the communication status management device 40 about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the specified IC chip ID (step S105).

  The communication status management device 40 extracts the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID, and notifies the communication status to the communication terminal management device 30 as an inquiry result (step S106). The communication terminal management device 30 receives the communication status inquiry result corresponding to the IC chip ID from the communication status management device 40, and refers to the IC chip ID included in the second correspondence information to mount the IC chip ID. The device management apparatus 10 is notified of the third correspondence information in which the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 is associated with the communication status corresponding to the IC chip ID (step S107).

  The device management apparatus 10 receives the third correspondence information that is the result of the inquiry about the communication status of the communication terminal 21, and is associated with the IC chip ID of the second correspondence information based on the amount of data communication included in the communication status. It is determined whether or not to continue communication between the communication terminal 21 having the communication terminal ID and the device management apparatus 10 (step S108). When it is determined that the communication between the device management apparatus 10 and the communication terminal 21 is not continued, the device management apparatus 10 performs processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal 21 associated with the IC chip ID. 30 is requested (step S109).

  The communication status management device 40 receives a request for processing for disabling the communication function of the communication terminal 21 on which the IC chip ID is mounted, sets the setting of the communication function of the IC chip ID to invalid (step S110), The process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 10 confirms the communication status of the communication terminal 21 based on the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20. 30, the communication terminal management device 30 identifies the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID, and based on the IC chip ID, the communication status management device 40 determines the IC chip ID mounted on the communication terminal 21. The communication status including the data traffic can be inquired. Therefore, the device management apparatus 10 can achieve the advantageous effect that the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 can be acquired.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the device management apparatus 10 is configured to include the function of the communication terminal management device 30. The device management apparatus 10 includes the communication terminal information management unit 110, the specifying unit 111, the inquiry unit 112, and the request unit. 113 will be described. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration of a device management system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the device management system 1a includes a device management device 10a that remotely manages a plurality of devices 20a to 20c, a device 20a, a device 20b, a device 20c, and a device 20a to be managed by the device management device 10a. A communication status management device 40 that manages the communication status including the data traffic of the communication terminals 21a to 21c attached to the computer 20c. In other words, in the second embodiment, the device management apparatus 10a has a function of the communication terminal management apparatus 30.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a device management system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the device management system 1 a includes a device management apparatus 10 a, a device 20, and a communication status management apparatus 40. The device management apparatus 10a includes a communication unit 101, a first correspondence information acquisition unit 102, a first correspondence information holding unit 103, a first notification unit 104, a communication status management unit 105, a communication status confirmation unit 106, The receiving unit 107 includes a determination unit 108, a device management unit 109, a communication terminal information management unit 110, a specification unit 111, an inquiry unit 112, and a request unit 113. In the first embodiment, the device management apparatus 10a includes a communication terminal information management unit 110, a specifying unit 111, an inquiry unit 112, and a request unit 113 that are included in the communication terminal management device 30. Therefore, the functions, configurations, and processes of the communication terminal information management unit 110, the specifying unit 111, the inquiry unit 112, and the request unit 113 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus 10a acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in which the device management apparatus acquires and manages the communication status of the communication terminal.

  The device management apparatus 10a acquires first correspondence information in which the device ID of the device 20 is associated with the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 (step S201). The device management apparatus 10a registers and holds the second correspondence information in which the IC chip ID is associated with each communication terminal ID (step S202). The device management apparatus 10a specifies the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID that matches the communication terminal ID included in the first correspondence information from the second correspondence information (step S203). The device management apparatus 10a inquires of the communication status management apparatus 40 about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the specified IC chip ID (step S204).

  The communication status management device 40 extracts the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID, and notifies the device management device 10a of the extracted communication status as an inquiry result (step S205). The device management apparatus 10a receives the communication status inquiry result of the communication terminal 21, and based on the data communication amount included in the communication status, the communication terminal with the communication terminal ID associated with the IC chip ID of the second correspondence information 21 and whether or not to continue communication with the device management apparatus 10a is determined (step S206).

  When it is determined that the communication between the device management apparatus 10a and the communication terminal 21 is not continued, the device management apparatus 10a performs processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal 21 associated with the IC chip ID. 40 is requested (step S207). The communication status management device 40 receives a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal 21 on which the IC chip ID is mounted, and sets the setting of the communication function of the IC chip ID to invalid (step S208). The process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the device management apparatus 10a specifies the IC chip ID associated with the communication terminal ID based on the communication terminal ID of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20. Then, based on the IC chip ID, the communication status management apparatus 40 can be inquired about the communication status including the data communication amount of the IC chip ID mounted on the communication terminal 21. Therefore, the device management apparatus 10 can achieve the advantageous effect that the communication status of the communication terminal 21 attached to the device 20 can be acquired.

  Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  For example, the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102, the communication terminal information management unit 303, the identification unit 304, the inquiry unit 305, and the communication information management unit 403 described above are the device management device 10, the device 20, the communication terminal management device 30, and the communication status. The management device 40 may be distributed and mounted on each of the management devices 40. Further, for example, the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102, the communication terminal information management unit 303, the specifying unit 304, the inquiry unit 305, and the communication information management unit 403 described above include the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, and one or more external devices. It may be distributed and mounted on each (for example, server device).

  In short, the device management systems 1 and 1a to which the present invention is applied include at least a first correspondence information acquisition unit 102, a communication terminal information management unit 303, a specifying unit 304, an inquiry unit 305, and a communication information management unit 403. I just need it. The first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 associates a communication terminal ID that identifies one or more communication terminals 21 that connect one or more devices 20 to the first communication network 60 with a device ID that identifies one or more devices 20. The attached first correspondence information is acquired. The communication terminal information management unit 303 holds second correspondence information that associates an IC chip ID that identifies the component 22 that is mounted on the communication terminal 21 and stores information about the contractor for each of one or more communication terminal IDs. To do. The identification unit 304 corresponds to the communication terminal ID that matches the communication terminal ID included in the first correspondence information acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit 102 from the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit 303. The attached IC chip ID is specified. The inquiry unit 305 inquires about the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID specified by the specifying unit 304. When the communication information management unit 403 receives an inquiry about the communication status, the communication information management unit 403 extracts the communication status including the data communication amount corresponding to the IC chip ID, and notifies the communication status of the IC chip ID as an inquiry result.

  The programs executed in the device management systems 1 and 1a according to the above-described embodiments are files in an installable format or executable format, and are CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital). It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as Versatile Disk (USB) or USB (Universal Serial Bus), or may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Good. Various programs may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  A system configuration in which the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, the communication terminal management device 30, and the communication status management device 40 of the first embodiment are connected, and the device management device 10a of the second embodiment. The system configuration in which the device 20 and the communication status management device 40 are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

1, 1a Device management system 10, 10a Device management device 12 HDD
13 Memory device 14 CPU
15 interface device 16 display device 17 input device 18 system bus 20, 20a, 20b, 20c equipment 21, 21a, 21b, 21c communication terminal 22, 22a, 22b, 22c IC chip 30 communication terminal management device 40 communication status management device 50, 50a, 50b, 50c Base station 60 Cellular telephone network 70 Communication network 101 Communication unit 102 First correspondence information acquisition unit 103 First correspondence information holding unit 104 First notification unit 105 Communication status management unit 106 Communication status confirmation unit 107 Reception unit 108 determination unit 109 device management unit 110, 303 communication terminal information management unit 111, 304 identification unit 112, 305 inquiry unit 113, 307 request unit 201 communication unit 202 communication terminal management unit 203 device information management unit 211 CPU
212 SDRAM
213 Flash memory 214 HDD
215 ASIC
216 Management system memory 217 NIC
218 Modem 230 Controller board 231 Operation panel 232 FCU
233 USB
234 IEEE 1394 I / F
235 Plotter / scanner engine 236 Peripheral device 301 Communication unit 302 Reception unit 306 Second notification unit 401 Communication unit 402 Reception unit 403 Communication information management unit 404 Communication information holding unit 405 Setting unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-12579

Claims (14)

