WO2017090627A1 - Système de gestion, appareil de gestion, dispositif, procédé de gestion d'informations et programme - Google Patents

Système de gestion, appareil de gestion, dispositif, procédé de gestion d'informations et programme Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017090627A1
WO2017090627A1 PCT/JP2016/084651 JP2016084651W WO2017090627A1 WO 2017090627 A1 WO2017090627 A1 WO 2017090627A1 JP 2016084651 W JP2016084651 W JP 2016084651W WO 2017090627 A1 WO2017090627 A1 WO 2017090627A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
communication path
unit
communication
image forming
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/084651
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yuuichiroh Negishi
Saori Minegishi
Original Assignee
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2016206312A external-priority patent/JP6753267B2/ja
Application filed by Ricoh Company, Ltd. filed Critical Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Priority to CN201680067078.2A priority Critical patent/CN108292255A/zh
Priority to SG11201803687YA priority patent/SG11201803687YA/en
Publication of WO2017090627A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017090627A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5075—Remote control machines, e.g. by a host
    • G03G15/5079—Remote control machines, e.g. by a host for maintenance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/30—Monitoring
    • G06F11/3003—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored
    • G06F11/3013—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored where the computing system is an embedded system, i.e. a combination of hardware and software dedicated to perform a certain function in mobile devices, printers, automotive or aircraft systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/30—Monitoring
    • G06F11/3055—Monitoring arrangements for monitoring the status of the computing system or of the computing system component, e.g. monitoring if the computing system is on, off, available, not available
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00025—Machine control, e.g. regulating different parts of the machine
    • G03G2215/00109—Remote control of apparatus, e.g. by a host

Definitions

  • the disclosure herein generally relates to a management system, a management apparatus, a device, an information management method, and a program.
  • remote management systems each acquiring information on a management target device such as an image forming apparatus at a remote site by a communication between the management target device and a management apparatus, and detecting an anomaly or the like.
  • the remote management system can provide appropriate service, such as maintenance.
  • Patent document 1 discloses a system which acquires a number of sheets of print or the like from an image forming apparatus through a network. For example, because a server can grasp a status of use by tallying numbers of sheets of print within a predetermined period, proper maintenance can be performed.
  • a network interface card (NIC) of the management target device is often used as a communication interface with which the management target device sends information to the management apparatus.
  • the public wireless network is, for example, a so-called 3G network or LTE network.
  • an externally attachable USB device can be used as the communication network coupled to the public wireless network.
  • a USB device will be exemplified as the communication interface coupled to the public wireless network. Therefore, when the management target device is provided with both the NIC and the USB device, either device of the NIC and the USB device can be used as the communication interface for communication with the management apparatus.
  • the management target device may be required to communicate with the management apparatus via the public wireless network.
  • the above-described USB device may be provided to a customer along with the management target device, and in this case, the management target of the above-described service is an operation of the USB device. Therefore, when the management target device is required to communicate with the management apparatus via the public wireless network (e.g. when the USB device is provided to the customer along with the management target device), the management target device preferably sends information on the management target device to the management apparatus using the USB device.
  • the management apparatus can arrange to confirm the status of the customer or arrange to exchange the USB device or cause a USB device to be provided again.
  • the management apparatus cannot determine whether the management target device uses the USB device; in other words, whether information on the management target device is sent via the public wireless network that can communicate with the USB device. Even when a failure in the USB device or theft occurs, the management target device can send the information on the management target device from the NIC. That is, because the management apparatus can provide service using the information on the management target device, the management apparatus cannot detect that the information on the management target device has not been sent via the public wireless network.
  • the present invention aims at providing a management system that can determine a communication path of information sent from a management target device.
  • a management system includes a device and a management apparatus that manages the device.
  • the device includes a plurality of transmission units, each configured to transmit device information on the device via any of a plurality of communication paths.
  • the management apparatus communicates with the device via the plurality of communication paths, and includes a reception unit configured to receive the device information transmitted via any of the plurality of communication paths, and communication path determination information for determining communication paths, and a determination unit configured to determine the communication path, via which the device information is transmitted, based on the communication path determination information.
  • a management system that can determine a communication path of information sent from a management target device can be provided.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an example for explaining schematically an operation of a management system.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example of a configuration of the management system.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus.
  • FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting examples of the management apparatus, a sales server, and the image forming apparatus included in the management system.
  • FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram depicting an example of a procedure of sending a first report and a periodic report by the image forming apparatus to the management apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an example for explaining schematically an operation of a management system.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example of a configuration of the management system.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an example
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit by the image forming apparatus that receives an incorrect communication path.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of selecting a communication path and preparing communication path determination information by the communication path selection unit.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of determining whether the communication path is correct by a communication path determination unit.
  • FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram depicting an example of a procedure of periodic report and a procedure of determining the communication path when the periodic report is sent.
  • FIG. 10B is a sequence diagram depicting another example of the procedure of periodic report and the procedure of determining the communication path when the periodic report is sent.
  • FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram depicting an example of a procedure of periodic report and a procedure of determining the communication path when the periodic report is sent.
  • FIG. 10B is a sequence diagram depicting another example of the procedure of periodic report and the procedure of determining the communication path
  • FIG. 11A is a sequence diagram depicting an example of a procedure of a return report and a procedure of determining the communication path when the return report is sent.
  • FIG. 11B is a sequence diagram depicting another example of the procedure of the return report and the procedure of determining the communication path when the return report is sent.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting an example for schematically explaining the operation of the management system.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of determining whether the communication path is correct by the communication path determination unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an example for schematically explaining an operation of a management system 100 according to the embodiment.
  • An image forming apparatus 20 has two communication interfaces, i.e. a NIC (Network Interface Card) 306 and a USB device 350.
  • the USB device 350 is coupled to a base station 71 installed by a mobile phone company, and sends device information A on the image forming apparatus 20.
  • a gateway server 70 coupled to the base station 71 sends the device information A on the image forming apparatus 20 to a management apparatus 40 via a network N.
  • the NIC 306 is coupled to the network N via a company LAN 360, and sends device information B on the image forming apparatus 20 to the management apparatus 40. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 20 can send the device information A, B via either of the two communication paths 1, 2. The device information A, B can reach the management apparatus 40 via either of the communication paths 1, 2.
  • the management apparatus 40 determines which communication path, 1 or 2, the image forming apparatus 20 uses (determines which communication interface is used) according to the following processes: (1) When the image forming apparatus 20 uses the USB device 350 as the communication interface, from a process of sending the device information A by the image forming apparatus 20 until the device information A goes through the communication path 1 and reaches the management apparatus 40, information indicating that the communication interface is the USB device 350 (in the following, referred to as communication path determination information) is attached to the device information A.
  • the management apparatus 40 can determine which communication path, 1 or 2, the device information A or B goes through, referring to the communication path determination information. Because the management apparatus 40 registers which communication path, 1 or 2, is used by the image forming apparatus 20, the management apparatus 40 can determine whether the image forming apparatus 20 sends the device information A or B using the predetermined communication interface.
  • a public communication network refers to a line shared and used by many and unspecified users among communication lines connecting bases.
  • a public communication network mainly formed of wireless communication is referred to as a public wireless network 90 (see FIG. 2).
  • the public wireless network 90 is referred to as a mobile phone network (mainly wireless), electric line telephone network (mainly wire), or the like.
  • a mobile phone or a mobile phone network may be distinguished by a communication method such as 3G, 4G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution).
  • 3G is a generic name of the mobile phone system of the third generation, employing communication systems such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
  • 4G is a generic name of the mobile phone system of the fourth generation, employing communication systems such as OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).
  • 4G includes LTE or WiMAX 2 (IEEE 802.6m).
  • the communication interface for coupling to the public wireless network 90 is provided with functions of encoding digital data, modulating electric waves with the data and sending them to the base station 71.
