Communication system, information processing device, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide a communication system configured to reduce the time and effort of an administrator who manages registration of a predetermined application and various settings, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: In a communication system including an information processing apparatus 2, a communication management apparatus 3, and one or more registration object devices 4, the information processing apparatus 2 receives registerable device information transmitted by the communication management apparatus 3 and related to registerable devices in which a predetermined application and various settings can be registered, among the one or more registration object devices 4, and transmits registration setting information to be used by the registerable devices for registration, to the communication management apparatus 3, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registerable device information (S25). The one or more registration object devices register the predetermined application and various settings on the basis of the registration setting information received from the communication management apparatus 3 (S28).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are known techniques that enable adding or deleting new application software (applications or apps) to or from a network-connected device such as a multifunction peripheral equipped with multiple functions after the device is installed.

[0003] Also, a technology is known in which an image processing device 110, as an application setting management device, acquires information about setting items from multiple image processing devices that are the target of application setting changes, and if it is unable to respond to a setting change request, creates a new setting item list and performs the settings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, when registering apps and various settings to one or more registration target devices, it is not possible to know in advance whether the registration target device is capable of registering a specific app and various settings, and there is a problem in that it is necessary to confirm whether the registration target device can be registered during the registration process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 provides a communication system having an information processing device, one or more registration target devices in which predetermined applications and various settings are registered, and a communication management device capable of communicating with the information processing device and each of the one or more registration target devices, wherein the information processing device has a receiving means for receiving registrable device information transmitted by the communication management device, related to one or more registrable target devices among the one or more registration target devices in which the predetermined applications and various settings can be registered, and a transmitting means for transmitting to the communication management device registration setting information for the one or more registrable target devices to perform the registration, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information, and the one or more registrable target devices have a receiving means for receiving from the communication management device the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device, and a registration means for registering the predetermined application and various settings based on the received registration setting information. The communication management device has a transmission means for transmitting the registration setting information to the registrable target device after a registration state corresponding to device identification information of the registrable target device included in the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device is registered. The present invention provides a communication system characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, according to the present invention, when registering apps and various settings to one or more registration target devices, it is possible to know in advance whether the registration target device is capable of registering the specified apps and various settings, thereby reducing the effort required by the administrator to manage the registration of the specified apps and various settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device and a communication management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a registration target device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a communication system. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a group information management table. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a registered application information management table. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a registered setting information management table. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a device information management table. [Figure 5E] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a registration information management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a part of a setup process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether or not a device can be registered. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays a list of devices. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays a list of groups. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when creating a group. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a setup process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display process of a default group. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a group selection reception process. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. [Figure 15] 10 is another example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. [Figure 16] 10 is another example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. [Figure 17] 10 is another example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a warning screen displayed when a setup group is selected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and if there are overlapping parts, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] [Overall configuration of communication system] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes an information processing device 2, a communication management device 3, and one or more registration target devices 4. The information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3 are connected to each other via a communication network 100. Here, the communication network 100 is constructed using the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like. Note that the communication network 100 may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication networks such as 3G (3rd Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Furthermore, a firewall 150 is present between the communication network 100 and one or more registration target devices 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as registration target devices 4), and an in-house LAN is constructed inside the firewall 150, in which the registration target devices 4 are located. In this case, devices A, B, C, etc., which are registration target devices 4 arranged within the company LAN, are, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), such as an image forming device, an interactive whiteboard (IWB: Interactive Whiteboard), a projector, a video (Web) conferencing system (UCS: Unified Communication System), etc., and are setup targets for which various setup processes are performed by an administrator (user), etc., who manages the information processing device 2. However, the registration target devices 4 are not limited to this, and may be any electronic device that requires various setup processes. Note that inside the firewall 150 means the opposite side of the firewall 150 from the communication network 100.

[0011] <Information processing device> The information processing device 2 is realized by an information processing device (computer system) that is equipped with a general OS and has server functions. The information processing device 2 is capable of communicating with the communication management device 3 via the network 100, and shares various data (information) with the communication management device 3. The information processing device 2 is also capable of communicating with the registration target device 4 via the network 100 and a firewall 150, and shares various data (information) with the registration target device 4. The information processing device 2 may be a commonly used PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 2 may also be a communication terminal that is capable of running software such as browser software.

[0012] <Communication management device> The communication management device 3 is realized by one or more information processing devices (computer systems) that are equipped with a general OS and have server functions. The communication management device 3 can communicate with the information processing device 2 via the network 100, and shares various data (information) with the information processing device 2. Furthermore, the communication management device 3 can communicate with the registration target device 4 via the network 100 and a firewall 150, and shares various data (information) with the registration target device 4. The communication management device 3 may be a commonly used PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the communication management device 3 may be a communication terminal that can run software such as browser software. Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 2 may be realized by the communication management device 3.

[0013] <Device to be registered> The registration target device 4 is one or more multifunction peripherals (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), such as an image forming device, an interactive whiteboard (IWB: Interactive White Board), a projector, a video (web) conference system (UCS: Unified Communication System), etc. The registration target device is capable of communicating with the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3 via the firewall 150 and the communication network 100. The registration target device 4 also registers (sets up) predetermined applications and settings using the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device 2 as a starting point.

[0014] ●About terminology● In this embodiment, "introduction" refers to bringing software, hardware, etc. into a state where it can actually be used. "Introduction" also includes writing configuration information for software or hardware. This "introduction" is sometimes explained using the terms "registration" or "setup." In particular, when it comes to software, "introduction" and "registration" are used as almost synonyms for "installation."

[0015] [Hardware configuration] <Hardware configuration of information processing device and communication management device> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device and a communication management device. The information processing device 2 is constructed by a computer, and has hardware resources including a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HD (Hard Disk) 204, an HDD controller 205, a display 206, an external device connection I / F 208, a network I / F 209, a keyboard 211, a pointing device 212, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 214, a media I / F 216, an audio input / output I / F 217, a microphone 218, and a speaker 219, each of which is connected by a bus line 210.

[0016] Of these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 2. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HD 204 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 205 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 204 under the control of the CPU 201. The display 206 is an example of a display means for displaying various information such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image. The display 206 may also be a touch panel display equipped with an input means. The external device connection I / F 208 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB memory or a USB device. The network I / F 209 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 210 is an address bus or data bus for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] The keyboard 211 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 212 is a type of input means for selecting or executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. Note that the input means may be not only the keyboard 211 and the pointing device 212, but also a touch panel, a voice input device, etc. The DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 214 controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD-RW 213, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may also be a DVD-R or a Blu-ray Disc (Blu-ray is a registered trademark; hereinafter omitted). The media I / F 216 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a recording medium 215 such as a flash memory. The microphone 218 is a type of built-in sound collection means for inputting audio (audio signals). The speaker 219 is a type of audio output means for outputting audio (audio signals). The audio input / output I / F 217 is a circuit that processes input and output of audio signals between a microphone 218 and a speaker 219 under the control of the CPU 201 .

[0018] 2, the communication management device 3 is constructed by a computer and is provided with hardware resources including a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a HD (Hard Disk) 304, a HDD controller 305, a display 306, an external device connection I / F 308, a network I / F 309, a keyboard 311, a pointing device 312, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 314, a media I / F 316, an audio input / output I / F 317, a microphone 318, and a speaker 319, each of which is connected by a bus line 310. However, since each of these hardware resources is similar to each of the hardware resources possessed by the information processing device 2 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] Each of the above programs may be recorded as an installable or executable file on a computer-readable recording medium, or may be distributed by downloading via a network. Examples of recording media include CD-Rs (Compact Disc Recordables), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray Discs, SD cards, and USB memory. Recording media may also be provided domestically or internationally as program products. For example, the information processing device 2 executes the program according to the present invention to realize the information processing method according to the present invention.

