JP2011192165A - Management device, management system, management method, management program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A management apparatus, a management system, a management method, a management program, and a storage medium that can improve convenience for a user are provided.
A first multifunction machine 106-1 to a fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and a first printing apparatus 108-1 to a fifth printing apparatus 108-5 are connected via an internal network 102. A remote management device 160 for remotely managing the fifth multifunction device and the first to fifth printing devices in units of management items is connected via the internal network 102 and the external network 104, and the first to fifth multifunction devices and the first to first devices. A management device 120 that manages five printing devices in units of management items, a management form storage unit 142 that stores management level information indicating a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device 160, and a remote management device A management unit 156 that receives the management result of the management item from 160 and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a management apparatus, a management system, a management method, a management program, and a storage medium.

  Conventionally, a remote management system for performing maintenance management and maintenance of a copying apparatus operating on a network (for example, LAN) in a client site using a central management apparatus installed in a service center of the manufacturer of the copying apparatus Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such a remote management system, in general, the central management device uses a communication device connected to a network such as a LAN to manage various types of management information such as maintenance information, operating status, and whether or not a failure has occurred. Are collected, and the collected management information is analyzed, and various managements such as maintenance management of the copying apparatus, failure repair management, and consumables management are performed.

  In addition, there is a management system in which a user himself / herself performs maintenance management and maintenance of a copying apparatus using a management apparatus connected to a network in a client site instead of a central management apparatus installed in a manufacturer's service center.

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, since the management form of the electronic device is set uniformly, there is room for improvement in improving convenience for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a management device, a management system, a management method, a management program, and a storage medium that can improve convenience for the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a management apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to an electronic device via a first network and remotely manages the electronic device in units of management items. A management device that is connected to a remote management device via the first network and the second network and manages the electronic device in units of management items, the management level of the management items being remotely managed by the remote management device Management form storage means for storing management level information indicating, management means for receiving a management result of the management item from the remote management device, and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information; It is characterized by providing.

  A management apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to an electronic device via a first network, and remotely manages the electronic device in units of electronic devices, the first network, and the second network. A management device that is connected via a network and manages the electronic device in units of electronic devices, and stores management level information indicating a management level of the electronic device that is remotely managed by the remote management device And management means for receiving a management result of the management item of the electronic device from the remote management device and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information. .

  A management apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups and the first network. And a management device that is connected via the second network and manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and stores management level information indicating a management level of a group that is remotely managed by the remote management device A configuration storage unit, and a management unit that receives a management result of a management item of an electronic device belonging to the group from the remote management device, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information. It is characterized by that.

  In addition, a management system according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to an electronic device via a first network, and remotely manages the electronic device in units of management items, the first network, and the second network. A management system comprising: a management device connected via a network and managing the electronic device in units of management items; and a client terminal connected to the management device via the first network, the management device Receiving a management level storage means for storing management level information indicating a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device, and a management level change request for requesting a change in management level from the client terminal, In response to the received management level change request, changing means for changing the management level indicated by the management level information; Management means for receiving a management result of the management item from a management device and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information, and the client terminal includes the management level in the management device Change request means for transmitting a change request;

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a remote management device that is connected to an electronic device via a first network and remotely manages the electronic device in units of management items, the first network, and the second network. A management method executed by a management apparatus connected via a network and managing the electronic device in units of management items, wherein the management means receives a management result of a management item remotely managed by the remote management apparatus Management that performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management result and the management level information indicating the management level of the management item remotely managed by the remote management device A step.

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a remote management device that is connected to an electronic device via a first network and remotely manages the electronic device in units of electronic devices, the first network, and the second network. A management method connected by a network and executed by a management device that manages the electronic device in units of electronic devices, wherein the management means is a management item of the electronic device that is remotely managed by the remote management device According to the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for receiving the management result and storing the management result and the management level information indicating the management level of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management device And a management step for performing the processing.

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a remote management apparatus that is connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and that remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and the first network. And a management method connected to the second network and executed by a management device that manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, wherein the management means belongs to a group that is remotely managed by the remote management device The management level information of the management form storage means for receiving the management result of the management item of the electronic device and storing the management result and the management level information indicating the management level of the group remotely managed by the remote management device A management step of performing processing according to the management level.

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a remote management device that is connected to an electronic device via a first network and remotely manages the electronic device in units of management items, the first network, and the second network. A management method that is executed by a management system that includes a management device that is connected via a network and that manages the electronic device in units of management items, and a client terminal that is connected to the management device via the first network. In the management apparatus, the change unit receives a management level change request for requesting a change in a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management apparatus from the client terminal, and the received management level A management form for storing management level information indicating a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device in response to a change request A change step of changing the management level indicated by the management level information of the storage means; and the management means receives the management result of the management item from the remote management device, and changes the management level to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information. And a change request step in which the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device.

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a remote management device that is connected to an electronic device via a first network and remotely manages the electronic device in units of electronic devices, the first network, and the second network. A management method executed by a management system comprising a management device connected via a network and managing the electronic device in units of electronic devices, and a client terminal connected to the management device via the first network. In the management apparatus, the change unit receives a management level change request for requesting a change in the management level of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management apparatus from the client terminal. In response to the level change request, the management level information indicating the management level of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management device is stored. A change step for changing the management level indicated by the management level information in the management form storage means, and the management means receives the management result of the management item of the electronic device from the remote management device, and the management result and the management level information A management step for performing processing according to the management level indicated by the client terminal, wherein the client terminal includes a change requesting step in which the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device. .

  A management method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a remote management apparatus that is connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and that remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and the first network. And a management method executed by a management system including a management device that is connected via the second network and manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and a client terminal connected to the first network. In the management apparatus, the change unit receives a management level change request for requesting a change in a management level of a group remotely managed by the remote management apparatus from the client terminal, and the received management level change request In accordance with the management mode information, the management level information indicating the management level of the group remotely managed by the remote management device is stored. A change step of changing the management level indicated by the management level information of the means; and the management means receives the management result of the management item of the electronic device belonging to the group from the remote management device, and the management result and the management level information A management step for performing processing according to the management level indicated by the client terminal, wherein the client terminal includes a change requesting step in which the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device. .

