Apparatus management system, electronic apparatus, system, apparatus management program, and apparatus control program
By encrypting and managing account information within the device management system, the security risk of account information leakage is mitigated, ensuring secure and efficient device management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024027343
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional device management systems face a security risk due to the potential misuse of account information stored in storage units, which can lead to unauthorized access and cracking of electronic devices if leaked.
The system encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores it in a memory unit, decrypting it for use in logging in to electronic devices via a network, and facilitates secure transmission and management of this information between the device and a management system.
This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of account information being misused, enhancing security by encrypting and managing the information effectively.
Smart Images
Figure 2025130275000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a device management system for managing electronic devices, an electronic device, a system, a device management program, and a device control program. [Background technology]
[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, device management systems that manage electronic devices are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-289313 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in conventional device management systems, if a storage unit is provided that stores account information for managing electronic devices, which is used when logging in to the electronic devices via a network, there is a problem that if the account information stored in the storage unit is leaked, there is a security risk that the leaked account information may be misused and the electronic devices may be cracked.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device management system, an electronic device, a system, a device management program, and a device control program that can reduce the possibility of account information for managing electronic devices being misused. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The device management system of the present invention comprises a memory unit and a device management unit that manages electronic devices, and when the device management unit receives account information for managing the electronic device from the electronic device, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least partially encrypted account information in the memory unit, and the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and uses the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted to log in to the electronic device via a network.
[0007] With this configuration, when the device management system of the present invention receives account information for managing an electronic device from an electronic device, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores at least a portion of the encrypted account information in a memory unit.Therefore, even if the account information stored in the memory unit is leaked, the possibility of the account information for managing the electronic device being misused can be reduced.
[0008] In the device management system of the present invention, the device management unit provides a web page, and when instructed to display the account information, the device management unit may read the account information from the memory unit, decrypt the encrypted portion of the read account information, and display the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted on the web page.
[0009] With this configuration, when the device management system of the present invention is instructed to display account information for managing an electronic device, it reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and displays the decrypted account information on a web page, thereby reducing the possibility of the account information for managing an electronic device being leaked.
[0010] The electronic device of the present invention is characterized in that it stores account information for managing the electronic device and transmits the account information stored in the electronic device to an equipment management system that manages the electronic device.
[0011] With this configuration, the electronic device of the present invention transmits the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device to the device management system that manages the electronic device, thereby facilitating management of the account information for managing the electronic device by the device management system.
[0012] The electronic device of the present invention may transmit the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system when the electronic device is registered in the device management system.
[0013] With this configuration, when an electronic device of the present invention is registered in a device management system, the electronic device transmits the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device to the device management system, thereby improving the likelihood that the account information for managing the electronic device is stored in the device management system for electronic devices registered in the device management system.
[0014] The electronic device of the present invention may transmit the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system when the account information stored in the electronic device is changed.
[0015] With this configuration, the electronic device of the present invention transmits the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device to the device management system when the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device is changed, thereby shortening the period during which the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the device management system differs from the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device.
[0016] When the electronic device of the present invention transmits the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system, if the device management system and the electronic device are not connected, the electronic device may transmit the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system after the device management system and the electronic device are connected.
[0017] With this configuration, when the electronic device of the present invention sends account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device to the device management system, if the device management system and the electronic device are not connected, the electronic device sends the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device to the device management system after the device management system and the electronic device are connected, thereby shortening the period during which the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the device management system differs from the account information for managing the electronic device stored in the electronic device.
[0018] The system of the present invention comprises an electronic device and a device management system that manages the electronic device, the device management system comprising a memory unit and a device management unit that manages the electronic device, the electronic device stores account information for managing the electronic device and transmits the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system, the device management unit, when receiving the account information from the electronic device, encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least partially encrypted account information in the memory unit, the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and uses the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted to log in to the electronic device via a network.
[0019] With this configuration, when the device management system receives account information for managing the electronic device from the electronic device, the system of the present invention encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores at least a portion of the encrypted account information in a memory unit.Therefore, even if the account information stored in the memory unit is leaked, the possibility of the account information for managing the electronic device being misused can be reduced.
[0020] The device management program of the present invention causes a computer having a memory unit to realize a device management unit that manages electronic devices, and when the device management unit receives account information for managing the electronic device from the electronic device, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least partially encrypted account information in the memory unit, and the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and uses the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted to log in to the electronic device via a network.
[0021] With this configuration, when a computer executing the device management program of the present invention receives account information for managing an electronic device from an electronic device, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores at least a portion of the encrypted account information in a memory unit.Therefore, even if the account information stored in the memory unit is leaked, the possibility of the account information for managing the electronic device being misused can be reduced.