[0020] <Hardware configuration of the device to be registered> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a registration target device 4. The registration target device 4 is, for example, an MFP, and is equipped with hardware resources including a controller 410, a short-range communication circuit 420, an engine control unit 430, an operation panel 440, and a network I / F 450, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0021] Of these, the controller 410 has a CPU 401, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 402, a north bridge (NB) 403, a south bridge (SB) 404, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 405, a local memory (MEM-C) 406, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 407, and an HD 408, which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 403 and the ASIC 405 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 421.

[0022] Of these, the CPU 401 is a control unit that performs overall control of the registration target device 4. The NB 403 is a bridge that connects the CPU 401 with the MEM-P 402, the SB 404, and the AGP bus 421, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 402, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0023] The MEM-P 402 comprises a ROM 402a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the functions of the controller 410, and a RAM 402b, which is used for expanding the programs and data and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 402b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0024] The SB 404 is a bridge for connecting the NB 403 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 405 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and serves as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 421, PCI bus 422, HD 408, and MEM-C 406. The ASIC 405 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter that arbitrates the drive timing of each signal according to a predetermined priority in the ASIC 405, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 406, multiple direct memory access controllers (DMACs) that rotate image data using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 431 and the printer unit 432 via the PCI bus 422. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) interface may be connected to the ASIC 405.

[0025] The MEM-C 406 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. The HD 408 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HD 408 controls the reading and writing of data from and to the HD 408 under the control of the CPU 401. The AGP bus 421 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and direct high-throughput access to the MEM-P 402 enables the graphics accelerator card to operate at high speed.

[0026] Further, the short-range communication circuit 420 is provided with a short-range communication circuit antenna 420a. The short-range communication circuit 420 is a communication circuit that uses a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark, omitted below), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark, omitted below).

[0027] The engine control unit 430 is further comprised of a scanner unit 431, a printer unit 432, and a fax unit 433. The operation panel 440 includes a panel display unit 440a, such as a touch panel, that displays current settings and selection screens and accepts inputs from the operator, and an operation panel 440b that includes a numeric keypad that accepts settings for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that accepts a copy start command. The controller 410 controls the entire registration target device 4, for example, drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 440. The scanner unit 431 or the printer unit 432 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma (γ) conversion. The fax unit 433 includes an analog I / F, modem, speaker, etc. for facsimile communication using an analog line (public line 50) connecting the information processing device 2.

[0028] The registration target device 4 can sequentially switch between functions such as document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 440. For example, when the document box function is selected, the device enters document box mode, when the copy function is selected, the device enters copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the device enters printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the device enters facsimile mode.

[0029] The network I / F 450 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The short-range communication circuit 420 and the network I / F 450 are electrically connected to the ASIC 405 via a PCI bus 422. Note that the registration target device 4 is not limited to an MFP, and may be an electronic whiteboard (IWB), a projector, a video (Web) conferencing system (UCS), or the like, as described above, each of which may have its own unique hardware configuration.

[0030] [Functional configuration of communication system] Next, the functional configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication system.

[0031] <Functional configuration of information processing device> As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 2 includes a transmission / reception unit 21, an operation reception unit 22, a display control unit 24, a determination unit 25, an application launch unit 26, a processing unit 27, and a storage / readout unit 29. These functional units are functions or means realized when any of the hardware resources shown in FIG. 2 operates in response to instructions from the CPU 201 in accordance with a program for the information processing device 2 that is loaded from at least one of the ROM 202 and the HD 204 to the RAM 203. The information processing device 2 also includes a storage unit 2000 constructed by at least one of the ROM 202 and the HD 204 shown in FIG. 2. The storage unit 2000 stores an information processing program executed by the information processing device 2 and a device management app. The device management app is an application for setting registration setting information for the registration target device 4 to perform settings related to the installation of a predetermined application and various other settings.

[0032] ●Group Information Management Table● FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a group information management table. A group information management DB 2001 configured by the group information management table shown in FIG. 5A is constructed in the storage unit 2000. In this group information management table, the following items are associated with each other and stored and managed for each group identification information: group name, application identification information, setting identification information, and default group flag. Among these, the group identification information represents identification information for groups into which the administrator performs settings related to the installation of a predetermined application and various other settings using the information processing device 2, and is given, for example, as G001, G002, etc. The "group" managed in the group name field is an item for classifying the types of applications and settings desired for each registration target device 4. In other words, the group name represents a collective name for classifying the types of applications and settings desired, and is given, for example, as group A, group B, MFP group, etc.

[0033] The application identification information represents identification information for identifying a specific application to be registered, and is given as, for example, AID001, AID002, etc. The user can register application identification information that identifies the application that the user wants to make available on the registration target device 4 and the application that the user wants to install on the registration target device 4 in the group information management table.

[0034] The setting identification information represents identification information for identifying various settings to be registered, and is given as, for example, SID001, SID002, etc. Note that the setting identification information is not necessarily given, and in such cases, it is managed as "-". The user can register the setting identification information that identifies the setting information used by the registration target device 4 and the setting information that the user wants to write to the registration target device 4 in the group information management table.

[0035] The default group flag is a status flag that indicates whether or not a default setting has been made. For example, if a default setting has been made, it is given as "TRUE", and if a default setting has not been made, it is given as "FAULSE".

[0036] ●Registered application information management table● FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a registered application information management table. A registered application information management DB 2002 configured by the registered application information management table shown in FIG. 5B is configured in the storage unit 2000. In this registered application information management table, an application name and a compatible device are associated with each application identification information, and are stored and managed. The application name is an example of application specification information for specifying an application. Instead of or in addition to the application name, the application specification information may store an identifier for identifying the application or information indicating a memory location or address where a program executed by the application to provide its function is stored. Furthermore, if the application is a Web application whose function is provided by an external server, the application specification information may include information for accessing the external server, such as a URL.

[0037] Among these, the application name indicates the name of the application to be registered, and is given as, for example, application A, application B, application for MFP, etc. The compatible device indicates a device that supports the registration of a specific application and various settings, and is given as, for example, MFP, "-", etc. Note that "-" is defined as a "Don't Care" meaning that it does not matter what type it is.

[0038] ●Registration setting information management table● FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a registration setting information management table. A registration setting information management DB 2003 configured with the registration setting information management table shown in FIG. 5C is configured in the storage unit 2000. In this registration setting information management table, a setting name, a corresponding device, and input parameters are associated with each setting identification, and are stored and managed. Among these, the setting identification represents identification information for identifying various settings, and is given, for example, as SID001 or SID002. The setting name represents the type or name of various settings registered in conjunction with the registration of a predetermined application, and is given, for example, as proxy settings, automatic firmware update time settings, or MFP-specific settings. The input parameters represent various parameters required when the registration target device 4 registers a predetermined application and various settings, and are given, for example, as information such as an address, port, update time, setting 1, or setting 2. Here, instead of the input parameters, information indicating a memory area or address for storing the parameters may be stored. The setting refers to the setting information used by the registration target device 4 and the setting information written to the registration target device 4. For example, it may include setting information referenced by hardware used by the registration target device 4, and setting information referenced by applications or various software.