  A management program according to another aspect of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the management method.

  A storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable medium storing the management program.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the management form storage unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a management form change screen example according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a management level change process performed in the management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management processing at level 1 performed in the management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management processing at level 2 performed in the management system of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management processing at level 3 performed in the management system of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the management form storage unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a management form change screen example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management level change processing performed in the management system of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a management process at level 1 performed in the management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of level 2 management processing performed by the management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management processing at level 3 performed in the management system of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in the management form storage unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a management form change screen example according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a management level change process performed in the management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of level 1 management processing performed in the management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of management processing at level 2 performed in the management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of level 3 management processing performed in the management system according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a management device, a management system, a management method, a management program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example of managing an electronic device by setting a management level for each management item will be described.

  First, the configuration of the management system of the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 includes a first multifunction peripheral (MFP) 106-1 to a fifth multifunction device 106-5, and a first printing device 108-1 to a fifth printing device 108-5. A client terminal 110, a management device 120, and a remote management device 160.

  The first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5, the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5, the client terminal 110, and the management device 120 include a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. They are connected via an internal network 102 (an example of a first network). The management device 120 and the remote management device 160 are connected via an external network 104 (an example of a second network) such as a public line or the Internet and an internal network 102.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5, they may be simply referred to as the multifunction machine 106, and similarly, the first printing apparatus 108-1. When there is no need to distinguish each of the fifth to fifth printing apparatuses 108-5, they may be simply referred to as the printing apparatus 108. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5, they may be simply referred to as electronic devices. is there.

  The multifunction device 106 (an example of an electronic device) is an image forming apparatus having at least two functions among a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The printing apparatus 108 (an example of an electronic device) is an image forming apparatus having a printing function, and corresponds to, for example, a laser printer. In the first embodiment, the case where the number of the multifunction devices 106 and the printing devices 108 is five will be described as an example. However, the number of the multifunction devices 106 and the printing devices 108 is not limited to this. , Each can be any number. Further, only one of the multifunction machine 106 and the printing apparatus 108 may be used. In the first embodiment, the multifunction device and the printing apparatus are described as examples of the electronic device. However, the electronic device is not limited to this, and the multifunction device, the printing device, the copying machine, the scanner device, and the facsimile device. , And other IT related devices in general.

  The management device 120 manages the first multifunction device 106-1 to the fifth multifunction device 106-5 and the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5 via the internal network 102. A communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150 are provided.

  The communication unit 130 communicates with the first multifunction device 106-1 to the fifth multifunction device 106-5, the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5, and the client terminal 110 via the internal network 102. Or communicates with the remote management device 160 via the internal network 102 and the external network 104, and can be realized by an existing communication device such as a communication interface. Note that the communication unit 130 is controlled by a later-described control unit 150 such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), or It is controlled by an appropriate protocol according to the communication target device such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

  The storage unit 140 stores various programs executed by the management apparatus 120, various information used for various processes performed by the management apparatus 120, and the like. The storage unit 140 is, for example, magnetic, optical, or electrical such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, an optical disk, a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). It can be realized by an existing storage device that can store the data. The storage unit 140 includes a management form storage unit 142 and a management information storage unit 144.

  The management form storage unit 142 stores management destination information indicating a management destination for each management item. When the remote management device 160 is included in the management destination, the management form storage unit 142 also stores management level information indicating the management level of the management item. is doing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the management form storage unit 142. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the management form storage unit 142 stores management item names, management destination information, and management level information in association with each other. The management destination information for status management and setting management indicates the management device 120, the management destination information for counter management and firmware management indicates the remote management device 160, and the management destination information for address book management includes the management device 120 and the remote management device. Both 160 are shown. Further, the management level information of counter management, firmware management, and address book management in which the remote management device 160 is included in the management destination is level 2, level 3, and level 1, respectively. The contents of the management items are not limited to this.

  The management information storage unit 144 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 150 controls each unit of the management device 120 and can be realized by an existing control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 150 includes a distribution unit 152, a change unit 154, and a management unit 156.

  The distribution unit 152 controls the communication unit 130 to acquire management information corresponding to the management item from the electronic device. The distribution unit 152, for example, as status management, counter management, setting management, firmware management, address book management management information, status information, counter information, various setting information (for example, network setting information, security setting information, etc.), respectively. ), Version information, and address book information (user information) are acquired from the electronic device. Then, the allocating unit 152 refers to the management form information of the management item for which the management information has been acquired from the management form storage unit 142, and if the management destination information indicates at least the management device 120, the distribution unit 152 displays the acquired management information. 144 to store. In the first embodiment, the management information storage unit 144 manages the management information of the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5. It is memorized for each item. Further, when the management destination information indicates at least the remote management device 160, the distribution unit 152 controls the communication unit 130 to transmit the acquired management information to the remote management device 160.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution unit 152 stores status information, various setting information, and address book information in the management information acquired from the electronic device in the management information storage unit 144, and includes counter information, version information, The address book information is transmitted to the remote management device 160.

  The changing unit 154 receives, via the communication unit 130, at least one of a management destination change request for requesting a change in the management item management destination and a management level change request for requesting a change in the management item management level from the client terminal 110. To do. Note that the changing unit 154 controls communication between the communication unit 130 and the client terminal 110 using a protocol such as httpd (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Daemon).

  When receiving the management destination change request, the changing unit 154 changes the management destination indicated by the management destination information of the management item to be changed to the management destination requested by the management destination change request, and stores the management destination in the management form storage unit 142. Let Then, the changing unit 154 controls the communication unit 130 to transfer the management information of the management item whose management destination has been changed between the management device 120 and the remote management device 160. For example, when the management destination of the management item to be changed is changed from the management device 120 to the remote management device 160, the changing unit 154 acquires the management information of the management item from the management information storage unit 144 and sends it to the remote management device 160. Forward. Further, for example, when the management destination of the management item to be changed is changed from the remote management device 160 to the management device 120, the changing unit 154 acquires management information of the management item from the remote management device 160 and manages the management information storage unit 144. Remember me.

