JP2005328221A - Data collection apparatus, data management program, and data communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a data managing server 21 to speedily handle abnormality of office apparatuses 12 and 13 in an intranet 1 by making intervals of communication between a data gathering server 11 in the intranet 1 and the data managing server 21 on the Internet 2 shorter than those of a communication mode if the office apparatuses 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 become abnormal. <P>SOLUTION: The data gathering server 11 periodically gathers data from digital hybrid machines 12 and 12 as the office apparatuses in the intranet 1, communicates with the data managing server 21 on the Internet 2 based upon a previously set mode of communication with the data managing server 21, and sets the mode of communication with the data managing server 21 to an emergency mode shorter in communication interval than the normal mode once receiving notice of abnormality occurrence from the office apparatuses 12 and 13 in the intranet 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data collection device, a data management program, a data communication control method, and the like that collect data from office equipment in a local area network and transmit the collected data to a data management device outside the local area network.

  Conventionally, the operation and maintenance of office equipment such as digital multifunction peripherals is costly and troublesome, and requires specialized knowledge. For this reason, in office devices such as conventional digital multifunction devices, service companies (operation management companies and dealers) often provide services such as maintenance according to the status of office devices and billing according to usage results. . In such a system, it is necessary for an operation management company or a dealer to grasp the state and usage of office equipment. In recent years, there has been proposed a system for remotely monitoring data indicating the status and usage status of office equipment in a local area by using a data management device on another network such as the Internet.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-353145 (Patent Document 1), a printer and an agent device are connected via a local area network that is an intranet, and the local area network and the integrated management device are connected via a global network that is the Internet. Thus, a system for monitoring a plurality of printers remotely by an integrated management apparatus is described.

  In a system that remotely monitors office equipment in the local area network as described above using a data management device, changes in settings according to the status of office equipment such as abnormal operation (processing errors), updates of office equipment control programs, etc. It is desirable that this be done quickly.

  On the other hand, in recent years, companies and organizations have often built their own local area networks, and office machines are also connected to the local area network. In the local area network as described above, for example, a firewall is provided on a communication path with the outside in order to prevent unauthorized access from the outside via another network such as the Internet. Further, the above-mentioned local area network and office equipment in the local area network are usually managed by an administrator having a predetermined management authority.

In order to maintain security in the local area network, the firewall as described above sets various restrictions on data communication inside and outside the local area network. For example, the firewall severely restricts access to the local area network from the outside, and further, transmission of data from the local area network to the outside is not permitted unless it is a predetermined communication protocol.
JP 11-353145 A

  In such a system, if the communication interval between a device in the local area network and a data management device outside the local area network is shortened, the data management device can acquire the latest data, and the operation (processing) of the office equipment is abnormal. If it occurs, a quick response is possible. However, since the data management device manages the data of a plurality of office equipment, if the communication interval between the device in the local area network and the data management device outside the local area network is short, the data management device frequently has many devices. You have to communicate with. As a result, there is a problem that a large load is applied to the data management apparatus or a large load is applied to the network.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and can efficiently control data communication with a data management apparatus outside the local area network according to the status of office equipment in the local area network. An object is to provide a data collection device, a data management program, and a data communication control method.

  The data collection device of the present invention collects data from office equipment installed in a local area network, and first communication means for performing data communication with the office equipment installed in the local area network A second communication means for performing data communication with a data management device installed outside the local area network, and office equipment in the local area network at a first communication interval by the first communication means Data collecting means for collecting data from the data, and data for transmitting the data collected by the data collecting means at a second communication interval longer than the first communication interval by the second communication means to the data management device The transfer means and the first communication means differ from the office equipment existing in the local area network. Upon receiving the notification of the occurrence, and a changing means for changing a communication distance of the data management apparatus according to the second communication means to a shorter communication distance than the second communication interval.

  According to the present invention, a data collection device, a data management program, and data communication control capable of efficiently controlling data communication with a data management device outside the local area network according to the status of office equipment in the local area network Can provide a method.

Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system including a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the network system includes an intranet 1 as a local area network on the user side, the Internet 2, an operation management company PC 3, a dealer PC 4, and the like.

  The intranet 1 is a user-side network system that uses a digital multi-function peripheral as an office device, and is configured by a local area network connected to the Internet via a firewall (defense device) 16. The intranet 1 includes a data collection server (data collection device) 11, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP 1) 12 as office equipment, a controller 14 for a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP 2) 13 as office equipment, an administrator PC 15, and A firewall 16 and the like are connected by a local area network.

  The data collection server 11 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, and the control unit implements various functions by executing various programs stored in the storage device. The data collection server 11 functions as a server device for each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 and controls the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 in an integrated manner. It has a function.