[0039] ●Device Information Management Table● Fig. 5D is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a device information management table. A device information management DB 2004 configured by a device information management table such as that shown in Fig. 5D is constructed in the storage unit 2000. In this device information management table, a serial number, a MAC address, and a device type are associated with each piece of device identification information, and are stored and managed.

[0040] Of these, the device identification information is information for identifying the registration target device 4, and is given as, for example, MID001, MID002, etc. The serial number represents the serial number of the registration target device 4, and is given as, for example, DM-FTFTaaaa, DM-FTFTbbbb, etc. The MAC address represents the MAC address of the registration target device 4, and is given as, for example, 32:61:3C:4E:B6:05, 32:31:DE:AD:BE:EF, etc. The device type represents the type of the registration target device 4, and is given as, for example, MFP, etc.

[0041] <<Functional configuration of information processing device>> Next, a detailed description will be given of each functional configuration of the information processing device 2. The transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2 shown in Fig. 4 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 201 on the external device connection I / F 208 and the network I / F 209 shown in Fig. 2, and transmits and receives various data (information) to and from the communication management device 3 via the communication network 100. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 transmits and receives various data (information) to and from the registration target device 4 via the communication network 100 and the firewall 150. In this embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 functions as an example of at least one of a transmitting means and a receiving means.

[0042] The operation reception unit 22 is realized by the CPU 201 processing signals generated by various operations received by the keyboard 211 and pointing device 212 shown in Fig. 2, and receives, for example, various operations by an administrator (user) who manages the information processing device 2. In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 22 functions as an example of an operation reception means.

[0043] The display control unit 24 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the display 206 shown in Fig. 2, and controls the display of various data (information) to be displayed on the display 206. In this embodiment, the display control unit 24 functions as an example of a display control means.

[0044] The determination unit 25 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 shown in FIG.

[0045] 2, and is realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the storage unit 2000 constructed by at least one of the ROM 202 and the HD 204. The application launching unit 26 launches a device management application stored and managed in the storage unit 2000, and performs various settings for device registration and setup. In this embodiment, the application launching unit 26 functions as an example of a launching means.

[0046] 2, and performs a process of checking the device type of a registration target device against a model compatible with the registered application / settings of the group information. In this embodiment, the processing unit 27 functions as an example of a processing means.

[0047] 2, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 2000 and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 2000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 29 functions as an example of a storage and reading means.

[0048] <Functional configuration of the communication management device> As shown in Fig. 4, the communication management device 3 has a transmitting / receiving unit 31, an acquiring unit 32, a determining unit 35, a managing unit 36, a generating unit 37, and a memory reading unit 39. Each of these functional units is a function or means realized when any of the hardware resources shown in Fig. 2 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 301 in accordance with a program for the communication management device 3 that is loaded from at least one of the ROM 302 and the HD 304 to the RAM 303. The communication management device 3 also has a memory unit 3000 constructed by at least one of the ROM 302 and the HD 304 shown in Fig. 2. The memory unit 3000 stores a communication management program executed by the communication management device 3.

[0049] ●Registration information management table● Fig. 5E is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a registration information management table. A registration information management DB 3001 configured by a registration information management table such as that shown in Fig. 5E is constructed in the storage unit 3000. In this registration information management table, tenant information and registration status are associated with each piece of device identification information, and are stored and managed.

[0050] Among these, tenant information is information for identifying the tenant to which the registration target device 4 belongs, and is given, for example, as T00001, T00002, etc. The registration status indicates a status for managing the registration state of the registration target device 4, and is given, for example, as "registered" or "unregistered." Here, a tenant refers to multiple customers who share the same software, i.e., information indicating a company or other group of customers. Each user or device within the tenant can use an app contracted for by the tenant, and a tenant administrator can grant users or devices permission to use multiple software instances (apps or packages containing multiple apps) that exist within the system. Note that a tenant may be a management unit that groups together at least one of users and devices, and may be a group of users or devices belonging to the same organization, or a group of users or devices located in a certain region.

[0051] ●Device Information Management Table● The communication management device 3 has a device information management table. A device information management DB 3002 configured by the device information management table is constructed in the storage unit 3000. In this device information management table, a serial number, a MAC address, and a device type are associated with each piece of device identification information, and are stored and managed. Note that a conceptual diagram of the table data is the same as that shown in FIG. 5D, and therefore is not shown in the figure.

[0052] Of these, the serial number represents the serial number of the registration target device 4 and is given as DM-FTFTaaaa, DM-FTFTbbbb, etc. The MAC address represents the MAC address of the registration target device 4 and is given as 32:61:3C:4E:B6:05, 32:31:DE:AD:BE:EF, etc. The device type represents the type of the registration target device 4 and is given as a character string such as MFP, for example.

[0053] <<Functional configuration of the communication management device>> Next, a detailed description will be given of each functional configuration of the communication management device 3. The transmission / reception unit 31 of the communication management device 3 shown in Fig. 4 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 301 on the external device connection I / F 308 and network I / F 309 shown in Fig. 2, and transmits and receives various data (or information) between the information processing device 2 and the registration target device 4 via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 31 functions as an example of at least one of a transmitting means and a receiving means.

[0054] The acquisition unit 32 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 shown in Fig. 2, and acquires information including the identification information and tenant information of the registration target device 4 from an external device such as a PC owned by a registrant who works in a factory or the like that handles the registration target device 4, or by the registrant operating an operation reception unit of the communication management device. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 functions as an example of an acquisition means. Note that the registrant may include a customer engineer who installs the registration target device 4.

[0055] The determination unit 35 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 shown in Fig. 2, and performs various determinations on the registration target device 4. In this embodiment, the determination unit 35 functions as an example of a determination means.

[0056] The management unit 36 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 shown in Fig. 2, and has the following management functions in the communication management device 3. In this embodiment, the management unit 36 functions as an example of a management means. ·Device information management function The device information management function manages information transmitted by the registration target device 4. The device information management function manages the status of the information processing device 2 based on the information transmitted by the registration target device 4. Furthermore, the device information management function manages management information such as the status of the registration target device 4 and address information. Registration information management function The registration information management function manages information for summarizing the relationship between which device belongs to which tenant, and also manages related information when registering an application and a registration target device 4 (such as which application the registration target device 4 can use). -Identification information management function The identification information management function registers the device identification information of the registration target device 4 in the communication management device 3 when the registration target device 4 is kitted, and manages the identification information obtained from the registration target device 4 when the registration target device 4 is installed. The identification information management function manages whether or not registration is possible, as determined by the device management app, based on the obtained device identification information. Furthermore, the identification information management function manages the identification information (serial number, MAC address, etc.) used when registering the registration target device 4 in the communication system 1. Group information management function The group information management function manages various settings such as predetermined applications and proxies as group information when setting up the registration target device 4.

[0057] 2, and generates a warning message and a list of unregisterable applications, unregisterable settings, etc. when the registration target device 4 is not a registerable device. In this embodiment, the generation unit 37 functions as an example of a generation means.

[0058] 2, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000 and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 39 functions as an example of a storage and reading means.

[0059] <Functional configuration of the device to be registered> As shown in Fig. 4, the registration target device 4 has a transmission / reception unit 41, an operation reception unit 42, a display control unit 44, a registration unit 46, and a storage / readout unit 49. Each of these functional units is a function or means realized when any of the hardware resources shown in Fig. 3 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 401 in accordance with a program for the registration target device 4 that is loaded from at least one of the ROM 402a and the HD 408 to the RAM 402b. The registration target device 4 also has a storage unit 4000 constructed by at least one of the ROM 402a and the HD 408 shown in Fig. 3. The storage unit 4000 stores a registration target program to be executed by the registration target device 4.