  When the change unit 154 receives the management level change request, the change unit 154 changes the management level indicated by the management level information of the management item to be changed to the management level requested by the management level change request, and stores it in the management form storage unit 142. Remember. Then, the changing unit 154 controls the communication unit 130 to transmit the management level information of the management item whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 160.

  The management unit 156 manages management items in which the management device 120 is included in the management destination. The management contents include electronic device status management based on status information, electronic device usage status management based on counter information, network settings and security settings, firmware update, address book management (user registration, update, deletion, etc. ), Checking for the presence or absence of a failure, searching under a connection impossible state due to an unknown IP address or a change.

  In addition, the management unit 156 receives the management result of the management item managed by the remote management device 160 from the remote management device 160 via the communication unit 130. Then, the management unit 156 refers to the management level information of the management item that received the management result from the management form storage unit 142, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information and the received management result.

  Specifically, when the management level information indicates level 1 (an example of the first management level), the management unit 156 controls the communication unit 130 and transmits the received management result to the client terminal 110 as it is. Further, when the management level information indicates level 2 (an example of the second management level), the management unit 156 processes the received management result, controls the communication unit 130, and transmits it to the client terminal 110.

  In addition, when the management level information indicates level 3 (an example of a third management level), the management unit 156 causes the target electronic device to perform processing indicated by the received management result. For example, the management unit 156 notifies the client terminal 110 (user or IT administrator) of a status error or counter error, or performs device setting, firmware update, or the like. Then, the management unit 156 controls the communication unit 130 to transmit, to the remote management device 160, the processing result obtained by performing the processing instructed by the management result on the target electronic device, and the processing result information based on the transmitted processing result. Received from the remote management device 160 via the communication unit 130. Furthermore, the management unit 156 processes the received processing result information into a report, controls the communication unit 130, and transmits the report to the client terminal 110.

  The client terminal 110 is a terminal device used when changing the management form of the electronic device, and includes a change request unit 112.

  The change request unit 112 makes at least one of a management destination change request for requesting a management destination change for each management item and a management level change request for requesting a management level change for each management item to the management apparatus 120. Note that the function of the change request unit 112 can be realized by, for example, a Web browser. When the function of the change request unit 112 is realized by a Web browser, the change request unit 112 displays data (for example, an HTML file, an XHTML file, etc.) for displaying a management form change screen from the management device 120 (for example, the change unit 154). ). Then, using the received data, the change request unit 112 displays a management form change screen on a display device (not shown) provided in the client terminal 110, and causes the user to change the management form of the electronic device.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the management form change screen 195. In the management form change screen 195 shown in FIG. 3, the management destination of each management item is set to one of the management device 120, the remote management device 160, and both (the management device 120 and the remote management device 160) using radio buttons. Select (change). Further, the management level of the management item including the remote management device 160 as a management destination is selected (changed) to any one of levels 1 to 3 using a combo box. Then, when the user changes the management destination of the management item and clicks the OK button 196, the change request unit 112, for example, data indicating the management item for requesting the change of the management destination and the management destination after the change of the management item The management destination change request including the data indicating “” is transmitted to the management device 120. Similarly, when the user changes the management level of the management item and clicks the OK button 196, the change request unit 112, for example, data indicating the management item requesting the change of the management level and management after the management item is changed. A management level change request including data indicating the level is transmitted to the management apparatus 120. When both the management item management level and the management level of the management item are changed and the OK button 196 is clicked, the change request unit 112 transmits both the management destination change request and the management level change request to the management apparatus 120. On the other hand, when the user clicks the CANCEL button 197, the change request unit 112 cancels the management form change and closes the management form change screen 195.

  The remote management device 160 is installed in a service center such as an electronic device manufacturer or a service provider, and the first multifunction device 106-1 to the fifth multifunction device 106-5 and the first multifunction device 106-5 and the first device via the internal network 102 and the external network 104. The first printing apparatus 108-1 to the fifth printing apparatus 108-5 are remotely managed, and include a communication unit 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190.

  The communication unit 170 communicates with the management device 120 via the internal network 102 and the external network 104, and can be realized by an existing communication device like the communication unit 130.

  The storage unit 180 stores various programs executed by the remote management device 160 and various types of information used for various processes performed by the remote management device 160, and is realized by an existing storage device like the storage unit 140. it can. The storage unit 180 includes a management form storage unit 182 and a management information storage unit 184. The details of the management form storage unit 182 and the management information storage unit 184 are the same as those of the management form storage unit 142 and the management information storage unit 144, respectively.

  The control unit 190 controls each unit of the remote management device 160 and, like the control unit 150, can be realized by an existing control device. The control unit 190 includes a remote management unit 192.

  The remote management unit 192 remotely manages management items including the remote management device 160 as a management destination via the management device 120. The remote management content of the remote management unit 192 is the same as the management content of the management unit 156 of the management device 120.

  In addition, the remote management unit 192 transmits the management result of the management item being remotely managed to the management apparatus 120 by controlling the communication unit 170. Further, the remote management unit 192 receives the processing result obtained by performing the processing instructed by the management result on the target electronic device from the management device 120 via the communication unit 170, and creates processing result information based on the received processing result. The communication unit 170 is controlled and transmitted to the management device 120.

  The remote management unit 192 stores the management information received from the management device 120 via the communication unit 170 in the management information storage unit 184, and the management information requested to be transferred from the management device 120. The management destination indicated by the management destination information stored in the management form storage unit 182 in accordance with the process of controlling the communication unit 170 and transferring it to the management apparatus 120, the acquisition / transfer of management information, and the change of the management level Processing for changing the management level and processing for changing the management level indicated by the management level information.

  In the management system 100 of the first embodiment, in order to realize remote management, the management device 120 and the remote management device 160 send a processing request and a response to a method of an application to be mounted by RPC (Remote Procedure Call). In order to realize RPC, a protocol such as SOAP, HTTP, or FTP is used.

