JPH10154122A - Device operation management method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide device operation management method and device which more effectively utilize functions of a device and improves the availability of each device. SOLUTION: When a peripheral equipment group (FPS) is constructed, functions of each equipment are combined according to an FPS construction request, the combined function which-is united is assigned a new identification ID to and also the combined function and the new identification ID are registered in memory (steps S693 and S611). Through this, a new peripheral equipment group is constructed in multi-function peripheral equipment 2 and virtually connected to a LAN 6. When a function of a device on the LAN 6 is actually operated, a command is distributed to the equipment which has a function that corresponds to an identification ID according to the distribution-request of the command from a user which includes a processing content and the identification ID, and the equipment is made to carry out the processing that follows the command (steps S602 and S607 to S610).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus operation management method and apparatus for collectively managing operation control of an apparatus having various functions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In addition to a single-function peripheral device having a single function, such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile, a multifunction peripheral device including a plurality of single functions and performing a plurality of functions has been conventionally known. In the office, these single-function peripheral devices or multi-function peripheral devices are connected to each other via a network, and a user interface is provided to mediate between these devices and a user to manage the operation of each device. I have to. The user can operate a device having a desired function on the network via the user interface.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional device operation management method, each device connected to the network can only provide the function of the device alone. For example, a printer that is a single-function peripheral device only provides a printing function, and a multi-function peripheral device that has a multi-function such as a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile modem function usually has a single process. Only one of the composite functions (for example, a scanner function) or a combination within the composite function (for example, a facsimile transmission function by a combination of a scanner function and a facsimile modem function) is provided.

[0004] Therefore, there is a limit in utilizing the functions of the devices on the network. For example, a printer function and a scanner function are at least indispensable for copy processing,
Even when the printer device and the scanner device are connected to a network, a device having a copy function is required separately in order to perform a copy process by a simple operation.
Further, when a monochrome copying machine and a color copying machine are connected to a network, the color copying process has to be performed by a color copying machine, which is impossible with a monochrome copying machine.

[0005] As described above, there is room for improvement in improving the usefulness of each device by more effectively utilizing the functions of the single-function peripheral device connected via the network and the functions included in the multifunction peripheral device. was there.

[0006] By the way, new composite functions can be obtained by freely combining the functions of the devices on the network, or the functions of the devices on the network can be easily used as resources of other devices. It would be convenient to be able to make color copies. However, in this case, it is necessary to consider not only identification management of functions but also facilitation of setting processing for the functions.

Specifically, when a new multifunction is obtained by freely combining the functions of the devices on the network, the device having the multifunction can be regarded as a virtual multifunction peripheral. It is necessary to individually set each of the functions that are components of the complex function of the typical complex function type peripheral device. For example, when a single virtual printer is constructed by combining a monochrome printer and a color printer, it is necessary to individually set the settings relating to color processing to the color printer and the settings relating to monochrome to the monochrome printer. In addition, in the case of multifunction peripherals that include multiple functions in a single case from the beginning, not only do the individual single functions included alone operate, but also perform complex processing in any combination. Or, there is a case where each single function is individually used for another device. At that time, in order to perform the optimal operation according to the mode of use, depending on the situation, it is necessary to identify each single function as not only a single function but also a part of a composite function. Accordingly, it is necessary to individually set each single function.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device operation management method and device capable of more effectively utilizing the functions of the devices and improving the usefulness of each device. To provide.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus operation management method for managing the operation of a plurality of apparatuses. The function of each device is associated with an identification ID for identifying the function and stored together with the function, and the function of each of the plurality of devices is combined to virtually construct a device having a composite function. A storage step of storing a new identification ID for identifying the complex function together with the complex function of the newly constructed device and storing it together with the complex function, and accepting at least a command specifying the identification ID from the user A step for identifying a function corresponding to the identification ID specified by the command received in the receiving step; and a function identified in the identifying step. Characterized in that it comprises an actuation step of operating on the basis that the equipment to the receiving command.

In order to achieve the same object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus operation management method according to the first aspect, wherein the storage step includes an apparatus virtually constructed in the storage step. Each of the multiple functions is stored together with the individual functions while associating each of the multiple functions with another identification ID different from the identification ID for identifying the function of each of the plurality of devices.