[0022] The device control program of the present invention is a device control program executed by an electronic device, characterized in that it stores account information for managing the electronic device in the electronic device and causes the electronic device to transmit the account information stored in the electronic device to a device management system that manages the electronic device.
[0023] With this configuration, an electronic device that executes the device control program of the present invention transmits the account information for managing the electronic device that is stored in the electronic device to the device management system that manages the electronic device, thereby facilitating management of the account information for managing the electronic device by the device management system. [Effects of the Invention]
[0024] The device management system, electronic device, system, device management program, and device control program of the present invention can reduce the possibility that account information for managing an electronic device will be fraudulently used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device management system shown in FIG. 1 when configured by one computer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of device management information shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user management information shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 when connected to a device management system. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 when a device registration instruction is input. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the device management system shown in FIG. 2 when a device registration request is received. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 when a password change instruction is input. [Figure 11]3 is a flowchart of the operation of the device management system shown in FIG. 2 when a password change request is received. [Figure 12] 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the device management system shown in FIG. 2 when a device operation instruction is input. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 when a device operation request is received. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the device management system shown in FIG. 2 when a user ID and password for managing the image forming apparatus are displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027] First, the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a device management system 20 that manages an image forming device as an electronic device. The device management system 20 may be configured with a single computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be configured with multiple computers. The device management system 20 may be configured as a cloud server. The device management system 20 is managed, for example, by the manufacturer of the image forming device. The device management system 20 is used, for example, by service personnel belonging to a service company that performs maintenance on the image forming device.
[0030] The system 10 includes an image forming device 30, such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a dedicated printer. The system 10 can include at least one other image forming device with a similar configuration to the image forming device 30. The image forming device is installed at the office location of a user of the image forming device, such as a customer of a service company. Each image forming device is assigned a device ID as identification information.
[0031] The system 10 includes a user terminal 40, such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet terminal, used by a user of the device management system 20, such as a service person (hereinafter referred to as a "system user"). The system 10 can include at least one other user terminal in addition to the user terminal 40 that has a similar configuration to the user terminal 40.
[0032] The device management system 20 and the image forming apparatus can communicate with each other via a network 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.
[0033] The device management system 20 and the user terminal can communicate with each other via a network 12 such as a LAN or the Internet.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device management system 20 when configured with one computer.
[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the equipment management system 20 includes an operation unit 21, which is an operation device such as a keyboard or mouse through which various operations are input; a display unit 22, which is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information; a communication unit 23, which is a communication device that communicates with external devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly via a wired or wireless connection without using a network; a memory unit 24, which is a non-volatile memory device such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various information; and a control unit 25 that controls the entire equipment management system 20.
[0036] The storage unit 24 can store a device management program 24a for managing the image forming apparatus. The device management program 24a may be installed in the device management system 20 during the manufacturing stage of the device management system 20, or may be additionally installed in the device management system 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or may be additionally installed in the device management system 20 from a network.
[0037] The storage unit 24 is capable of storing information 24b for managing the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "device management information").
[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device management information 24b.
[0039] The device management information 24b shown in FIG. 3 includes a device ID as identification information of the image forming device, a user ID for managing the image forming device among user IDs as identification information of the user of the image forming device (hereinafter referred to as the "device user"), and a password for managing the image forming device among the passwords of the device user, all of which are associated with each image forming device. The device management information 24b shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated with some information omitted. In the device management information 24b shown in FIG. 3, encrypted values are indicated by being shaded. For example, the device management information 24b shown in FIG. 3 indicates that "the user ID and password for managing the image forming device for the image forming device whose device ID is "D00001" are "U00001" and "123456789", respectively. The password is encrypted."
[0040] 2 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as a memory used as a work area for the CPU of the control unit 25. The CPU of the control unit 25 executes programs stored in the storage unit 24 or the ROM of the control unit 25.
[0041] The control unit 25 executes the device management program 24a to implement a device management unit 25a that manages the image forming apparatus.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 30. As shown in FIG.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 30 includes an operation unit 31, which is an operation device such as a button through which various operations are input; a display unit 32, which is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information; a printer 33, which is a printing device that prints images on a recording medium such as paper; a scanner 34, which is a reading device that reads images from a document; a communication unit 35, which is a communication device that communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly via a wired or wireless connection without using a network; a memory unit 36, which is a non-volatile memory device such as a semiconductor memory or HDD that stores various information; and a control unit 37 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 30.