  Further, in the management system 100 of the first embodiment, the request from the remote management device 160 to the management device 120 is prevented from being repelled by a firewall (not shown). It is assumed that the request is transmitted on the response after the periodic polling from the management device 120 is performed.

  Next, the operation of the management system of the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure flow of a management level change process performed in the management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

  First, the change request unit 112 of the client terminal 110 accepts a user operation for changing the management level of a management item including the remote management device 160 as a management destination (step S100), and transmits a management level change request to the management device 120. (Step S102).

  Subsequently, when the change unit 154 of the management apparatus 120 receives the management level change request from the client terminal 110, the management level indicated by the management level information of the management item to be changed is set to the management level requested by the management level change request. It changes and memorize | stores in the management form memory | storage part 142 (step S104).

  Subsequently, the changing unit 154 transmits the management level information of the management item whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 160 (step S106).

  Subsequently, when the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 receives the management level information from the management device 120, the management level information received from the management device 120 indicates the management level indicated by the management level information of the management item to be changed. The management level is changed to the indicated management level and stored in the management form storage unit 182 (step S108).

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 1 performed in the management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 displays each electronic device (the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 as a management result of firmware management remotely managed by the remote management unit 192. Firmware information of each of the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5 is transmitted to the management device 120 (step S120).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 156 of the management apparatus 120 receives the firmware information of each electronic device from the remote management apparatus 160, the management unit 156 refers to the management type storage unit 142 for the management level information of the firmware management. In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the management level information for firmware management is level 1, the management unit 156 transmits the received firmware information of each electronic device to the client terminal 110 as it is (step S122).

  Subsequently, when the client terminal 110 receives the firmware information of each electronic device from the management device 120, the client terminal 110 displays the firmware information of each electronic device on a display device (not shown) (step S124).

  In addition, the management unit 156 notifies the client terminal 110 of the received firmware information of each electronic device by mail (step S126).

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 2 performed in the management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 displays each electronic device (the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 as a management result of firmware management remotely managed by the remote management unit 192. Firmware information of each of the first printing device 108-1 to the fifth printing device 108-5 is transmitted to the management device 120 (step S140).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 156 of the management apparatus 120 receives the firmware information of each electronic device from the remote management apparatus 160, the management unit 156 refers to the management type storage unit 142 for the management level information of the firmware management. In the example shown in FIG. 6, since the management level information for firmware management is level 2, the management unit 156 processes the received firmware information of each electronic device into a report such as a graph (step S142) and sends it to the client terminal 110. Transmit (step S144).

  Subsequently, when the client terminal 110 receives the report from the management device 120, the client terminal 110 displays the report on a display device (not shown) (step S146).

  In addition, the management unit 156 notifies the processed report to the client terminal 110 by mail (step S148).

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 3 performed in the management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 displays each electronic device (the first multifunction machine 106-1 to the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 and the fifth multifunction machine 106-5 as a management result of firmware management remotely managed by the remote management unit 192. The management apparatus 120 is instructed to update the firmware of each of the first printing apparatus 108-1 to the fifth printing apparatus 108-5 (step S160).

  Subsequently, when the remote management device 160 gives an instruction to update the firmware of each electronic device, the management unit 156 of the management device 120 refers to the management level information for firmware management from the management form storage unit 142. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the management level information for firmware management is level 3, the management unit 156 requests firmware update data from the remote management device 160 (step S162).

  Subsequently, when the firmware update data is requested from the management device 120, the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 transmits the update data to the management device 120 (step S164).

  Subsequently, when receiving the update data from the remote management device 160, the management unit 156 of the management device 120 transmits the update data to each electronic device to update the firmware (step S166).

  Subsequently, the management unit 156 transmits the firmware update result to the remote management device 160 (step S168).

  Subsequently, when receiving the firmware update result from the management device 120, the remote management unit 192 of the remote management device 160 creates update information based on the received update result and transmits the update information to the management device 120 (step S170).

  Subsequently, when receiving the update information from the remote management device 160, the management unit 156 of the management device 120 processes the received update information into a report such as a graph (step S172) and transmits it to the client terminal 110 (step S174). .

  Subsequently, when the client terminal 110 receives the report from the management device 120, the client terminal 110 displays the report on a display device (not shown) (step S176).

  Also, the management unit 156 notifies the processed report to the client terminal 110 by email (step S178).

  As described above, in the management system 100 according to the first embodiment, the management level is set for the management item managed by the remote management device 160, and the management according to the management level is performed. Therefore, the management by the remote management device 160 is flexible. The convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, in the management system 100 of the first embodiment, the management level of the management items managed by the remote management device 160 can be changed from the client terminal 110, so that the management by the remote management device 160 can be set flexibly, and for the user Convenience can be improved. Thereby, even when receiving remote management by the remote management device 160, it is possible to differentiate the management contents of the management item to be managed with priority and the management item to be easily managed.

  In the first embodiment, a case where a plurality of electronic devices are managed has been described as an example. However, a single electronic device may be a management target. Moreover, you may enable it to select the electronic device used as management object from several electronic devices.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, an example in which an electronic device is managed by setting a management level for each electronic device will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and symbols as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be made. Omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management system 200 according to the second embodiment.

  In the management device 220 of the second embodiment, the management mode storage unit 242 of the storage unit 240, the distribution unit 252, the change unit 254, and the management unit 256 of the control unit 250 are different from the management device 120 of the first embodiment. . In the client terminal 210 of the second embodiment, the change request unit 212 is different from the client terminal 110 of the first embodiment. In the remote management device 260 of the second embodiment, the management mode storage unit 282 of the storage unit 280 and the remote management unit 292 of the control unit 290 are different from the remote management device 160 of the first embodiment. Below, these each part is demonstrated.

  The management form storage unit 242 of the management device 220 stores management destination information indicating a management destination for each electronic device. When the remote management device 260 is included in the management destination, a management indicating the management level of the electronic device. Level information is also stored. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the management form storage unit 242. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the management form storage unit 242 stores an electronic device name, management destination information, and management level information in association with each other.