  • the interface is provided as a chip set.
  • the USB device 350 may be used.
  • the USB device converts data of a USB host into data suitable for the public wireless network 90, and converts data sent via the public wireless network 90 into data to be read out by the USB host, the USB device may be called a dongle (generic name of devices to be coupled to respective ports, such as the USB port or the parallel port of a computer).
  • the communication interface to be connected to the public wireless network 90 is connected to the USB port
  • the communication interface will be called the USB device 350.
  • ports of IEEE 1394 or HDMI may be used.
  • the gateway server 70 is an information processing apparatus that converts data in the public communication network into a format appropriate for the network N, and transfers the data to the network N.
  • the USB device 350 which is prepared by the management system 100, is distributed to the customer. This is because the image forming apparatus 20 and the management apparatus 40 communicate with each other, and the management system 100 provides appropriate service. Therefore, when a contract for using the image forming apparatus 20 by the customer (the contract will be described later) includes use of the public wireless network 90, communication path being correct refers to sending device information by the image forming apparatus 20 using the USB device 350 prepared by the management system 100. However, in the embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 20 uses the USB device 350, the USB device 350 prepared by the management system 100 is determined to be used. By using ID of the USB device, which will be described later, it is possible to determine whether the USB device 350 prepared by the management system 100 is used.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 communicates with the management apparatus 40, to the image forming apparatus 20, a DSU (Digital Service Unit) coupled to a telephone line network or a modem is coupled.
  • a DSU Digital Service Unit
  • the DSU or the modem may be a USB device.
  • the communication path is determined uniquely, when the communication interface is determined. Therefore, the selection of communication path and the selection of the communication interface may have the same meaning.
  • Which communication interface the image forming apparatus 20 uses among the plurality of communication interfaces is determined in advance by the contract. For example, a customer, who does not desire that the image forming apparatus 20 sends information to the outside from the company LAN 360, can make a contract of using the public wireless network 90.
  • the management apparatus 40 detects abnormality.
  • two communication paths are present, i.e. the public wireless network 90 and the company LAN 360, in the description.
  • three or more communication paths or communication interfaces may be present.
  • the contract refers to acquisition by a customer permission of using the image forming apparatus 20 from the management system 100.
  • the contract may also include a case of purchasing the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the user refers to a person who operates the image forming apparatus 20 or an information terminal (which will be described later).
  • a sales administrator refers to a person who monitors an entire management system 100, operates the management apparatus 40, and manages sale or rental of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the device information refers to information regarding the image forming apparatus 20, and preferably includes information for managing the image forming apparatus 20 by the management apparatus 40.
  • the device information includes information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the management apparatus 40 by a periodic report, a first report, a return report or a failure report.
  • the device information includes information being common among these reports, but a part of information may be different.
  • the common information includes, for example, a device identifier, registration number, communication path determination information, and counter information.
  • the device identifier is unique information for each image forming apparatus 20, and identification information that can uniquely identify the image forming apparatus.
  • the device identifier may be referred to as device identification information or device identification ID.
  • the identification information refers to a name, a code, a character string, a numerical value, or combination thereof that is used for uniquely distinguishing a specific object from a plurality of objects. The same definition is applied also to identification information in the following.
  • the registration number is a number for identifying the contract of purchase or rental of the management apparatus 40.
  • the registration number is given by the sales administrator.
  • the contract is often a terminable contract.
  • the registration number is different.
  • the registration number remains the same (but may be changed).
  • the registration number may be referred to as identification information of the customer.
  • the registration number may be the same, or may be changed. Moreover, even when the customer causes a related customer (affiliate company, or the like) to use the image forming apparatus during the contract term, because the contract is pending, the registration number does not change. Therefore, when the customer is defined as an employer, even if the customer (employer) is changed, the registration number may not be changed. When the customer is defined as a contractor, if the customer (contractor) is not changed, the registration number is not changed. The registration number may be given automatically by the sales server or the like.
  • the communication path determination information is information for reporting to the management apparatus 40 whether the image forming apparatus 20 uses the public wireless network 90 or the company LAN 360.
  • the communication path determination information will be described later in detail.
  • the counter information is an example of information that becomes an index for an amount of use by the image forming apparatus.
  • the index for the amount of use includes, for example, an accumulated number of pages printed in the part (in the following, referred to as counter information), coverage (accumulated total of ratios (%) of areas occupied by toner in a sheet of paper of A4 size), a remaining amount of toner, a number of ejected sheets of paper, an accumulated rotation number of a photoconductive drum, a conducting time, or the like. Any of the above-described indices are useful for grasping by the management apparatus the amount of use of the image forming apparatus 20. In the following, an explanation will be made assuming that mainly counter information is sent as the periodic report.
  • the first report is referred to as a report, with which the image forming apparatus 20 first reports the device information to the management apparatus 40 after the image forming apparatus 20 is installed at the customer.
  • the first report includes a PIN (Personal Identification Number) in addition to the periodic report that will be described next.
  • the PIN is a number for authenticating the customer (e.g. one time password).
  • the periodic report is referred to as a report, with which the image forming apparatus 20 reports the device information repeatedly.
  • a device identifier, a registration number, communication path determination information, and counter information are sent as device information.
  • a "period" of the periodic report mainly means a constant period. But, the period is not necessarily the constant period, and may be irregular.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 may send the report at a predetermined time, or may send the report in a time zone that the customer does not use.
  • the return report is referred to as a report which is sent when the image forming apparatus 20 performs a return process (the rental is finished). With the return report, information indicating that the image forming apparatus is returned and the device information that is the same as the periodic report are reported. When the image forming apparatus 20 is successful in the return report for the management apparatus 40, use of the image forming apparatus 20 is disabled.
  • the failure report is referred to as a report, with which error information such as paper jam is reported.
  • error information such as paper jam is reported.
  • the failure report in addition to the device information in the periodic report, error content will be reported.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example of a configuration of a management system 100.
  • the management system 100 has a management apparatus 40, a sales server 60, an image forming apparatus 20, an information terminal 10, and a settlement institution 80.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 can be coupled to a network N via the public wireless network 90.
  • the public wireless network 90 includes the base station 71, the gateway server 70 of a mobile phone company, or the like, illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the base station 71 and the gateway server 70 are illustrated by the public wireless network 90.
  • the company LAN 360 of a customer environment 9, in which the image forming apparatus 20 is installed, is coupled to the network N via a provider network of a provider, which connects the company LAN 360 to the Internet, a WAN or the like.
  • the network N may be referred to as the Internet.
  • the network N may be wired or wireless, or wired and wireless may be combined.
  • the management apparatus 40 is an apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus 20. Management refers to grasping the image forming apparatus 20 used by each customer, performing maintenance, performing an accounting process based on the counter information or the like included in the periodic report, or the like. For example, the management apparatus 40 acquires the periodic report of the image forming apparatus 20, makes diagnosis, and thereby detects a failure or a sign of failure of the image forming apparatus 20. Depending on the detection result, further diagnosis is made from a remote location, or a customer engineer is sent, if necessary. Moreover, when the failure report is received from the image forming apparatus 20, a customer engineer is sent. Furthermore, the remaining amount of toner is acquired from the image forming apparatus 20, and toner is dispatched as necessary. The number of ejected sheets of paper is acquired, and sheets of paper are dispatched as necessary. Regarding the accounting, for example, an increment in the counter information is multiplied by a unit price for each month, and thereby a fee is charged.
  • Operation of the management apparatus 40 is performed by a sales company (dealer) that provides the image forming apparatus 20 to the customer, a manufacturing company (maker) of the image forming apparatus 20, an affiliate company of the sales company or the manufacturing company, or the like.
  • the operation may be performed by an operation company of a sales server 60, which will be described next.
  • the sales server 60 sells various commodities and services.
