System, method and program

Abstract

To provide a system and a program for preventing a situation in which a device after replacement is operated with erroneous setting data.SOLUTION: A system includes: a first device; and a second device that is replaceable with the first device. The first device has: a storage unit configured to store configuration information composed of setting data including information for transmitting data collected from peripheral devices connected to itself to a destination server and identification information that uniquely identifies each peripheral device; and an external output unit configured to store, in an external recording medium, the configuration information stored in the storage unit when the first device is replaced with the second device. The second device includes: a determination unit configured to determine, when the first device is replaced with the second device, whether identification information included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches each piece of identification information of the peripheral devices connected to the second device; and a notification unit configured to output a predetermined notification when the determination unit determines that the identification information does not match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Factories and plants use devices that transmit data collected from various sensors and control devices to servers on the cloud. In such devices, information for connecting to the server on the cloud (e.g., destination address, user ID, password, etc.) is set as configuration data.

[0003] However, devices may need to be replaced due to various reasons such as breakdowns or aging. In such cases, the setting data held by the device to be replaced must be transferred to the new device, and in such cases, the setting data is often transferred manually using an external recording medium such as a USB memory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-164102 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-38068 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-74724 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when replacing multiple devices at the same time, there is a risk that incorrect setting data will be set due to incorrect insertion of USB memory sticks, etc. For example, when there are devices A and A' as devices to be replaced and device A is replaced with device B and device A' is replaced with device B', there is a risk that the setting data of device A will be mistakenly set to device B', or the setting data of device A' will be mistakenly set to device B.

[0006] In such a case, the replaced device may end up operating with incorrect configuration data, leading to the sending of data to an unintended server.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to prevent a situation in which a replaced device is operated with erroneous setting data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a system according to one embodiment is a system including a first device and a second device used as a replacement for the first device, wherein the first device has a memory unit that stores configuration information consisting of setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the first device to a destination server, and identification information that uniquely identifies each of the one or more peripheral devices, and an external output unit that stores the configuration information stored in the memory unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device, and the second device has a determination unit that, when replaced by the first device with the second device, determines whether the identification information included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches the identification information of each of the one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device, and a notification unit that outputs a predetermined notification when the determination unit determines that they do not match. Effect of the Invention

[0009] This can prevent the replaced device from being operated with incorrect setting data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of device replacement according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of configuration information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow during initial setting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow at the time of device replacement according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow during a setting error check according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow when updating configuration information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow at the time of device replacement according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow when configuration information is saved according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a device 10 that can prevent a situation in which erroneous setting data is set due to device replacement by notifying an operator or the like of the fact that erroneous setting data is set will be described.

[0012] [First embodiment] <Overall composition> First, the overall configuration of a device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] 1, one or more peripheral devices 20 are connected by wire or wirelessly to a device 10 according to this embodiment. The peripheral devices 20 include, for example, various sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, vibration sensors, temperature sensors, etc.), PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) devices, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) devices, etc.

[0014] The device 10 collects data from each peripheral device 20 connected to it, and transmits the data to the server 30 via a communication network such as the Internet. That is, the device 10 is a device or apparatus (for example, an embedded device such as an edge control device) that has at least a data collection function. The server 30 is a so-called cloud server, and provides a service such as analyzing and displaying data collected from the device 10. However, the server 30 does not need to be a cloud type server, and may be, for example, an on-premise type server.

[0015] In addition, a PC 40 used for initial configuration is connected, by wire or wirelessly, to the device 10. The initial configuration refers to setting configuration data for the device 10 before the device 10 is installed and operated.

[0016] In the following description, when distinguishing between the multiple peripheral devices 20, they will be referred to as "peripheral device 20A," They are represented as "peripheral device 20B", "peripheral device 20C", etc. When distinguishing between multiple devices 10 (for example, when distinguishing between the device 10 to be replaced and the device 10 after replacement), they are represented as "device 10A", "device 10B", etc.

[0017] <Outline of device replacement> The following describes a case where the device 10A is replaced with the device 10B.