  In other words, the data collection server 11 has communication means (first communication means) for performing data communication with each office device in the intranet, and the first communication means periodically performs communication based on communication settings. A function for collecting data indicating the operating status from each office device in the intranet 1, a function for writing correction data such as a program and control data in each office device as necessary, and an abnormal operation from each office device in the intranet 1 ( A function that accepts notification of processing errors) has been realized. The data collection server 11 corresponds to the communication protocol of each office device in order to realize data communication with each office device in the intranet 1 as the first communication means.

  The data collection server 11 has communication means (second communication means) for performing data communication with the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 via the firewall 16, and the second communication means A function of periodically transmitting data collected from each office device to the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 based on the communication settings, and to the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 when an operation abnormality notification is received from the office device. A function to notify the occurrence of an abnormality is realized. The data collection server 11 also supports a communication protocol that can pass through the firewall 16 in order to realize data communication with the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 as the second communication means. Yes.

  The data collection server 11 includes a page providing unit that provides a page (display screen) that can be browsed from a terminal in the intranet 1 by a web browser or the like, and the intranet 1 is provided by such a page providing unit. Or, a function that provides a page that can be browsed only by an administrator of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment, and a function that changes setting information such as communication settings in response to a request from the administrator as described above. doing.

  The data collection server 11 may be provided in the digital multifunction machine 12 as an office device or the controller 14 for the digital multifunction machine. In this case, each function realized by the data collection server 11 as will be described later is provided in the controller 14 for the digital multifunction machine 12 or the digital multifunction machine 13 as office equipment, and these functions are included in the digital multifunction machine 12 or the controller. This is implemented by a control unit (not shown) executing a program stored in a storage device 14 (not shown).

  The digital multifunction machine 12 and the digital multifunction machine 13 are office machines in the intranet 1. The digital multifunction machine 12 is, for example, an office machine equipped with a scanner, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a network interface. The digital multi-function peripheral 12 has a network communication function using a network interface, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from each device in the intranet.

  The digital multifunction machine 13 is an office device including a scanner, a printer, a communication interface, and the like, for example. The digital multifunction device 13 is connected to the controller 14 via the communication interface, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from each device in the intranet 1 via the controller 14. The controller 14 controls data transmission / reception between the digital multi-function peripheral 13 and each device in the intranet. In this case, the office machine is configured by a combination of the digital multifunction peripheral 13 and the controller 14.

  The digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 have storage means (not shown) for recording data indicating the operation status. The storage means includes, for example, a counter (not shown) that counts the number of copies, the number of prints, the number of times of facsimile transmission, and a memory that records log information indicating error contents generated when an error occurs. Further, the controller 14 connected to the digital multifunction device 12 or the digital multifunction device 13 receives the data indicating the operation status recorded in the recording means as described above in response to a data request from the data collection server 11. It has a function of transmitting to the collection server 11.

  The administrator PC 15 is a computer used by an administrator who manages the entire intranet 1 or an administrator who manages each office device such as the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 in the intranet 1. The administrator PC 15 includes a device main body 15a having a CPU, various storage devices, and a network interface, a display unit 15b, an operation unit 15c, and the like. The administrator PC 15 has a function of displaying a display screen provided by the data collection server 11 on the display unit 15b by a Web browser, for example, and an operation button displayed on the display unit 15b is selected and input by the operation unit 15c. It has a function.

  The firewall 16 functions as a defense device that prevents unauthorized access to the intranet 1 from the Internet 2 and transmission of unauthorized data from the intranet 1 to the Internet 2. In order to realize such a function, the firewall 16 strictly restricts access from the Internet 2 side to the intranet 1 in particular. For example, the firewall 16 allows data communication with a device on the Internet 2 side based on a communication request from a device in the intranet. For this reason, communication between a device (for example, a data collection server) in the intranet 1 and a device (data management server) on the Internet 2 side is usually performed based on a communication request from the data collection server in the intranet 1. preferable.

  The firewall 16 is configured to send only data based on a predetermined communication protocol from the intranet 1 to the Internet 2 side. That is, the apparatus in the intranet 1 cannot transmit data to the Internet 2 using a communication protocol that the firewall 16 does not support. For this reason, the data of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 that does not have a communication function that can pass through the firewall 16 passes through the firewall 16 in the data management server 11. It is necessary to convert it to a communication protocol that can be transmitted and send it to the Internet 2 side.

  On the Internet 2, a data management server 21 as an external device is installed. The data management server 21 has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from the data collection server 11 via the firewall 16. The data management server 21 is accessed from a Web browser by the PC 3 of the operation management company or the PC 4 of the dealer.

  Note that data communication (data transmission / reception) between the data collection server 11 and the data management server is encrypted by SLL or the like to ensure security. Further, the access to the data management server 21 from the Web browser by the PC 3 of the operation management company or the PC 4 of the dealer is also encrypted by SLL or the like in order to ensure security.