  • the sales server 60 provides a Web page that displays selectably various commodities and services, and requires a settlement of the commodity or service that the customer selects to the settlement institution 80. Moreover, when the settlement is completed, the sales server 60 delivers the commodity or service to the customer. That is, the sales server 60 provides a Web site that can perform electronic commerce.
  • the sales server 60 sends to the management apparatus 40 contract information (described later) with the customer concluded with the sales of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the management apparatus 40 or an operator thereof can acquire the contract information with the conclusion of the contract.
  • the settlement institution is, for example, is a monetary institution or a credit card company, and performs the settlement of the commodity or service that the customer buys. For example, for the settlement by credit card, the settlement institution 80 pays for the commodity or service to the side of the sales company, and charges the customer a fee. Moreover, when the settlement institution is a monetary institution, the fee of the commodity or service is deducted from an account of the customer, and the fee is paid to the sales side. Moreover, in the settlement by a transfer note, a transfer note for requiring the fee of the customer is sent by mail to the customer, and the settlement instrument pays the fee that the customer pays at a convenience store or the like to the sales side.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 performs printing a document input as electronic data, copying a manuscript, scanning of the manuscript (reading out), facsimile transmission of the document or the manuscript, reception of facsimile from the other side, or the like.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 only has to be provided with at least a printing function.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 provided with two or more functions of printing of document, copying of manuscript, scanning of manuscript, and transmission/reception of facsimile may be called an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral/Printer/Product).
  • the image forming apparatus 20 is merely an example of a management target device managed by the management apparatus 40.
  • the management target device may include an electronic whiteboard, a projector, a video conference terminal, or the like.
  • the information terminal 10 is a device called a versatile information processing device or terminal.
  • the customer operates the information terminal 10, to request for purchase of various commodities or request for rental of various services (in the embodiment, rental and lease are not distinguished, but simply referred to rental).
  • browser software for accessing the Web site of an electronic commerce provided by the sales server 60 or application software provided with the equivalent function operates.
  • the information terminal 10 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet type terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable computer (wristwatch, sunglasses, head mounted display or the like), an electronic whiteboard, a video conference terminal, a projector, or the like.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 may be used as the information terminal 10.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 and the information terminal 10 are assumed to be installed in the customer environment 9 that leases the image forming apparatus 20, and operated by the customer.
  • the information terminal 10 is often portable, and used for a process other than the rental.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting an example of hardware configuration of the management apparatus 40.
  • the management apparatus 40 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and an auxiliary storage device 204. Furthermore, the management apparatus 40 is provided with an input unit 205, a display unit 206, and a communication unit 207. The respective units of the management apparatus 40 are coupled with each other via a bus 208. Therefore, the management apparatus 40 has a function as an information processing device.
  • a CPU Central Processing Unit
  • ROM Read-Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the CPU 201 executes various programs and an OS (Operating System) stored in the auxiliary storage device 204.
  • the ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory.
  • the ROM 202 stores programs, data or the like that are necessary for the CPU 201 executing the various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 204.
  • the RAM 203 is a main storage device such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like.
  • Various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 204 are loaded on the RAM 203 when being executed by the CPU 201, and the RAM 203 becomes a work region of the CPU 201.
  • the auxiliary storage device 204 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 and various databases used when the various programs are executed by the CPU 201.
  • the auxiliary storage device 204 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).
  • the various databases will be described later.
  • the input unit 205 is an interface for the operator inputting various instructions into the management apparatus 40.
  • the input unit 205 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a voice input device, or the like.
  • the input unit 205 may have a mounting unit for a recording medium or the like, such as a USB I/F.
  • the display unit 205 in response to a request from the CPU 201, displays various pieces of information, which the management apparatus 40 has, in a form of a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, an image or the like, on a display part 210.
  • the display unit 206 is, for example, a graphic chip or a display I/F.
  • the communication unit 207 is a network I/F that communicates with the sales server 60 and the image forming apparatus 20 via the network N.
  • the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 are assumed to have the same hardware configuration as the management apparatus 40. They are not necessarily the same completely, but difference is assumed to leave the description in the embodiment untouched.
  • the illustrated hardware configuration of the management apparatus 40 or the like is not necessarily mounted in a chassis, or is not necessarily provided as a block of device, but indicates a hardware element with which the management apparatus 40 is preferably provided.
  • physical configuration of the management apparatus 40 or the like according to the embodiment may not be fixed, but may be reconfigured by dynamically connecting or disconnecting hardware resources depending on load.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 has a controller 320.
  • the controller 320 has a CPU 301, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 305, an SDRAM 302, a flash memory 303, an HDD 304 and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 306.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • SDRAM Secure Digital Random Access Memory
  • HDD High Capad Access Memory
  • NIC Network Interface Card
  • the ASIC 305 is a multifunctional device board that is provided with a CPU interface, an SDRAM interface, a local bus interface, a PCI bus interface, a MAC (Media Access Controller), an HDD interface, and the like.
  • the CPU 301 reads out various programs (e.g. use management program) from the HDD 304 via the ASIC 305, and executes.
  • various programs e.g. use management program
  • the SDRAM 302 functions as a program memory that stores various programs, work memory used when the CPU 301 executes the various programs, or the like. Instead of the SDRAM 302, a DRAM or an SRAM may be used.
  • the flash memory 303 is a non-volatile memory, and stores a bootloader (boot program) that starts the image forming apparatus 20 or the OS. Moreover, the flash memory 303 functions as an application memory that stores application software (e.g. including use management program). Moreover, the flash memory 303 functions as a service memory that stores software of each service (copy service, print service, and facsimile service). Furthermore, the flash memory 303 functions as a firm memory that stores firmware, or a data memory that stores a network address, device identifier, or the like.
  • non-volatile memory such as a non-volatile RAM integrating a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery, or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
  • the HDD 304 is a non-volatile recording medium that stores data irrespectively of ON/OFF of the power of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the HDD 304 records a program and data other than the program and data stored in the flash memory 303.
  • the HDD may be used as a firm memory.
  • the NIC 306 is an interface for communicating with the management apparatus 40 via the company LAN 360 (e.g. an Ethernet (trademark registered) card).
  • the communication with the management apparatus 40 is performed via the NIC 306.
  • an operation unit 307 is coupled to the controller 320.
  • the operation unit 307 has various operation keys, a character display device of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT as a display device, and a touch panel.
  • the operation unit 307 is used when the user input various instruction into the image forming apparatus 20.
  • a facsimile control unit 308, a USB host 309, an IEEE 1394 (310), a plotter engine 311, and a scanner engine 312 are connected via a PCI bus 330.
  • a facsimile control unit 308 a USB host 309, an IEEE 1394 (310), a plotter engine 311, and a scanner engine 312
  • PCI bus 330 a PCI bus 330.
  • the plotter engine 311 may employ any system of the ink jet system and the electrophotographic system.
  • the NIC 306 may be coupled to the PCI bus 330.
  • the NIC 306 may be coupled to the company LAN 360 (network N) by wire, or may be coupled wirelessly by Wi-Fi (trademark registered).
  • the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided with a device that performs communication in a communication standard of Bluetooth (trademark registered), and may be coupled to the company LAN 360 (network N) by the device,
  • the USB device 350 is coupled detachably.
  • the USB device 350 becomes a communication interface with the public wireless network 90.
  • the communication interface with the public wireless network 90 may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 can determine whether the communication interface with the public wireless network 90 can be used.
  • FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting an example of the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60 and the image forming apparatus 20 included in the management system 100.
  • a publicly known institution is assumed to be used for the settlement institution.
  • calling DB Data Base
  • table Information stored in the storage units 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 is not necessarily stored in a form of DB or table.
  • the sales server 60 has a transmission/reception unit 61, an application acceptance unit 62, a settlement request unit 63, a customer information transmission unit 64, and a storage/readout unit 69.
