JP2018190031A - Management apparatus, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manually set an aggregation target in a management device in order to appropriately collect operation information from an image forming apparatus before and after the replacement when the image forming apparatus is temporarily replaced due to a failure or the like. It is a complicated task. SOLUTION: When the network information of an unregistered device detected in the network is included in the collection target device information table, the management device of the present invention displays a warning relating to the replacement of the image forming device, and the warning is displayed. After the display, the information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the network information of the detected unregistered device is deleted from the collection target device information table, and the information of the image forming apparatus which is the unregistered device is the collection target device information. It is characterized by registering in a table. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a management technique in a management apparatus that periodically collects data such as a job log from an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

  Conventionally, a management apparatus for collecting and managing operation information such as a job log of an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral is known. From the viewpoint of an increase in the number of image forming apparatuses to be managed, cost reduction of the management apparatus, and maintenance, an increase in the number of image forming apparatuses that can be managed by one management apparatus is seen.

  In addition, when repairing printers and multifunction devices, the device to be repaired and the replacement device may be temporarily replaced in the installation environment to avoid delaying the user's work. It is requested to do. In this case, in order to maintain the printing environment of the user, network-related information such as an IP address is generally the same between the repair target device and the alternative device.

  Further, there is a technique (Patent Document 1) that backs up set value information in advance when replacing an image forming apparatus and distributes the information to the image forming apparatus after replacement.

JP2015-142368A

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus is temporarily replaced due to a failure or the like, the setting of the aggregation target in the management apparatus is manually performed in order to appropriately collect operation information from the image forming apparatus before and after the replacement. This is a complicated operation for the above-described operator.

The management apparatus according to the present invention includes a first management unit that manages a device information table including an individual identifier of an image forming apparatus to be managed, and an image forming apparatus that is a collection target of operation information among the image forming apparatuses to be managed. A second management unit that manages a collection target device information table including an individual identifier and network information, and a collection for collecting operation information from the image forming apparatus corresponding to the network information included in the collection target device information table via the network And a detection unit that detects, as a non-registered device, an image forming apparatus having an individual identifier that is not registered in the device information table by searching on the network,
When the network information of the detected unregistered device is included in the collection target device information table, the second management unit further includes display control means for displaying a warning regarding replacement of the image forming apparatus. Deletes the information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the network information of the detected unregistered device from the collection target device information table after the warning display, and stores the information of the image forming apparatus that is the unregistered device. It is registered in the collection target device information table.

  According to the present invention, even when the image forming apparatus is temporarily replaced, it is possible to omit a complicated operation for the above-described operator in the management apparatus.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a device management system. The figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a management apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a client computer 101. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management apparatus 102. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a device information table. It is a figure which shows an example of the table with which the state monitoring part 503 is provided. It is a figure which shows an example of the table with which the data collection part 504 is provided. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of a data collection process. It is a figure which shows an example of a collection object device information table. It is a figure which shows an example of the replacement device table. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the management apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a management device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a management device according to a third embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the concept of replacement of the device management system in Example 1. FIG. It is the figure which illustrated the warning display screen (GUI) of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the concept of replacement of the device management system in Example 3.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a device management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a client computer, which is used by a user to generate image data and perform printing. The client computer 101 includes hardware resources described later, and software resources including an operating system (OS), a printer driver, and the like. Further, the client computer 101 is communicably connected to an image forming apparatus connected to the network 105 using a predetermined protocol.

  A printer 103 receives print data received via a network, and prints on actual paper using a known print technology such as electrophotographic technology or inkjet technology. A multifunction peripheral 104 receives print data received via a network and prints on actual paper using a known print technology such as electrophotographic technology or inkjet technology. The multifunction device 104 also has a function of reading a paper document through a scanner and copying it, or converting it into image data and transmitting it by EMAIL or the like. Of course, a printer having no copy function is also applicable. The printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 are collectively referred to as an image forming apparatus.

  A management apparatus 102 searches for and manages the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104, and executes a management application (program) for collecting operation information from these devices. The management application can be realized as a web application, and can provide an operation screen for an operator to an arbitrary web browser. The management apparatus collects job logs according to a predetermined condition (schedule or the like), particularly from an image forming apparatus managed as an aggregation target. The job log includes execution history (such as owner, execution date, processing content, execution result, etc.) of various jobs such as printing, scanning, and copying performed by the image forming apparatus.