[0018] 2, the device 10A according to the present embodiment stores the serial numbers and setting data of each peripheral device 20 connected to the device 10A as configuration information. When replacing the device 10A with the device 10B, the configuration information stored in the device 10A is copied to a USB memory, the device 10A is replaced with the device 10B, and the device 10B is connected to each peripheral device 20.

[0019] After that, the configuration information in the USB memory is saved in the device 10B. As a result, the setting data included in the configuration information is set in the device 10B. At this time, the device 10B checks whether the serial number included in the configuration information matches the serial number of each peripheral device 20 connected to itself, and if they do not match, notifies the device 10B that the setting data is incorrect.

[0020] In this manner, in this embodiment, when replacing the device 10, by checking whether the serial numbers of the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10 match before and after the replacement, incorrect setting data is prevented from being set. This is because the same peripheral devices 20 are generally connected to the device 10 before and after the replacement.

[0021] This prevents, for example, a situation in which device 10A and device 10C exist as devices 10 to be replaced, and device 10A is replaced with device 10B and device 10C is replaced with device 10D, in which the setting data of device 10A is mistakenly set in device 10D, or the setting data of device 10C is mistakenly set in device 10B. This is because the peripheral devices 20 connected to device 10A and the peripheral devices 20 connected to device 10C are different, and therefore naturally have different manufacturing numbers. The manufacturing number is also called a manufacturing specific number or serial number, and is information that uniquely identifies the peripheral device 20.

[0022] Note that using the serial number is just one example, and any information can be used instead of the serial number as long as it can uniquely identify the peripheral device 20. Examples of such information include a MAC (Media Access Control address) address, and information determined to be unique within a system in which the device 10 is installed, such as a factory or plant.

[0023] Furthermore, copying the configuration information to a USB memory when replacing the device 10 is just an example, and any external recording medium can be used instead of the USB memory. Examples of such external recording media include an SD memory card.

[0024] <Hardware configuration> Next, a hardware configuration of the device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] 3, the device 10 according to the present embodiment includes an input device 101, a display device 102, an external I / F 103, a communication I / F 104, a processor 105, and a memory device 106. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via a bus 107 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0026] The input device 101 is, for example, a physical button, a touch panel, etc. The display device 102 is, for example, a display panel, etc. Note that the device 10 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the input device 101 and the display device 102.

[0027] The external I / F 103 is an interface with an external recording medium 103a. Examples of the external recording medium 103a include a USB memory and an SD memory card.

[0028] The communication I / F 104 is an interface through which the device 10 communicates with the peripheral device 20, the server 30, the PC 40, etc. The processor 105 is, for example, various arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-processing Unit). The memory unit 106 is various storage devices such as a flash memory. In particular, the memory unit 106 includes a secure storage device having tamper resistance and the like.

[0029] The device 10 according to this embodiment can realize various processes described below by having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3. Note that the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and the device 10 may have other hardware configurations. For example, the device 10 may have multiple processors 105, or multiple memory devices 106.

[0030] <Functional configuration> Next, a functional configuration of the device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] 4, the device 10 according to this embodiment includes a setting unit 201, a peripheral device communication unit 202, an external input / output unit 203, a setting error check unit 204, a notification unit 205, and a server communication unit 206. Each of these units is realized by, for example, processing executed by the processor 105 of one or more programs installed in the device 10.

[0032] Moreover, the device 10 according to this embodiment includes a configuration information storage unit 207. The configuration information storage unit 207 is realized by the memory device 106, for example.

[0033] The setting unit 201 stores the configuration information in the configuration information storage unit 207. For example, at the time of initial setting, the setting unit 201 stores the configuration information including the setting data input from the PC 40 in the configuration information storage unit 207. Also, for example, at the time of device replacement, the setting unit 201 stores the configuration information read from the USB memory by the external input / output unit 203 in the configuration information storage unit 207.

[0034] The peripheral device communication unit 202 communicates with each of the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10 and acquires the serial numbers of each of the peripheral devices 20 .