  • Each of these units included in the sales server 60 is a function enabled or a means provided by controlling any of the respective elements, illustrated in FIG. 3, by the CPU 201 that executes a sales program 6100 loaded on the RAM 203 from the auxiliary storage device 204 illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the sales server 60 has a storage unit 6000 including the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203 illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the storage unit 6000 stores the sales program 6100 and a customer management DB 6001.
  • the sales program 6100 is delivered by being distributed from a program delivery server or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium.
  • the database of the sales server 60 will be described.
  • the storage unit 6000 includes the customer management DB 6001 that stores the customer management table, as illustrated in Table 1.
  • a customer ID In the customer management table, a customer ID, a customer name, an address, a contact address (telephone number and/or electronic mail address), and a representative are registered, associated with each other.
  • the customer ID is identification information given to the customer so that the sales server will not overlap, for example.
  • the sales administrator may give the customer ID.
  • Other items, such as the customer name, the address, the corresponding address and the representative are customer information related to the customer, input by a user via the information terminal 10, when the customer performs various applications or user registration.
  • the transmission/reception unit 61 is enabled by an instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the communication unit 207 as illustrated in FIG. 3, and sends/receives various data to/from the management apparatus 40, the image forming apparatus 20 and the information terminal 10, via the network N.
  • the application acceptance unit 62 is enabled by instructions or the like from the CPU 201, illustrated in FIG. 3, sends a Web page for accepting an order of a commodity or service to the information terminal 10, and accepts an application for purchase or an application for rental of a commodity from the information terminal 10. Moreover, the application acceptance unit 62 acquires settlement information required for the settlement (in credit card settlement, credit card number and name; in deduction from a bank account, account information, address, and name; in bank transfer form, address and name) and customer information.
  • the customer information includes, for example, the customer name, the address, the contact address, the representative, and the like, as described above. In the second sales or later, the customer information may be specified by a login operation by the user.
  • the settlement request unit 63 is enabled by instructions or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and requests the settlement institution 80 to perform settlement. Moreover, the settlement request unit 63 receives information that the settlement is completed from the settlement institution 80.
  • the sales administrator gives a registration number to the contract.
  • the transmission path is determined for each image forming apparatus 20.
  • a communication path determined by the contract will be called "contract communication path”.
  • the contract communication path may be called “communication path recommended for use", because the contract communication path is a communication path to be used.
  • the contract communication path may also be called “registration communication path" in the sense that the contract communication path is registered in the management apparatus 40.
  • the customer information transmission unit 64 is enabled by instructions or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and sends to the management apparatus 40 the customer ID, registration number given by the contract, model name of the image forming apparatus 20 contracted for by the customer, the contract communication path contracted for by the customer, and the like among the customer information items.
  • the model name is a model name of the image forming apparatus contracted for by the customer.
  • the customer ID, the model name, and the contract communication path are determined by the contract and input to the sales server 60.
  • the registration number may be input to the sales server 60 by the sales administrator, or an automatically numbered value may be input.
  • the storage/readout unit 69 is enabled by instructions from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage device 204 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the like, and performs a process of storing various data into the storage unit 6000 and a process of reading out various data from the storage unit 6000. In the following, even when the sales server reads out/writes from/into the storage unit 6000, description of "via the storage/readout unit 69" may be omitted.
  • the information terminal 10 has a transmission/reception unit 11, an operation acceptance unit 12 and a storage/readout unit 19.
  • Each of these units included in the information terminal 10 is a function enabled or a means provided by any of the respective elements, illustrated in FIG. 3, operating by instructions from the CPU 201 following the browser software 1100 loaded on the RAM 103 from the auxiliary storage device 204.
  • the information terminal 10 has a storage unit 1000 including the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203, illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the storage unit 1000 stores browser software 1100.
  • the browser software 1100 is delivered by being distributed from a program delivery server or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium.
  • the transmission/reception unit 11 is enabled by instructions from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 207 illustrated in FIG. 3, and performs transmission/reception of various data to/from the sales server 60, the management apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 via the network N.
  • the operation acceptance unit 12 is enabled by instructions from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the input unit 205 illustrated in FIG. 3, and accepts input of various operations to the information terminal 10 by the user of the information terminal 10.
  • the storage/readout unit 19 is enabled by instructions from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage device 204 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the like, and performs a process of storing various data into the storage unit 1000 and a process of reading out various data from the storage unit 1000. In the following, even when the information terminal 10 reads out/writes from/into the storage unit 1000, description of "via the storage/readout unit 19" may be omitted.
  • the management apparatus 40 has a transmission/reception unit 41, a use frequency management unit 42, a device management unit 43, an operation acceptance unit 44, a communication path determination unit 45, an abnormality report unit 46 and a storage/readout unit 49.
  • Each of these units included in the management apparatus 40 is a function enabled or a means provided by any of the respective elements, illustrated in FIG. 3, operating by instructions from the CPU 201 following the management program 4100 loaded on the RAM 203 from the auxiliary storage device 204.
  • the management apparatus 40 has a storage unit 4000 including the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203, illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the storage unit 4000 includes a PIN number table 4001, a device management information DB 4002, a device registration information DB 4003, and the management program 4100.
  • the management program 4100 is delivered by being distributed from a program delivery server or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. First, each database of the management apparatus 40 will be described.
  • the storage unit 4000 stores a PIN number table 4001 as illustrated in Table 2.
  • the PIN number table 4001 the registration number and the PIN numbers are associated with each other and registered. Although confidentiality of the registration number is poor, the PIN number is used only once, and further, treated confidentially.
  • the management apparatus 40 When a user who leases the image forming apparatus 20 executes the prescribed procedure, and the customer ID, the registration number, the model name, the contract communication path contracted by the customer (device identifier is sent from the image forming apparatus 20), and the like are sent from the sales server, the management apparatus 40 generates the PIN number, associates the PIN number with the registration number, and registers the PIN number. Because the PIN number is sent to the user in an encrypted state or by registered mail, the PIN number is information that only the user can know. Therefore, in the first report, the management apparatus 40 can authenticate the user by a pair of the PIN number and the registration number.
  • the storage unit 4000 stores a device registration information DB 4003 including a device registration table as illustrated in Table 3.
  • the device registration table the device identifier, the model name, the registration number, the contract communication path, the status of installation of device, and the customer ID are associated with each other and registered.
  • the device identifier is sent from the image forming apparatus 20 for the first report.
  • the model name, the registration number, the contract communication path, and the customer ID are sent from the sales server 60.
  • the device identifier is identification information inherent in the image forming apparatus 20, and even if the device identifier is changeable, uniqueness is guaranteed.
  • the device identifier is a serial number, date and time of manufacture + location information, model number + continuous number, lot number + continuous number, or the like, but is not limited to them.
  • an ID of the USB device may be associated and registered.
  • the contract communication path of the image forming apparatus 20, to which the ID of the USB device is given is a public wireless network
  • the ID of the USB device is an ID of the USB device which is coupled to the image forming apparatus 20 (delivered to the customer).
  • there are two registration methods i.e. a method of sending the ID of the USB device from the sales server 60 to the management apparatus 40 to register in the device registration table, and a method of registering the device identifier reported by the first report and the ID of the USB device in the device registration table.
  • the model name is information expressing a function of the image forming apparatus 20, and is, for example, a model number, a name of commodity, or the like, but is not limited to them.
  • the registration number and the contract communication path have been described above.
  • the contract communication path may not be registered in the device registration information DB 4003. This is because the management apparatus 40 can determine whether the communication path is correct only by the communication path determination information.
  • the status of installation of device is information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the status of installation of device includes, for example, "device not installed” and “device installed”.