<Hardware configuration of management device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus that configures the management apparatus 102. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes the entire computer.

  The PC 200 includes a CPU 201 that executes software (for example, a management application program) stored in the ROM 202 or, for example, the HD 211 as a large-scale storage device. The CPU 201 generally collects each hardware connected to the system bus 205. Control. A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. Reference numeral 204 denotes a network interface card (NIC) that exchanges data bidirectionally with other nodes via the network 105. A keyboard controller (KBDC) 206 controls an instruction input from a keyboard (KBD) 209 provided in the PC. Reference numeral 207 denotes a display controller (DISPC) that controls display on a display unit (DISPLAY) 210 constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display. A disk controller (DKC) 208 controls a hard disk (HD) 211 that is a mass storage device.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral 104, which is an example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 300 denotes the entire multifunction peripheral. The multi-function device 300 includes a CPU 301 that executes software stored in a ROM 302 or an HD 313 as a large-scale storage device such as a hard disk. The CPU 301 generally controls each piece of hardware connected to the system bus 305. A RAM 303 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 301. A network interface card (NIC) 304 exchanges data with other nodes via the network 105. Reference numeral 306 denotes a panel controller (PANELC) which controls an instruction input from an operation panel (PANEL) 311 provided in the multifunction peripheral. Reference numeral 307 denotes a display controller (DISPC), which controls display on a display unit (DISPLAY) 312 configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display.

  A disk controller (DKC) 308 controls a hard disk (HD) 313 that is a large-capacity storage device.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a scanner controller (SCCANC) which controls an optical scanner device (scanner) 314 provided in the multifunction peripheral and reads a paper document. A printer controller (PRNC) 310 controls a printer device (printer) 315 provided in the multifunction peripheral, and prints on an actual sheet using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an inkjet technique. Various job logs recorded by the scanner controller 309 and the printer controller 310 are temporarily stored in the hard disk 313. Thereafter, job log information including a plurality of job logs is transmitted to the management apparatus 102 via the NIC 304.

  The internal configuration of the printer 103 shown in FIG. 1 can be considered to be obtained by removing the scanner controller 309 and the optical scanner device 314 from the internal configuration of the multifunction machine 104 shown above. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the panel controller (PANELC) 306, the operation panel 311, the display controller (DISPC) 307, the display unit (DISPLAY) 312, the disk controller (DKC) 308, the hard disk (HD) 313, and the like are removed.

<Functional configuration of client computer>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the client computer 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes the entire client computer. A print application 401 issues a print instruction by sending a drawing command or the like to the printer driver 402. A printer driver 402 converts a drawing command received from the print application 401 into print data that can be interpreted by the multi-function peripheral, that is, PDL (PAGE DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE). Further, the printer driver 402 creates a print job and transmits it to the print job transmission unit 403. A print job transmission unit 403 transmits a print job received from the printer driver 402 to the multifunction peripheral 104.

<Functional configuration of management device>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized by executing a management application on the management apparatus 102 illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 500 denotes the entire management apparatus.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes an interface unit that communicates with the client computer 101, the printer 103, and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the network 105 via the NIC 204 shown in FIG.

  A device information management unit 502 holds information related to the image forming apparatus. The device information management unit 502 can also acquire and store information from the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501. Information on image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatuses targeted for job log collection described later is also managed.

  A status monitoring unit 503 receives status notifications from the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501 and stores them. The notified state includes a power supply state such as sleep and power OFF / ON, a status such as an error and an abnormality, and an option mounting state.

  A data collection unit 504 periodically collects and stores data held by the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501.

  Reference numeral 505 denotes a collection target device management unit. Among the image forming apparatuses managed by the device information management unit, when the image forming apparatus targeted for job log collection and the image forming apparatus are replaced, the image before replacement is performed. Store and manage information on forming equipment.