[0035] The external input / output unit 203 copies the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 to the USB memory, and reads the configuration information stored in the USB memory. For example, if the device 10 is a device to be replaced, the external input / output unit 203 copies the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 to the USB memory. On the other hand, for example, if the device 10 is a replaced device, the external input / output unit 203 reads the configuration information stored in the USB memory.

[0036] The setting error check unit 204 checks whether the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 is correct. That is, the setting error check unit 204 checks whether the serial number included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 matches the serial number acquired by the peripheral device communication unit 202.

[0037] If the check result by the setting error check unit 204 indicates that the serial numbers do not match, the notification unit 205 notifies that the setting data is incorrect. Note that the notification method at this time is arbitrary, and for example, characters or symbols indicating that the setting data is incorrect may be displayed on a display panel, or a blinking light or a buzzer sound may be output.

[0038] The server communication unit 206 communicates with the server 30 by using the setting data included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207. That is, the server communication unit 206 transmits data collected from each peripheral device 20 to the server 30 by using the setting data.

[0039] The configuration information storage unit 207 stores the configuration information. Note that the configuration information storage unit 207 is preferably realized by a secure storage device that is particularly tamper-resistant.

[0040] An example of the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration information is composed of setting data and a serial number. The setting data includes a connection destination address of the server 30, a user name and password for logging in to the server 30, an installation location of the device 10, a device name, and the like. Meanwhile, the serial number is the serial number of each peripheral device 20 connected to the device 10. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a CNC device, a PLC device, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, and a temperature sensor are connected to the device 10 as the peripheral devices 20, and the respective serial numbers are "CN111111", "PL111112", "DN111113", "SN111114", and "ON111115".

[0041] In this way, the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 mainly consists of setting data including information for connecting to the server 30 and information about the device 10 itself, and the serial numbers of each peripheral device 20 connected to the device 10.

[0042] <Initial setup process> Hereinafter, a process flow when initially setting the device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow when initially setting the device 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that it is assumed that a PC 40 is connected to the device 10 when initially setting the device 10. It is also assumed that each peripheral device 20 is connected to the device 10.

[0043] The setting unit 201 of the device 10 determines whether or not setting data has been input from the PC 40 (step S101). Note that a program (for example, a program called an installation data generation tool or the like) for generating setting data and outputting the data to the device 10 is installed in the PC 40.

[0044] If it is determined in step S101 above that the setting data has not been input, the device 10 returns to step S101. That is, in this case, the device 10 enters a state of waiting for input of setting data.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the setting data has been input, the peripheral communication unit 202 of the device 10 acquires the serial numbers from the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10 (step S102). For example, if N peripheral devices 20 are connected to the device 10, the peripheral communication unit 202 acquires the serial numbers from the N peripheral devices 20, respectively, to obtain N serial numbers.

[0046] Then, the setting unit 201 of the device 10 stores information consisting of the setting data input from the PC 40 and the serial number acquired in the above step S102 as configuration information in the configuration information storage unit 207 (step S103). As a result, the configuration information including the setting data is set in the device 10, and the initial setting is completed.

[0047] <Process flow when replacing a device> Hereinafter, a process flow when replacing the device 10A with the device 10B will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow when replacing a device according to the first embodiment. Note that the device 10A is a device to be replaced, and the device 10B is a replaced device.

[0048] First, the external input / output unit 203 of the device 10A copies the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 to a USB memory (step S201). For example, an operator can insert a USB memory into the device 10A and perform a copy start operation to copy the configuration information to the USB memory. This completes preparations for replacing the device 10A.

[0049] After preparations for replacing device 10A are complete, the worker or the like turns off the power of device 10A and disconnects each of the peripheral devices 20, and then replaces device 10A with device 10B. Then, the worker or the like connects each of the peripheral devices 20 to device 10B, turns on the power of device 10B, and inserts the USB memory into device 10B.