[0044] The storage unit 36 can store a device control program 36a for controlling the image forming apparatus 30. The device control program 36a may be installed in the image forming apparatus 30 during the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 30, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 30 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 30 from a network.
[0045] The storage unit 36 stores information 36b for managing device users of the image forming device 30 (hereinafter referred to as "user management information").
[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user management information 36b.
[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, the user management information 36b includes a user ID as identification information for the device user and a password associated with each device user. Some information is omitted from the user management information 36b shown in Fig. 5. In the user management information 36b shown in Fig. 5, the user ID "U00001" is a user ID used for managing the image forming device 30.
[0048] 4 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM that serves as a memory used as a work area for the CPU of the control unit 37. The CPU of the control unit 37 executes programs stored in the storage unit 36 or the ROM of the control unit 37.
[0049] The control unit 37 executes the device control program 36a to implement a device control unit 37a that controls the image forming apparatus 30.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of the user terminal 40. As shown in FIG.
[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the user terminal 40 includes an operation unit 41, which is an operation device such as a keyboard or mouse through which various operations are input; a display unit 42, which is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information; a communication unit 43, which is a communication device that communicates with external devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly via a wired or wireless connection without using a network; a memory unit 44, which is a non-volatile memory device such as a semiconductor memory or HDD that stores various information; and a control unit 45 that controls the entire user terminal 40.
[0052] The storage unit 44 can store a program for a web browser (hereinafter referred to as the "web browser program") 44a. The web browser program 44a may be installed on the user terminal 40 during the manufacturing stage of the user terminal 40, or may be additionally installed on the user terminal 40 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed on the user terminal 40 from a network.
[0053] The control unit 45 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM as a memory used as a work area for the CPU of the control unit 45. The CPU of the control unit 45 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 44 or the ROM of the control unit 45.
[0054] The control unit 45 executes the web browser program 44a to implement a web browser 45a.
[0055] The operation of the system 10 will now be described.
[0056] First, the operation of the system 10 when the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected will be described.
[0057] The device control unit 37a of the image forming apparatus 30 always executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when connected to the device management system 20. In FIG.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the device control unit 37a determines whether the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected (S101).
[0060] If the device control unit 37a determines in S101 that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are not connected, the device control unit 37a connects to the device management system 20 (S102).
[0061] The device control unit 37a executes the process of S101 when it determines in S101 that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected, or when the process of S102 ends.
[0062] Next, the operation of the system 10 when the image forming device 30 is registered in the device management system 20 will be described.
[0063] A system user can input an instruction to register the image forming device 30 in the device management system 20 (hereinafter referred to as a "device registration instruction") to the image forming device 30 via the operation unit 31 of the image forming device 30. When the device registration instruction is input, the device control unit 37a of the image forming device 30 executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when a device registration instruction is input.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the device control unit 37a determines whether the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected or not until it determines that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected (S121).
[0066] When the device control unit 37a determines in S121 that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected, it transmits a request for registration of the image forming device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "device registration request") to the device management system 20 via the network 11 (S122), and ends the operation shown in Fig. 8. The device control unit 37a includes in the device registration request the device ID of the image forming device 30 and the user ID and password for managing the image forming device 30 in the user management information 36b.
[0067] When the device management unit 25a of the device management system 20 receives the device registration request, it executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device management system 20 when a device registration request is received.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 9, the device management unit 25a encrypts the password in the device registration request (S141).
[0070] When the processing of S141 is completed, the device management unit 25a associates the device ID and user ID in the device registration request with the password encrypted in S141 (hereinafter, the encrypted password will be referred to as the "encrypted password") and writes them into the device management information 24b (S142), and then terminates the operation shown in Figure 9.
[0071] Next, the operation of the system 10 when the management password of the image forming apparatus 30 is changed will be described.
[0072] A system user can input an instruction to change the management password of the image forming apparatus 30 (hereinafter referred to as a "password change instruction") to the image forming apparatus 30 via the operation unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30. When the password change instruction is input, the device control unit 37a of the image forming apparatus 30 executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when a password change instruction is input.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the device control unit 37a overwrites the password for managing the image forming apparatus 30 in the user management information 36b with the new password indicated in the password change instruction (S161).
[0075] When the processing of S161 is completed, the device control unit 37a determines whether the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected or not (S162) until it determines that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected.
[0076] If the device control unit 37a determines in S162 that the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected, it sends a request to change the management password of the image forming device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "password change request") to the device management system 20 via the network 11 (S163), and ends the operation shown in Fig. 10. The device control unit 37a includes in the password change request the device ID of the image forming device 30 and the user ID and password for management of the image forming device 30 in the user management information 36b.