  • the status of "device not installed” indicates that the image forming apparatus 20 has not become available. For example, immediately after a record is created in the device registration table, the status of installation of device is "device not installed”.
  • the status of installation of device becomes "device installed”.
  • the status of "device installed” indicates that the image forming apparatus is available.
  • the storage unit 4000 stores a device management information DB 4002 including a device management information table, as illustrated in Table 4.
  • the device management information table the registration number, the device identifier, the reception time, the report classification, the communication path determination information, and the counter information are associated with each other and registered. Respective items of the information in the device management information table other than the reception time are sent from the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the registration number, the device identifier, the report classification and the counter information have been described above.
  • the reception time indicates a date and time when the first report, the periodic report, the return report, or the failure report is received from the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the ID 2005 of the USB device is registered, when the image forming apparatus 20 sends device information via the public wireless network 90 as the communication path.
  • the ID 2005 of the USB device is an example of information related to a transmission means.
  • the information related to the transmission means is information for specifying, by the management apparatus 40, the communication interface that the image forming apparatus 20 used upon transmitting the device information.
  • the ID 2005 of the USB device will be explained as an example.
  • the ID 2005 of the USB device is identification information inherent in the USB device 350, and uniqueness is guaranteed. Because the USB device 350 includes a SIM, information included in the SIM, i.e. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) may be sent as the communication path determination information. Alternatively, the phone number may be sent as the communication path determination information.
  • IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
  • the ID 2005 of the USB device is registered in the device registration table associated with a device identifier in shipping or the like.
  • the management apparatus 40 can detect the USB device. Moreover, when the USB device 350 is stolen, tracking the USB device is possible.
  • the communication path determination information may be merely a flag.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 sends to the management apparatus 40 the flag of "0" or "1", which means the public wireless network 90 or the company LAN 360, respectively, as communication path determination information.
  • the management apparatus 40 can determine by presence or absence of the ID 2005 of the USB device. However, when there are three or more communication paths, by sending the category of the communication path, it can be determined whether the device information is sent via the contract communication path.
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 207 illustrated in FIG. 3, and performs transmission/reception of various data with the sales server 60, the image forming apparatus 20 and the information terminal 10 via the network N.
  • the use frequency management unit 42 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and registers a record in the device management information table, when receiving device information (by first report, periodic report, return report, failure report or the like).
  • the device management unit 43 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and performs registration of a record to the device registration table, and update of the record. Specifically, the device management unit 43 registers a model name, a registration number, a contract communication path and a customer ID, sent from the sales server, and turns the status of installation of device to "device not installed”. Moreover, when receiving the first report from the image forming apparatus 20, the device management unit 43 determines whether an image forming apparatus 20 of the registered number is registered in the device registration table. When the image forming apparatus 20 is registered, a device identifier is registered, and the status of installation of device is set to "device installed”. Moreover, when the return report is received, the status of installation of device is set to "device not installed”.
  • the operation acceptance unit 44 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, the input unit 205, and the like, and accepts inputs of various operations by the sales administrator who operates the management apparatus 40.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, compares communication path determination information included in device information with the contract communication path in the device registration table, and determines whether the device information is sent via the contract communication path that is registered in advance. In the following, the transmission of the device information via the contract communication path that is registered in advance may be referred to as "the communication path is correct”.
  • the abnormality report unit 46 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, and report to the sales administrator that the communication path is not correct, when the communication path is determined to be incorrect. As the reporting means, the abnormality report unit 46 displays on the display unit 206 of the management apparatus 40 that the communication path is abnormal along with the device information, or the abnormality report unit 46 sends e-mail to a mail address of the sales administrator.
  • the storage/readout unit 49 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage device 204, and the like, and performs a process of storing various data into the storage unit 4000 and a process of reading out various data from the storage unit 4000.
  • description of "via the storage/readout unit 49" may be omitted.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 has a LAN communication unit 21, a registration state confirmation unit 22, a use frequency recording unit 23, a device information transmission unit 24, a use restriction unit 25, a device abnormality management unit 26, a communication path selection unit 27, a public wireless communication unit 28, a display control unit 31, an operation acceptance unit 32 and a storage/readout unit 29.
  • Each of these units included in the image forming apparatus 20 is a function enabled or a means provided by any of the respective elements, illustrated in FIG. 4, operating by instruction from the CPU 301 following the use management program 2100 loaded on the SDRAM 302 from the flash memory 303.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 has a storage unit 2000 formed by the flash memory 303 or the HDD 304, illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the storage unit 2000 stores registration number 2001, registration state confirmation done 2002, use permission 2003, a device identifier 2004, an ID of USB device 2005, a use frequency information device 2006, and a use management program 2100.
  • the use management program 2100 is delivered by being distributed from a program delivery server or recorded in a computer-readable recording medium.
  • the registration number 2001 is stored in the storage unit 2000 by inputting by a user, for example.
  • the registration state confirmation done 2002 is stored by the image forming apparatus 20 receiving registration state confirmation response (response to the first report) from the management apparatus 40.
  • the use permission 2003 is registered by the image forming apparatus 20 receiving registration state confirmation response (usable) or use state response (usable) from the management apparatus 40.
  • the ID of USB device 2005 is acquired from the USB device 350 by the image forming apparatus 20, and stored in the storage unit 2000, or is stored in a non-volatile memory of the USB device 350 that is illustrated.
  • the storage unit 2000 stores a use frequency information DB 2006 including a use frequency information table, as illustrated in Table 5.
  • a use frequency information table accumulated number of printed sheets (counter information) is recorded for each of some pairs of paper size and print color, in association with transmission date and time.
  • the transmission date and time is a date and time when the image forming apparatus 20 sends the counter information to the management apparatus 40 (can send to the management apparatus 40, actually).
  • the LAN communication unit 21 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the NIC 306 illustrated in FIG. 4, and performs transmission/reception of various data to/from the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 from the company LAN 360 via the network N.
  • the registration state confirmation unit 22 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, the operation unit 307, and the like, and sends a first report (registration state confirmation request) to the management apparatus 40 via the LAN communication state 21 or the public wireless communication state 28.
  • the registration state confirmation request corresponds to the first report.
  • the registration state confirmation unit 22 displays the confirmation result on the operation unit 307.
  • the registration state confirmation unit 22 stores the registration state confirmation done 2002 to the storage unit 2000.
  • the use frequency recording unit 23 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, the plotter engine 311, and the like, counts a number of printed pages, and records the number of printed pages in the use frequency information table as counter information accumulated to present, for each pair of the paper size and the print color.
  • the device information transmission unit 24 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, and sends a periodic report to the management apparatus 40 via the LAN communication unit 21 or the public wireless communication unit 28 periodically or at a predetermined timing.
  • the transmission of periodic report is performed when the registration state confirmation done 2002 is stored in the storage unit 2000.
  • the use restriction unit 25 is enabled by instruction from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, the operation unit 307, the NIC 306, and the like, and, when the use permission is not stored in the storage unit 2000, locks at least a part of the function of the image forming apparatus 20, and makes the image forming apparatus 20 inoperable by the user.
  • a response indicating being inoperable is received from the management apparatus 20 (e.g. due to insufficient remaining amount)
  • at least a part of the function of the image forming apparatus 20 is locked.
  • a method of restricting use includes, for example, not accepting an operation by the operation unit 307.
  • the method of restricting use includes not printing print data, which are prepared by a PC or the like by using a printer driver and sent via the network N, by the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the device abnormality management unit 26 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, and when detecting a failure of the image forming apparatus 20, sends a failure report to the management apparatus 40 via the LAN communication unit 21 or the public wireless communication unit 28.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 is enabled by instruction or the like from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, and determines to use the USB device 350 when the USB device 350 can be used, or to use the NIC 306 when the USB device 350 cannot be used, to perform communication. That is, the communication path selection unit 27 prioritizes the communication path (USB device) determined by the use management program 2100, and determines which communication path to be used for communication. The company LAN 360 may be prioritized.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 is enabled by the CPU 301, the USB host 309, the USB device 350, and the like, illustrated in FIG. 4, is coupled to the network N via the public wireless network 90, and performs transmission/reception various data with the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10.