  The data management server 21 receives data collected from the digital multifunction peripheral as office equipment in the intranet 1 from the data collection server 11 and stores the received data in a storage device (not shown) for management. For example, in the data management server 21, as data indicating the operation status of each digital multi-function peripheral in the intranet 1, log data indicating counter data (number of copies, number of prints, number of facsimile transmissions) and error contents when an error occurs. Are received from the data collection server 11 and managed.

  When the operation management company or the dealer charges the user according to the use results of office equipment such as a digital multifunction peripheral, the data management server 21 receives the data received from the data collection server 11 as office equipment ( Billing data for calculating a usage fee according to the usage record of the digital multifunction peripheral in the intranet 1 is managed. When the operation management company performs maintenance management of office equipment such as a digital multifunction peripheral, the data management server 21 uses the data received from the data collection server 11 for maintenance of office equipment (supplement and replacement of consumables). Etc.), or as data for providing technical support according to the error content.

  The PC 3 of the operation management company is a computer provided in a company that maintains and manages the digital multifunction peripheral as office equipment in the intranet 1. Further, the PC 4 of the dealer is a computer provided in the dealer who charges the user for the usage fee calculation process according to the usage record of the digital multifunction peripheral as the office device in the intranet 1 and the calculated usage fee. is there.

  The PC 3 of the operation management company and the PC 4 of the store access the data management server 21 through, for example, a Web browser, and refer to data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral as office equipment stored in the data management server 21. It has a function. For example, at the operation management company or the sales store, the data stored in the data management server 21 is referred to by the PC 3 of the operation management company and the PC 4 of the sales store, and the usage fee for each digital multifunction peripheral in the intranet 1 is referred to. Calculation, maintenance management, maintenance, etc. are performed.

  Next, each office device in the intranet 1 of the data collection server 11 and a communication function will be schematically described.

  The controller 14 of the digital multifunction machine 12 or the digital multifunction machine 13 has a communication interface for realizing communication with the data collection server 11. The controller 14 that realizes the communication function of the digital multifunction machine 12 or the digital multifunction machine 13 performs data communication using various communication protocols. In other words, there may be office equipment with various specifications corresponding to the communication protocol in the intranet 1. The data collection server 11 supports various communication protocols, and at least supports communication protocols of all office devices in the intranet 1 in order to realize communication with office devices having various specifications in the intranet 1. doing.

  For example, an SNMP protocol or the like is used as a communication protocol for managing office equipment in the intranet 1, but the communication protocol supported by each office equipment can pass through a firewall. There are communication protocols and communication protocols that cannot pass through a firewall. For example, the communication protocol referred to as the trap protocol described above is to send a packet (status notification) to a destination when the state is changed by specifying the destination, but communication that cannot generally pass through a firewall. Protocol.

  Thus, in the intranet 1, there may be office equipment that does not support the communication protocol that cannot pass through the firewall 16, and therefore the data collection server 11 supports the communication protocol of each office equipment. In addition, it has a function of transferring collected data collected from each office device to a data management server (external device) outside the local area network 1 via the firewall 16. That is, the data collection server 11 collects data from the office equipment and collects the collected data even if the communication protocol of the office equipment in the intranet 1 cannot pass through the firewall 16. The function to transfer to 21 is realized.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the data collection server 11 will be described.
The data collection server 11 includes a control unit (CPU) 51, a read only memory (ROM) 52, a random access memory (RAM) 53, a hard disk drive (HDD) 54, a network interface (I / F) 55, and the like. ing.

  The CPU 51 controls the entire data collection server 11 and implements various functions by executing various programs. The CPU 51 has a clock 51a for measuring time. The ROM 52 stores a control program for performing basic operations and the like of the data collection server 11. The RAM 53 is a memory for storing work data.

  The HDD 54 is a storage device, and stores application programs, setting information, data, and the like. In the HDD 54, a program storage area 54a for storing programs for realizing various functions according to the present embodiment as described above, a setting information storage area 54b for storing various setting information, and office work in the intranet 1 A storage area for storing a collected data storage area 54c for storing collected data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral as a device is provided.

  The network interface 55 performs data communication with each device in the intranet 1 and data communication (data transmission / reception) with an external device on the Internet 2 such as the data management server 21 via the firewall 16. It is an interface for.

Next, communication between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 will be described.
The communication (first communication means) between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 is the network interface 55 of the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripheral as each office equipment. This is realized by a communication interface (not shown). Further, communication between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 is performed by the data collection server 11 periodically collecting data from each digital multifunction peripheral and sending it to each digital multifunction peripheral. Regular communication (normal communication mode with the office equipment) with the office equipment that writes the data, and emergency communication (office equipment with the office equipment) that notifies the data collection server of the abnormal state of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 Emergency communication mode).

  The regular communication with the office device is performed based on the communication settings for the regular communication between the data collection server and the digital multifunction peripheral that are set in advance. In the communication setting for regular communication with the office device, a first communication interval (periodical communication time with the office device) between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 is set. For example, if the regular communication time with office equipment is set every hour, and if the digital multifunction device is in a normal state that is not in an abnormal state (a state in which no abnormality occurs in the digital multifunction device), the above data is obtained every hour. Data communication (data collection and data writing) is performed between the collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13.