In order to achieve the same object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the device operation management method according to the second aspect, the different identification ID is a device virtually constructed by the storage step. Are hierarchically set so that the composite function of the multifunction becomes higher and the individual functions of the multifunction become lower.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus operation management method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the function combined in the storage step is the same as that of the first aspect. It is selected by the user.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, is virtually constructed in the storage step. The method includes a deletion step of deleting a device.

In order to achieve the same object, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the device operation management method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage step includes the steps of: Function and identification ID for identifying the function
Is updated each time there is a change in the plurality of devices.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device operation management method according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of devices are connected to each other via a network. It is characterized by having been done.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management method according to claim 8 of the present invention is the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of devices are in the same housing. It is characterized by being constituted.

In order to achieve the same object, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the device operation management method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage step includes the steps of: When there is a device having a plurality of functions, a device having a part of the function of the device is virtually constructed, and a new identification for identifying the function is included in the function of the virtually constructed device. It is characterized in that it is stored together with the function while associating the ID.

To achieve the same object, a device operation management device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a device operation management device for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices. Identification I for identifying functions
D is stored together with the function while associating D with each other, and a device having a composite function is virtually constructed by combining the functions of the plurality of devices, and the composite function is stored in the composite function of the virtually constructed device. New identification ID to identify function
Storage means for storing together with the complex function while associating
Receiving means for receiving at least a command specifying an identification ID from a user; identifying means for identifying a function corresponding to the identification ID specified by the command received by the receiving means; and a function identified by the identifying means. Operating means for operating the device having the information based on the received command.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management device according to claim 11 of the present invention is the configuration according to claim 10, wherein the storage means has a device virtually constructed by the storage means. Each of the multiple functions is stored together with the individual functions while associating each of the multiple functions with another identification ID different from the identification ID for identifying the function of each of the plurality of devices.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the same object, in the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the different identification ID is a device virtually constructed by the storage means. The composite function of
It is characterized in that it is set hierarchically so that the individual functions of the composite function are lower.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the same object, in the device operation management apparatus according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the function combined by the storage means is It is selected by the user.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed virtually by the storage means in the configuration according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects. A deletion means for deleting the device is provided.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device operation management device according to the present invention, wherein the storage means stores the plurality of devices. Is updated every time there is a change in the plurality of devices.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the device according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, wherein:
It is characterized by being connected to each other by a network.

In order to achieve the same object, a device operation management device according to claim 17 of the present invention is the device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the plurality of devices are
It is characterized in that it is configured in the same housing.

In order to achieve the same object, an apparatus operation management apparatus according to claim 18 of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the storage means stores the plurality of apparatuses. When there is a device having a plurality of functions, a device having a part of the function of the device is virtually constructed, and a new identification for identifying the function is included in the function of the virtually constructed device. It is characterized in that it is stored together with the function while associating the ID.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network constituted by a device operation management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and peripheral devices controlled by the device. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation unit for inputting various instructions from a user.

The device operation management device comprises a management control unit 4 and a memory 5 such as a RAM. A single-function peripheral device having a single function, for example, a first single-function peripheral device 7 (SFP # 1) having a printer function, and a second single-function peripheral device 8 (SFP #
2) and a third single-function peripheral device 9 (SFP # 3) having a facsimile (FAX) modem function are connected to each other by a LAN 6 as communication means. It is also connected to the management control unit 4. The operation unit 1 is also connected to the LAN 6.

The first peripheral device group 10 (FPS # 4) and the second peripheral device group 11 (FPS # 5) are multifunction peripheral devices having a plurality of functions (hereinafter referred to as "peripheral device group").
However, these do not actually exist but are virtually constructed as described later, and are virtually connected to the LAN 6. Including this virtual peripheral group,
The multifunctional peripheral device 2 is configured by the three single-function peripheral devices and the device operation management device, and the multifunctional peripheral device 2 is also virtual. Further, the operation unit 1 is logically connected to the management control unit 4 by the virtual interface 3, but actual communication is performed by the LAN 6.