[0060] <<Functional configuration of the device to be registered>> Next, a detailed description will be given of each functional configuration of the registration target device 4. The transmission / reception unit 41 of the registration target device 4 shown in Fig. 4 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 401 on the short-range communication circuit 420 and network I / F 450 shown in Fig. 3, and transmits and receives various data (or information) between the communication management device 3 and the information processing device 2 via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 41 functions as an example of at least one of a transmitting means and a receiving means.

[0061] The operation reception unit 42 is realized mainly by the CPU 401 processing signals generated by various operations received by the operation panel 440 shown in Fig. 3, and receives various button operations and the like operated by the user. In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 42 functions as an example of an operation reception means.

[0062] 3, and controls screen display in various processes performed by the registration target device 4. In this embodiment, the display control unit 44 functions as an example of a display control means.

[0063] 3, and performs device registration, setup processing of predetermined applications and various settings, etc. in the registration target device 4. In this embodiment, the registration unit 46 functions as an example of a registration means.

[0064] 3, the memory / reading unit 49 stores various data (or information) in the memory unit 4000 and reads various data (or information) from the memory unit 4000. In this embodiment, the memory / reading unit 49 functions as an example of a memory / reading means.

[0065] [Processing or Operation of the Embodiment] Next, each process or operation in the communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 19. In the first embodiment, a setup sequence for the registration target device 4 to perform a predetermined application and various settings will be described. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a part of the setup process.

[0066] <Setup group creation process> As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 2 first creates a setup group (step S11). This setup group is created to classify the registration target devices 4 to be registered based on the applications that the administrator wants to install and configure. When creating this group, the administrator can group the devices according to the following classification rules, for example. Note that the administrator may be the administrator of any one of multiple tenants managed by the information processing device. In this case, the administrator can group the devices within the range of users or devices that belong to the tenants that the administrator manages. The created group may be stored in association with tenant identification information for identifying the tenant. -Create groups for each device type In this case, groups are created for each device type, such as MFP, IWB, UCS, PJS (projector), etc. -Create groups for each department In this case, for example, groups are created for each department such as design, planning, and general affairs. -Create a group for each location In this case, for example, a group is created for each business base indicated by Omori, Ebina, Shin-Yokohama, etc.

[0067] In creating the setup group in step S11, the reception unit 22 and storage / readout unit 29 of the information processing device 2 assign group identification information (G001, G002, etc.) in association with the group name (Group A, Group B, etc.) set by input to a group name input unit 2211 (described later), and store the group identification information in the group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A). In addition, the reception unit 22 and storage / readout unit 29 assign application identification information (A001, A002, etc.) in association with the application name (Application A, Application B, etc.) set by input to an introduction application input unit 2212 and operation of an add button 2213 (described later), and store the application identification information in the registered application information management DB 2002 (see FIG. 5B). Furthermore, the reception unit 22 and the storage / reading unit 29 assign setting identification information (S001, S002, etc.) corresponding to the setting name (proxy setting, automatic firmware update time setting, etc.) set by inputting into the installation setting input unit 2216 described later and operating the add button 2217, and store it in the registered setting information management DB 2003 (see Figure 5C).

[0068] Details of the UI (User Interface) used when creating a group will be explained later with reference to screen display examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0069] <Transmission and reception process of various information of the device to be registered> Meanwhile, in the communication management device 3, a registrant who registers one or more registration target devices 4 registers various information (device identification information, tenant information, serial number, MAC address, etc.) related to the registration target devices 4 in advance, such as when the one or more registration target devices 4 are shipped. That is, the registrant accesses the communication management device 3 from a factory or the like where the one or more registration target devices 4 are shipped, and performs a management and registration process for various information, including the device identification information, tenant information, serial number, and MAC address, related to the one or more registration target devices 4 to be registered. As a result, the acquisition unit 32 of the communication management device 3 acquires various information related to the one or more registration target devices 4 provided by the registrant. Thereafter, the management unit 36, in cooperation with the storage and reading unit 39, registers the various information, including the device identification information, tenant information, serial number, and MAC address related to the one or more registration target devices 4 acquired by the acquisition unit 32, in corresponding items in the registration information management DB 3001 (see FIG. 5E) and the device information management DB 3002 (see FIG. 5D) (step S12). Furthermore, in the process of step S12, the management unit 36 updates the registration status corresponding to the device identification information in the registration information management DB 3001 (see FIG. 5E) to “provisionally registered.” Note that the registration status updated in step S12 is the one resulting from the provisional registration.

[0070] The registration target device 4 also prepares for communication with the communication management device 3 (step S13). This communication preparation is, for example, the establishment of a communication protocol between the registration target device 4 and the communication management device 3. Therefore, in order for the registration target device 4 to communicate with the communication management device 3 via the communication network 100, the registration target device 4 starts a predetermined communication protocol executed by a registration target program executed by the registration target device 4. In this embodiment, each process will be explained on the assumption that the registration target device 4 has successfully established communication with the communication management device 3 by starting the predetermined communication protocol.

[0071] After the communication preparation is complete, the transmitter / receiver 41 of the registration target device 4 transmits device information related to one or more registration target devices 4 to the communication management device 3 (step S14). As a result, the transmitter / receiver 31 of the communication management device 3 receives the device information transmitted by the registration target device 4. At this time, the device information includes device identification information, a serial number, and a MAC address of the registration target device 4. In step S14, tenant information may be input by the user or registrant. In this case, the transmitter / receiver 41 may transmit the tenant information in addition to the device information to the communication management device 3. Note that the processes from step S11 to S14 described above are performed asynchronously between the information processing device 2, the communication management device 3, and the registration target device 4.

[0072] After receiving the device information transmitted from the registration target device 4, the communication management device 3 determines whether or not the device can be registered (step S15). Details of the process of step S15 and details of the information on registrable devices will be described later with reference to the flowchart.

[0073] <Details of the process for determining whether a device can be registered> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining whether a device can be registered. As shown in FIG. 7, the acquisition unit 32 compares the identification information registered at the time of shipment with the identification information received from the registration target device (step S15-1). Here, the identification information refers to information including some or all of information such as the device identification information, serial number, MAC address, and device type. Specifically, the acquisition unit 32 acquires, from the storage unit 3000, identification information corresponding to the device identification information, serial number, and MAC address of one or more registration target devices 4 received by the transmission / reception unit 31. Thereafter, the management unit 36 compares the device identification information, serial number, and MAC address received from the registration target device 4 with one or more pieces of device identification information, registration status, serial number, and MAC address registered in the registration information management DB 3001 (see FIG. 5E) and the device information management DB 3002 (see FIG. 5F).

[0074] As a result of the comparison by the management unit 36, the determination unit 35 determines whether or not one or more registration target devices 4 are registrable devices based on the comparison results (step S15-2). That is, the determination unit 35 determines whether or not one or more registration target devices 4 can be registered based on device information including identification information of each registration target device transmitted by each of the one or more registration target devices. This determination of whether or not registration is possible is made, for example, by checking whether or not the identification information matches each other. If part or all of the identification information matches each other, it is determined that registration is possible, and if part or all of the identification information does not match each other, it is determined that registration is not possible.