  In the regular communication with the office equipment, the data collection server 11 requests the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 for collected data (such as count data for the number of prints), and responds to this request with each digital multifunction peripheral 12, This is done by receiving collected data from 13. That is, the data collection server 11 requests the collected data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 every time the regular communication time with the office equipment comes. On the other hand, each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 transmits the print sheet count data stored in its own storage device (not shown) to the data collection server 11 as collected data. The data collection server 11 that has received the collected data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 stores the collected data in the collected data storage area of the HDD.

  Further, in the emergency communication with the office equipment, when an abnormal state occurs in each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13, that is, when an abnormal operation of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 occurs, This is implemented by notification indicating an abnormal state from the multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 to the data collection server. That is, when an operation abnormality occurs in the digital multifunction device 12, the digital multifunction device 12 transmits information indicating that an abnormal state has occurred to the data collection server 11. At this time, the digital multifunction peripheral 12 determines an error code indicating an abnormal state (error content) that has occurred, and transmits the error code to the data collection server 11 together with an abnormal state occurrence notification. Therefore, the emergency communication is appropriately performed according to the occurrence of an abnormality in each digital multi-function peripheral.

  Communication between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 is communication in the intranet 1, that is, communication not via the firewall 16. Therefore, any device such as the data collection server 11 or the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 may start communication within the intranet 1 as long as the basic security within the intranet 1 is ensured.

Next, communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 will be described.
Communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 is data management in which the data collection server 11 periodically transmits collected data collected from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 to the data management server 21. Periodic communication with the server (normal communication mode with the data management server) and emergency communication with the data management server that notifies the data management server 21 of the abnormal state of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 (data management) Emergency communication mode with the server).

  The regular communication with the data management server is performed based on the communication settings for the regular communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 set in advance. In communication settings for regular communication with the data management server, a second communication interval (periodic communication time with the data management server) between the data collection server 11 and the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 is set. For example, if the regular communication time is set every day (24 hours), and if the digital multifunction device is in a normal state where the digital multifunction device is not in an abnormal state (a state where no abnormality occurs in the digital multifunction device), the above-mentioned is performed every 24 hours. Data communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is performed.

  Periodic communication with the data management server is started (activated) by the data collection server 11. That is, the data collection server 11 requests the data management server 21 to start communication every regular communication time with the data management server. When the data management server 21 responds to this communication start request, the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 become communicable. In this state, the data collection server 11 transmits collected data to the data management server 21. The data management server 21 manages collected data by storing the collected data transmitted from the data collecting server 11 in a storage device (not shown).

  In the emergency communication with the data management server, the communication interval between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is set to a communication interval shorter than the communication interval of the regular communication, and the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 The server 21 communicates. That is, in the emergency communication, the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 perform communication every communication interval (for example, one hour) shorter than the communication interval (for example, 24 hours) of regular communication. Further, the emergency communication with the data management server is performed when the data collection server 11 that has received the notification of the abnormal state from the digital multifunction peripheral notifies the data management server 21.

  That is, when an abnormal state occurs in each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13, the data collection server 11 changes the communication mode with the data management server 21 from the normal communication mode (hereinafter also simply referred to as the normal mode) to the emergency. A notification requesting to change to the communication mode (hereinafter simply referred to as the emergency mode) is transmitted to the data management server 21. Therefore, the data collection server 11 changes the communication mode with the data management server 21 to the emergency mode in response to the occurrence of an abnormality in each digital multi-function peripheral. The communication mode is set by communication settings of the data collection server 11 itself with the data management server 21 and communication settings of the data management server 21 with the data collection server 11.

  In addition, communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 is communication performed via the firewall 16. As described above, the firewall 16 transmits data from the Internet 2 to the intranet 1 in order to ensure security in communication between devices in the intranet 1 and devices outside the intranet (external devices on the Internet). There are strict restrictions on.

  Therefore, communication between the data collection server 11 in the intranet 1 and the data management server 21 outside the intranet 1 (on the Internet 2) is started based on a communication start request from the data collection server 11. . As described above, in the present network system, the communication between the device in the intranet 1 and the device outside the intranet 1 is performed by activation (communication start request) from the device in the intranet 1, thereby allowing access from outside the intranet 1. The security is restricted and the security in the intranet 1 is secured.

  Next, basic processing of the data collection server 11 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the data collection server 11.

  First, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 determines whether or not it is a communication time (data collection time) with each of the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 based on the time counted by the clock 51a and the setting information. (Step S11). The communication time with each digital multi-function peripheral 12, 13 is stored in the setting information storage area 54b of the HDD 54.

