Information Processing Apparatus and Information Processing System

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and the like that, even when identification information on an image forming apparatus connected with a network is changed, can accurately manage an apparatus state without requiring a special server and database.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a storage unit that stores identification information and registration information on an image forming apparatus in association with each other; a control unit that can connect to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information to acquire apparatus information on the image forming apparatus; and a display unit that displays at least the state of connection with the image forming apparatus. When the acquired apparatus information does not match the registration information, the control unit notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in order to maintain and manage image forming apparatuses such as printers, fax machines, or multifunction devices arranged on a network in an office or the like, it is necessary to periodically connect to these apparatuses and monitor the apparatus states.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus management system or the like capable of acquiring device state information of an image forming apparatus by acquiring the IP address of the destination when the image forming apparatus is moved from its original installation position in a system for managing device state information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network by a management apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the device management system described in Patent Document 1, a server for managing the IP addresses of image forming apparatuses arranged on a network is required. Further, in the device management system described in Patent Document 1, a database for managing in association with each other the IP address and network location description information which is a description name of the location on the network is required, and a complicated system and its control are required.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus or the like that can accurately manage the device state even when the identification information of an image forming apparatus connected to a network is changed without requiring a special server or database.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores by associating identification information with registration information of an image forming apparatus, a control unit that connects to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and can acquire device information of the image forming apparatus, and a display unit that displays at least a connection status with the image forming apparatus. The control unit is characterized in that when the acquired device information does not match the registration information, it notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information.

[0008] Further, an information processing system according to the present disclosure is an information processing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores by associating identification information with registration information of the image forming apparatus, a control unit that connects to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and can acquire device information of the image forming apparatus, and a display unit that displays at least a connection status with the image forming apparatus. The control unit is characterized in that when the acquired device information does not match the registration information, it notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information, and the image forming apparatus includes an output unit that outputs the device information in response to a request for acquisition of the device information by the control unit.

[0009] In addition, the information processing method according to the present disclosure includes a step of associating and storing identification information with registration information of an image forming apparatus, a step of connecting to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and acquiring device information of the image forming apparatus, a step of displaying at least a connection status with the image forming apparatus, and a step of notifying that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information when the acquired device information does not match the registration information.

[0010] In addition, the information processing program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to realize a function of associating and storing identification information with registration information of an image forming apparatus, a function of connecting to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and acquiring device information of the image forming apparatus, a function of displaying at least a connection status with the image forming apparatus, and a function of notifying that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information when the acquired device information does not match the registration information.

[0011] In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an image forming unit, a job log storage unit that stores records of jobs related to image formation as job logs, a storage unit that stores identification information in association with registration information of other image forming apparatuses, a control unit that can connect to the other image forming apparatuses based on the identification information and acquire device information of the other image forming apparatuses, and a display unit that displays at least a connection status with the other image forming apparatuses, and the control unit notifies that the connected other image forming apparatus is different from the other image forming apparatus specified by the registration information when the acquired device information does not match the registration information.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus or the like that can accurately manage the device state even when the identification information of an image forming apparatus connected to a network is changed without requiring a special server or database.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, an example in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a PC (Personal Computer) is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The information processing apparatus is not particularly limited as long as it can perform arithmetic processing based on the input information and output the arithmetic result in a predetermined format. Further, in the present disclosure, an example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction device capable of realizing a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, scanning, and E-mail transmission in one housing is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, there is no particular limitation as long as it is an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving information such as a copying machine, a printer device, or a facsimile device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment includes a storage unit that stores by associating an IP address as identification information with registration information of an image forming apparatus, a control unit that connects to the image forming apparatus based on the IP address and can acquire device information of the image forming apparatus, and a display unit that displays at least a connection status with the image forming apparatus. When the acquired device information does not match the registration information, the control unit notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information.