[0050] Device 10B reads the configuration information stored in the USB memory by external input / output unit 203, and stores the configuration information in configuration information storage unit 207 by setting unit 201 (step S202). As a result, the configuration information including the setting data is stored in configuration information storage unit 207, and the setting data is set in device 10B. Note that, for example, an operator can perform a read start operation to read the configuration information from the USB memory inserted in device 10B.

[0051] Next, the device 10B checks whether the setting data set in the above step S202 is correct (setting error check) (step S203).

[0052] <Check for setting errors> Here, the process flow when checking for setting errors in step S203 above will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow when checking for setting errors according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The peripheral device communication unit 202 of the device 10B acquires the serial number from each peripheral device 20 connected to itself (step S301).

[0054] Next, the setting error check unit 204 of the device 10B compares each serial number acquired in the above step S301 with each serial number included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 (step S302).

[0055] Then, the setting error check unit 204 of the device 10B judges whether or not the comparison result of the above step S302 indicates that the respective serial numbers match each other (step S303). Here, the setting error check unit 204 judges that the respective serial numbers match each other when the respective serial numbers acquired in the above step S301 match each other with the respective serial numbers included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 except for the order, and judges that the respective serial numbers do not match each other when they do not match each other.

[0056] A more specific description will be given below. Hereinafter, the serial numbers acquired in step S301 above will be referred to as a "first serial number group," and the serial numbers included in the configuration information stored in configuration information storage unit 207 will be referred to as a "second serial number group." Note that although the term "group" is used, this also includes cases where there is only one serial number.

[0057] For example, assume that the first group of serial numbers is as follows:

[0058] ON111115 CN111111 DN111113 SN111114 PL111112 On the other hand, suppose the second group of serial numbers is as follows:

[0059] CN111111 PL111112 DN111113 SN111114 ON111115 In this case, since the first group of serial numbers and the second group of serial numbers match except for the order, it is determined that the serial numbers match each other.

[0060] Other concrete examples are given below.

[0061] For example, assume that the first group of serial numbers is as follows:

[0062] CN111120 DN111121 SN111122 On the other hand, if the second group of serial numbers is the same as the above, the first group of serial numbers and the second group of serial numbers do not match, so it is determined that the serial numbers do not match each other.

[0063] If it is determined in step S303 that the serial numbers match, the device 10B ends the setting error check. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S303 that the serial numbers match, the notification unit 205 of the device 10B notifies that the setting data is incorrect (step S304).

[0064] In this way, in the setting error check, it is checked whether each serial number included in the configuration information read from the USB memory matches each serial number acquired from each peripheral device 20 actually connected to the replaced device, and if they do not match, it is notified that the setting data is incorrect. This allows an operator or the like to know the error before actual operation, even if incorrect setting data (i.e., setting data that should be set in another device 10) is set in the replaced device 10. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the replaced device 10 is operated with incorrect setting data by performing an operation such as resetting the setting data.

[0065] <Process flow when updating configuration information> Here, for example, there may be cases where the peripheral device 20 connected to the device 10 needs to be replaced due to a reason such as a failure of the peripheral device 20. In this case, the serial number included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 of the device 10 also needs to be updated. Hereinafter, the flow of processing when updating the configuration information will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing when updating the configuration information according to the first embodiment. Note that, in the following, it is assumed that a certain peripheral device 20 connected to a certain device 10 has been replaced.

[0066] First, the peripheral device communication unit 202 of the device 10 acquires the serial numbers from the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10 (step S401). Note that this step is started, for example, when an operator or the like performs an update start operation.

[0067] Then, the setting unit 201 of the device 10 updates each serial number included in the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 with each serial number acquired in the above step S401 (step S402). As a result, the serial numbers included in the configuration information become the serial numbers of each peripheral device 20 currently connected to the device 10.

[0068] <Summary> As described above, the device 10 according to the present embodiment holds configuration information consisting of the setting data and the serial numbers of the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10. When replacing the device 10, the configuration information is copied to an external recording medium such as a USB memory, and the replaced device 10 checks whether the serial numbers included in the configuration information match the serial numbers of the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10, except for the order. This makes it possible to notify an operator or the like of the error even if incorrect setting data is set in the replaced device 10. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the device 10 from being operated with incorrect setting data.