  • the display control unit 31 is enabled by the CPU 301, the operation unit 307, and the like, illustrated in FIG. 4, and displays various screens on the operation unit 307.
  • the operation acceptance unit 32 is enabled by the CPU, the operation unit 307, and the like, illustrated in FIG. 4, and accepts various operations by the user for the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the operation acceptance unit 29 is enabled by instruction from the CPU illustrated in FIG. 4, the HDD 304, the SDRAM 302, and the like, illustrated in FIG. 4, and performs a process of storing various data into the storage unit 2000, and a process of reading out various data stored in the storage unit 2000. In the following, even when the image forming apparatus 20 reads out/writes from/into the storage unit 2000, description of "via the storage/readout unit 29" may be omitted.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 is assumed to be installed in the customer environment 9, and the status of installation of device of the device registration information DB 4003 is assumed to be "device not installed”.
  • FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram depicting an example of the procedure of transmitting the first report and the periodic report by the image forming apparatus 20 to the management apparatus 40.
  • a model name, a registration number, a contract communication path and a customer ID are sent from the sales server 60 to the management apparatus 40 (step S601).
  • the device management unit 43 of the management apparatus 40 registers the model name, the registration number, the contract communication path and the customer ID to the device registration table (step S602). At this time, the "status of installation of device" of the device registration table is "device not installed".
  • the sales administrator may set the model name, the registration number, the contract communication path, the customer ID, and status of installation of device.
  • This registration number is reported to the image forming apparatus 20 or the user.
  • any method of reporting may be employed.
  • the sales administrator of the management apparatus 40 sends the registration number to a user of the image forming apparatus 20 by an electronic mail, telephone or a facsimile.
  • a person in charge at a shipment source may set the registration number for the image forming apparatus 20 before delivery of the image forming apparatus 20.
  • a deliverer may retain the registration number that the management apparatus 40 gives, and may set for the image forming apparatus 20 upon installing at the customer.
  • the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, when a user of the image forming apparatus 20 first uses the image forming apparatus 20, the user performs an operation for the first report.
  • the user inputs the PIN number, which was sent to the user via a safe path, as described above, and a registration number.
  • the registration state confirmation unit 22 sends a registrant state confirmation request (PIN number, registration number, device identifier, communication path determination information, and counter information) to the management apparatus 40 via a communication path selected by the communication path selection unit 27 (one of the public wireless communication unit 28 and the LAN communication unit 21)(step S603). This is the first report.
  • the registration state confirmation request may be sent upon operating by the user, or may be sent when it is detected that the registration state confirmation done 2002 is not stored in the storage unit 2000.
  • the method of selection of the communication path and the method of preparation of the communication path determination information will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
  • the device management unit 43 performs a process for sending the registration state confirmation response (step S604). Specifically, it is determined whether a pair of the PIN number and the registration number coincides with the pair of PIN number and registration number registered in the PIN number table. Moreover, it is determined whether the registration number is registered in the device registration table. When the pairs of PIN number and registration number coincide with each other and the registration number is registered in the device registration table, the device identifier is registered in the device registration table.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 determines whether the communication path of the first report is correct (step S605). The process thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 9 in detail.
  • the communication path of the first report is assumed to be determined to be correct. Therefore, the "status of installation of device" in the device registration table is updated from “device not installed” to "device installed”.
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 sends the registration state confirmation response (use permission)to the image forming apparatus 20 via the path by which the first report is sent (step S606). Specifically, because the IP address only has to be specified, the management apparatus 40 need not select the communication path in particular.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 or the LAN communication unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the registration state confirmation response (use permission) (step S607). Because the registration state confirmation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the registration state confirmation response (use permission), the registration state confirmation done 2002 and the use permission 2003 are stored in the storage unit 2000. Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20.
  • step S604 is the same as that in the case where the communication path is correct.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 determines whether the communication path of the first report is correct (step S605). The process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. Here, the communication path of the first report is assumed to be incorrect.
  • the abnormality report unit 46 of the management apparatus 40 reports the abnormality in the communication path to the sales administrator (step S608). Moreover, in this case, because the communication path is not correct, the "status of installation of device" in the device registration table remains "device not installed".
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 sends the registration state confirmation response (use not permitted) and the incorrect communication path to the image forming apparatus 20 via the path by which the first report is sent (step S609). Specifically, because the IP address only has to be specified, the management apparatus 40 need not select the communication path in particular.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 or the LAN communication unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the registration state confirmation response (use not permitted)(step S610). Because the registration state confirmation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the registration state confirmation response (use not permitted), the storage unit 2000 does not store the registration state confirmation done 2002 and the use permission 2003. Therefore, the user remains unable to use the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the incorrect communication path is information for reporting to the user that the communication path is not correct (step S611).
  • the incorrect communication path may be sent including the contract communication path. Because the image forming apparatus 20 receives the incorrect communication path, the image forming apparatus 20 displays on the operation unit 307 that the communication path is incorrect.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting an example of a screen that the image forming apparatus 20 receiving the incorrect communication path displays on the operation unit 307.
  • the display control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 20 displays on the operation unit 307 a message saying "Communication path is not correct. Contract communication path is USB device. Please confirm whether USB device is connected", for example. Therefore, the user can confirm the connection status of the USB device 350.
  • the management apparatus 40 makes the image forming apparatus 20 unusable. Therefore, it becomes possible to urge the user to connect the USB device 350 to the image forming apparatus 20, to set the image forming apparatus 20 as contracted. Then, the management apparatus 40 becomes possible to manage the image forming apparatus 20 including the operation state of the USB device 350.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of selecting the communication path and preparing the communication path determination information by the communication path selection unit 27.
  • the procedure illustrated in FIG. 8 starts at timing when the image forming apparatus 20 sends the device information.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 determines the timing of sending the device information (step S810).
  • the timing of sending the device information may be any of the first report, the periodic report, the return report and the failure report.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 determines whether the USB device 350 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S820).
  • the image forming apparatus 20 detects the connection by a change in electric voltage or the like of the USB port, and an interruption to the CPU 301 occurs.
  • a device driver is required.
  • the device driver is assumed to be installed in the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the OS Operating System
  • the device descriptor includes information related to a resource of the USB device 350 (definition of operation or function of the device, identification code, or the like).
  • the OS searches the device driver based on the identification code, and causes the device driver to start. Therefore, the communication path selection unit 27 can determine whether the USB device 350 is connected by querying the OS or the like.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 can install the device driver automatically. When the USB driver is not determined to be connected (step S820: NO), the process proceeds to step S850.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 determines to communicate via the public wireless network 90 (step S830).
  • the communication path selection unit 27 reads out the ID of USB device 2005 from the storage unit 2000, and sets the ID 2005 as the communication path determination information. Moreover, the communication path selection unit 27 requests the public wireless communication unit 28 to send the device information.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 tries to connect from the USB device 350 to the public wireless network 90 to send the device information to the management apparatus 40.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 determines whether the communication is performed with the USB device (step S840), according to whether ACK of TCP connection is received from the management apparatus 40 or whether the status code (200) of the HTTP communication is received.
  • the case where the communication is not performed although the USB device is connected includes a case where the USB device 350 is in trouble, a case where the SIM is removed, a case where the contract of the SIM is expired, a case where the radio wave condition is not good, or the like.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 reports to the communication path selection unit 27 whether the communication can be performed.
  • step S840 YES
  • the procedure illustrated in FIG. 8 ends. Therefore, the management apparatus 40 is found to be able to provide service using the device information.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 determines to communicate with the company LAN 360 (step S850).