[0016] [1.1 Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically explaining the overall configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a PC 10 and a plurality of multi-function devices 30a to 30n connected via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the PC 10 and the multi-function devices 30a to 30n are located on the same network NW, but the PC 10 and the multi-function devices 30a to 30n may be connected via different network NWs. Also, a form in which the PC 10 and some of the multi-function devices (for example, multi-function devices 30a to 30c) are located on the same network NW and other multi-function devices (for example, multi-function devices 30d to 30n) are located on different network NWs may be acceptable. Furthermore, the number of the PC 10 and the multi-function devices 30a to 30n can be increased or decreased respectively.

[0017] [1.2 Functional Configuration] [1.2.1 About the PC 10] First, the PC 10 as an information processing device according to the first embodiment will be described. The PC 10 according to the first embodiment connects to the multi-function devices 30a to 30n on the network NW based on an IP address as identification information. Then, the PC 10 is described as a device having a function of acquiring and aggregating a job log, which is a history of jobs (for example, copy jobs, fax jobs, image transmission jobs, etc.) executed by any or all of the multi-function devices 30a to 30n, and displaying the aggregation result to the user.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the PC 10. The PC 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation input unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0019] The control unit 11 controls the entire PC 10. The control unit 11 is composed of one or a plurality of arithmetic devices (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 15.

[0020] The display unit 12 displays various information to the user or the like. The display unit 12 can be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0021] The operation input unit 13 receives input of information by the user or the like. The operation input unit 13 can use input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

[0022] The communication unit 14 includes a wired and / or wireless interface for communicating with other devices via a network NW such as a LAN or a WAN.

[0023] The storage unit 15 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the PC 10. The storage unit 15 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 15 stores a management program 151 and a display processing program 153, and secures a device information list storage area 155.

[0025] The management program 151 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when managing the device information list as registration information. The control unit 11 that has read the management program 151 reads the IP addresses of the multifunction devices 30a to 30n from the device information list. Based on the read IP addresses, the control unit 11 attempts to connect to the multifunction devices 30a to 30n. When the connection is successful, the control unit 11 acquires device information from each of the connected multifunction devices 30a to 30n. The control unit 11 compares the acquired device information with the registration information in the device information list. If the acquired device information does not match the registration information, the control unit 11 notifies the user that the connected multifunction devices 30a to 30n are different from the multifunction devices 30a to 30n specified by the registration information. In addition, the control unit 11 performs specific processing including display on the IP addresses of the multifunction devices 30a to 30 where the device information and the registration information do not match. The processing executed by the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0026] The display processing program 153 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when, for example, displaying a device information management screen or the like, which will be described later, on the display unit 12. The control unit 11 that has read the display processing program 153 generates a device information management screen based on frame information, content arrangement information, etc. (not shown) and displays it on the display unit 12.

[0027] The device information list storage area 155 is a storage area that stores the device information list illustrated in the following figure.

[0028] Here, the device information list according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one form of the data structure of the device information list stored in the device information list storage area 155.

[0029] The machine information list is a list of information in which the identification information (IP address) of a multifunction device arranged on a network is associated with the device information as registration information (each piece of information is referred to as device information). As items constituting the device information, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, items such as the aggregation target, IP address, model name, serial number, job log acquisition time, final job ID, administrator login name, (administrator) password, remarks, etc. can be listed.

[0030] The aggregation target is a value for determining whether the multifunction device is a device for which a job log is to be acquired. When the value of the aggregation target is "TRUE", the control unit 11 that has read the management program 151 attempts to connect to the multifunction devices 30a to 30n registered with the IP address of the next item, and acquires device information such as the model name and serial number. On the other hand, when the value of the aggregation target is "FALSE", the control unit 11 does not acquire device information from the multifunction device.

[0031] The IP address is information for identifying the multifunction devices 30a to 30n to be connected located on the network NW. In FIG. 3, it is represented as 32-bit data compliant with IPv4 as the IP address, but the IP address is not limited to this, and it may be represented as 128-bit data compliant with IPv6. Also, the IP address may be a private IP address within a LAN or a global IP address that can be used on the Internet.