As will be described later, a unique identification ID for identifying the function of a single-function peripheral device (such as the first single-function peripheral device 7) that actually exists is assigned to the function. Granted. On the other hand, a peripheral device group (first peripheral device group 10 and the like) that does not actually exist is, for example, a function (printer) of the first single-function peripheral device 7 and a function (printer) of the second single-function peripheral device 8 ( As a new device (copier) having a composite function combining a scanner), the device is virtually constructed on the LAN 6. The second peripheral device group 11 is a composite function combining the copy function (scanner and printer function) of the virtually constructed copier and the function (facsimile modem function) of the third single-function peripheral device 9. Is virtually constructed as a new device (facsimile machine) having Then, a new identification ID is given to the composite function.

The management control unit 4 comprises a CPU, a RAM, etc., receives various commands from the user through the operation unit 1 and, in response to the commands, executes the functions of the single-function peripheral device and the peripheral device group on the LAN 6. Control the operation. The control program is stored in the RAM. The management control unit 4 further stores a function of the device on the LAN 6 and an identification ID corresponding to the function (hereinafter, information of the function and the identification ID is referred to as “function information”) in a memory 5 according to a user's instruction. To memorize. The details of the setting of the identification ID and the registration and deletion of the peripheral device group will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process related to device operation management by the device operation management device according to the first embodiment.
5 will be described for each process, and the entire process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a function information disclosure process according to the first embodiment. In FIG.
The same components as those in the figure are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In order to know what functions are present in the multifunctional peripheral device 2, the user issues a function information disclosure request from the operation unit 1 via the virtual interface 3 (as described above, To the management controller 4 via the LAN 6. The management control unit 4 extracts the function information stored in the memory 5 and transmits the extracted function information to the operation unit 1 via the virtual interface 3 to make the function information public to the user.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a command distribution process in the first embodiment. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In order to actually use the functions in the multifunctional peripheral device 2, the user sends a command from the operation unit 1 to the management control unit 4 via the virtual interface 3.
The command includes, in addition to the content of the process, that is, information indicating what process is to be executed using the function in the multi-function peripheral device 2 (for example, detailed settings for printing to a printer, transmission of print data, etc.), and identification. ID, that is, information indicating which function in the multi-function peripheral device 2 is to be processed. For example, a first peripheral device group 1 which is a virtual device
If the user wants to execute the copy process with 0, the command includes the information indicating the copy process and the identification ID of the copy function in the first peripheral device group 10.

The management control unit 4 transmits the command via the LAN 6 to a device having a function corresponding to the identification ID in the received command. The equipment receiving this,
Executes the process according to the command, and returns a response to the management control unit 4 via the LAN 6 as necessary.
The management control unit 4 returns this response to the operation unit 1 via the virtual interface 3. For example, when the copy processing is performed by the first peripheral device group 10 that is a virtual device, for example, the management control unit 4 actually performs the first single-function peripheral device 7 and the second single-function peripheral device. In order for the devices 8 to execute the copy process in cooperation,
6 and send / receive a response, for example, information on a usable paper size in copy processing,
It mediates transmission / reception of information indicating the completion of the copy process or an error. From the user's point of view, the copy process is recognized as if the first peripheral device group 10 was operated.

When there are a plurality of operation units, the management control unit 4 may have a session with the plurality of operation units. In that case, the management control unit 4 needs to manage which operation unit returns a response to the received command.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of processing for constructing a virtual peripheral device group in the first embodiment.
In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In order to newly construct a peripheral device group having a complex function by combining the functions in the multi-function peripheral device 2, the user requests a construction of the peripheral device group from the operation unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as "FPS construction request"). Is transmitted to the management control unit 4 via the virtual interface 3. The FPS construction request includes definition information indicating which functions are combined to realize what kind of composite function. The function to be combined is not limited to the function of a device that actually exists (single function), but may also be a function of a group of peripheral devices newly constructed by the construction processing of the group of peripheral devices (composite function). Good.