<Functional configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing configuration of the MFP 104 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 600 denotes the entire multifunction peripheral. An interface unit 601 is connected to the network 105 and receives a print job from the client computer 101. A print data storage unit 602 temporarily stores print job data. Reference numeral 603 denotes a UI control unit that controls the operation panel 311 via a panel controller (PANELC) 306 and accepts a copy instruction from the user to the MFP 104 and a scan transmission instruction. A job management unit 604 analyzes a print job received from the client computer 101, acquires output attribute information such as a user name, the number of copies, and color printing, and manages it as job information together with the job start date and time. A print data expansion unit 605 acquires print data from the print data storage unit 602 according to job information stored in the job management unit 604, performs image generation processing, and generates image data on the RAM 303. A scanner control unit 606 controls the scanner controller 309, scans a paper document, and creates created image data. The scanner control unit 606 controls document feeding and document ejection from the ADF or RDF when an ADF, RDF, or the like can be connected as the document feeder. Further, when reading a double-sided document, the scanner control unit 606 may perform document reversal control. An image data storage unit 607 temporarily stores image data generated by the print data development unit 605 and the scanner control unit 606. A printer control unit 608 is a part of the printer controller 310 and controls the printer 315 to print the image data stored in the image data storage unit 607.

  A job log management unit 610 manages job log information. When the job is completed, the job management unit 604 transmits job information to be managed as job log information to the job log management unit 610 and stores it in the job log management unit 610. The job log management unit 610 transmits a job log in response to a request from the management apparatus 105.

  A power supply control unit 612 controls the power supply of the multi-function peripheral 104 and manages power supply states such as a standby mode, a power saving mode, and power off. The power control unit 612 can transition to each power state according to various conditions. For example, in the standby mode, the power control unit 612 does not perform any operation for a certain period of time on the multifunction peripheral 104, and does not perform power-off or save when a print job reception, FAX reception, command reception from the network, or the like is not performed. Transition to power mode. In addition, the power control unit 612 changes the power state in response to a power state change request from the management apparatus 102 such as power off or power saving mode transition. Furthermore, the power control unit 612 shifts to the power-off or power saving mode at a preset time. The power control unit 612 notifies the status notification unit 611 when the power status is changed. A state notification unit 611 receives a notification from the power control unit 612 and notifies the power state via the interface unit 601. In addition, the state notification unit 611 may periodically notify the power state.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device information table for managing information on the image forming apparatus to be managed, which is included in the device information management unit 502 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a column 701 is a device ID, which indicates an ID that uniquely identifies the image forming apparatus in the system. A column 702 indicates a device name of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 703 indicates the IP address of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 704 indicates the model of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 705 indicates whether the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row has a status notification function. When the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row has a configuration having the status notification unit 611, the status notification function is managed as “present”. A column 706 is an individual identifier of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row, and indicates an ID such as a serial number unique to each image forming apparatus. A column 707 indicates whether the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row is equipped with a hard disk. If the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row has a disk controller (DKC) 308 and a hard disk (HD) 313, a hard disk is mounted. Generally, it can be determined that an image forming apparatus equipped with a hard disk has a large number of job logs that can be stored. The device information table status notification function 705, the hard disk information 707, and the like can be set to initial values depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. The device information management unit 502 can also acquire information from the image forming apparatus via a network using a protocol such as SNMP.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a power state information table which is an example of a table provided in the state monitoring unit 503 illustrated in FIG. The power status information table is a table that records the current power status for each image forming apparatus based on the status notification transmitted by the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 8, a column 801 indicates a device ID of the image forming apparatus. A column 802 indicates the date and time when the power state of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row is changed. A column 803 indicates a power supply state in which the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row transitions to the date and time in the corresponding row. From these pieces of information managed by the state monitoring unit 503, the current power state of the image forming apparatus can be known.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job log information table provided in the data collection unit 504 illustrated in FIG. The data collection unit 504 stores job logs collected from a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a job log information table.

  In FIG. 9, a column 901 indicates a job log ID, which indicates an ID for uniquely identifying the job log in the system. A column 902 indicates the device ID of the image forming apparatus that has processed the job. A column 903 indicates a job type. Examples of job types include printing that is printing from the host, copying, scanning, FAX transmission, FAX reception, and box printing that prints a document stored in the multifunction peripheral. A column 904 indicates a job processing start date and time. A column 905 indicates a job processing end date and time. A column 906 indicates the name of the user who executed the job.