[0032] Furthermore, in addition to the IP address as identification information, for example, it is also possible to use a MAC (Media Access Control) address. Also, it is possible to use a combination of the IP address and the MAC address as identification information.

[0033] The model name represents the manufacturing model names of the multi-function devices 30a to 30n. Also, the serial number represents the manufacturing serial numbers of the multi-function devices 30a to 30n. For example, when the model name and serial number obtained as device information from the multi-function devices 30a to 30n connected based on the IP address match the model name (for example, MX-6170FV) and serial number (for example, 000001) as the registered information registered in the device information, the control unit 11 can determine that the multi-function devices 30a to 30n identified by the IP address are the multi-function devices 30a to 30n registered in the device information list. Note that the device information is not limited to the model name and serial number, and may be information that can identify the multi-function devices 30a to 30n, such as the above MAC address, the serial number representing the arrangement order in an office, etc., or an identification number uniquely assigned within the organization to which it belongs, etc.

[0034] The job log acquisition time is the acquisition date and time of the job log obtained from the connected multi-function devices 30a to 30n. The final job ID is the final job ID of the job executed by the connected multi-function devices 30a to 30n. The administrator login name represents the login name of the administrator who manages the multi-function devices 30a to 30n, and the (administrator) password represents the password when the administrator logs in. Remarks can represent, for example, the installation location of the multi-function devices 30a to 30n.

[0035] [1.2.2 Regarding the Multi-Function Devices 30a to 30n] Next, the functional configuration of the multi-function devices 30a to 30n will be described. The multi-function devices 30a to 30n according to the first embodiment can each have a different configuration or the same configuration. Regarding the main configuration, it can be common to the multi-function devices 30a to 30n. In the following description, unless a specific multi-function device is limited, the multi-function devices 30a to 30n will be described as the multi-function device 30.

[0036] Figure 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the multi-function device 30. The multi-function device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation input unit 33, an image forming unit 34, an image reading unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a storage unit 37.

[0037] The control unit 31 controls the entire multifunction device 30. The control unit 31 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (such as a CPU). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 37.

[0038] The display unit 32 displays various information to the user. The display unit 32 can be constituted by, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0039] The operation input unit 33 receives input of information from the user or the like. The operation input unit 33 can be constituted by hard keys (for example, can be constituted by a numeric keypad, buttons, etc.). Note that the operation input unit 33 can be constituted by a touch panel display or the like capable of input via the display unit 32. In this case, as the input method to the touch panel display, for example, a resistive film type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, a capacitance type, or the like can be adopted.

[0040] The image forming unit 34 forms and outputs an image based on image data (for example, image data generated by scanning a printed document or image data input from an external device, an external recording medium, etc.) on a sheet as a recording medium. The image forming unit 34 can be constituted by, for example, a laser printer or the like using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 34 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0041] The image reading unit 35 generates and outputs image data by scanning and reading a printed image (document image) to be read. The image reading unit 35 can be configured as, for example, a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge coupled device) or a CIS (Contact image sensor). The configuration of the image reading unit 35 is not limited as long as it can output image data by reading the reflected light image from the printed document with the image sensor.

[0042] The storage unit 37 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction machine 30. The storage unit 37 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, HDD, SSD, ROM, etc.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 37 stores the device information transmission program 371, and secures an address information storage area 373, a device information storage area 375, and a job log storage area 377.

[0044] The device information transmission program 371 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when comparing the IP address used for connection with its own IP address stored in the address information storage area 373 in response to a request from the PC 10 that attempts to connect. The control unit 11 that reads the device information transmission program 371 functions as an output unit. When the result of comparing the IP addresses matches, the control unit 11 transmits the device information stored in the device information storage area 375 to the PC 10.

[0045] The address information storage area 373 is a storage area that stores address information such as an IP address representing the location on the network.

[0046] The device information storage area 375 is a storage area that stores a model name as device information, a serial number, etc.

[0047] The job log storage area 377 is a storage area that stores the execution record of a job executed by controlling the image forming unit 34, the image reading unit 35, etc. as a job log.