The management control unit 4 newly builds a peripheral device group having a composite function according to the received FPS construction request,
A new identification ID different from the identification ID assigned to the function of the existing device is assigned to the composite function, and the composite function and the identification ID are stored in the memory 5 together in an associated form, that is, register. The management control unit 4 transmits the identification ID of the registered multifunction to the operation unit 1 via the virtual interface 3 so that the user can recognize the fact that the peripheral device group is newly constructed and the multifunction.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of processing for deleting a virtual peripheral device group in the first embodiment.
In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In order to delete the peripheral device group constructed in the processing of FIG. 4, the user issues a peripheral device group deletion request (hereinafter referred to as “FPS deletion request”) via the virtual interface 3 from the operation unit 1. This is transmitted to the management control unit 4. This F
The PS deletion request includes an identification ID corresponding to the function of the peripheral device group to be deleted.

In accordance with the received FPS deletion request, the management control unit 4 stores the function information of the peripheral device group to be deleted, that is, the composite function and the identification ID corresponding to the function in the memory 5.
From.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the device operation management processing by the device operation management device according to the first embodiment. This processing is executed by the management control unit 4.

The present process is started by a start instruction from the operation unit 1 of the user. First, it is determined whether or not the user's instruction is a request to release function information (step S 601). If the instruction is not a function information disclosure request, it is determined whether the user's instruction is a command distribution request (step S602). If the result of the determination is that the user's instruction is not a command distribution request, the user is notified. It is determined whether the instruction is an FPS (peripheral device group) construction request (step S603). If the result of the determination is that the user instruction is not an FPS construction request, whether the user instruction is an FPS deletion request Is determined (step S6).
04).

As a result of the above determination, step S601 is performed.
When the user's instruction is a function information disclosure request, the function information is extracted from the memory 5 (step S605), and the extracted function information is returned to the operation unit 1 to be disclosed to the user (step S606). Then, the present process ends.
Thereby, the user can recognize the function of the device that exists in the multifunctional peripheral device 2 in a real or virtual manner.

If the user's instruction is a command distribution request in step S602, the device to which the command is to be distributed is identified by the identification ID included in the command (step S607), and the command is distributed to the device. Then, a response from the device that received the command is received (step S609), the response is transmitted to the operation unit 1 (step S610), and the process ends. This allows the user to execute a desired process.

In step S603, the user's instruction is F
If the request is a PS construction request, the functions of the respective devices are combined according to the FPS construction request, a new identification ID is given to the combined function, and the combined function and the new identification ID are registered in the memory 5. (Step S61
1). As a result, a new peripheral device group is constructed in the multi-functional peripheral device 2 and is virtually connected to the LAN 6 to realize a device having a desired composite function. Next, this identification ID is transmitted to the operation unit 1 (step S612), and this processing ends. Thereby, the user can recognize the fact that the peripheral device group is newly constructed and the composite function thereof.

If the result of determination in step S604 is that the user's instruction is an FPS deletion request, the function information of the peripheral device group to be deleted is deleted from the memory 5 in accordance with the FPS deletion request (step S613), and this processing is performed. finish. This makes it possible to delete unnecessary virtual peripheral devices.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S604 is that the user's instruction is not an FPS deletion request, processing corresponding to the instruction is executed (step S614), and this processing ends.

FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing a mode of organizing identification IDs assigned to respective devices in the first embodiment.

The identification ID is defined as the first level, the second level,...
And a tree structure having the management control unit 4 as a root as a whole. As described below, the identification ID is set by assigning a serial number to the function of the first-level device, and adding a decimal point and a number each time the level is lowered by one step. At that time, by attaching the identification ID of the element constituting the function of the peripheral device group below the decimal point,
Distinguish from the same function in a single device. That is, the component of the function of the newly constructed device is the identification ID of the function.
Will have a lower identification ID. Note that “0” is assigned to the function of the management control unit 4 as a special identification ID.

A single-function peripheral device actually connected to the LAN 6 and a peripheral device group virtually connected to the LAN 6 are included in the first level. Explaining with reference to FIG. 1, the first single-function peripheral device 7 (SFP #
“1” is assigned to the function 1), “2” is assigned to the function of the second single-function peripheral device 8 (SFP # 2), and the third single-function peripheral device 9 (SFP # 2) is assigned. “3” is assigned to the function 3), and the first peripheral device group 10 (FPS #
“4” is assigned to the composite function of 4), and “5” is assigned to the composite function of the second peripheral device group 11 (FPS # 5).