  With these pieces of information, it is possible to know who, when and what job is issued with which image forming apparatus. Further, the job log table may be created for each job type. The job log also describes the processing contents of each job, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  An outline of a data collection process that is a process in which the management apparatus 102 collects data including operation information from the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The management apparatus 102 executes data collection processing at regular intervals, and collects data (for example, job logs) from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes an object indicating a main thread. The main thread is a thread that executes data collection processing in the data collection unit 504. The main thread executes processes other than those executed by a response confirmation execution thread 1002 and a data acquisition execution thread 1003 described later. Reference numeral 1002 denotes an object indicating a response confirmation execution thread. The response confirmation execution thread is a thread that asynchronously executes the response confirmation process shown in FIG. 15 in the data collection unit 504. Reference numeral 1003 denotes an object indicating a data acquisition execution thread. The data acquisition execution thread is a thread for executing the data acquisition process shown in FIG. 19 asynchronously in the data collection unit 504. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an object indicating the image forming apparatus.

  When the data collection process is started, the main thread 1001 instructs the response confirmation execution thread 1002 to execute the response confirmation process in 1005. Subsequently, at 1006, the response confirmation execution thread 1002 executes response confirmation with respect to the image forming apparatus 1004. Subsequently, in 1007, the image forming apparatus 1004 transmits a response to the response confirmation 1006. Here, when the power state of the image forming apparatus 1004 is off, the image forming apparatus 1004 cannot transmit a response to the response confirmation 1006. Subsequently, at 1008, the response confirmation execution thread 1002 notifies the main thread 1001 of the response confirmation result. Here, when there is a response from the image forming apparatus 1004, the response confirmation execution thread 1002 notifies OK as a response confirmation result, and notifies NG as a response confirmation result when there is no response.

  In step 1009, the main thread 1001 instructs the data acquisition execution thread 1003 to execute the data acquisition process. Here, if the response confirmation result is NG, the main thread 1001 ends this process without giving an instruction to execute the data acquisition process. Subsequently, in 1010, the data acquisition execution thread 1003 executes data acquisition for the image forming apparatus 1004. Subsequently, in 1011, the image forming apparatus 1004 transmits data in response to a request for data acquisition 1010. The data acquisition execution thread 1003 stores the received data and ends this processing.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a collection target device information table provided in the collection target device information management unit 505 illustrated in FIG. The image forming apparatus registered in this table is the target of the previous data collection process. From the operation screen provided by the management apparatus 102, selection, registration, deletion, and the like of the collection target device can be designated from the image forming apparatus included in the table shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, a column 1101 indicates a device ID, which indicates an ID that uniquely identifies the image forming apparatus in the system. A column 1102 indicates the IP address of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1103 indicates the host name of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1104 indicates an individual identifier of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1105 indicates the image forming apparatus maximum job log holding number of the corresponding row. In the present invention, image forming apparatuses are managed using individual identifiers and network information such as IP addresses and host names.

  The maximum job log retention number may be determined as an initial value depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. The device information management unit 502 can also acquire information from the image forming apparatus via a network using a protocol such as SNMP. 7 and 11, device ID, IP address, etc. are common information.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a replacement device table provided in the collection target device management unit 505. This table stores information on the deleted image forming apparatus before the replacement when the image forming apparatus is replaced.

  In FIG. 12, a column 1201 indicates the IP address of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1202 indicates the host name of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1203 indicates an individual identifier of the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row. A column 1204 is an individual identifier after replacement indicating which image forming apparatus the image forming apparatus in the corresponding row is replaced with.

  This replacement device table is managed as reference information that is referred to when the image forming apparatus once removed returns to the installation location when replacement described later occurs.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of processing in the management apparatus 102 in the present embodiment. Specifically, the management apparatus 102 performs processing such as determination of replacement of an image forming apparatus and registration or deletion of a collection target device. Further, the management apparatus 102 executes this data collection process at regular intervals to collect data from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Each step (S) shown in the figure is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, ROM 202, etc. into the RAM 203 and executing it. Here, the description of this process will be supplemented using the operation case of FIG.