[0048] [1.3 Process flow] Next, the overall processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5. First, the PC 10 reads out the management program 151. The control unit 11 that has read out the management program 151 refers to the device information list, and attempts to connect to the multifunction device 30 by performing polling based on a communication protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) based on the IP address registered as the identification information of the multifunction device 30a. When the connection to the multifunction device 30 is successful, the PC 10 inquires of the multifunction device 30a whether it has device information (step S100).

[0049] The control unit 31 of the multifunction device 30a that has received the inquiry regarding the presence or absence of device information reads out the device information transmission program 371. Then, the control unit 31 compares the IP address used for the connection with its own IP address stored in the address information storage area 373. If they match as a result of the IP address comparison, the control unit 31 reads out the device information stored in the device information storage area 375 (step S102).

[0050] The control unit 31 that has read out the device information transmits the device information to the PC 10 (step S104).

[0051] Similarly, the PC 10 makes an inquiry about device information to all the remaining multifunction devices (multifunction devices 30b to 30n) registered in the device information list, and if any of the multifunction devices 30b to 30n has device information, it acquires the device information (steps S106 to S110).

[0052] The user inputs, for example, an instruction to start an application such as job log aggregation to the PC 10 (step S112).

[0053] When a user inputs an instruction to start an application, the control unit 11 starts the application (step S114). Then, the control unit 11 reads the display processing program 153 and displays on the display unit 12 the management screen provided by the application (step S116). At this time, the control unit 11 performs the display processing of the management screen based on the comparison result between the device information acquired from the multi-function devices 30a to 30n and the device information list.

[0054] Then, the user refers to the displayed management screen and performs aggregation processing such as job logs (step S118).

[0055] Next, the processing related to the device information inquiry in step S100 of FIG. 5 to the display of the management screen in step S116 will be further described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0056] The control unit 11 that has read the management program 151 refers to the device information list and repeatedly sends requests for acquiring device information for each device (multi-function device 30) in the device information list (step S200).

[0057] Then, the control unit 11 compares the acquired device information with the device information in the device information list (step S210).

[0058] When the acquired device information matches the device information in the device information list, the control unit 11 executes an arbitrary process such as aggregation processing of job logs with the acquired device information and ends the process (step S220; Yes → step S230).

[0059] On the other hand, when the acquired device information does not match the device information in the device information list, the control unit 11 sets the IP address of the device information corresponding to the device (multi-function device 30) whose information does not match to "no IP address information" (step S220; No → step S240).

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the device information corresponding to the acquired device information exists in the device information list (step S250). If the device information corresponding to the acquired device information exists in the device information list, the control unit 11 rewrites the IP address of the device information for the corresponding device (MFP 30) in the device information list (step S250; Yes → step S260).

[0061] When the IP address of the device (MFP 30) where a discrepancy occurred due to the user is correctly set, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S200 (step S270 → step S200).

[0062] On the other hand, if the device information corresponding to the acquired device information does not exist in the device information list, the control unit 11 adds the device (MFP 30) corresponding to the device information to the end of the device information list as a non-communication target (step S250; No → step S280).

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 inquires of the user whether to manage the device (MFP 30) added to the device information list (step S290).

[0064] If the device (MFP 30) added to the device information list by the user is selected as a management target, the control unit 11 sets the device (MFP 30) as a communication target (step S290; Yes → step S300). Then, when the IP address of the device (MFP 30) where a discrepancy occurred due to the user is correctly set, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S200 (step S270 → step S200).

[0065] If the device (MFP 30) added to the device information list by the user is not selected as a management target, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S200 after the IP address of the device (MFP 30) where a discrepancy occurred due to the user is correctly set (step S290; No → step S200).

[0066] [1.4 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a configuration example of a management screen W10 related to job log aggregation processing displayed by the control unit 11 of the PC 10 on the display unit 12. This operation example is an example of the display operation of the management screen W10 displayed via the display unit 12 when the acquired device information matches the device information in the device information list (step S220 in FIG. 6; Yes).