[0077] When the device management unit 25a of the device management system 20 receives the password change request, it executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device management system 20 when a password change request is received.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 11, the device management unit 25a encrypts the password in the password change request (S181).
[0080] When the processing of S181 is completed, the device management unit 25a overwrites the user ID in the password change request and the encrypted password generated in S181 with the user ID and encrypted password associated with the device ID in the password change request in the device management information 24b (S182), and terminates the operation shown in Figure 11.
[0081] Next, the operation of the system 10 when the image forming apparatus 30 is operated via the device management system 20 will be described.
[0082] A system user can input operational instructions (hereinafter referred to as "device operation instructions") for the image forming device 30 to the device management system 20 from a web browser on the user terminal via a web page provided by the device management system 20. Operations indicated in the device operation instructions include, for example, operations to change various settings of the image forming device 30. When a device operation instruction is input, the device management unit 25a of the device management system 20 executes the operation shown in FIG. 12.
[0083] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device management system 20 when a device operation instruction is input.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, the device management unit 25a reads out the user ID and encrypted password associated in the device management information 24b with the device ID of the image forming device 30 that is the target of the device operation instruction (S201).
[0085] When the process of S201 is completed, the device management unit 25a decrypts the encrypted password read in S201 (S202).
[0086] When the process of S202 is completed, the device management unit 25a transmits a request for the operation indicated in the device operation instruction (hereinafter referred to as the "device operation request") to the image forming device 30 via the network 11 (S203), and ends the operation shown in Fig. 12. The device management unit 25a includes in the device operation request the user ID read out in S201 and the password decrypted in S202. In other words, the device operation request also serves as a request to log in to the image forming device 30.
[0087] When the device control unit 37a of the image forming apparatus 30 receives the device operation request, it executes the operation shown in FIG.
[0088] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when a device operation request is received.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, the device control unit 37a determines whether the combination of the user ID and password included in the device operation request matches the combination of the user ID and password for managing the image forming device 30 in the user management information 36b (S221).
[0090] If the device control unit 37a determines in S221 that the combination of the user ID and password included in the device operation request matches the combination of the user ID and password used for managing the image forming device 30 in the user management information 36b, it operates in accordance with the operation indicated in the device operation request (S222).
[0091] When the process of S222 is completed, the device control unit 37a notifies the device management system 20 of the result of the process of S222 via the network 11 (S223), and the operation shown in FIG. 13 is completed.
[0092] If the device control unit 37a determines in S221 that the combination of the user ID and password included in the device operation request does not match the combination of the user ID and password for managing the image forming device 30 in the user management information 36b, it notifies the device management system 20 via the network 11 that the operation indicated in the device operation request could not be performed due to authentication failure (S224), and terminates the operation shown in Figure 13.
[0093] Next, the operation of the device management system 20 when displaying the user ID and password for managing the image forming device 30 will be described.
[0094] For example, when a system user operates the image forming apparatus 30 via the operation unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30, the system user logs in to the image forming apparatus 30 using the management user ID and password of the image forming apparatus 30. However, the system user may not know the management user ID and password of the image forming apparatus 30. Therefore, the system user may wish to know the management user ID and password of the image forming apparatus 30. When the system user wishes to know the management user ID and password of the image forming apparatus 30, the system user can display a web page provided by the device management unit 25a of the device management system 20 in a web browser on the user's terminal, and then input an instruction to display the management user ID and password of the image forming apparatus 30 (hereinafter referred to as an "account information display instruction") to the web page provided by the device management unit 25a via the web browser on the user's terminal. When the account information display instruction is input, the device management unit 25a of the device management system 20 executes the operation shown in FIG. 14 .
[0095] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device management system 20 when displaying the user ID and password for managing the image forming device 30. In FIG.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 14, the device management unit 25a reads out the user ID and encrypted password associated in the device management information 24b with the device ID of the image forming apparatus 30 that is the target of the account information display instruction (S241).
[0097] When the process of S241 is completed, the device management unit 25a decrypts the encrypted password read out in S241 (S242).
[0098] When the processing of S242 is completed, the device management unit 25a displays the user ID read in S241 and the password decrypted in S242 on a web page provided by the device management unit 25a, thereby displaying them on the web browser of the user terminal (S243), and then terminates the operation shown in Figure 14.
[0099] As described above, when a system user operates the image forming device 30 without going through the device management system 20, the system user operates the image forming device 30 via the operation unit 31 of the image forming device 30. However, if the device control unit 37a of the image forming device 30 provides a web page that enables the system user to operate the image forming device 30, the system user can operate the image forming device 30 via this web page without going through the device management system 20, just as by operating the image forming device 30 via the operation unit 31.