[0075] If it is determined that the registration target device 4 is a registrable device (step S15-2; YES), the generation unit 37 generates a list of registrable devices and exits this flow (step S15-3). On the other hand, if it is determined that the registration target device 4 is not a registrable device (step S15-2; NO), the generation unit 37 generates a warning message and a list of unregisterable applications, unregisterable settings, etc. and exits this flow (step S15-4). Note that the warning message, unregisterable applications, unregisterable settings, etc. generated by the generation unit 37 may be transmitted to the registration target device 4 or the information processing device 2.

[0076] Note that, when tenant information is included in the identification information received by the communication management device 3 from the registration target device 4, the communication management device 3 may generate a registration information management table based on the identification information and tenant information received from the registration target device 4. In this case, the communication management device 3 can omit the registrant from inputting tenant information.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 6, after determining whether or not the device can be registered, the transmitting / receiving unit 31 of the communication management device 3 transmits the result of the determination indicating the registrable device information to the information processing device 2 (step S16). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives the registration possibility determination result transmitted by the communication management device 3. More specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives the registrable device information related to the registrable target device to which the predetermined application can be registered, among one or more registration target devices 4, transmitted by the communication management device 3. The registration possibility determination result (registrable device information) received at this time includes each piece of information indicating the device identification information, serial number, MAC address, and device type indicating the type of device of the registrable target device determined to be registrable in step S15.

[0078] After receiving the registration possibility determination result, the memory reading unit 29 registers the device identification information, serial number, MAC address, and device type indicating the type of device of the registration target device contained in the received registration possibility determination result in the device information management DB 2004 (see Figure 5D) (step S17).

[0079] <Setup group creation screen> Here, details of the UI (User Interface) when creating a group will be described using examples of screen displays shown in FIGS.

[0080] ◆Screen display example◆ Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a device list. As shown in Fig. 8, the display control unit 24 of the information processing device 2 displays a device list screen 2011 on the display 206 in the processing of step S11 described above. The device list screen 2011 also displays a group list button 2021 for transitioning to a group list screen, a "device registration / setup" button 2022 for performing at least one of device registration and setup, and a device release button 2023 for canceling a registered device. An administrator who performs settings using the information processing device 2 can operate these buttons to transition to other screens and perform various processes.

[0081] Furthermore, a device list display section 2031 is displayed on the device list screen 2011 by the display control unit 24. Here, the devices displayed on the device list screen 2011 are a list of registration target devices 4 notified by the communication management device 3 as registrable target devices. It is also a list of registration target devices 4 belonging to, for example, a tenant to which the user of the information processing device 2 belongs. The device list display section 2031 displays a list of items such as device display name, IP address, model name, serial number, status, and installation location, for example, in the form of a table. Here, the device display name is displayed as, for example, MP C407 (10.60.152.3). The IP address may be given as, for example, 10.60.152.3, and displayed in the device display name column. The model name is displayed in the same manner as the device display name, for example, MP C407. The serial number is displayed as, for example, DM-FTFToez3. The status indicates the status of the device registration, and is displayed as, for example, normal or warning. The installation location indicates the location where the registration target device 4 is installed, and is displayed as, for example, Room 1 or the like.

[0082] ◆Screen display example◆ FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a group list. As shown in FIG. 9, when the reception unit 22 receives an operation on the group list button 2021 displayed in FIG. 8, the display control unit 24 of the information processing device 2 displays a group list screen 2101 on the display 206. The group list screen 2101 also displays a device list button 2111 for transitioning to a device list screen, a "create group" button 2112 for creating a group, and a group deletion button 2113 for deleting a created group. The administrator can operate these buttons to transition to other screens and perform various processes. In other words, the group list button 2021 and the device list button 2111 function as toggle buttons for transitioning to each other's screens.

[0083] Furthermore, the group list screen 2101 displays a group list display section 2121 by the display control unit 24. The group list display section 2121 displays a list of items such as group name, application list, setting list, and default setting, for example, in a table. Here, the group name is displayed as a name such as Group A, for example, to indicate a group for categorizing the applications and settings desired by the administrator. The groups displayed on the group list screen 2101 are groups created by the user of the information processing device 2. The application list is displayed as the names of applications such as Application A and Application B, for example. The setting list is displayed as the contents such as proxy settings and automatic firmware update time settings, for example. Here, the application list and setting value columns are lists of applications and setting information entered and registered in association with the groups by the user of the information processing device 2. The default setting is displayed as ON or OFF, for example, indicating whether the application is set as the default. FIG. 9 shows an example of a list screen related to predetermined applications and various settings constituting a predetermined group.

[0084] ◆Screen display example◆ Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a group is created. As shown in Fig. 10, when the accepting unit 22 accepts an operation on the group list button 2021 displayed in Fig. 8, the display control unit 24 of the information processing device 2 displays a dialog screen shown as a group creation screen 2201 superimposed on the group list screen 2101 displayed on the display 206. In addition, the display control unit 24 also displays the following input units and buttons on the group creation screen 2201. Note that the group creation screen 2201 is an example of a group creation screen. A group name input section 2211 for inputting a group name. By inputting into this group name input section 2211, the group identification information (G001, G002, etc.) managed in the group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A) and the input group name (Group A, Group B, etc.) are associated with each other and stored and managed. At this time, a separate add button may be provided near the group name input section 2211. An installation application input section 2212 including a pull-down key for inputting an installation (registration) application, and an add button 2213 for adding the input installation (registration) application. By inputting into this installation application input section 2212 and operating the add button 2213, the group identification information managed in the group information management DB, the application identification information (A001, A002, etc.) managed in the registered application information management DB 2002 (see FIG. 5B ), and the input application name (application A, application B, etc.) are associated with each other, stored, and managed. App deletion sections 2214 and 2215 for deleting each app added as an installed app, including a delete button An installation setting input section 2216 including a pull-down key for inputting installation (registration) settings, and an add button 2217 for adding the input installation (registration) settings. By inputting to this installation setting input section 2216 and operating the add button 2217, the group identification information managed in the group information management DB, the setting identification information (S001, S002, etc.) managed in the registration setting information management DB 2003 (see FIG. 5C), and the input setting name (proxy setting, automatic firmware update time setting, etc.) are associated with and managed. A proxy setting input section 2218 including a delete button for deleting a proxy setting, which is an example of an installation setting, and input sections for inputting address information and port information related to the proxy setting. A radio button ON 2219 for selecting the default setting, and a radio button OFF 2220 for deselecting the default setting. When the radio button ON 2219 for selecting the default setting is selected, a default group flag, which will be described later, is set to TRUE. After performing the above settings, click the Create button 2221 to enable all the settings.

[0085] 10 and the input sections and operation buttons included in the group creation screen 2201 are merely examples, and the displayed content can be changed as needed depending on the settings and specifications of the registration target device 4. The created group is registered in the group information management DB, and is added to and displayed on the group list screen 2101 shown in FIG.

[0086] <Setup process> Next, a description will be given of a setup sequence for the registration target device 4. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the setup process.

[0087] After receiving the registration possibility determination result transmitted by the communication management device 3 in the process of step S16 described above, the display control unit 24 of the information processing device 2 displays the device list screen 2011 showing the registration possibility result shown in Fig. 8 on the display 206 (step S21). At this time, in order to perform either device registration or setup, the administrator operates the "Device Registration / Setup" button 2022 to transition to the device registration / setup screen shown in Fig. 15 and subsequent figures.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 11, the display control unit 24 displays a screen for display processing of the default group on the display 206 (step S22).