[0067] The management screen W10 includes a device information list display area R10, an aggregation target display area R12, a registration information display area R14, and an IP address display area R16.

[0068] The device information list display area R10 is a display area that displays the registration contents of the device information list for each device (multifunction device 30). The device information list display area R10 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which a total of 15 devices (multifunction devices 30) are arranged on the network, and the items constituting the device information are displayed for each device (multifunction device 30).

[0069] The aggregation target display area R12 is a display area that displays the values of the aggregation targets in the items constituting the device information. For example, in the device information, when the value of the aggregation target is "TRUE", an "〇" mark indicating that is displayed in the aggregation target display area R12. On the other hand, when the value of the aggregation target is "FALSE", an "×" mark indicating that is displayed in the aggregation target display area R12.

[0070] The registration information display area R14 is a display area that displays the values of the model name and serial number as registration information in the items constituting the device information.

[0071] The IP address display area R16 is a display area that displays the IP address of the multifunction device 30.

[0072] Next, the operation example shown in FIG. 8 is an example of the display operation of the management screen W12 displayed via the display unit 12 when the acquired device information does not match the device information in the device information list (step S220 in FIG. 6; No).

[0073] This operation example includes an attempt to connect on the assumption that the IP address of the multifunction device 30 with model name: MX-6170FV and serial number: 000001 is "192.168.0.1". Here, the IP address of the multifunction device 30 specified by the model name: MX-6170FV and serial number: 000001 has been changed due to reasons such as the relocation of the device. In this case, "No IP address information" is set in the IP address display area R16a of the multifunction device 30 with model name: MX-6170FV and serial number: 000001. In addition, in order to indicate that the multifunction device 30 is different from the multifunction device 30 specified by the device information as registration information, the corresponding device information H10 is highlighted.

[0074] Also, a multifunction device 30 with model name: MX-3631 and serial number: 000110 is assigned to the position on the network of the IP address "192.168.0.1" for which the connection was attempted. In this case, "192.168.0.1" is set in the IP address display area R16b of the device information of the multifunction device 30. Then, the device information of the multifunction device 30 is added as a non-communication target (aggregation target display area R12a in the figure) at the end of the device information list, and the corresponding device information H12 is highlighted.

[0075] By the way, when assigning the IP address of the multifunction device 30 with model name: MX-6170FV and serial number: 000001 to the multifunction device 30 with model name: MX-3631 and serial number: 000110, the control unit 11 may display the confirmation screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 9 on the display unit 12.

[0076] The confirmation screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes, for example, an assigned IP address display area R18, a message display area R20, a Yes button B10, and a No button B12.

[0077] The assigned IP address display area R18 is a display area that displays the IP address to be assigned.

[0078] The message display area R20 is a display area that displays the model name and serial number of the multifunction device 30 related to the source of the assigned IP address change, and the model name and serial number of the multifunction device 30 related to the destination of the change.

[0079] The Yes button B10 and the No button B12 are buttons that accept input on whether to change the assigned IP address. When the control unit 11 receives the user pressing the Yes button B10, it changes the assigned IP address. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 receives the user pressing the No button B12, it does not change the assigned IP address.

[0080] In this way, by displaying the multifunction device 30 related to the source of the assigned IP address change and the multifunction device 30 related to the destination of the assigned IP address change to the user and changing the assigned IP address after receiving approval from the user, more accurate device management can be performed.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a configuration example of an input screen W30 that is displayed when accepting input of the actually assigned IP address for the multifunction device 30 in which "no IP address information" is set in the IP address display area R16a of FIG. 8.

[0082] The input screen W30 includes a message display area R22, an IP address input area R24, a Yes button B14, and a No button B16.

[0083] The message display area R22 is a display screen that displays the model name and serial number of the multifunction device 30 to which the IP address is assigned, and also displays a message prompting the input of the IP address.

[0084] The IP address input area R24 is an area that accepts input of the IP address by the user.