[0100] As described above, when the device management system 20 receives account information for managing the image forming device 30 from the image forming device 30, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information (S141 or S181) and stores at least a portion of the encrypted account information in the memory unit 24 (S142 or S182).Therefore, even if the account information stored in the memory unit 24 is leaked, the possibility of the account information for managing the image forming device 30 being misused can be reduced.
[0101] When instructed to display the account information for managing the image forming device 30, the device management system 20 reads the account information from the memory unit 24 (S241), decrypts the encrypted part of the read account information (S242), and displays the decrypted account information on a web page (S243), thereby reducing the possibility of the account information for managing the image forming device 30 being leaked.
[0102] The image forming device 30 transmits the account information for managing the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 to the equipment management system 20 (S122 or S163), thereby facilitating management of the account information for managing the image forming device 30 by the equipment management system 20.
[0103] When the image forming device 30 is registered in the equipment management system 20, the image forming device 30 transmits the management account information for the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 to the equipment management system 20 (S122), thereby improving the possibility that the management account information for the image forming device 30 is stored in the equipment management system 20 for the image forming device 30 registered in the equipment management system 20.
[0104] When the account information for managing the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 is changed, the image forming device 30 transmits the account information for managing the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 to the equipment management system 20 (S163), thereby shortening the period during which the account information for managing the image forming device 30 stored in the equipment management system 20 differs from the account information for managing the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30.
[0105] When the image forming device 30 transmits the management account information for the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 to the device management system 20, if the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are not connected (NO in S162), the image forming device 30 transmits the management account information for the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30 to the device management system 20 (S163) after the device management system 20 and the image forming device 30 are connected (YES in S162). This shortens the period during which the management account information for the image forming device 30 stored in the device management system 20 differs from the management account information for the image forming device 30 stored in the image forming device 30.
[0106] In the above, the device management system 20 encrypts and decrypts only the password of the account information consisting of the user ID and password. However, the device management system 20 may encrypt and decrypt at least a part of the account information other than only the password. For example, the device management system 20 may encrypt and decrypt only the user ID of the account information, or may encrypt and decrypt both the user ID and the password of the account information.
[0107] In this embodiment, the electronic device of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, but the electronic device of the present invention may be an electronic device other than an image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]
[0108] 10 Systems 11 Network 20 Equipment management system (computer) 24 Memory section 24a Equipment Management Program 25a Equipment Management Department 30 Image forming equipment (electronic equipment) 36a Equipment Control Program
Claims
1. A memory unit; The Equipment Management Department manages electronic devices. Equipped with when the device management unit receives account information for managing the electronic device from the electronic device, the device management unit encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least a portion of the encrypted account information in the storage unit; An equipment management system characterized in that the equipment management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and logs in to the electronic device via a network using the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted.
2. the device management unit provides a web page; The device management system of claim 1, characterized in that when instructed to display the account information, the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and displays the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted on the web page.
3. An electronic device, An electronic device characterized in that it stores account information for managing the electronic device, and transmits the account information stored in the electronic device to a device management system that manages the electronic device.
4. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein when the electronic device is registered in the device management system, the account information stored in the electronic device is transmitted to the device management system.
5. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein when the account information stored in the electronic device is changed, the account information stored in the electronic device is transmitted to the device management system.
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the account information stored in the electronic device is transmitted to the device management system, if the device management system and the electronic device are not connected, the account information stored in the electronic device is transmitted to the device management system after the device management system and the electronic device are connected.
7. Electronic devices and a device management system that manages the electronic devices; Equipped with The device management system includes: A memory unit; a device management unit that manages the electronic device; Equipped with the electronic device stores account information for managing the electronic device, and transmits the account information stored in the electronic device to the device management system; when the device management unit receives the account information from the electronic device, it encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least partially encrypted account information in the storage unit; The system is characterized in that the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and logs in to the electronic device via a network using the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted.
8. A device management unit that manages electronic devices is implemented in a computer having a storage unit, when the device management unit receives account information for managing the electronic device from the electronic device, the device management unit encrypts at least a portion of the account information and stores the at least a portion of the encrypted account information in the storage unit; The device management program is characterized in that the device management unit reads the account information from the memory unit, decrypts the encrypted portion of the read account information, and logs in to the electronic device via a network using the account information with the encrypted portion decrypted.
9. A device control program executed by an electronic device, storing account information for managing the electronic device in the electronic device; A device control program that causes the electronic device to transmit the account information stored in the electronic device to a device management system that manages the electronic device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Image processor, and system and method for managing the same
JP2004289313A