[0069] <Modification> Some variations of this embodiment will be described below.

[0070] Variation 1 In step S303 described above, it is determined whether the first group of serial numbers and the second group of serial numbers match except for the order, but it may be determined whether they match while taking into consideration the order depending on the type of peripheral device 20. This is because, for example, depending on the type of peripheral device 20, the peripheral device 20 needs to be connected to the device 10 in a certain predetermined order.

[0071] Variation 2 In this embodiment, the configuration information stored in the USB memory is saved in the replaced device 10, but this does not necessarily have to be saved. For example, when a USB memory is inserted into the replaced device 10 after connecting the replaced device 10 to each peripheral device 20, it may be checked whether the serial number acquired from each peripheral device 20 matches the serial number included in the configuration information stored in the USB memory. In this case, only when the check shows a match, the configuration information stored in the USB memory may be saved in the replaced device 10.

[0072] Variation 3 As described above, the execution of step S401 is started by, for example, an operator performing an update start operation. Therefore, if an operator forgets to perform an update start operation, the serial number included in the configuration information will not be updated. On the other hand, it is rare that all of the peripheral devices 20 connected to the device 10 are updated, and generally, only a portion of the peripheral devices 20 (for example, one or two peripheral devices 20) are often replaced.

[0073] Therefore, even if the first group of serial numbers and the second group of serial numbers do not match in step S303 above, if some of the serial numbers match (for example, more than half of the serial numbers match), the worker, etc. may be notified in step S304 above that there is a possibility that the configuration information has not been updated.

[0074] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, one USB memory is required to replace one device 10 with another device 10. For this reason, for example, when there are N devices to be replaced, N USB memories are required, which makes the management of the USB memories complicated and may lead to the wrong insertion of the USB memory into the replaced device.

[0075] In this embodiment, therefore, a case will be described in which the configuration information of a plurality of devices to be replaced can be copied to one USB memory, and the correct configuration information from among the plurality of pieces of configuration information is saved in the replaced device.

[0076] In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0077] <Functional configuration> First, the functional configuration of the device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the device 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, the device 10 of this embodiment has, similar to the first embodiment, a setting unit 201, a peripheral device communication unit 202, an external input / output unit 203, a setting error check unit 204, a notification unit 205, a server communication unit 206, and a configuration information storage unit 207.

[0079] In this embodiment, the external input / output unit 203 sequentially reads a plurality of pieces of configuration information stored in the USB memory. Furthermore, the setting error check unit 204 checks whether the configuration information read by the external input / output unit 203 from the USB memory is correct (i.e., whether the serial number included in the configuration information matches the serial number acquired by the peripheral device communication unit 202). The setting unit 201 then stores the configuration information checked by the setting error check unit 204 as being correct in the configuration information storage unit 207. On the other hand, if it is not checked that all of the plurality of pieces of configuration information stored in the USB memory are correct, the notification unit 205 notifies that the setting data is incorrect.

[0080] <Process flow when replacing a device> Hereinafter, a process flow at the time of device replacement when there are multiple devices to be replaced will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow at the time of device replacement according to the second embodiment.

[0081] First, the external input / output unit 203 of each device 10, which is a device to be replaced, copies the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 207 to a USB memory (step S501). This is realized, for example, by an operator inserting a USB memory into the device to be replaced and performing a copy start operation, which is repeated for each device to be replaced. For example, when the devices to be replaced are "device 10A", "device 10A'", and "device 10A'', the operator inserts a USB memory into device 10A and performs a copy start operation, and after the copying of the configuration information is completed, removes the USB memory from device 10A. Next, similarly, the operator inserts a USB memory into device 10A' and performs a copy start operation, and after the copying of the configuration information is completed, removes the USB memory from device 10A'. Next, similarly, the operator inserts a USB memory into device 10A'', performs a copy start operation, and after the copying of the configuration information is completed, removes the USB memory from device 10A''. As a result, multiple pieces of configuration information (i.e., configuration information for each of multiple devices to be replaced) are stored in the USB memory, and each device to be replaced is ready to be replaced.