[0085] The Yes button B14 and the No button B16 are buttons for receiving approval or cancellation of the input of the IP address. When the control unit 11 receives the pressing of the Yes button B14 by the user, the control unit 11 accepts the IP address input in the IP address input area R24. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 receives the pressing of the No button B16 by the user, the control unit 11 cancels the IP address input for the IP address input area R24. The control unit 11 that has accepted the input of the IP address to the IP address input area R24 displays the accepted IP address instead of the display of "No IP address information" in the IP address display area R16a.

[0086] The user can input the correct IP address of the multifunction device 30 in which "No IP address information" is set in the IP address display area R16a via the input screen W30. Thereby, the association between the network address and the device information as registration information can be performed more reliably.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a configuration example of an inquiry screen W40 for inquiring the user whether to select the device (multifunction device 30) added to the end of the device information list as a management target.

[0088] The inquiry screen W40 includes an inquiry display area R26, a Yes button B18, and a No button B20.

[0089] The inquiry display area R26 is a display area for displaying the content of inquiring the user whether to select the device (multifunction device 30) added to the device information list as a management target.

[0090] The Yes button B18 and the No button B20 are buttons for receiving selection approval or cancellation of whether to select the device (multifunction device 30) displayed in the inquiry display area R26 as a management target. When the control unit 11 receives the pressing of the Yes button B18 by the user, the control unit 11 sets the selected device (multifunction device 30) as a communication target. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 receives the pressing of the No button B20 by the user, the selection of the device (multifunction device 30) as a management target is canceled.

[0091] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the identification information of the multifunction device connected to the network is changed without the need for a special server or database, the device state can be accurately managed.

[0092] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, when the identification information is changed, the multifunction device notifies the PC of this. The PC that has received the notification updates the device information (list) based on the changed network address.

[0093] [2.1 Functional Configuration] [2.1.1 Regarding PC50] FIG. 12 is a functional configuration diagram of the PC50 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same parts as those of the PC10 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0094] The PC50 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation input unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 55.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 55 stores a management program 551 and a display processing program 153, and secures a device information list storage area 555.

[0096] The management program 551 includes an update program 5511 in addition to the configuration of the management program 151 according to the first embodiment. The update program 5511 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when performing an update process of reflecting the IP address as the changed identification information in the device information list when the IP address is received from the multifunction device 70. The control unit 11 can read out the update program 5511 when receiving the changed IP address or when reading out the management program 551.

[0097] The machine information list storage area 555 includes a change address information storage area 5551 in addition to the configuration of the machine information list storage area 155 according to the first embodiment. The change address information storage area 5551 is a storage area that stores the IP address changed from the multifunction machine 70 when it is received.

[0098] [2.1.2 Regarding the multifunction machine 70] FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 70. Note that the same parts as those of the multifunction machine 30 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0099] The multifunction machine 70 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation input unit 33, an image forming unit 34, an image reading unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a storage unit 77.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 77 stores a device information transmission program 771 and secures an address information storage area 373, a device information storage area 375, and a job log storage area 377.

[0101] The device information transmission program 771 includes an address information notification program 7711 in addition to the configuration of the device information transmission program 371 according to the first embodiment. The address information notification program 7711 is a program that the control unit 31 reads out when notifying the changed IP address to the PC 50 when the IP address as the identification information is changed. The control unit 31 that reads out the address information notification program 7711 functions as an identification information change notification unit.

[0102] [2.2 Flow of processing] Next, the overall processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 14. Note that the same processing as that described in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and its description may be omitted.

[0103] In any of the multifunction machines 70, for example, when the position on the network is changed due to a change in the placement location or the like, the IP address of the multifunction machine 70 is also changed (step S400). At this time, the control unit 31 reads out the address information notification program 7711. The control unit 31 that has read out the address information notification program 7711 notifies the changed IP address to the PC 50 (step S410).

[0104] Note that in step S410, the multifunction machine 70 can notify the changed IP address to the PC 50 by a trap based on a communication protocol such as SNMP. Also, the PC 50 may acquire (receive) the changed IP address by polling. Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a form in which the IP address is acquired from the MAC address of the multifunction machine 70 by RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol). In this case, the PC 50 can acquire the IP address, device information, etc. from the (IP) packet acquired from the multifunction machine 70.