  If it is determined that this is the communication time with the digital multifunction peripheral (YES in step S11), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 serving as the data collection means sends the collected data to the digital multifunction peripheral via the network interface 55. A transfer request is transmitted (step S12). In response to this collected data transfer request, the digital multi-function peripheral transfers the collected data stored in a memory (not shown) to the data collection server 11. With the data collection means, the data collection server 11 receives the collected data from the digital multi-function peripheral through the network interface 55 and accumulates it in the collected data storage area 54c of the HDD 54 (step S13).

  The CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 determines whether it is a communication time with the data management server 21 based on the time measured by the clock 51a and the setting information (step S14). The communication time with the data management server 21 is stored in the setting information storage area 54b of the HDD 54. In the normal mode, the communication time is set based on the normal regular communication interval, and in the emergency mode. Is set based on the communication interval in an emergency.

  If it is determined that it is the communication time with the data management server 21 based on the above determination (step S14, YES), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 serving as the data transfer means performs the network interface 55 via the firewall 16. By transmitting a communication start request to the data management server 21, the data management server 21 is activated in a communicable state (step S15). In response to this communication start request, the data management server 21 enters a state in which data can be transmitted to and received from the data collection server 11.

  When the data transfer server 11 is ready to communicate with the data management server 21 by the data transfer means, the data collection server 11 performs communication processing with the data management server 21 (step S16). In the communication processing with the data management server 21, the data collection server 11 transmits collected data collected from the digital multi-function peripheral stored in the HDD 54 or transmits a communication mode change request. The communication process with the data management server 21 will be described later in detail.

  In addition, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 is ready to receive notifications from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 that an abnormal state has occurred. That is, the notification transmitted from the digital multifunction peripheral 12 (or 13) to the data collection server 11 in the normal mode is received by the network interface 55 of the data collection server 11. For example, when an abnormal state occurs in the digital multifunction device 12, the abnormal state is notified from the digital multifunction device 12 to the data collection server 11.

  When the notification indicating that an abnormal state has occurred is received from the digital multi-function peripheral 12 (YES in step S17), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 serving as a changing unit communicates with the data management server 21 in the data collection server 11. As a communication setting, the communication mode with the data management server 21 is changed from the normal mode to the emergency mode (step S18).

  Further, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 as a changing means transmits a notification (notification of change to the emergency mode) indicating that an abnormal state of the digital multifunction peripheral 12 has occurred to the data management server 21 (step S19). . The change notification to the emergency mode is a notification requesting the data management server 21 from the data collection server 11 to change the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 to the emergency mode.

  Thereby, the data collection server 11 is set to the emergency mode for communication with the data management server 21. In this case, the communication interval between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is an emergency mode communication interval that is shorter than the communication interval in the normal mode. For example, when the communication interval is 24 hours in the normal mode, the communication interval for the emergency mode is changed to 1 hour.

  As described above, the data collection server 11 changes the communication mode with the data management server 21 to the emergency mode in response to the occurrence of an abnormal state in the digital multifunction peripheral as an office device in the intranet 1. Is. As a result, the data management server 21 can monitor the state of the office equipment in the intranet 1 at an interval shorter than the communication mode (communication interval for emergency mode). Furthermore, since the data management server 21 monitors the status of the office equipment in the intranet 1 in a short period of time, the operation management company or the store can quickly respond to the abnormality of the office equipment.

Next, processing of the data management server 21 in the emergency mode will be described.
The processing for returning the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 from the emergency mode to the normal mode may be executed based on an instruction from the administrator of the intranet or the digital multifunction peripheral. It may be automatically executed when a predetermined time elapses (from when an abnormality occurs).

  For example, FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen showing a communication state between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 displayed on the display device of the administrator PC 15. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen when the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is the emergency mode.

  In the example of the display screen shown in FIG. 4, an error code, error content, details of error, current status, communication mode, and the like are displayed as information indicating an error state. The display screen showing the communication state as shown in FIG. 4 is provided by the data collection server 11 and displayed on the display unit 15b of the administrator PC 15. For example, when the administrator accesses the page for the communication state display screen from the administrator PC 15 using a Web browser, the display screen is displayed on the display unit 15 b of the administrator PC 15.

  Further, only the administrator can access the display screen page to ensure security. This is to make the access information (URL) of the display screen page accessible only to the administrator, or to perform authentication processing whether or not the user is an administrator when accessing the page using a password or the like. It can be realized by doing so. Thereby, even in the intranet 1, it is possible to prevent a person other than the administrator from accessing the page of the display screen or changing the communication mode.

  Information indicating an error occurring in the digital multi-function peripheral is displayed in the error code display field. Here, it is assumed that an error code is determined in advance for each type of error for an error that occurs in the digital multi-function peripheral. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the error code is indicated as “A1”.

  In the error content display column, information indicating the content of an error that has occurred in the digital multi-function peripheral is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “service call A1” is displayed. In this case, it is indicated that the occurrence of the error “A1” should be a service call. The error details are displayed in the error details display column. The details of this error are, for example, information that is referred to when the error contents are examined in detail to restore the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral.