[0089] <Default group display process> 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a default group display process. As shown in FIG. 12, processing unit 27 checks the default group flag of the group information (step S22-1). Specifically, processing unit 27, in cooperation with storage / reading unit 29, searches group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A) using the input group name or corresponding group identification information as a search key, thereby reading out the corresponding default group flag.

[0090] Next, the determination unit 25 determines whether or not there is a group whose read default group flag is "TRUE" (step S22-2). If there is a group whose read default group flag is "TRUE" (step S22-2; YES), the display control unit 24 displays the input group name on the screen of the display 206 as the initially selected group, and then exits this flow (step S22-3). On the other hand, if there is no group whose read default group flag is "TRUE" (step S22-2; NO), the information processing device 2 exits this flow without performing any particular processing.

[0091] <Group selection reception process> Returning to FIG. 11, the operation receiving unit 22 receives, for example, a group selection by the administrator (step S23).

[0092] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a group selection acceptance process. As shown in FIG. 13, the processing unit 27 compares the device type of the registrable target device with the compatible model of the registered application included in the registered application / settings of the group information (step S23-1). Specifically, the processing unit 27, in cooperation with the storage / reading unit 29, searches the device information management DB 2004 (see FIG. 5D) using the device identification information (e.g., MID001) of the registrable target device transmitted by the communication management device 3 as a search key, thereby reading out the corresponding device type. Note that the number of device identification information is not limited to one, and there may be a number corresponding to one or more registration target devices.

[0093] Next, the processing unit 27, in cooperation with the storage and reading unit 29, searches the group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A ) using the group name selected as the group to be associated with the registerable target device on the “Device Registration / Setup” screen 2311 (described later) and the corresponding group identification information as search keys, thereby reading out one or more corresponding application identification information and one or more corresponding setting identification information. Furthermore, the processing unit 27, in cooperation with the storage and reading unit 29, searches the registered application information management DB 2002 (see FIG. 5B ) using the read application identification information as a search key, thereby reading out the corresponding application name and corresponding device. Furthermore, the processing unit 27, in cooperation with the storage and reading unit 29, searches the registered setting information management DB 2003 (see FIG. 5C ) using the read setting identification information as a search key, thereby reading out the corresponding setting name, corresponding device, and input parameter. The processing unit 27 collates the various pieces of information read out in the above processes.

[0094] Next, the determination unit 25 determines whether the registration target device is a model compatible with the registered application / settings from the various information read by the processing unit 27 (step S23-2). That is, the determination unit 25 determines whether one or more registration target devices 4 are capable of registering predetermined applications and various settings based on the device identification information, application identification information that identifies the predetermined application, and setting identification information that identifies the various settings. Specifically, the determination unit 25 determines whether the device type corresponding to the device identification information (e.g., MID001) of the registration target device is a compatible device managed in the registered application information management DB 2002 (see FIG. 5B) and the registered setting information management DB 2003 (see FIG. 5C). In this case, the device type for which the device identification information is MID001 is "MFP", and the compatible devices managed in the registered application information management DB2002 (see FIG. 5B) and the registered setting information management DB2003 (see FIG. 5C) are "-" ("-" is defined as "Don't Care", regardless of type), so "MFP" is determined to be a compatible device.

[0095] As a result of the determination in this manner, if it is determined that the registration target device is a model compatible with the registered application / setting (step S23-2; YES), the determination unit 25 exits this flow. On the other hand, if it is determined that the registration target device is not a model compatible with the registered application / setting (step S23-2; NO), the display control unit 24 displays a warning message indicating that registration is not possible on the display 206, and exits this flow (step S23-3). This allows the information processing device 2 to determine, for a group selected as a group to be associated with a registerable target device on the "Device Registration / Setup" screen 2311, whether the compatible devices for the applications and settings associated with this group correspond to the device type of the registerable target device. Note that, although the above description has been made regarding a case where the determination is made after a registerable target device is selected on the "Device Registration / Setup" screen 2311, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 2 may make the above-described determination when a group is displayed as selectable on the "Device Registration / Setup" screen 2311. At this time, the information processing device 2 can determine, for all groups managed in the group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A), whether the compatible devices for the apps and settings associated with this group correspond to the device type of the registrable target device. The information processing device 2 can selectably display only those groups, among all groups managed in the group information management DB 2001 (see FIG. 5A), for which it was determined in step S23-2 that the registration target device 4 is a model compatible with the registered apps / settings, and can accept selection of one group from the user. Note that, when multiple apps or settings are associated with a group, it can be determined that the registration target device 4 is a model compatible with the registered apps / settings if the compatible devices for all the apps and all the settings correspond to the device type of the registrable target device.

[0096] ◆Screen display example◆ An example of a screen display accompanying the above-described group selection acceptance process will be described below. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. When the acceptance unit 22 accepts an operation on the “Device Registration / Setup” button 2022 in the state shown in FIG. 8 , the display control unit 24 displays a dialog screen represented by a device registration / setup screen 2311 superimposed on the device list screen 2011 displayed on the display 206. The display control unit 24 also displays a list of registrable target devices, information indicating groups associated with each registrable target device, and a “Registration / Setup” button 2401 on the device registration / setup screen 2311. The “Registration / Setup” button 2401 is an example of a registration execution unit for registering predetermined apps and various settings for the registrable target devices. At this time, the device registration / setup screen 2311 displays a display area displaying group names as setup groups, and a pull-down key is arranged next to each group name. Here, a group selected from among the multiple groups can be associated with a registrable target device. The administrator can select a group to be associated with a registration target device by operating this pull-down key. For example, by operating the pull-down key for group A, groups B and C are displayed as selectable groups. The administrator can then select a desired group from groups A, B, and C. This allows the administrator to register predetermined apps and various settings associated with the selected group to the registration target device. Note that, for example, the groups selectable as setup groups may be displayed as selectable groups only for those groups that are determined in step S23-2 to be compatible with the registration target device and the registered apps / settings, out of all groups managed in the group information management table.

[0097] FIG. 15 shows another example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. In the state shown in FIG. 8 , when the accepting unit 22 accepts an operation on the “Device Registration / Setup” button 2022, the display control unit 24 displays another dialog screen, indicated by a device registration / setup screen 2321, superimposed on the device list screen 2011 displayed on the display 206. The display control unit 24 also displays a “Registration / Setup” button 2401 on the device registration / setup screen 2321. At this time, the device registration / setup screen 2321 displays a display area displaying default group names as setup groups, and pull-down keys are provided next to each default group name. The administrator can select a group to be associated with a registerable target device by operating these pull-down keys. For example, by operating the pull-down key for the default group indicated by the IP address: 10.60.152.10, group A and group B are displayed so as to be selectable. The administrator can select a desired group from the default group, group A, or group B. This allows the administrator to register the specified applications and various settings related to the selected group to the registration target device. Here, the screen displayed in Fig. 15 is an example of a screen displaying a list of default groups.

[0098] FIG. 16 shows another example of a screen display when a setup group is selected. In the state shown in FIG. 8 , when the accepting unit 22 accepts an operation on the “Device Registration / Setup” button 2022, the display control unit 24 displays another dialog screen, indicated by a device registration / setup screen 2331, superimposed on the device list screen 2011 displayed on the display 206. The display control unit 24 also displays a “Registration / Setup” button 2401 on the device registration / setup screen 2331. At this time, the device registration / setup screen 2331 displays a display area displaying default groups for each device type as setup groups, and pull-down keys are provided next to the names of the default groups for each device. The administrator can select a group to be associated with a registerable target device by operating these pull-down keys. For example, by operating the pull-down key for the MFP default group indicated by IP address: 10.60.152.10, group A and group B are displayed so that they can be selected. The administrator can select a desired group from the MFP default group, group A, or group B. This allows the user to register the specified applications and various settings associated with the selected group to the registration target device. The screen displayed in Fig. 16 is an example of a screen displaying a list of default groups.