Elements constituting the functions of the first level peripheral device group are included in the second level one step lower. Explaining with reference to FIG. 1, “4.1” is set as an identification ID in one component of the composite function of the first peripheral device group 10 (the printer function of the first single-function peripheral device 7). "4.2" is assigned to the other component (the scanner function of the second single-function peripheral device 8). By doing so, for example, even if the printer function is the same, a single printer function in the first single-function peripheral device 7 and a printer function as a component of the copy function of the first peripheral device group 10 can be used. Since separate identification IDs are given, both can be identified. Similarly, as the identification ID,
“5.3” is assigned to one component of the composite function of the second peripheral device group 11 (the facsimile modem function of the third single-function peripheral device 9), and the other component (the first peripheral “5.4” is assigned to the copy function of the device group 10).

The composite function of the first peripheral device group 10 provided with the identification ID “5.4” at the second level is actually a first single-function peripheral device 7 and a second single-function peripheral device 8. , The identification ID “5.
The components of the composite function of the first peripheral device group 10 to which "4" is assigned are included in the third level. Explaining with reference to FIG. 1, as the identification ID, one component of the composite function of the second peripheral device group 10 (the printer function of the first single-function peripheral device 7) is “5”. ..4.1 "and the other component (the scanner function of the second single-function peripheral 8) is given" 5.4.2 ".

Note that the information for identification given to the function is not limited to the conceptual hierarchical identification ID, and is set so as not to overlap with each other, including the function as a component of the composite function of the virtual device. Other information may be used as long as the information is obtained. For example, in a command packet that is actually exchanged, "string" or "padding
Various knitting modes are conceivable.

As described above, the identification I unique to the function of each device is
D, and a new identification ID different from the identification ID assigned to the function as a single device is given to the component of the function of each device, so that the device (virtual device) connected to the LAN 6 Not only), but also the function as a component of the composite function of the virtual device can be distinguished from the function as a single device. Therefore, it is possible to individually set according to the usage mode of each function. For example, the setting as a single scanner and the setting for the scanner function when used in a copier can be made different, and the usability can be improved.

Also, since the identification IDs are organized hierarchically,
Duplication with other functions in the setting of the identification ID can be reliably avoided, and identification management of the functions can be performed easily and reliably.

According to the first embodiment, not only the functions of the single-function peripheral devices connected via the network are operated independently, but also the peripheral device group having the composite function by freely combining the functions. Can be virtually obtained and the composite function can be actually operated, and the virtual device having the composite function can be utilized as if it were a real device. In addition, the function of each device can be used as an additional function of another device (as a resource). Therefore, the function of each device can be more effectively utilized, and the usefulness of each device can be improved.

Further, since the function as a single device and the function as a part of the composite function can be distinguished from each other, it is possible to easily perform the optimum setting according to the mode in which each function is used. Is convenient.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a device operation management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a multifunctional peripheral device including the device. The configuration of the device operation management device according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the device operation management device according to the first embodiment, and is as described with reference to FIG. That is, the device operation management device includes the management control unit 4 and the memory 5
Consists of In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the first embodiment, the single-function peripheral device and the peripheral device group are connected by a network, and the multi-function peripheral device 2 is virtually configured. On the other hand, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the multifunctional peripheral device 82 is configured as one housing having a plurality of real devices.

The multifunctional peripheral device 82 includes a management control unit 4,
It includes a memory 5, a first single-function peripheral device 7, a second single-function peripheral device 8, a third single-function peripheral device 9, a third peripheral device group 80, and a fourth peripheral device group 81. . The first single-function peripheral device 7, the second single-function peripheral device 8, the third single-function peripheral device 9, the third peripheral device group 80, and the fourth peripheral device group 81 are connected by an internal bus 86. They are connected to each other and to the management control unit 4. The internal bus 86 connects each device physically, not logically, and actual communication is also performed by the internal bus 86.

The third peripheral device group 80 and the fourth multifunctional peripheral device 81 are real peripheral devices having a composite function.