  This process is included in the message from the devices when searching for devices on the network (such as SNMP) and finding an image forming apparatus (unregistered device) whose individual identifier is not registered in the device information table. It is executed while referring to network information such as an IP address.

  In step S1301, the collection target device management unit 505 refers to the collection target device table illustrated in FIG. 11 and determines whether an IP address included in a message from an unregistered device on the network has already been registered. If registered, the process proceeds to S1302, and if not registered, the process proceeds to S1305.

  In step S1302, the collection target device management unit 505 performs display control of the warning display 1701 illustrated in FIG. The warning display 1701 deletes the previous image forming apparatus having the same IP address from the collection target device table and registers the detected image forming apparatus in the collection target device table in order not to register a plurality of image forming apparatuses having the same IP address. It is a screen to confirm whether to do.

  For example, when the user deletes the information of the old image forming apparatus from the collection target device table on the management apparatus and newly registers the information of the detected image forming apparatus, the user selects “Yes” via the warning display 1701. become.

  The example of the warning display 1701 here is a display example in the case where the IP address and the host name are the same. However, if the IP address is the same and the host name is different, a warning is displayed in the same manner, and the user is thereafter It will be confirmed whether to perform the process.

  In step S1303, the collection target device management unit 505 deletes the information on the old image forming apparatus and newly registers the information on the detected image forming apparatus in the collection target device table based on the input via the warning display 1701. It is determined whether or not. If a “Yes” selection input is received via the warning display 1701, the process proceeds to S 1304. If a “No” selection input is received, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 1304, the collection target device management unit 505 executes deletion of information on the old image forming apparatus and new registration of information on the detected image forming apparatus with respect to the collection target device table.

  An example shown in S1302 to S1304 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 16, first, the MFP 001 (1601) with the IP address: 192.168.10.20 is replaced with the MFP 099 (1602) with the same IP address. At this time, the management apparatus 102 detects the MFP 099 (individual identifier: ZZZ00099) from the network. Here, the IP address of the detected image forming apparatus is 192.168.10.20 by the above-described processing of S1301, and the MFP001 (1601) before replacement is the same IP address, so it has been registered in the collection target device table. It is determined that there is.

  Thereafter, a selection input of “Yes” is received via the warning display 1701 displayed in S1302, and the automatic deletion of registered information corresponding to the old image forming apparatus and the detected image forming apparatus are acquired from the collection target device table in S1304. Automatic registration of information of (individual identifier: ZZZ00099, IP address: 192.168.10.20) is executed.

  In step S1305, the collection target device management unit 505 controls the display unit 210 to display the confirmation display 1702 illustrated in FIG. The confirmation display 1702 is a display for confirming to the user whether the detected image forming apparatus has been replaced. When replacement is performed in an image forming apparatus having a different IP address setting, “Yes” is selected and input. If the new image forming apparatus is added instead of being replaced, “No” is selected and input. In step S <b> 1306, the collection target device management unit 505 determines whether the image forming apparatus has been replaced based on the input via the confirmation display 1702. If “YES” is selected and input via the confirmation display 1702, the process proceeds to S1307, and if “NO” is selected and input, the process proceeds to S1311.

  In step S1307, the collection target device management unit 505 performs display control of the warning display 1701 illustrated in FIG. This is the same processing as S1302.

  In step S1308, the collection target device management unit 505 deletes information on the old image forming apparatus and newly registers information on the detected image forming apparatus in the collection target device table based on the input via the warning display 1701. It is determined whether or not. If a “Yes” selection input is received via the warning display 1701, the process proceeds to S 1309, and if a “No” selection input is received, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 1309, the collection target device management unit 505 performs new registration of detected image forming apparatus information with respect to the collection target device table.

  In step S1310, the collection target device management unit 505 performs processing for selecting an image forming apparatus to be deleted. This is a process for causing the user to select information on the image forming apparatus removed at the time of replacement in order to delete the old image forming apparatus from the collection target device table. Here, information of the image forming apparatus included in the collection target device table is displayed as a device list on the display unit 210, and the user is allowed to select. Based on this input, the collection target device management unit 505 deletes information on the selected image forming apparatus from the collection target device table.