[0099] 17 is an example of a warning screen displayed when a setup group is selected. In the state shown in FIG. 8, when the accepting unit 22 accepts an operation on the "Device Registration / Setup" button 2022, the display control unit 24 displays another dialog screen, indicated by a "Device Registration / Setup" screen 2341, superimposed on the device list screen 2011 displayed on the display 206. The display control unit 24 also displays a "Registration / Setup" button 2401 on the device registration / setup screen 2331. At this time, the "Device Registration / Setup" screen 2341 displays a display area displaying groups by device type as setup groups, and a pull-down key is arranged next to the default group name for each device. By operating this pull-down key, the administrator can select a group to be associated with a registerable target device from the device type groups corresponding to the operated pull-down key.

[0100] In FIG. 17, the display control unit 24 displays a warning mark generated in the process of step S23-3 and a balloon indicating the warning near the name of the MFP default group indicated by the IP address: 10.60.152.8. The balloon at this time may contain content such as "There are applications and settings that cannot be registered on the target device." Furthermore, a link button for checking the details is displayed within the balloon. Here, the screen displayed in FIG. 17 is an example of a warning screen indicating that registration is not possible when the registration target device 4 is in a state where it is not possible to register certain applications and various settings.

[0101] FIG. 18 shows an example of a warning screen displayed when a setup group is selected. This warning screen display example is, for example, a warning screen displayed by operating a link in the balloon in FIG. 17 , and the display control unit 24 displays a warning screen 2361 instead of the “Device Registration / Setup” screen 2341. The warning screen 2361 displays a summary of the registration-unavailable states determined in step S23-3. For example, the warning screen 2361 lists apps and settings that cannot be registered. Note that the display format is not limited to this and can be changed as desired, taking into consideration the content to be displayed and ease of viewing. In addition, the display control unit 24 also displays an OK button 2411 on the warning screen 2361. The administrator (user) can transition to another screen by operating the OK button 2411. Here, the screen displayed in FIG. 18 is an example of a warning screen indicating that registration is not possible when the registration target device 4 is in a state where it is not possible to register a predetermined app and various settings.

[0102] <Device registration setup execution process> 11 , the storage and reading unit 29 reads out registered applications / registered settings related to the group associated with the registration target device 4 (step S24). Specifically, the storage and reading unit 29 searches the registered application information management DB 2002 (see FIG. 5B ) using the application identification information (A001, A002, etc.) as a search key to read out the corresponding application name. Furthermore, the storage and reading unit 29 searches the registered setting information management DB 2003 (see FIG. 5C ) using the setting identification information as a search key to read out the corresponding setting name and input parameters. For example, on the device registration / setup screen 2311 shown in FIG. 14 , if group A is selected as the setup group of the registerable target device indicated by IP address: 10.60.152.7 and then the “Registration / Setup” button 2401 is operated, the storage and reading unit 29 identifies the application identification information and setting identification information related to group A in the group information management table, and reads out the application name corresponding to the identified application identification information and the setting name and input parameters corresponding to the identified setting identification information. When groups are associated with a plurality of registrable target devices on the device registration / setup screen 2311, the above-described processing can be performed for each associated group.

[0103] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 executes device registration setup (step S25). Specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 associates the device identification information of the one or more registration target devices read in steps S23 and S24 with registration setting information including application names, setting names, and input parameters corresponding to the device identification information of the one or more registration target devices, and transmits the associated information collectively to the communication management device 3. That is, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 transmits the registration setting information for the registration target devices, which is set for each predetermined group based on the above-mentioned registrable device information, collectively to the communication management device 3. Note that the transmission process in step S25 is a process of transmitting the registration setting information set in response to an operation on the above-mentioned "Registration / Setup" button 2401 (registration execution unit), to the communication management device. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 31 of the communication management device 3 receives the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device 2. For example, when group A is associated as the setup group of the registerable target device indicated by IP address: 10.60.152.7, the transmitter / receiver 21 associates the device identification information of this registerable target device with the application name, setting name, and input parameters corresponding to the application identification information and setting identification information related to group A and transmits them to the communication management device 3.

[0104] The storage / reading unit 39 of the communication management device that has received the registration setting information updates the registration status corresponding to the device identification information managed in the registration information management DB 3001 (see FIG. 5E) to "registered" (step S26).

[0105] After updating the registration status to the latest status, the transmitter / receiver 31 executes device registration setup for one or more registration target devices 4 to which the predetermined application and various settings are to be registered (step S27). Specifically, the transmitter / receiver 31 transmits the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device 2 to one or more registration target devices 4 to which the predetermined application and various settings are to be registered. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 41 of one or more registration target devices 4 receives the registration setting information transmitted by the communication management device 3. The registration setting information at this time includes the device identification information, application name, setting name, and input parameters of the one or more registration target devices 4 described above. In other words, after the registration status corresponding to the device identification information of the registrable target device included in the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device 2 is registered, the transmitter / receiver 31 transmits the registration setting information to one or more registrable target devices. For example, when group A is associated as the setup group of the registration target device indicated by IP address: 10.60.152.7, the transceiver 31 transmits registration setting information including the application name, setting name, and input parameters corresponding to the application identification information and setting identification information related to group A to the registration target device 4 corresponding to IP address: 10.60.152.7.

[0106] The registrable target device among the one or more registration target devices 4 that received the registration setting information performs device setup (step S28). That is, the registration unit 46 of each of the one or more registration target devices registers a predetermined application and various settings based on the received registration setting information. At this time, the one or more registration target devices can also acquire and install software for each device type from a software management server managed separately in the communication system 1. For example, the registration target device 4 can download and install a program from the software management server based on application identification information, such as an application name, included in the registration setting information acquired from the communication management device 3. Furthermore, the registration target device 4 may perform settings to make a web application provided by an external server available from the browser of the registration target device 4 based on the application identification information included in the registration setting information. However, this is not limited to this, and any installation process may be performed to make the application identified by the registration setting information available on the registration target device 4. Furthermore, the registration target device 4 can write the setting name and input parameters included in the registration setting information acquired from the communication management device 3 to a predetermined storage area of the registration target device 4. As described above, the registrable target device is a part of the registration target device 4.

[0107] After completing the device setup, the transmitter / receiver 41 of one or more registration target devices 4 transmits the device registration setup success / failure to the communication management device 3 (step S29). As a result, the transmitter / receiver 31 of the communication management device 3 receives the device registration setup success / failure transmitted from one or more registration target devices 4.

[0108] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 31 of the communication management device 3 that has received the device registration setup success / failure transmits (transfers) the device registration setup success / failure to the information processing device 2 (step S30). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the information processing device 2 receives the device registration setup success / failure transmitted (transferred) by the communication management device 3.

[0109] In the communication system according to this embodiment, for example, when the processes of steps S16 and S25 described above are executed, other devices may exist between the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3. In other words, each piece of information (data) transmitted and received between the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3 may be configured to be transmitted and received once via another device. The configuration and processing method described above can also be applied to other processing steps between the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3.