In the second embodiment, the organization of the IDs is the same as in the first embodiment. For example, the component of the composite function of the third peripheral device group 80 is given an identification ID lower than the identification ID of the composite function. The device operation management process such as the process of releasing function information, the process of distributing commands, the process of constructing a virtual peripheral device group, and the process of deleting a virtual peripheral device group is also the same as in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained with respect to the functions of the devices included in the multifunctional peripheral device. For example, the printer function in the first single-function peripheral device 7 and the printer function in the copy function of the third peripheral device group 80 can be identified as different functions, and different settings can be easily performed.

In addition, the virtual multifunctional peripheral device 2 according to the first embodiment and the real multifunctional peripheral device 82 according to the second embodiment have a unified application configuration for using functions. From the user's point of view,
There is no need to distinguish between the two.

In the first embodiment, the function of the single-function peripheral device is not limited to one peripheral device group, but may be a constituent element of a plurality of peripheral device groups. Even in such a case, different settings can be made for each component in the composite function of a different peripheral device group, so that there is no inconvenience and the usefulness of the device can be further improved.

In FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment, an actual peripheral device group having a complex function is
And a virtual single-function peripheral device having a part of the functions of the peripheral device group may be newly constructed on the LAN 6. In this way, a virtual device having a part of the function of the device can be used as if it were an independent device.

Note that, in the second embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, a virtual peripheral device group may be constructed in the housing of the multi-function peripheral device 82. In that case, a virtual peripheral device group may be constructed not only in the housing of the multifunctional peripheral device 82 but also in combination with a single function existing outside the housing.

A control program represented by software for realizing the first and second embodiments of the present invention is stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk (FD), and the control program is stored in the storage medium. The same effect can also be obtained by configuring to read out to the management control unit 4 of the device operation management device. Alternatively, the control program may be configured to be installable from a server.

[0075]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the device operation management method according to the present invention or the device operation management device according to claim 10, a function of each of the plurality of devices is stored together with the function while an identification ID for identifying the function is associated with the function, In addition, a device having a complex function is virtually constructed by combining the functions of the plurality of devices, and a new identification ID for identifying the complex function is assigned to the complex function of the virtually constructed device. A command specifying at least an identification ID is received from a user while being stored together with the composite function, a function corresponding to the identification ID specified by the received command is identified, and the identified function is provided. Since the device operates based on the received command, the function of the device can be more effectively utilized, and the usefulness of each device can be improved. In particular, a virtual device having a composite function can be used as if it were a real device.

According to the apparatus operation management method according to the second aspect or the apparatus operation management apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, each of the plurality of apparatuses is added to each of the composite functions of the virtually constructed apparatus. ID for identifying the function that has
Since different identification IDs different from those are stored together with the individual functions while being associated with each other, a function as a single device and a function in a virtual device having a composite function are recognized as separate items, and setting processing and the like are performed. Can be separate. Therefore, the usefulness of the device can be further improved.

According to the apparatus operation management method according to the third aspect or the apparatus operation management apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the different identification ID is a higher rank of the composite function of the apparatus virtually constructed in the storage step. Thus, since the composite functions are hierarchically set so that the individual functions are lower, the identification management of the functions can be facilitated and assured.

According to the device operation management method according to the seventh aspect or the device operation management device according to the sixteenth aspect, since the plurality of devices are connected to each other via a network, in particular, a single function connected via the network The usefulness of each device can be improved by making more effective use of the functions of the peripheral device and the multifunctional peripheral device.

According to the device operation management method according to claim 8 or the device operation management device according to claim 17, since the plurality of devices are configured in the same housing, in particular, a multi-function having a complex function is provided. It is possible to more effectively utilize the functions included in the mold peripheral device and improve the usefulness of each device.