  The distribution unit 252 refers to the management destination information of the electronic device from which the management information has been acquired from the management form storage unit 242, and if the management destination information indicates at least the management device 220, the distribution unit 252 stores the acquired management information in the management information storage unit 144. Remember. Further, the distribution unit 252 transmits the acquired management information to the remote management device 260 when the management destination information indicates at least the remote management device 260.

  In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the distribution unit 252 stores the management information acquired from the first, third, and fifth multifunction devices and the first, third, and fifth printing apparatuses in the management information storage unit 144, and The management information acquired from the 2, 4, and 5 multifunction peripherals and the second, fourth, and fifth printing apparatuses is transmitted to the remote management apparatus 260.

  The changing unit 254 receives from the client terminal 210 at least one of a management destination change request for requesting a change in the management destination of the electronic device and a management level change request for requesting a change in the management level of the electronic device.

  When receiving the management destination change request, the changing unit 254 changes the management destination indicated by the management destination information of the electronic device to be changed to the management destination requested by the management destination change request, and stores the management destination in the management form storage unit 242. Let Then, the changing unit 254 transfers the management information of the electronic device whose management destination has been changed between the management device 220 and the remote management device 260. For example, when the management destination of the electronic device to be changed is changed from the management device 220 to the remote management device 260, the changing unit 254 acquires management information of the electronic device from the management information storage unit 144 and sends it to the remote management device 260. Forward. For example, when the management destination of the electronic device to be changed is changed from the remote management device 260 to the management device 220, the changing unit 254 acquires management information of the electronic device from the remote management device 260 and manages the management information storage unit 144. Remember me.

  Further, when receiving the management level change request, the changing unit 254 changes the management level indicated by the management level information of the electronic device to be changed to the management level requested by the management level change request, and stores it in the management form storage unit 242. Remember. Then, the changing unit 254 transmits the management level information of the electronic device whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 260.

  The management unit 256 manages management items of electronic devices that include the management device 220 as a management destination. In addition, the management unit 256 receives the management result of the management item of the electronic device managed by the remote management device 260 from the remote management device 260. Then, the management unit 256 refers to the management level information of the electronic device that has received the management result from the management form storage unit 242, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information and the received management result.

  The change request unit 212 of the client terminal 210 receives at least the management destination change request for requesting the management device 220 to change the management destination in units of electronic devices and the management level change request for requesting a change in management level in units of electronic devices. Do one.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the management form change screen 295. In the management form change screen 295 shown in FIG. 10, the management destination of each electronic device is selected (changed) to the management device 220, the remote management device 260, or both using a radio button. . In addition, the management level of the electronic device including the remote management device 260 as a management destination is selected (changed) to any one of levels 1 to 3 using a combo box. When the user changes the management destination of the electronic device and clicks the OK button 296, the change request unit 212, for example, data indicating the electronic device requesting the change of the management destination and the management destination after the change of the electronic device The management destination change request including the data indicating “” is transmitted to the management apparatus 220. Similarly, when the user changes the management level of the electronic device and clicks the OK button 296, the change request unit 212, for example, data indicating the electronic device that requests the change of the management level and management after the change of the electronic device. A management level change request including data indicating the level is transmitted to the management apparatus 220. On the other hand, when the user clicks the CANCEL button 297, the change request unit 212 cancels the management form change and closes the management form change screen 295.

  The details of the management form storage unit 282 of the remote management device 260 are the same as those of the management form storage unit 242, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The remote management unit 292 remotely manages, via the management device 220, management items of electronic devices whose management destination includes the remote management device 260. In addition, the remote management unit 292 transmits the management result of the management item of the electronic device being remotely managed to the management device 220. In addition, the remote management unit 292 receives a processing result obtained by performing the processing instructed by the management result from the management device 220 on the target electronic device, creates processing result information based on the received processing result, and transmits the processing result information to the management device 220. .

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure flow of a management level change process performed in the management system 200 according to the second embodiment.

  First, the change request unit 212 of the client terminal 210 accepts a user operation for changing the management level of an electronic device that includes the remote management device 260 as a management destination (step S200), and transmits a management level change request to the management device 220. (Step S202).

  Subsequently, when receiving the management level change request from the client terminal 210, the changing unit 254 of the management apparatus 220 changes the management level indicated by the management level information of the electronic device to be changed to the management level requested by the management level change request. Then, it is stored in the management form storage unit 242 (step S204).

  Subsequently, the changing unit 254 transmits the management level information of the electronic device whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 260 (step S206).

  Subsequently, when the remote management unit 292 of the remote management device 260 receives the management level information from the management device 220, the management level information received from the management device 220 indicates the management level indicated by the management level information of the electronic device to be changed. The management level is changed to the indicated management level and stored in the management form storage unit 282 (step S208).

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 1 performed in the management system 200 according to the second embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 292 of the remote management device 260 transmits firmware information of the level 1 electronic device to the management device 220 as a management result of the firmware management of the level 1 electronic device remotely managed by the remote management unit 292. (Step S220).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 256 of the management device 220 receives the firmware information of the level 1 electronic device from the remote management device 260, the management type storage unit 242 refers to the management level information of the electronic device that has received the firmware information. In the example shown in FIG. 12, since the management level information of the electronic device that has received the firmware information is level 1, the management unit 256 transmits the firmware information of the level 1 electronic device as it is to the client terminal 210 (step S222). .

  Subsequently, when receiving the firmware information of the level 1 electronic device from the management device 220, the client terminal 210 displays the firmware information of the level 1 electronic device on a display device (not shown) (step S224).

  In addition, the management unit 256 notifies the client terminal 210 of the received firmware information of the level 1 electronic device by mail (step S226).

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 2 performed in the management system 200 according to the second embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 292 of the remote management device 260 transmits firmware information of the level 2 electronic device to the management device 220 as a management result of the firmware management of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management unit 292 (step S240).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 256 of the management device 220 receives the firmware information of the level 2 electronic device from the remote management device 260, the management type storage unit 242 refers to the management level information of the electronic device that has received the firmware information. In the example shown in FIG. 13, since the management level information of the electronic device that has received the firmware information is level 2, the management unit 256 processes the firmware information of the level 2 electronic device into a report such as a graph (step S242). .