  In step S1311, the collection target device management unit 505 controls the display unit 210 to display a screen for confirming registration of the detected image forming apparatus. This is a process for confirming whether or not the detected image forming apparatus is registered in the collection target device table as a data collection target such as a job log. In step S1312, the collection target device management unit 505 determines whether or not to newly register the detected image forming apparatus information in the collection target device table based on the input via the registration confirmation screen. If “Yes (register)” is selected and input via the registration confirmation screen, the process advances to step S1313. If “No (not registered)” is selected and input, this process ends. In step S <b> 1313, the collection target device management unit 505 performs new registration of information on the detected image forming apparatus with respect to the collection target device table.

  Note that the collection target device management unit 505 may request the device information management unit 502 to delete the information on the old image forming apparatus from the device information table during the processing of S1304 and S1310. Even if there is no such request, the old image forming apparatus is removed from the network, so that the device information management unit 502 deletes the information on the old image forming apparatus from the device information table, for example, according to an instruction from the network administrator. Will be.

<Embodiment 2>
In the present embodiment, a process when the image forming apparatus once removed by replacement is repaired and installed again will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining details of processing in the management apparatus 102 in the present embodiment. Each step shown in the figure is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, ROM 202, etc. into the RAM 203 and executing it. Again, the description of this process is supplemented using the operation case of FIG.

  This process searches for devices on the network (such as SNMP) in the same manner as in FIG. 13 and detects such an image forming apparatus (unregistered device) whose individual identifier is not registered in the device information table. To be executed while referring to network information such as an IP address included in the message.

  Furthermore, FIG. 14 describes the processing when the once removed image forming apparatus returns to the installation environment in a format added to the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, S1405 to S1408 are the same as S1301 to S1304, S1410 to S1415 are the same as S1305 to S1310, and S1417 to S1419 are the same as S1311 to S1313. Here, the processing unique to FIG. 14 will be described in detail.

  In step S1401, the collection target device management unit 505 refers to the replacement device table illustrated in FIG. 12 and determines whether there is an individual identifier of the detected unregistered device in the image forming apparatus registered in the replacement device table. Registration in the replacement device table is performed in S1409 and S1416 described later. If registered in the replacement device table, the process proceeds to S1402, and if not registered, the process proceeds to S1405.

  In step S1402, the collection target device management unit 505 controls the display unit 210 to display the warning display 1703 illustrated in FIG. In the warning display 1703, a display indicating that the image forming apparatus is a return image, an IP address, and a host name are displayed. If it is different from the previous registration, a message to that effect is displayed. Similarly to the warning display 1701, this is a screen for confirming whether the previous image forming apparatus having the same IP address is deleted from the collection target device table and the detected image forming apparatus is registered in the collection target device table.

  In step S1403, based on the input via the warning display 1703, it is determined whether the return image forming apparatus has been reinstalled. If “Yes” is selected and input via the confirmation display 1703, the process proceeds to S1404, and if “No” is selected and input, this process ends.

  In step S <b> 1404, the collection target device management unit 505 executes deletion of information on the old image forming apparatus and registration of information on the detected return image forming apparatus with respect to the collection target device table. Further, the collection target device management unit 505 deletes the information of the image forming apparatus registered in the replacement device table that is the target of the processing in S1403. At this time, the collection target device management unit 505 may request the device information management unit 502 to delete the information on the old image forming apparatus from the device information table.

  An example shown in S1402 to S1404 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As indicated by 1603 in FIG. 16, when the MFP 001 (1603) is re-installed with the same IP address as the image forming apparatus that has been used by replacement, the MFP 001 (individual identifier: ZZZ00001) is detected as an unregistered device. .

  In S1401, it is determined that the device is in the replacement device table, that is, the return image forming apparatus. A selection input of “Yes” is received via the warning display 1703 of the return image forming apparatus displayed in S1402, and automatic deletion of the information of the old image forming apparatus from the collection target device table and the detected image forming apparatus in S1404. Automatic registration of information is executed.

  Description of the processing from S1405 to S1408 will be omitted, and the processing of S1409 will be described.