[0105] The PC 50 updates the device information of the corresponding multifunction machine 70 based on the acquired IP address (step S420).

[0106] The processing after the device information inquiry process (step S100) after the device information list is updated can be performed in the same manner as the processing described in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5.

[0107] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the IP address is changed in the multifunction machine, since the changed IP address is notified to the PC, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the latest position information of the multifunction machine on the network can be acquired, and based on this, the device information list is updated, so that more accurate management of the device information can be performed.

[0108] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which the multifunction machine realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0109] [3.1 Overall Configuration] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the information processing system 200 according to the third embodiment. In the information processing system 200, a multi-function device 90 and multi-function devices 30a to 30n are connected via a network NW such as a LAN or a WAN. Note that the configuration of the information processing system 200 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 15, and the number of the multi-function device 90 and the multi-function devices 30a to 30n can be increased or decreased respectively.

[0110] [3.2 Functional Configuration] [3.2.1 Regarding the Multi-function Device 90] FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the multi-function device 90. The multi-function device 90 includes a storage unit 97 instead of the storage unit 37 of the multi-function device 30 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals may be given to the same parts as those of the multi-function device 30 or the PC 10 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0111] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 97 stores a device information transmission program 371, a management program 151, and a display processing program 153, and secures an address information storage area 373, a device information storage area 375, a job log storage area 377, and a device information list storage area 155.

[0112] [3.2.2 Regarding Other Multi-function Devices 30] Since the functional configurations of the multi-function devices 30 (30a to 30n) other than the multi-function device 90 can be the same as those of the multi-function device 30 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0113] [3.3 Processing Flow] The multi-function device 90 performs the processing described in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5 instead of the PC 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0114] As described above, according to the third embodiment, without providing a PC or the like as an information processing device, the multi-function device can perform the functions of the information processing device, and thus the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0116] Also, although the above-described embodiments have parts that are separately described for convenience of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented within the technically possible range.

[0117] In addition, the programs operating in each device in the embodiments are programs (programs that function a computer) that control a CPU or the like so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs or HDDs, and read out by the CPU as needed for correction and writing.

[0118] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk, etc.)), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) may be used. Also, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but in some cases, the functions of the present invention are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs or the like based on the instructions of the program.

[0119] Also, when distributing to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0120] 10, 50 PC 11 Control Unit 12 Display Unit 13 Operation Input Unit 14 Communication Unit 15, 55 Storage Unit 30(30a~30n), 70, 90 Multifunction Machine 31 Control Unit 32 Display Unit 33 Operation Input Unit 34 Image Forming Unit 35 Image Reading Unit 36 Communication Unit 37, 77, 97 Storage Unit 100, 200 Information Processing System

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores by associating identification information with registration information of an image forming apparatus; A control unit that attempts to connect to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and can acquire device information of the image forming apparatus for which the connection has succeeded; A display unit that displays at least the connection status with the image forming apparatus; comprising: When the acquired device information does not match the registration information, the control unit notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information, invalidates the identification information associated with the registration information, and notifies that the identification information does not exist. An information processing apparatus characterized by notifying that the identification information does not exist.

2. An information processing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus includes: A storage unit that stores by associating identification information with registration information of the image forming apparatus; A control unit that attempts to connect to the image forming apparatus based on the identification information and can acquire device information of the image forming apparatus for which the connection has succeeded; A display unit that displays at least the connection status with the image forming apparatus; comprising: When the acquired device information does not match the registration information, the control unit notifies that the connected image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus specified by the registration information, invalidates the identification information associated with the registration information, and notifies that the identification information does not exist. When notifying that the identification information does not exist, the registration information stored in association with the identification information is also notified, The image forming apparatus includes: An information processing system characterized by including an output unit that outputs the device information in response to a request for acquisition of the device information by the control unit.

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