[0082] After preparations for replacing the replacement target device are complete, the worker or the like replaces the replacement target device with the replacement device after turning off the power of the replacement target device and disconnecting it from each of the peripheral devices 20. Then, the worker or the like connects each of the peripheral devices 20 to the replacement device, turns on the power of the replacement device, and inserts the USB memory into the replacement device.

[0083] Each of the devices 10, which are replaced devices, stores correct configuration information from among the multiple pieces of configuration information (step S502). As a result, the configuration information including the setting data is stored in the configuration information storage unit 207, and the setting data is set in the device 10. This step may be started, for example, when a USB memory is inserted into the device 10, or when an operator or the like performs an operation.

[0084] <Saving configuration information> The following describes the process flow when the device 10, which is a certain replaced device, saves correct configuration information from among multiple pieces of configuration information in the above step S502, with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow when saving configuration information according to the second embodiment.

[0085] The peripheral communication unit 202 of the device 10 acquires the serial number from each peripheral device 20 connected to itself (step S601).

[0086] Next, the external input / output unit 203 of the device 10 reads one piece of configuration information from among the multiple configurations stored in the USB memory (step S602).

[0087] Next, the setting error check unit 204 of the device 10 compares each serial number acquired in the above step S601 with each serial number included in the configuration information read in the above step S602 (step S603).

[0088] Then, the setting error check unit 204 of the device 10 judges whether or not the comparison result in the above step S603 indicates that the respective serial numbers match (step S604). Note that the judgment method in this step is the same as that in step S303 in FIG. 8.

[0089] If it is determined in step S604 that the serial numbers match, the setting unit 201 of the device 10 stores the configuration information read in step S602 in the configuration information storage unit 207 (step S605). As a result, the configuration information including the setting data is stored in the configuration information storage unit 207, and the setting data is set in the device 10.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S604 above that the serial numbers match, the external input / output unit 203 of the device 10 determines whether or not there is the next configuration information (i.e., configuration information that has not yet been read) among the multiple configurations stored in the USB memory (step S606).

[0091] If it is determined in step S606 that there is next configuration information, the device 10 returns to step S602. As a result, in step S602, the next configuration information is read by the external input / output unit 203 of the device 10, and the processes in and after step S603 are executed again.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S606 that there is the next configuration information, the notification unit 205 of the device 10 notifies that the setting data is incorrect (step S607). In this case, this is because none of the configuration information stored in the USB memory is correct.

[0093] In this way, in the process of saving the configuration information, multiple pieces of configuration information stored in the USB memory are read in order, and a setting error check is performed on the read configuration information. If the configuration information is determined to be correct in this setting error check, the configuration information is saved in the device 10, whereas if no correct configuration information exists, a notice is sent to the effect that the setting data is incorrect. This allows each post-replacement device to save only the correct configuration information from among the multiple pieces of configuration information, eliminating the need for a one-to-one correspondence between the USB memory and the device 10, and making it possible to store multiple pieces of configuration information in one USB memory.

[0094] <Summary> As described above, the device 10 according to this embodiment can store only correct configuration information from among multiple pieces of configuration information stored in the USB memory. This makes it possible to store the configuration information of multiple devices to be replaced in one USB memory, facilitating management of the USB memory, and also preventing the device 10 from being operated with incorrect setting data by preventing the USB memory from being inserted into the replaced device by mistake. Note that the first and third modifications described in the first embodiment can be similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications, changes, combinations with known technologies, and the like are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Devices 20 Peripheral Devices 30 Servers 40 PC 101 Input Device 102 Display device 103 External I / F 103a External recording media 104 Communication I / F 105 processors 106 Memory Device 107 Bus 201 Setting Department 202 Peripheral device communication section 203 External input / output section 204 Setting Error Check Unit 205 Notification Department 206 Server Communication Department 207 Configuration information storage unit

Claims

1. 1. A system including a first device and a second device for replacing the first device, The first device is a storage unit that stores configuration information including setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the device to a destination server, and identification information that uniquely identifies each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output unit that stores the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device is a determination unit that, when the first device is replaced with the second device, determines whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device; a notification unit that outputs a predetermined notification when the determination unit determines that the two do not match, The determination unit is determining whether or not identification information included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium and identification information of each of the one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device partially match each other except for the order; The notification unit is When the determination unit determines that there is a partial match, the system outputs a notification indicating that there is a possibility that the configuration information has not been updated.