According to the device operation management method according to claim 9 or the device operation management device according to claim 18, when there is a device having a plurality of functions among the plurality of devices, a part of the functions of the device is deleted. Device is virtually constructed, and a function of the virtually constructed device is stored together with a new identification ID for identifying the function while being associated with the function. It can be used effectively and the usefulness of each device can be improved. In particular, a virtual device having a part of the function of the device can be used as if it were a real independent device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network configured by a device operation management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and peripheral devices controlled by the device.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a function information publishing process in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a command distribution process in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of processing for constructing a virtual peripheral device group in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of processing for deleting a virtual peripheral device group in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a device operation management process by the device operation management device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing an organization mode of an identification ID given to each device in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a device operation management device and a multifunctional peripheral device including the device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 operation unit 2 multifunctional peripheral device 3 virtual interface 4 management control unit 5 memory 6 LAN 7 first single function peripheral device 8 second single function peripheral device 9 third single function peripheral device 10th 1 peripheral device group 11 second peripheral device group 80 third peripheral device group 81 fourth peripheral device group 82 multifunctional peripheral device 86 internal bus

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A device operation management method for managing control of the operation of a plurality of devices, wherein a function of each of the plurality of devices is associated with an identification ID for identifying the function and stored together with the function. And, a device having a complex function is virtually constructed by combining the functions of the plurality of devices, and a new identification ID for identifying the complex function is assigned to the complex function of the virtually constructed device. A storing step of storing together with the composite function while associating the same, a receiving step of receiving at least a command specifying an identification ID from a user, and identifying a function corresponding to the identification ID specified by the command received in the receiving step An identification step; and an operation step of operating the device having the function identified in the identification step based on the received command. Equipment operating management method for the butterflies. 2. The storage step according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple functions of the device virtually constructed in the storage step includes an identification ID different from an identification ID for identifying a function of each of the plurality of devices. 2. The device operation management method according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is stored together with the individual functions while being associated with the identification ID. 3. The different identification ID is set hierarchically such that a composite function of a device virtually constructed by the storage step has a higher rank and individual functions of the composite function have a lower rank. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of: 4. The device operation management method according to claim 1, wherein the function combined in the storage step is selected by the user. 5. The device operation management method according to claim 1, further comprising a deletion step of deleting a virtually constructed device in said storage step. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the storage step updates a function of each of the plurality of devices and an identification ID for identifying the function each time there is a change in the plurality of devices. The device operation management method according to any one of the above items. 7. The device operation management method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices are connected to each other via a network. 8. The device operation management method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices are configured in the same housing. 9. The storage step, when there is a device having a plurality of functions among the plurality of devices, virtually constructing a device having a part of the function of the device, and constructing the virtually constructed device. The device operation management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a function of the device is stored together with a new identification ID for identifying the function while the device is associated with the function. 10. A device operation management device for managing control of operation of a plurality of devices, wherein a function of each of the plurality of devices is associated with an identification ID for identifying the function and stored together with the function. And, a device having a complex function is virtually constructed by combining the functions of the plurality of devices, and a new identification ID for identifying the complex function is assigned to the complex function of the virtually constructed device. Storage means for storing together with the complex function while associating, receiving means for receiving at least a command specifying an identification ID from a user, and identifying a function corresponding to the identification ID specified by the command received by the receiving means Identification means; and operation means for operating a device having a function identified by the identification means based on the received command. Equipment operating management apparatus according to symptoms. 11. The storage unit stores, in an individual function of a composite function of a device virtually constructed by the storage unit, an identification ID different from an identification ID for identifying a function of each of the plurality of devices. The device operation management device according to claim 10, wherein the device operation management device is stored together with the individual functions while associating the identification IDs with each other. 12. The different identification ID is set hierarchically such that a composite function of a device virtually constructed by the storage means has a higher rank and individual functions of the composite function have a lower rank. 12. The device operation management device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The device operation management device according to claim 10, wherein the function combined by the storage unit is selected by the user. 14. The device operation management device according to claim 10, further comprising a deletion unit configured to delete a device virtually constructed by the storage unit. 15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage unit updates a function of each of the plurality of devices and an identification ID for identifying the function each time there is a change in the plurality of devices. The device operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of devices are connected to each other via a network.
The device operation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 17. The device operation management device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of devices are configured in a same housing. 18. The storage means, when there is a device having a plurality of functions among the plurality of devices, virtually constructs a device having a part of the function of the device, and constructs the virtually constructed device. The device operation management device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the device operation management device stores the function of the device with a new identification ID for identifying the function while associating the function with the function.