  In the current display column, information indicating the state of the digital multi-function peripheral or the corresponding state with respect to the error is displayed. For example, as the current status, the current status is displayed, such as when an error has occurred, a serviceman has been notified, or recovery is in progress. The example shown in FIG. 4 indicates that an error has occurred in the digital multi-function peripheral.

  In the display column for the communication mode, the current setting content of the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, it is displayed that the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is the emergency mode. Furthermore, in the example of the display screen illustrated in FIG. 4, a switching button 61 for the administrator to instruct to return the communication mode to the normal mode is displayed.

  That is, in the emergency mode, when the administrator inputs an instruction to the switch button 61, the data collection server 11 executes a process for switching the communication mode from the emergency mode to the normal mode. In other words, the administrator can manually switch the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 from the emergency mode to the normal mode by inputting the switch button 61 on the display screen as described above. It can be done.

  In the above example, the data collection server 11 in the intranet 1 provides the display screen showing the communication state as shown in FIG. 3, but the display screen showing the communication state as shown in FIG. The data management server 21 may be provided. Also in this case, security is ensured by allowing only the administrator to access the display screen page showing the communication state as shown in FIG. This is to make the access information (URL) of the display screen page accessible only to the administrator, or to perform authentication processing whether or not the user is an administrator when accessing the page using a password or the like. It can be realized by doing so. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a person other than the administrator from accessing a display screen page indicating the communication state provided on the Internet 2 or a person other than the administrator from changing the communication mode.

  Next, a processing example of the data management server 21 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing in the data management server 21.

  First, when data is received from the data collection server 11, the data management server 21 determines whether or not the communication mode with the data collection server 11 is an emergency mode (step S21). When it is determined that the communication mode with the data collection server 11 is not the emergency mode (NO in step S21), the data management server 21 remains in the normal mode with the data collection server 11. And the communication mode with the data collection server 11 remains in the normal mode.

  Further, when it is determined that the communication mode with the data collection server 11 is the emergency mode (step S21, YES), the data management server 21 notifies the data collection server 11 to cancel the emergency mode. That is, it is determined whether or not a notification for returning the communication mode with the data collection server 11 from the emergency mode to the normal mode has been received (step S22).

  If it is determined by this determination that a notification for returning the communication mode from the emergency mode to the normal mode has been received (step S22, YES), the data management server 21 has changed the communication mode with the data collection server 11 to the normal mode. Is notified to the data collection server 11 (step S23). As a result, the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is automatically changed to the normal mode based on an instruction from the administrator to change from the emergency mode to the normal mode (in the emergency mode). Manual release function).

  Further, when it is determined that the notification of returning the communication mode from the emergency mode to the normal mode has not been received (NO in step S22), the data management server 21 sets the communication mode with the data collection server 11 to the emergency mode. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the change to (or the elapsed time since the occurrence of the abnormal state) exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) (step S24). Here, the data management server 21 has passed the time elapsed since the notification of the change to the emergency mode from the data collection server 11 (or when an abnormality has occurred in the digital multifunction peripheral notified from the data collection server 11. It is assumed that the elapsed time from the time is counted by a timer (not shown).

  If it is determined that a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has not elapsed since the communication mode was changed to the emergency mode (NO in step S24), the data management server 21 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 remains the emergency mode.

  If it is determined that a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the communication mode was changed to the emergency mode by the above determination (step S24, YES), the data management server 21 has passed the predetermined time. Then, the data collection server 11 is notified that the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is changed from the emergency mode to the normal mode (step S23). As a result, the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is changed to the normal mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the emergency mode (or when an abnormality occurred in the digital multi-function peripheral). It is automatically changed (emergency mode automatic release function).

  In the above example, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the data management server 21 enters the emergency mode (or when an abnormality occurs in the digital multifunction peripheral), and it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, the data management server 21 changes the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 to the normal mode. However, such a process may be performed by the data collection server 11. good.

  For example, by providing a timer (not shown) in the data collection server 11 and counting the elapsed time since the communication mode with the data management server 21 is changed to the emergency mode, the data collection server 11 automatically sets the emergency mode. Release function can be realized. In this case, when the data collection server 11 enters the emergency mode (or when an abnormality has occurred in the digital multifunction peripheral), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, The data management server 21 may notify the data management server 21 that the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is changed from the emergency mode to the normal mode.

  As described above, the switch button 61 instructed by the administrator to return the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 from the emergency mode to the normal mode is displayed on the data collection server 11 or the data management server 21. Is to be provided. As a result, the emergency mode can be changed to the normal mode according to an instruction from the administrator, and the emergency mode can be prevented from continuing more than necessary.