  The subsequent processing from step S244 to S248 is the same as the processing from step S144 to S148 in the sequence shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 3 performed in the management system 200 according to the second embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 292 of the remote management device 260 instructs the management device 220 to update the firmware of the level 3 electronic device as a management result of the firmware management of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management unit 292 ( Step S260).

  Subsequently, when the remote management device 260 is instructed to update the firmware of the level 3 electronic device, the management unit 256 of the management device 220 sends the management level information of the electronic device instructed to update from the management form storage unit 242. refer. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the management level information of the electronic device for which update has been instructed is level 3, and therefore the management unit 256 requests firmware update data from the remote management device 260 (step S262).

  Subsequently, when the firmware update data is requested from the management device 220, the remote management unit 292 of the remote management device 260 transmits the update data to the management device 220 (step S264).

  Subsequently, when receiving the update data from the remote management device 260, the management unit 256 of the management device 220 transmits the update data to the level 3 electronic device to update the firmware (step S266).

  The subsequent processing from step S268 to S278 is the same as the processing from step S168 to S178 in the sequence shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the management system 200 according to the second embodiment, the management level is set for the electronic device managed by the remote management device 260, and management according to the management level is performed. Therefore, the management by the remote management device 260 is flexible. The convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the management system 200 of the second embodiment, the management level of the electronic device managed by the remote management device 260 can be changed from the client terminal 210, so that the management by the remote management device 260 can be set flexibly, which is useful for the user. Convenience can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, an example in which an electronic device is managed by setting a management level for each group to which the electronic device belongs will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and symbols as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be given. Is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management system 300 according to the third embodiment.

  In the management device 320 of the third embodiment, a management mode storage unit 342 of the storage unit 340, a distribution unit 352, a change unit 354, and a management unit 356 of the control unit 350 are different from the management device 120 of the first embodiment. . Further, in the client terminal 310 of the third embodiment, the change request unit 312 is different from the client terminal 110 of the first embodiment. Further, in the remote management device 360 of the third embodiment, the management mode storage unit 382 of the storage unit 380 and the remote management unit 392 of the control unit 390 are different from the remote management device 360 of the first embodiment. Below, these each part is demonstrated.

  The management form storage unit 342 of the management device 320 stores management destination information indicating a management destination for each group to which the electronic device belongs. When the remote management device 360 is included in the management destination, the management level of the group is set. Management level information is also stored. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the management form storage unit 342. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the management form storage unit 342 stores a group name, management destination information, and management level information in association with each other.

  The distribution unit 352 refers to the management form storage unit 342 for the management destination information of the group to which the electronic device from which the management information has been acquired belongs, and stores the acquired management information in the management information storage when the management destination information indicates at least the management device 320. Stored in the unit 144. Further, the distribution unit 352 transmits the acquired management information to the remote management device 360 when the management destination information indicates at least the remote management device 360.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the distribution unit 352 stores the management information acquired from the printing apparatus 108 belonging to the second group in the management information storage unit 144, and the management information acquired from the multifunction device 106 belonging to the first group. Is transmitted to the remote management device 360.

  The changing unit 354 receives from the client terminal 310 at least one of a management destination change request for requesting a change in the group management destination and a management level change request for requesting a change in the group management level.

  When receiving the management destination change request, the changing unit 354 changes the management destination indicated by the management destination information of the group to be changed to the management destination requested by the management destination change request, and stores the management destination in the management form storage unit 342. . Then, the changing unit 354 transfers management information of electronic devices belonging to the group whose management destination has been changed between the management device 320 and the remote management device 360. For example, when the management destination of the group to be changed is changed from the management device 320 to the remote management device 360, the changing unit 354 acquires management information of the electronic devices belonging to the group from the management information storage unit 144 and acquires the remote management device. 360. Further, for example, when the management destination of the group to be changed is changed from the remote management device 360 to the management device 320, the changing unit 354 acquires management information of electronic devices belonging to the group from the remote management device 360 and stores the management information Stored in the unit 144.

  Further, when receiving the management level change request, the changing unit 354 changes the management level indicated by the management level information of the group to be changed to the management level requested by the management level change request, and stores it in the management form storage unit 342. Let Then, the changing unit 354 transmits the management level information of the group whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 360.

  The management unit 356 manages management items of electronic devices belonging to a group whose management destination includes the management device 320. In addition, the management unit 356 receives the management result of the management items of the electronic devices belonging to the group managed by the remote management device 360 from the remote management device 360. Then, the management unit 356 refers to the management level information of the group that has received the management result from the management form storage unit 342, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information and the received management result.

  The change request unit 312 of the client terminal 310 sends at least one of a management destination change request for requesting a management destination change in a group unit and a management level change request for requesting a management level change in a group unit to the management apparatus 320. Do.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the management form change screen 395. On the management form change screen 395 shown in FIG. 17, the management destination of the group is selected (changed) to the management device 320, the remote management device 360, or both using a radio button. Further, the management level of the group including the remote management device 360 as a management destination is selected (changed) to any one of levels 1 to 3 using a combo box. When the user changes the management destination of the group and clicks the OK button 396, the change request unit 312 includes, for example, data indicating the group that requests the change of the management destination and data indicating the management destination after the change of the group. To the management device 320. Similarly, when the user changes the management level of the group and clicks the OK button 396, the change request unit 312 indicates, for example, data indicating the group that requests the change of the management level and the management level after the change of the group. A management level change request including data is transmitted to the management device 320. On the other hand, when the user clicks the CANCEL button 397, the change request unit 312 cancels the change of the management form and closes the management form change screen 395.