  In step S1409, the collection target device management unit 505 registers information of the image forming apparatus deleted from the collection target device table in step S1408 with respect to the replacement device table. This is a process of registering the information of the old image forming apparatus deleted by the replacement in the replacement device table shown in FIG. Note that the information registered here includes at least an individual identifier, and other information as shown in FIG. 12 is registered. Furthermore, information such as model information and the date and time of replacement may be registered. The registration information here can be additionally displayed on the content of the warning display 1703.

  Description of the processing from S1410 to S1415 will be omitted, and the processing of S1416 will be described.

  In S1416, as in S1409, the collection target device management unit 505 registers the information of the image forming apparatus deleted from the collection target device table in S1415 with respect to the replacement device table.

<Embodiment 3>
In the present embodiment, in addition to the processing shown in the second embodiment, the correction of the IP address and the host name before and after the replacement of the registered information is also considered.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining details of processing in the management apparatus 102 in the present embodiment. Each step shown in the figure is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, ROM 202, etc. into the RAM 203 and executing it. Again, the description of this process is supplemented using the operation case of FIG.

  This process is an extension of FIG. 14, and the same processes as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the processes is omitted here. Here, the processing unique to FIG. 15 will be described in detail.

  If it is determined in S1401 that the image forming apparatus has been registered in the replacement device table based on the detected individual identifier of the image forming apparatus, the process advances to S1501.

  In step S1501, the collection target device management unit 505 refers to the replacement device table illustrated in FIG. 12 and determines whether the IP address and host name of the image forming apparatus having the same individual identifier are the same as those previously registered. If the IP address and the host name are the same, the process proceeds to S1402, and if either is different, the process proceeds to S1502. In step S1502, the collection target device management unit 505 performs display control of the warning display 1705 illustrated in FIG. The warning display 1705 is a screen exemplifying whether the IP address is different from the previous registration and the IP address is to be corrected. For example, the user selects “Yes” via the warning display 1705 when correcting the IP address to the previously registered IP address. The example of the warning display 1705 here is a display example when the IP address is different, but when the IP address and host name are different, a warning is similarly displayed and the user is asked whether to correct it. Become. In step S1503, the collection target device management unit 505 determines whether to correct the IP address based on the input via the warning display 1705. If a “Yes” selection input is received via the warning display 1705, the process proceeds to S1504. If a “No” selection input is received, the process proceeds to S1402. In S1504, the IP address and host name are corrected. This is processing for changing information registered in the image forming apparatus from the management apparatus. This is done via a network using a protocol such as SNMP. Thereafter, when the registration process is performed in S1404, the information after the change is registered.

  If it is determined in S1405 that the detected IP address included in the message from the image forming apparatus is already registered in the collection target device table shown in FIG. 11, the process advances to S1505.

  In step S1505, the collection target device management unit 505 refers to the collection target device table illustrated in FIG. 11 and determines whether the host names of the already registered image forming apparatuses are the same. If the host names are the same, the process proceeds to S1406, and if they are different, the process proceeds to S1506. In step S1506, the collection target device management unit 505 performs display control of the warning display 1704 illustrated in FIG. The warning display 1704 is a screen exemplifying whether the host name of the image forming apparatus having the same IP address already registered is different and the host name is to be corrected. For example, when correcting the host name, the user selects “Yes” via the warning display 1704. In step S1507, the collection target device management unit 505 determines whether to correct the host name based on the input via the warning display 1704. If a “Yes” selection input is received via the warning display 1704, the process proceeds to S1508. If a “No” selection input is received, the process proceeds to S1406. In step S1508, the host name is corrected. This is processing for changing information registered in the image forming apparatus from the management apparatus. This is performed via a network using a protocol such as SNMP as in the previous S1505. After that, when the registration process is performed in S1408, the changed information is registered.

  With reference to FIG. 18, examples from S1505 to S1508 will be described.

  In FIG. 18, the MFP 001 (IP address: 192.168.10.20, host name: device 01) indicated by 1801 is the MFP 099 (IP address: 192.168.10.20, host name: device 02) indicated by 1802. It is assumed that they are replaced with In this case, the MFP 099 is detected as an unregistered device having the individual identifier: ZZZ00099.