  Further, as described above, the data management server 21 or the data collection server 11 monitors the elapsed time since the communication mode between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is changed to the emergency mode, and the communication mode The data management server 21 or the data collection server 11 is configured to return the communication mode from the emergency mode to the normal mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the change to the emergency mode. This allows the communication mode to be changed from the emergency mode to the normal mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the emergency mode was entered, even if there is no instruction from the administrator or the like to cancel the emergency mode. Can not be continued.

Next, communication processing with the data management server 21 in the data collection server 11 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of communication processing with the data management server 21 in the data collection server 11.
That is, the data collection server 11 transmits a communication start request to the data management server 21 via the firewall 16 by the network interface 55 when the communication time with the data management server 21 is reached ( Step S31). As a result, the data collection server 11 activates communication with the data management server 21.

  For example, in the normal mode, the data collection server 11 starts communication with the data management server 21 at predetermined regular communication intervals (for example, 24 hours) by the process shown in FIG. In the case of the emergency mode, the data collection server 11 starts communication with the data management server 21 at every emergency mode communication interval (for example, 1 hour) by the process shown in FIG.

  When the communication state with the data management server 21 is established, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 transmits / receives data to / from the data management server 21 (step S32). For example, in the normal mode, the data collection server 11 transfers collected data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral and stored in the HDD 54 to the data management server 21. Further, in the emergency mode, the data collection server 11 transfers the collected data collected from each digital multi-function peripheral to the data management server 21 and is urgent if there is an instruction to cancel the emergency mode. A mode release instruction is also notified to the data management server 21. For example, in the emergency mode, when an instruction to return the emergency mode to the normal mode is input from the administrator by the switching button 61, a notification to cancel the emergency mode is transmitted to the data management server 21.

  When the data transmission / reception with the data management server 21 is completed, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 performs communication settings for the next communication with the data management server 21 (steps S33 to S35). That is, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 first determines whether or not the communication mode with the data management server 21 is the emergency mode (step S33).

  If it is determined that the emergency mode is set (YES in step S33), the CPU 51 of the data collection server determines whether an instruction to cancel the emergency mode is received (step S34). For example, when an instruction to return the communication mode with the data management server 21 from the emergency mode to the normal mode is input from the administrator by the switch button 61 or the like, it is determined that there is an instruction to cancel the emergency mode.

  If it is determined by the above determination that there is no instruction to cancel the emergency mode (step S34, NO), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 performs the next communication with the data management server 21 for an emergency mode communication interval (for example, 1). A schedule is set to be executed after (time) (step S35). That is, in the emergency mode, if there is no instruction to cancel the emergency mode, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 sets to communicate with the data management server 21 at the emergency mode communication interval.

  Further, when it is determined that the communication mode with the data management server 21 is not the emergency mode (when it is the normal mode) (step S33, NO), or when it is determined that there is an instruction to cancel the emergency mode based on the above determination (step) S34, YES), the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 serving as the release means executes the next communication with the data management server 21 after a normal mode communication interval (for example, 24 hours) as a normal periodic communication interval. The schedule is set so as to do (step S36). That is, in the normal mode, or in the emergency mode and when there is an emergency mode release instruction, the CPU 51 of the data collection server 11 communicates with the data management server 21 at the normal mode communication interval. Set as follows.

  As described above, the data collection server 11 according to the present embodiment periodically collects data from the digital multifunction peripherals 12 and 13 as office equipment in the intranet 1 and communicates with the set data management server 21. Communication is performed with the data management server 21 on the Internet 2 on the basis of the mode, and when an abnormality notification is received from the office device in the intranet 1, the communication mode with the data management server 21 is set to the normal mode. The emergency mode with a shorter communication interval is set.

  Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the office equipment in the intranet 1, the communication between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 can be performed at an interval shorter than the normal mode. It is possible to quickly respond to abnormalities in office equipment in the intranet 1.

  Further, the data collection server 11 performs data communication such as data collection with the office equipment in the intranet 1 by various communication protocols supported by the office equipment, and the data management server 21 on the Internet 2. Communication is performed using a communication protocol that can pass through the firewall 16. As a result, even if the office devices 12 and 13 in the intranet 1 are compatible only with a communication protocol that cannot pass through the firewall 16, the data collection server 11 receives the data from the office devices 12 and 13 as described above. The data can be transferred to the data management server 21 by a communication protocol that can pass through the firewall 16.

  Furthermore, in the data collection server 11, after changing the communication mode with the data management server 21 to the emergency mode, the communication with the data management server 21 is performed when the elapsed time after entering the emergency mode reaches a predetermined time. The mode is returned to the normal mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a state where the communication interval between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is short from continuing for a long time, and to reduce the processing load of the data management server 21 and the communication load of the network.

  Further, when the communication mode with the data management server 21 is changed to the emergency mode, the data collection server 11 provides a switching button 61 for the administrator to instruct a change from the emergency mode to the normal mode, and the switching When the button 61 is instructed, the communication mode with the data management server 21 is returned to the normal mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a state where the communication interval between the data collection server 11 and the data management server 21 is short from continuing for a long time, and to reduce the processing load of the data management server 21 and the communication load of the network. Further, even when the state of the office equipments 12 and 13 is not abnormal in a short time, the communication mode can be quickly returned from the emergency mode to the normal mode according to an instruction from the administrator.