  Details of the management form storage unit 382 of the remote management device 360 are the same as those of the management form storage unit 342, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The remote management unit 392 remotely manages, via the management device 320, management items of electronic devices that belong to a group that includes the remote management device 360 as a management destination. In addition, the remote management unit 392 transmits the management result of the management items of the electronic devices belonging to the remotely managed group to the management device 320. In addition, the remote management unit 392 receives a processing result obtained by performing the processing indicated by the management result on the target electronic device from the management device 320, creates processing result information based on the received processing result, and transmits the processing result information to the management device 320. .

  FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure flow of a management level change process performed in the management system 300 according to the third embodiment.

  First, the change request unit 312 of the client terminal 310 accepts a user operation for changing the management level of a group including the remote management device 360 as a management destination (step S300), and transmits a management level change request to the management device 320 ( Step S302).

  Subsequently, when receiving the management level change request from the client terminal 310, the changing unit 354 of the management device 320 changes the management level indicated by the management level information of the group to be changed to the management level requested by the management level change request. And stored in the management form storage unit 342 (step S304).

  Subsequently, the changing unit 354 transmits the management level information of the group whose management level has been changed to the remote management device 360 (step S306).

  Subsequently, when the remote management unit 392 of the remote management device 360 receives the management level information from the management device 320, the management level information received from the management device 320 indicates the management level indicated by the management level information of the group to be changed. The management level is changed and stored in the management form storage unit 382 (step S308).

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 1 performed in the management system 300 according to the third embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 392 of the remote management device 360 receives the firmware information of the electronic devices belonging to the level 1 group as a management result of the firmware management of the electronic devices belonging to the level 1 group that is remotely managed by the remote management unit 392. Is transmitted to the management device 320 (step S320).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 356 of the management device 320 receives the firmware information of the electronic device belonging to the level 1 group from the remote management device 360, the management level information of the group that has received the firmware information is referred to from the management form storage unit 342. To do. In the example shown in FIG. 19, since the management level information of the group that has received the firmware information is level 1, the management unit 356 transmits the firmware information of the electronic devices that belong to the level 1 group as it is to the client terminal 310 (step S322).

  Subsequently, when the client terminal 310 receives the firmware information of the electronic device belonging to the level 1 group from the management device 320, the client terminal 310 causes the display device (not shown) to display the firmware information of the electronic device belonging to the level 1 group (step S324). ).

  In addition, the management unit 356 notifies the client terminal 310 of the firmware information of the electronic devices belonging to the received level 1 group by mail (step S326).

  FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 2 performed in the management system 300 according to the third embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 392 of the remote management device 360 manages the firmware information of the electronic device belonging to the level 2 group as the management result of the firmware management of the electronic device belonging to the group remotely managed by the remote management unit 392. It transmits to 320 (step S340).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 356 of the management device 320 receives the firmware information of the electronic devices belonging to the level 2 group from the remote management device 360, the management level information of the group that has received the firmware information is referred to from the management form storage unit 342. To do. In the example shown in FIG. 20, since the management level information of the group that has received the firmware information is level 2, the management unit 356 processes the firmware information of the electronic devices belonging to the level 2 group into a report such as a graph (step). S342).

  The subsequent processing from step S344 to S348 is the same as the processing from step S144 to S148 in the sequence shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of management processing procedures at level 3 performed in the management system 300 according to the third embodiment. Here, firmware management will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, the remote management unit 392 of the remote management device 360 sends the firmware update of the level 3 electronic device to the management device 320 as a management result of the firmware management of the electronic device belonging to the group remotely managed by the remote management unit 392. An instruction is given (step S360).

  Subsequently, when the management unit 356 of the management device 320 is instructed to update the firmware of the electronic device belonging to the level 3 group from the remote management device 360, the management mode storage unit stores the management level information of the group instructed to update. Reference is made to 342. In the example shown in FIG. 21, since the management level information of the electronic devices belonging to the group instructed to update is level 3, the management unit 356 requests firmware update data from the remote management device 360 (step S362).

  Subsequently, when firmware update data is requested from the management device 320, the remote management unit 392 of the remote management device 360 transmits the update data to the management device 320 (step S364).

  Subsequently, when receiving the update data from the remote management device 360, the management unit 356 of the management device 320 transmits the update data to the electronic devices belonging to the level 3 group to update the firmware (step S366).

  The subsequent processing from step S368 to S378 is the same as the processing from step S168 to S178 in the sequence shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the management system 300 of the third embodiment, the management level is set for the group managed by the remote management device 360, and the management according to the management level is performed, so that the management by the remote management device 360 is flexible. It can be received and convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the management system 300 of the third embodiment, the management level of the group managed by the remote management device 360 can be changed from the client terminal 310, so that the management by the remote management device 360 can be set flexibly, Convenience can be improved.

  In addition, you may enable it to select the group to which an electronic device belongs.

(Hardware configuration)
An example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal, the management device, and the remote management device according to the first to third embodiments will be described.

  The client terminal, the management device, and the remote management device according to the first to third embodiments include a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a removable drive device, and a display. A display device and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse are provided, and a hardware configuration using a normal computer is employed.

  A program executed by the client terminal, the management device, and the remote management device according to the first to third embodiments is an installable or executable file, and is a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), flexible disk (FD) and the like are stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided.

  In addition, the program executed by the client terminal, the management apparatus, and the remote management apparatus according to the first to third embodiments is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and is provided by being downloaded via the network. It may be. The programs executed by the client terminal, the management device, and the remote management device according to the first to third embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, a program executed by the client terminal, the management apparatus, and the remote management apparatus according to the first to third embodiments may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  A program executed by the client terminal, the management apparatus, and the remote management apparatus according to the first to third embodiments has a module configuration for realizing the above-described units on a computer. As actual hardware, the CPU reads out a program from the HDD to the RAM and executes the program, whereby the above-described units are realized on the computer.

(Modification)
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined to set the management level for each electronic device and management item, or the first to third embodiments may be combined to create a group and an electronic device. The management level may be set for each management item.