  • the communication path selection unit 27 prepares communication path determination information including no information.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 requests the LAN communication unit 21 to send the device information.
  • the LAN communication unit 21 tries to connect from the NIC 306 to the company LAN 360 to send the device information to the management apparatus 40. Therefore, even if the communication is not possible via the public wireless network 90, the device information can be sent via the company LAN 360. Then, even if the communication path is incorrect, the management apparatus 40 can provide service using the device information.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 can send the device information via the public wireless network 90 if the USB device 350 is connected. In other words, the image forming apparatus 20 need not take account of the contract communication path (irrespective of the contract communication path), and the image forming apparatuses 20 with different contract communication paths can send device information with the common procedure.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 only has to determine the presence or absence of connection of communication devices corresponding to the communication paths, respectively, and to set categories of the communication devices as the communication path determination information. Also in this case, priority order of the respective communication devices has be determined, and the image forming apparatus 20 sends the device information with the communication device with the highest priority among the communication devices whose connections are detected.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of determining whether the communication path is correct by the communication path determination unit 45.
  • the procedure in FIG. 9 starts, for example, at timing when the management apparatus 40 receives device information.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 acquires communication path determination information from the received device information (step S910).
  • the communication path determination unit 45 reads out contract communication path associated with device identifier of the received device information from the device registration information DB 4003 (step S920).
  • the communication path determination unit 45 determines whether the communication path determination information coincides with the contract communication path (step S930). Specifically, the communication path determination information is determined to coincide with the contract communication path, when the communication path determination information includes the ID of USB device 2005 and the contract communication path is the public wireless network 90 or when the communication path determination information does not include the ID of USB device 2005 (information is absent) and the contract communication path is the company LAN. Otherwise, the communication path determination information is determined not to coincide with the contract communication path.
  • step S930: YES When the communication path determination information coincides with the contract communication path (step S930: YES), the communication path determination unit 45 determines that the communication path is correct (step S940). When the communication path determination information does not coincide with the contract communication path (step S930: NO), the communication path determination unit 45 determines that the communication path is incorrect (step S950).
  • the management apparatus 40 retains the contract communication path, by the image forming apparatus 20 sending the communication path determination information, the management apparatus 40 can determine whether the communication path is correct.
  • FIGs. 10A and 10B are sequence diagrams depicting an example of a procedure of periodic reporting and a procedure of determining the communication path for the periodic report.
  • FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram depicting an example of the procedure of the periodic reporting and the procedure of determining the communication path for the periodic report, in the case where the communication path is correct.
  • the device information transmission unit 24 performs periodic reporting at timing of the periodic report (step S1001).
  • the periodic reporting is performed, for example, at a time determined in a day (if the electric power of the image forming apparatus 20 is not ON at this time, the periodic reporting is performed after the power is turned to ON), or performed at predetermined intervals.
  • the transmission interval may be one every two days, once a week, or once a month.
  • the periodic report may be sent twice or more in a day. Alternatively, the report may not be sent periodically, but may be sent when the load of the image forming apparatus 20 is reduced.
  • the device information in the periodic report includes registration number, a device identifier, communication path determination information, and counter information. The method of preparing the communication path determination information and the method of selecting the communication path have been described with reference to FIG. 8.
  • the user frequency management unit 42 registers the device information into the device management information table of the device management information DB 4002 (step S1002).
  • the use frequency management unit 42 may generate mainly a reception time.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 determines whether the communication path of the periodic report is correct (step S1003). The method of determination has been described with reference to FIG. 9.
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 sends a use state response (use permission) to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S1004).
  • the use state response is a response that reports use permission or reports that use is not permitted. Irrespective of whether the communication path of the periodic report is correct, use permission is sent.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 or the LAN communication unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the use state response. Because the use permission is received, the storage/readout unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores (overwrites) the use permission 2003 into the storage unit 2000 (step S1005). Therefore, when the communication path is correct, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20.
  • FIG. 10B is a sequence diagram depicting an example of the procedure of the periodic reporting and the procedure of determining the communication path for the periodic report, in the case where the communication path is incorrect. Processes at steps S1001 to S1003 are the same as those in FIG. 10A.
  • the abnormality report unit 46 of the management apparatus 40 promptly reports the abnormality of the communication path to the sales administrator (step S1006).
  • the term "promptly" refers to a case where the communication path is determined incorrect even once.
  • the abnormality of the communication path may be reported to the sales administrator when the communication path is determined to be incorrect successively for a predetermined times, not promptly reporting the abnormality.
  • determinations of predetermined times may not be successive, but the abnormality of the communication path may be reported to the sales administrator when the determinations that the communication path is not correct reach a predetermined number of times within a certain period of time.
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 sends a use state response (use permission) to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S1007).
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 or the LAN communication unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the use state response (use permission). Because the use permission is received, the storage/readout unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores (overwrites) the use permission 2003 into the storage unit 2000 (step S1008). Therefore, even when the communication path is not correct, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 that performs the periodic report was successful in the first report, the image forming apparatus 20 is set to the correct communication path once. Moreover, the sales administrator has reported that the communication path is incorrect. Therefore, it is not so inconvenient to prohibit the use, and by not prohibiting the use, service can be provided to customers continuously. Because the sales administrator has reported the abnormality of the communication path, the sales server can respond properly by contacting the customers.
  • the abnormality report unit 46 may report "use not permitted" to the image forming apparatus 20, instead of the report to the sales administrator, or with the report to the sales administrator.
  • the communication paths are different, it is possible to prohibit the use early because an authorized use may arise.
  • the procedure in the case of a failure report may be the same as those in FIGs. 10A and 10B.
  • the management apparatus 40 may send the use state response (use permission) to the image forming apparatus 20 before the determination for the communication path.
  • FIGs. 11A and 11B are sequence diagrams depicting an example of a procedure of a return report and a procedure of determining the communication path for the return report.
  • the management apparatus 40 reports to the image forming apparatus 20 that use is not permitted in the same way as in the first report.
  • a rental period is sometimes infinite, but is generally a terminable contract.
  • the user suspends the use of the image forming apparatus 20 at the expiration of the contract so as not to be used by the user by mistake.
  • final counter information to be posted can be settled. In the following, a case where the communication path is correct and a case where the communication path is incorrect will be described, respectively.
  • FIG. 11A is a sequence diagram depicting an example of the procedure of the return report and the procedure of determining the communication path for the return report, in the case where the communication path is correct.
  • the user When the user perceives the expiration of the contract term or the like, the user performs a return operation for the image forming apparatus 20 in order to stop the use (step S1101).
  • the image forming apparatus 20 accepts the return operation.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 or the LAN communication unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 sends a return report to the management apparatus 40 (step S1102).
  • the return report includes in addition to an interest that the report is a return report, registration number, a device identifier, communication path determination information, and counter information.
  • the use frequency management unit 42 of the management apparatus 40 registers the device information into the device management information table of the device management information DB 4002 (step S1103).
  • the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 determines whether the communication path of the periodic report is correct (step S1104). The method of determination has been described with reference to FIG. 9. When the communication path is correct, because the image forming apparatus 20 becomes unusable by the return report, the device management unit 43 sets the "status of installation of device" of the device registration table to "device not installed".
  • the device management unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 20 sends a return report response (use not permitted) to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S1105).
  • FIG. 11B is a sequence diagram depicting an example of the procedure of the return report and the procedure of determining the communication path for the return report, in the case where the communication path is incorrect. Processes at steps S1101 to S1103 are the same as those in FIG. 11A.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 determines whether the communication path of the periodic report is correct (step S1104). Although the communication path is incorrect, because, for the return report, use of the image forming apparatus 20 is to be prohibited, the device management unit 43 changes the "status of installation of device" in the device registration table is changed to "device not installed".