  In this embodiment, the function for carrying out the invention is recorded in the data collection server 11 in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same function may be downloaded from the network to the data collection server. Alternatively, the same function stored in the recording medium may be installed in the data collection server 11. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM and can be read by the data collection server 11. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) inside the data collection server 11 or the like.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows schematically the structural example of a data collection server. The flowchart for demonstrating the example of a basic process in a data collection server. The figure which shows the example of the display screen which shows a communication state. The flowchart for demonstrating the process example of the setting process of the communication setting with respect to the data collection server in a data management server. The flowchart for demonstrating the process example of a communication process with the data management server in a data collection server.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Intranet, 2 ... Internet, 3 ... Operation management company's PC, 4 ... Retailer's PC, 11 ... Data collection server (data collection device), 12, 13 ... Digital compound machine (office equipment), 14 ... Controller, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... PC for administrators, 16 ... Firewall (defense device), 21 ... Data management server (data management device), 51 ... Control unit (CPU), 51a ... Clock, 54 ... Hard disk drive (HDD), 54a ... Program Storage area 54b Setting information storage area 54c Collection data storage area 55 Network interface 61 Switch button

Claims (8)

In a data collection device that collects data from office equipment installed in the local area network,
A first communication means for performing data communication with office equipment installed in the local area network;
A second communication means for performing data communication with a data management device installed outside the local area network;
Data collection means for collecting data from office equipment in the local area network at a first communication interval by the first communication means;
Data transfer means for transmitting the data collected by the data collection means to the data management device at a second communication interval longer than the first communication interval by the second communication means;
When the first communication means receives a notification of occurrence of an abnormality from an office device existing in the local area network, the communication interval between the second communication means and the data management device is determined from the second communication interval. Change means to change to a short communication interval,
A data collection device comprising: The local area network and the outside of the local area network are connected via a defense device that prevents unauthorized access from outside the local area network,
The data collection means collects data from the office device by data communication with a communication protocol supported by the office device in the local area network by the first communication unit,
The data transfer means transmits the data collected from the office equipment by the data collection means to the data management apparatus outside the local area network by data communication using a communication protocol that can pass through the defense apparatus by the second communication means. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein: Further, when a predetermined time elapses after the changing means changes the communication interval with the data management device to a communication interval shorter than the second communication interval, the communication interval with the data management device is changed to the second time. The data collection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a canceling unit that returns the communication interval to the communication interval. Further, after changing the communication interval with the data management device to a communication interval shorter than the second communication interval by the changing means, the administrator of the office equipment changes the communication interval with the data management device to the second time interval. 2. The data collection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a release unit configured to return the communication interval with the data management device to the second communication interval when an instruction to return to the communication interval is given. A first communication unit installed in a local area network and performing data communication with office equipment in the local area network; and a second communication unit performing data communication with a data management device outside the local area network; In a data collection device having
A data collection function for collecting data from office equipment in the local area network at a first communication interval by the first communication means;
A data transfer function for transmitting data collected by the data collection function to the data management apparatus at a second communication interval longer than the first communication interval by the second communication means;
When the first communication means receives a notification of occurrence of an abnormality from an office device existing in the local area network, the communication interval between the second communication means and the data management device is determined from the second communication interval. Change function to change to a short communication interval,
Data management program to execute. The local area network and the outside of the local area network are connected via a defense device that prevents unauthorized access from outside the local area network,
The data collection function collects data from the office device by data communication with a communication protocol supported by the office device in the local area network by the first communication means,
The data transfer function transmits data collected from office equipment by the data collection function to the data management device by data communication in a communication protocol that can pass through the defense device by the second communication means.
The data management program according to claim 5, for executing the above. A first communication unit installed in a local area network and performing data communication with office equipment in the local area network; and a second communication unit performing data communication with a data management device outside the local area network; A data communication control method used for a data collection device having
Collecting data from office equipment in the local area network at a first communication interval by the first communication means;
Transmitting the data collected by the office equipment in the local area network to the data management device at a second communication interval longer than the first communication interval by the second communication means;
When the first communication means receives a notification of occurrence of an abnormality from an office device existing in the local area network, the communication interval between the second communication means and the data management device is determined from the second communication interval. Change to a shorter communication interval,
A data communication control method comprising: The local area network and the outside of the local area network are connected via a defense device that prevents unauthorized access from outside the local area network,
Data collection from the office equipment in the local area network is performed by data communication with a communication protocol supported by the office equipment in the local area network by the first communication means,
The data transfer to the data management device outside the local area network is performed by data communication using a communication protocol that can pass through the defense device by the second communication means. The data communication control method described.

Images