100, 200, 300 Management system 102 Internal network 104 External network 106-1 to 106-5 First multifunction device to fifth multifunction device 108-1 to 108-5 First printing device to fifth printing device 110, 210, 310 Client terminal 112, 212, 312 Change request unit 120, 220, 320 Management device 130 Communication unit 140, 240, 340 Storage unit 142, 242, 342 Management form storage unit 144 Management information storage unit 150, 250, 350 Control unit 152, 252, 352 Distribution unit 154, 254, 354 Change unit 156, 256, 356 Management unit 160, 260, 360 Remote management device 170 Communication unit 180, 280, 380 Storage unit 182, 282, 382 Management type storage unit 184 Management information Storage unit 190, 290, 390 Control unit 92,292,392 remote management unit 195,295,395 management form changing screen 196,296,396 OK button 197,297,397 CANCEL button

JP 2008-15799 A

Claims (17)

Connected to the electronic device via the first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for managing the electronic device in units of management items via the first network and the second network, and managing the electronic devices in units of management items A management device managed by
Management form storage means for storing management level information indicating a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device;
Management means for receiving a management result of the management item from the remote management device and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
A management apparatus comprising: Connected to an electronic device via a first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for remotely managing the electronic device in units of electronic devices via the first network and the second network. A management device managed by
Management form storage means for storing management level information indicating a management level of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management device;
Management means for receiving a management result of the management item of the electronic device from the remote management device, and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
A management apparatus comprising: A plurality of electronic devices connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and remotely connected to a remote management device that remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and the first network and the second network. A management device that manages devices in groups,
Management form storage means for storing management level information indicating a management level of a group remotely managed by the remote management device;
Management means for receiving a management result of management items of electronic devices belonging to the group from the remote management device, and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
A management apparatus comprising: A client terminal is further connected to the first network,
A change unit that receives a management level change request for requesting a change in management level from the client terminal, and changes the management level indicated by the management level information in response to the received management level change request;
The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the management level information indicates a first management level, the management unit transmits the management result as it is to the client terminal.   6. The management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when the management level information indicates a second management level, the management unit processes the management result and transmits the processed result to the client terminal.   The said management means makes the said electronic device perform the process which the said management result instruct | indicates, when the said management level information shows a 3rd management level, The one of Claims 4-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Management device.   The management means transmits to the remote management device a processing result obtained by performing the processing instructed by the management result to the electronic device, and receives and receives processing result information based on the processing result from the remote management device. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the processing result information is processed into a report and transmitted to the client terminal. Connected to the electronic device via the first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for managing the electronic device in units of management items via the first network and the second network, and managing the electronic devices in units of management items A management system comprising: a management device managed by the client; and a client terminal connected to the management device via the first network,
The management device
Management form storage means for storing management level information indicating a management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device;
A change unit that receives a management level change request for requesting a change in management level from the client terminal, and changes the management level indicated by the management level information in response to the received management level change request;
Management means for receiving a management result of the management item from the remote management device and performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
With
The client terminal is
Change request means for transmitting the management level change request to the management device;
A management system comprising: Connected to the electronic device via the first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for managing the electronic device in units of management items via the first network and the second network, and managing the electronic devices in units of management items A management method executed by a management device managed by
The management means receives the management result of the management item remotely managed by the remote management device, and stores the management result and management level information indicating the management level of the management item remotely managed by the remote management device A management step of performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means
The management method characterized by including. Connected to an electronic device via a first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for remotely managing the electronic device in units of electronic devices via the first network and the second network. A management method executed by a management device managed by
The management means receives the management result of the management item of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management device, and indicates the management result and the management level of the electronic device remotely managed by the remote management device A management step for performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management level information;
The management method characterized by including. A plurality of electronic devices connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and remotely connected to a remote management device that remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and the first network and the second network. A management method executed by a management device that manages devices in units of groups,
The management means receives the management result of the management item of the electronic device belonging to the group remotely managed by the remote management device, and indicates the management result and the management level of the group remotely managed by the remote management device A management step for performing processing according to the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management level information;
The management method characterized by including. Connected to the electronic device via the first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for managing the electronic device in units of management items via the first network and the second network, and managing the electronic devices in units of management items A management method that is executed in a management system comprising: a management device that is managed by a client terminal; and a client terminal that is connected to the management device via the first network,
The management device
A changing means receives a management level change request for requesting a change in the management level of a management item remotely managed by the remote management device from the client terminal, and in response to the received management level change request, A change step of changing the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management level information indicating the management level of the management item remotely managed by the management device;
A management step in which management means receives a management result of the management item from the remote management device, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
Including
The client terminal is
A change request step, wherein the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device;
The management method characterized by including. Connected to an electronic device via a first network, and remotely connected to the remote management device for remotely managing the electronic device in units of electronic devices via the first network and the second network. A management method that is executed in a management system comprising: a management device that is managed by a client terminal; and a client terminal that is connected to the management device via the first network,
The management device
A change unit receives a management level change request for requesting a change in the management level of the electronic device that is remotely managed by the remote management device from the client terminal, and in response to the received management level change request, A change step of changing the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management level information indicating the management level of the electronic device remotely managed by a remote management device;
A management step for receiving a management result of the management item of the electronic device from the remote management device and performing a process according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
Including
The client terminal is
A change request step, wherein the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device;
The management method characterized by including. A plurality of electronic devices connected to a plurality of electronic devices via a first network, and remotely connected to a remote management device that remotely manages the plurality of electronic devices in units of groups, and the first network and the second network. A management method executed by a management system including a management device that manages devices in units of groups and a client terminal connected to the first network,
The management device
A changing unit receives a management level change request for requesting a change in the management level of a group remotely managed by the remote management device from the client terminal, and in response to the received management level change request, the remote management A change step of changing the management level indicated by the management level information of the management form storage means for storing the management level information indicating the management level of the group remotely managed by the device;
A management step in which management means receives a management result of management items of electronic devices belonging to the group from the remote management device, and performs processing according to the management level indicated by the management result and the management level information;
Including
The client terminal is
A change request step, wherein the change request means transmits the management level change request to the management device;
The management method characterized by including.   The management program for making a computer perform the management method as described in any one of Claims 10-12.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the management program according to claim 16.

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