Obtaining first correspondence information in which first identification information for identifying one or more communication terminals that connect one or more devices to the first communication network and second identification information for identifying the one or more devices are associated with each other. A first correspondence information acquisition unit;
A communication terminal information management unit that holds second correspondence information that is associated with third identification information for identifying a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information about a contractor for each first identification information;
Among the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit, the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit. A specifying unit for specifying the associated third identification information;
An inquiry unit that inquires about a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified by the specifying unit;
A communication information management unit for extracting a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information and notifying the extracted communication status as a query result when the communication status query is received;
A device management system characterized by that. A reception unit that receives the inquiry result of the communication status;
The communication terminal of the first identification information associated with the third identification information included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication situation when the inquiry result of the communication situation is received A determination unit for determining whether to continue communication with
The device management system according to claim 1. A requesting unit for requesting a process of invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal associated with the third identification information when the determination unit determines not to continue communication with the communication terminal;
A setting unit configured to set the communication function of the third identification information of the component mounted on the communication terminal to be invalid when a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal is received;
The device management system according to claim 2. The inquiry unit inquires a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information in a preset period for each preset interval.
The device management system according to claim 1. The inquiry unit inquires one or more communication state management devices about a communication state including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information;
The device management system according to claim 1. One or more devices, a device management device connected to the one or more devices via a first communication network, a communication terminal management device connected to the device management device via a second communication network, and one or more A device management system including a communication status management device,
First correspondence information that associates first identification information that identifies one or more communication terminals that connect the one or more devices to the first communication network, and second identification information that identifies the one or more devices. A first correspondence information acquisition unit to acquire;
A communication terminal information management unit that holds second correspondence information that associates third identification information that identifies a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information about a contractor for each first identification information of the communication terminal When,
A first notification unit for notifying the communication terminal management device of the first correspondence information in order to request confirmation of the communication status of the communication terminal;
The second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit is associated with the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information notified from the first notification unit. A specifying unit for specifying the given third identification information;
An inquiry unit that inquires about a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified by the specifying unit;
A communication information management unit that, when receiving an inquiry about the communication status, extracts a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information and notifies the communication terminal management device of the extracted communication status as an inquiry result When,
When receiving a communication status inquiry result corresponding to the third identification information, the first identification information of the communication terminal on which the component is mounted is referred to with reference to the third identification information included in the second correspondence information A second notification unit that notifies the device management apparatus of third correspondence information that associates the communication status corresponding to the third identification information;
Comprising
A device management system characterized by that. A reception unit for receiving the third correspondence information;
When receiving the third correspondence information including the communication status, the first identification associated with the third identification information included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication status An information communication terminal and a determination unit for determining whether to continue communication with the device management apparatus,
The device management system according to claim 6. When the determination unit determines not to continue communication between the device management apparatus and the communication terminal, a request unit that requests processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal associated with the third identification information When,
A setting unit configured to set the communication function of the third identification information of the component mounted on the communication terminal to be invalid when a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal is received;
The device management system according to claim 7. A communication status confirmation unit that requests confirmation of a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information;
The device management system according to claim 6. A communication unit that communicates with one or more devices via a first communication network;
First correspondence information that associates first identification information that identifies one or more communication terminals that connect the one or more devices to the first communication network, and second identification information that identifies the one or more devices. A first correspondence information acquisition unit to acquire;
A communication terminal information management unit that holds second correspondence information that associates third identification information that identifies a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information about a contractor for each first identification information of the communication terminal When,
Among the second correspondence information held by the communication terminal information management unit, the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information acquired by the first correspondence information acquisition unit. A specifying unit for specifying the associated third identification information;
An inquiry unit that inquires about a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified by the specifying unit,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. A reception unit that receives the inquiry result of the communication status;
The communication terminal of the first identification information associated with the third identification information included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication situation when the inquiry result of the communication situation is received A determination unit that determines whether or not to continue communication with
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10. A request unit for requesting processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal associated with the third identification information when it is determined not to continue communication with the communication terminal;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11. A communication step of communicating with one or more devices via a first communication network;
First correspondence information that associates first identification information that identifies one or more communication terminals that connect the one or more devices to the first communication network, and second identification information that identifies the one or more devices. A first correspondence information acquisition step to be acquired;
A communication terminal information management step for holding second correspondence information in which third identification information for identifying a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information on a contractor is associated with each first identification information of the communication terminal When,
Among the second correspondence information held in the communication terminal information management step, the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information acquired in the first correspondence information acquisition step. A specifying step of specifying the associated third identification information;
An inquiry step for inquiring a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified in the specifying step;
A communication information management step of extracting a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information, and notifying the communication terminal management device of the extracted communication status as an inquiry result when the communication status inquiry is received; ,
The communication terminal of the first identification information associated with the third identification information included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication situation when the inquiry result of the communication situation is received A determination step for determining whether or not to continue communication with;
A requesting step for requesting a process of invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal associated with the third identification information when it is determined in the determination step that communication with the communication terminal is not continued;
A setting step of setting the communication function of the third identification information of the component mounted on the communication terminal to be invalid when a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal is received;
A device management method characterized by the above. On the computer,
A communication step of communicating with one or more devices via a first communication network;
First correspondence information that associates first identification information that identifies one or more communication terminals that connect the one or more devices to the first communication network, and second identification information that identifies the one or more devices. A first correspondence information acquisition step to be acquired;
A communication terminal information management step for holding second correspondence information in which third identification information for identifying a component that is mounted on the communication terminal and stores information on a contractor is associated with each first identification information of the communication terminal When,
Among the second correspondence information held in the communication terminal information management step, the first identification information that matches the first identification information included in the first correspondence information acquired in the first correspondence information acquisition step. A specifying step of specifying the associated third identification information;
An inquiry step for inquiring a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information specified in the specifying step;
A communication information management step of extracting a communication status including a data communication amount corresponding to the third identification information, and notifying the communication terminal management device of the extracted communication status as an inquiry result when the communication status inquiry is received; ,
The communication terminal of the first identification information associated with the third identification information included in the second correspondence information based on the data communication amount included in the communication situation when the inquiry result of the communication situation is received A determination step for determining whether or not to continue communication with;
A requesting step for requesting a process of invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal associated with the third identification information when it is determined in the determination step that communication with the communication terminal is not continued;
A setting step of setting the communication function of the third identification information of the component mounted on the communication terminal to be invalid when a request for processing for invalidating the communication function of the communication terminal is received;
A program for running

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