  • the abnormality detection unit 46 of the management apparatus 40 reports the abnormality of the communication path to the sales administrator (step S1107).
  • the device management unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 20 sends the return report response (use is not permitted) and the incorrect communication path to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S1108).
  • the incorrect communication path is the same as in the first report.
  • the display control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 20, as illustrated in FIG. 7, displays on the operation unit 307 that the communication path is incorrect.
  • the user who perceives that the communication path is incorrect by the incorrect communication path, for example, connects the USB device 350 to the image forming apparatus 20, and performs return report again.
  • the incorrect communication path is not sent to the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, in the state where the communication by the contract communication path is possible, the user can return the image forming apparatus 20, i.e. the image forming apparatus 20 to which the USB device 350 is connected can be returned.
  • the management apparatus 40 can determine the communication path to which the image forming apparatus 20 sends the device information or the communication interface. Because in the management apparatus 40, information for selecting the communication path 1 or the communication path 2 by the image forming apparatus 20 is registered, it is possible to determine whether the image forming apparatus 20 has sent the device information using a predetermined communication interface.
  • the ID of USB device 2005 that the image forming apparatus 20 sends to the management apparatus 40, or the like is used.
  • the management system 100 which uses passing the gateway server 70 of the mobile phone company as the communication path determination information, will be described.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting an example for schematically explaining an operation of the management system 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the whole configuration is the same as that in FIG. 1.
  • address information is attached to the device information as the communication path determination information.
  • the address information is information for uniquely identifying a device (in the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20) on the network N.
  • the address information includes a URI of the device, URL, a host name, an IP address, or the like.
  • the IP address will be explained as an example.
  • an IP address B (more precisely, a global IP address outside the company LAN) of the image forming apparatus 20 is given.
  • the IP address is not given to the device information A.
  • the gateway server 70 of the mobile phone company outputs the device information to the network N, an IP address A of the gateway server 70 is given to the device information A.
  • the management information 40 refers to these IP address A and IP address B as communication path determination information, and can determine which of the communication path 1 and the communication path 2 is used for the device information A or the device information B passing and reaching.
  • the IP address A of the gateway server 70 of the mobile phone company is often public. Alternatively, a packet which is confirmed to be sent from at least the gateway server 70 is analyzed by the sales administrator or the like, and thereby the IP address A can be specified.
  • the management apparatus 40 can determine the communication path of the device information or the communication interface.
  • the communication path selection unit 27 of the embodiment need not generate communication path determination information.
  • the procedure of processes is the same as that in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • the process of the communication path determination unit 45 of the management apparatus 40 is different from that in the first embodiment. Differences will be described with reference to FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an example of a procedure of determining by the communication path determination unit 45 whether the communication path is correct.
  • the procedure illustrated in FIG. 13 starts at timing when the management apparatus 40 receives the device information, for example.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 extracts an IP address of a transmission source included in an IP header of the received device information (step S1301).
  • the communication path determination unit 45 determines whether the IP address of the transmission source coincides with the IP address of the gateway server 70 (step S1302).
  • the management apparatus 40 stores the IP address of the gateway server 70 in the storage unit 4000 or the like.
  • the IP address of the transmission source may not completely coincide with the IP address of the gateway server 70. This is because the gateway server 70 may have a plurality of IP addresses in order to distribute loads. For example, in IPv4, when upper 24 bits among 32 bits coincide with each other, the IP addresses may be determined to coincide with each other.
  • the DNS server may be queried about an IP address, and the IP address may be transferred into a host name. When the host name coincides with or is similar to the name of the mobile phone company having a plurality of host names, the IP address of the transmission source can also be determined to coincide with the IP address of the gateways server 70.
  • the communication path determination unit 45 determines that the device information goes through the public wireless network 90 (step S1303).
  • the communication path determination unit 45 determines that the device information goes through the company LAN 360 (step S1304). Further processes are the same as those at steps S920 to S950, illustrated in FIG. 9.
  • the management apparatus 40 can determine whether the communication path is correct. Therefore, the process of attaching the communication path determination information by the image forming apparatus 20 can be made unnecessary.
  • an IP address assigned on the network N for transferring the device information from the gateway server 70 to the management apparatus 40 may be used.
  • an IP address of the specific server can be used as the communication path determination information.
  • the sales administrator inputs the contract communication path to the management system 100.
  • the contract communication path may be determined automatically by the first report.
  • the management apparatus 40 registers the communication path determination information sent by the first report to the device registration information DB 4003 as the contract communication path. In this case, the trouble of managing the contract communication path by the sales administrator can be saved.
  • the management apparatus 40, the image forming apparatus 20, the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 are divided according to main functions thereof.
  • the present invention is not limited to the ways of dividing processing units or their names. Processes of the management apparatus 40, the image forming apparatus 20, the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 can be further divided into many more process units according to the processing details. Moreover, the processes can be divided so that one process unit includes much more processes.
  • one or more of the respective databases illustrated in the storage units 2000, 4000, and 6000 in FIG. 5 may be present on the network.
  • the management system 100 may include the plurality of management apparatuses 40, and the function of management apparatus may be dispersed among the plurality of servers.
  • the image forming apparatus 20 is described as an example of the apparatus that is sold (or leased) and, afterwards, used amount is managed or volume-based charging is performed, but such apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus 20.
  • the present invention can be applied to a PC, a wearable computer, application software, a video conference terminal, an electronic whiteboard, a projector, a car navigation terminal, a camera, a gaming machine, a medical apparatus, an agricultural apparatus such as a cultivator, a vehicle and the like that are charged according to used time.
  • the public wireless communication unit 28 is an example of a first transmission means
  • the LAN communication unit 21 is an example of a second transmission means
  • the transmission/reception unit 41 is an example of a reception means
  • the communication path determination unit 45 is an example of a determination means
  • the abnormality report unit 46 is an example of an abnormality report means
  • the display control unit 31 is an example of a display control means.
  • the management method for device information performed by the management system 100 is an example of an information management method.
  • the present invention can be applied to a management system, a management apparatus, a device, an information management method, and a program.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de gestion comprenant un dispositif et un appareil de gestion gérant le dispositif. Le dispositif comprend une pluralité d'unités de transmission, chaque unité de transmission étant conçue pour la transmission d'informations de dispositif sur le dispositif par l'intermédiaire de n'importe quel chemin de communication d'une pluralité de chemins de communication. L'appareil de gestion communique avec le dispositif par l'intermédiaire de la pluralité de chemins de communication et comprend une unité de réception conçue pour la réception des informations de dispositif transmises par l'intermédiaire de n'importe quel chemin de communication de la pluralité de chemins de communication et des informations de détermination de chemin de communication pour la détermination d'un chemin de communication, et une unité de détermination conçue pour la détermination du chemin de communication par l'intermédiaire duquel les informations de dispositif sont transmises, en fonction des informations de détermination de chemin de communication.
PCT/JP2016/084651 2015-11-26 2016-11-22 Système de gestion, appareil de gestion, dispositif, procédé de gestion d'informations et programme WO2017090627A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

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CN201680067078.2A CN108292255A (zh) 2015-11-26 2016-11-22 管理系统、管理装置、设备、信息管理方法和程序
SG11201803687YA SG11201803687YA (en) 2015-11-26 2016-11-22 Management system, management apparatus, device, information management method, and program

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JP2015-231086 2015-11-26
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JP2016206312A JP6753267B2 (ja) 2015-11-26 2016-10-20 管理システム、管理装置、情報管理方法、プログラム

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US20150046516A1 (en) * 2013-08-09 2015-02-12 Clarion Co., Ltd. Computer system, data output method, and computer program
JP2015148968A (ja) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-20 株式会社リコー 機器管理システム、情報処理装置、機器管理方法およびプログラム

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US11722625B2 (en) 2020-10-27 2023-08-08 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and control method

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