2. A system including a first device and a second device for replacing the first device, The first device is a storage unit that stores configuration information including setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the device to a destination server, and identification information that uniquely identifies each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output unit that stores the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device is a determination unit that, when the first device is replaced with the second device, determines whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device; a notification unit that outputs a predetermined notification when the determination unit determines that the two do not match, The notification unit is If the determination unit determines that they do not match, the system outputs a notification indicating that the setting data included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium is incorrect.

3. A plurality of pieces of configuration information are stored in the external recording medium, The determination unit is determining, for each piece of configuration information stored in the external recording medium, whether or not identification information included in the configuration information matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device; The notification unit is 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the determining unit determines that all the configuration information stored in the external recording medium does not match, the notification is output.

4. The determination unit is A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: determining whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device, except for order.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information is a serial number or a MAC address of the peripheral device.

6. 1. A method for use in a system including a first device and a second device replacing the first device, comprising: The first device comprises: a storage step of storing configuration information in a storage unit, the configuration information being composed of setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the storage unit to a destination server, and identification information for uniquely identifying each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output step of storing the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device comprises: a determination step of determining whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device when the first device is replaced with the second device; a notification step of outputting a predetermined notification when it is determined by the determination step that there is no match; The determination procedure includes: determining whether or not identification information included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium and identification information of each of the one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device partially match each other except for the order; The notification procedure includes: outputting a notification indicating that there is a possibility that the configuration information has not been updated if the determining step determines that there is a partial match.

7. A method for use in a system including a first device and a second device replacing the first device, comprising: The first device comprises: a storage step of storing configuration information in a storage unit, the configuration information being composed of setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the storage unit to a destination server, and identification information for uniquely identifying each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output step of storing the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device comprises: a determination step of determining whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device when the first device is replaced with the second device; a notification step of outputting a predetermined notification when it is determined by the determination step that there is no match; The notification procedure includes: If it is determined by the determination procedure that they do not match, a notification is output indicating that the setting data included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium is incorrect.

8. A program for use in a system including a first device and a second device for replacing the first device, The first device, a storage step of storing configuration information in a storage unit, the configuration information being composed of setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the storage unit to a destination server, and identification information for uniquely identifying each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output procedure for storing the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device, a determination step of determining whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device when the first device is replaced with the second device; a notification step of outputting a predetermined notification when it is determined by the determination step that there is no match; The determination procedure includes: determining whether or not identification information included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium and identification information of each of the one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device partially match each other except for the order; The notification procedure includes: and when it is determined by the determination procedure that there is a partial match, outputting a notification indicating that there is a possibility that the configuration information has not been updated.

9. A program for use in a system including a first device and a second device for replacing the first device, comprising: The first device, a storage step of storing configuration information in a storage unit, the configuration information being composed of setting data including at least information for transmitting data collected from one or more peripheral devices connected to the storage unit to a destination server, and identification information for uniquely identifying each of the one or more peripheral devices; an external output procedure for storing the configuration information stored in the storage unit in an external recording medium when the first device is replaced with the second device; The second device, a determination step of determining whether or not identification information included in configuration information stored in the external recording medium matches identification information of each of one or more peripheral devices connected to the second device when the first device is replaced with the second device; a notification step of outputting a predetermined notification when it is determined by the determination step that there is no match; The notification procedure includes: If it is determined by the determination procedure that the setting data do not match, a notification is output indicating that the setting data included in the configuration information stored in the external recording medium is incorrect.

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