  According to FIG. 15, in this case, NO is determined in S1401, YES is determined in S1405, and the process transitions to S1505. In S1505, it is determined that the host names are different. When “Yes” for correcting the host name is selected by the user via the warning display 1704, host name correction processing is performed in S1508.

  Furthermore, the example shown to S1501-S1504 is demonstrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 18, the MFP 001 (IP address: 192.168.10.25, host name: device 01) 1803 is returned to the installation environment. In this case, the MFP 001 determines YES in S1401 based on the individual identifier.

  NO is determined in S1501, and a warning display 1705 is displayed in S1502. When the user selects “Yes” via this screen, IP address correction processing is performed in S1504. This is processing for changing the IP address registered in the image forming apparatus from the management apparatus from 192.168.10.25 to 192.168.10.20.

(Other examples)
The present invention includes an apparatus or system configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and a method thereof.

  Here, the present invention is an apparatus or system that is a main body that executes one or more software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Further, a method for realizing the above-described embodiment executed by the apparatus or system is also one aspect of the present invention. The program is supplied to the system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and the program is read and executed by one or more computers (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. That is, as one aspect of the present invention, the program itself or various storage media readable by a computer storing the program are included. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

101 Client Computer 102 Management Device 103 Printer 104 Multifunction Device

Claims (8)

A first management unit that manages a device information table including an individual identifier of an image forming apparatus to be managed;
A second management means for managing a collection target device information table including an individual identifier and network information of an image forming apparatus that is a collection target of operation information among management target image forming apparatuses;
Collection means for collecting operation information from the image forming apparatus corresponding to the network information included in the collection target device information table via the network;
A detection unit that detects, as a non-registered device, an image forming apparatus having an individual identifier that is not registered in the device information table by searching on the network,
When the detected network information of the unregistered device is included in the collection target device information table, it further includes display control means for displaying a warning related to replacement of the image forming apparatus,
The second management unit deletes the information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the detected network information of the unregistered device from the collection target device information table after the warning display, and forms an image that is the unregistered device. A management apparatus which registers apparatus information in the collection target device information table. The display control means performs a confirmation display for confirming whether the image forming apparatus has been replaced when the network information of the detected unregistered device is not included in the collection target device information table,
The second management unit deletes information on the selected image forming apparatus from the collection target device information table in accordance with an input from the user with respect to the confirmation display, and collects information on the image forming apparatus that is the unregistered device. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management apparatus is registered in a target device information table.   3. The management according to claim 1, wherein the first management unit deletes information of the image forming apparatus deleted from the collection target device information table by the second management unit from the device information table. apparatus. The second management means further manages a replacement device table for storing information of the image forming apparatus removed when the image forming apparatus is replaced,
When the image forming apparatus is replaced and the information of the image forming apparatus is deleted from the collection target device information table, the second management unit sets the individual identifier of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the deleted information. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management apparatus is registered in a replacement device table. When the detected identifier of the unregistered device is included in the replacement device table, the display control unit displays a display indicating that the removed image forming apparatus is once again detected on the network. Done
After the display, the second management unit deletes the information of the image forming apparatus used by replacing the detected unregistered device from the collection target device information table, and forms an image that is the unregistered device. A management apparatus which registers apparatus information in the collection target device information table.   6. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network information includes an IP address and a host name. A first management unit that manages a device information table including an individual identifier of an image forming apparatus to be managed;
A second management means for managing a collection target device information table including an individual identifier and network information of an image forming apparatus that is a collection target of operation information among management target image forming apparatuses;
Collection means for collecting operation information from the image forming apparatus corresponding to the network information included in the collection target device information table via the network;
A detection unit that detects an image forming apparatus having an individual identifier that is not registered in the device information table as a non-registered device by searching on the network, and a method in a management apparatus having:
When the network information of the detected unregistered device is included in the collection target device information table, displaying a warning related to replacement of the image forming apparatus;
After the warning display,
Deleting information of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the detected network information of the unregistered device from the collection target device information table;
Registering information of the image forming apparatus that is the unregistered device in the collection target device information table.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.

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