[0110] Furthermore, in the communication system according to this embodiment, for example, when the processing of steps S27 and S29 described above is executed, other devices may exist between the communication management device 3 and the registration target device 4. In other words, each piece of information (data) transmitted and received between the communication management device 3 and the registration target device 4 may be transmitted and received once via another device. The above-described configuration and processing method can also be applied to other processing steps between the communication management device 3 and the registration target device 4.

[0111] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processing up to steps S21 to S27 performed between the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3 may be executed only by the information processing device 2, or may be executed only by the communication management device 3. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 and the communication management device 3 may be executed by a single device (server device).

[0112] [Major Effects of the Present Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 2 receives, from the communication management device 3, registrable device information relating to registrable target devices among one or more registration target devices 4 that are capable of registering a predetermined app and various settings (S16), and transmits to the communication management device 3 registration setting information for the registrable target devices to perform registration, which information is set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information (S25). Thereafter, the one or more registration target devices register the predetermined app and various settings based on the registration setting information received from the communication management device 3 (S28). This allows the communication system 1, when registering an app and various settings for one or more registration target devices, to know in advance whether the registration target device is capable of registering the predetermined app and various settings, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the workload of the administrator who manages the registration of the predetermined app and various settings.

[0113] Furthermore, even if an administrator who uses the information processing device 2 to manage the registration of specified apps and various settings is involved in registering specified apps and various settings for one or more registration target devices 4, it is only necessary to register the specified apps and various settings divided into groups in advance on the information processing device 2, which is expected to further reduce the administrator's own workload.

[0114] [Modification of the embodiment] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. However, since the system configuration, hardware resources, and functional configuration that realize the modified example of the embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

[0115] In the modified example of the embodiment, the registration target device management app installed in the storage unit 2000 of the information processing device 2 in the first embodiment is managed by another server device constructed in the communication system 1. In this case, the registration target device management app managed by the other server device may be provided as a web app that can be viewed via a browser. In such a configuration, the information processing device 2 is operated with the function of the registration target device management app separated from other functions of the information processing device 2.

[0116] [Major Effects of Modified Embodiments] As described above, this embodiment not only achieves the effects of the first embodiment, but also eliminates the need to manage the applications executed on the information processing device 2 and the various databases (DBs) managed in relation to those applications, which is expected to have the effect of saving memory and allowing emphasis to be placed on processing other functions.

[0117] [Supplementary explanation of the embodiment] The functions of each embodiment can be realized by a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C++, C#, or Java (registered trademark), or an object-oriented programming language, and the program for executing the functions of each embodiment can be distributed via telecommunications lines.

[0118] In addition, the programs for executing the functions of each embodiment can also be stored in and distributed on recording media such as ROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, flexible disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, CD-RW (Re-Writable), DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, Blu-ray Disc, SD card, and MO (Magneto-Optical disc).

[0119] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein includes a device programmed by software to perform each function, such as a processor implemented by electronic circuits. Examples of such devices include a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SOC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform the above-described functions.

[0120] So far, we have described a communication system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to one embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and other embodiments can be added, modified, or deleted, etc., within the scope that can be conceived by a person skilled in the art. In any aspect, as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved, it is included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Communication Systems 2. Information processing equipment 3 Communication management device 4. Devices to be registered 21 Transmitting / receiving unit (an example of receiving means, an example of transmitting means) 24 Display control unit (an example of display control means) 25 Determination unit (an example of a determination means) 31 Transmitting / receiving unit (an example of receiving means, an example of transmitting means) 35 Determination unit (an example of a determination means) 41 Transmitting / receiving unit (an example of receiving means, an example of transmitting means) 46 Registration unit (an example of a registration means) 2401 Registration / Setup button (an example of the registration execution section) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0122] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-166382

Claims

1. A communication system including an information processing device, one or more registration target devices to which predetermined applications and various settings are registered, and a communication management device capable of communicating with the information processing device and each of the one or more registration target devices, The information processing device includes: a receiving means for receiving, from the communication management device, registrable device information relating to one or more registrable target devices among the one or more registration target devices to which the predetermined application and various settings can be registered; a transmitting means for transmitting to the communication management device registration setting information for the one or more registrable target devices to perform the registration, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information; and The one or more registrable target devices, a receiving means for receiving the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device from the communication management device; a registration unit that registers the predetermined application and various settings based on the received registration setting information, The communication management device a transmitting means for transmitting the registration setting information to the registrable target device after a registration status corresponding to device identification information of the registrable target device included in the registration setting information transmitted by the information processing device has been registered; A communication system comprising:

2. 2. The communication system of claim 1, The information processing device further comprises: a display control unit that displays on a display unit a registration execution unit for registering the predetermined application and various settings for the registrable target device; The transmitting means transmitting the registration setting information set in response to an operation on the registration execution unit to the communication management device; A communication system comprising:

3. The display control means displaying a list screen relating to the predetermined apps and various settings that constitute the predetermined group on a display means; 3. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The display control means displaying on the display means a group creation screen for inputting the predetermined group, the predetermined application, and various settings to be displayed on the list screen; 4. The communication system according to claim 3.

5. The display control means a list of default groups representing groups that have been set in advance among the predetermined groups is displayed on the display means; 5. A communication system according to claim 2, wherein:

6. The display control means When the registration target device is in a state where the predetermined application and various settings cannot be registered, a warning indicating that registration is not possible is displayed on the display means.

6. A communication system according to claim 2, wherein:

7. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The information processing device further comprises: a determination unit that determines whether the registration target device is capable of registering the predetermined application and various settings based on the device identification information, application identification information that identifies the predetermined application, and setting identification information that identifies the various settings; A communication system comprising:

8. The communication management device a determination means for determining whether or not the one or more registration target devices can be registered based on device information including identification information of each registration target device transmitted from each of the one or more registration target devices; The transmitting means transmitting the registrable device information indicating the result of the determination by the determination means to the information processing device; 8. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein:

9. An information processing device that performs registration setting for registering a predetermined application to one or more registration target devices, a receiving means for receiving, from a communication management device that communicates with the one or more registration target devices, registrable device information relating to one or more registrable target devices among the one or more registration target devices to which the predetermined application and various settings can be registered; a transmitting means for transmitting to the communication management device registration setting information for the one or more registrable target devices to perform the registration, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information; a display control unit that displays on a display unit a registration execution unit for registering the predetermined application and various settings for the registrable target device; The transmitting means transmitting the registration setting information set in response to an operation on the registration execution unit to the communication management device; 1. An information processing device comprising:

10. An information processing method performed by an information processing device that performs registration settings for registering a predetermined application to one or more registration target devices, comprising: a receiving step of receiving, from a communication management device that communicates with the one or more registration target devices, registrable device information relating to one or more registrable target devices among the one or more registration target devices to which the predetermined application and various settings can be registered; a transmission step of transmitting to the communication management device registration setting information for the one or more registrable target devices to perform the registration, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information; a display control step of displaying on a display means a registration execution section for registering the predetermined application and various settings for the registrable target device; Including, The transmitting step includes: The execution includes a process of transmitting the registration setting information set in response to an operation on the registration execution unit to the communication management device. An information processing method comprising:

11. On the computer, A program for causing one or more registration target devices to execute information processing for performing registration settings for registering a predetermined application, a receiving step of receiving, from a communication management device that communicates with the one or more registration target devices, registrable device information relating to one or more registrable target devices among the one or more registration target devices to which the predetermined application and various settings can be registered; a transmission step of transmitting to the communication management device registration setting information for the one or more registrable target devices to perform the registration, the registration setting information being set for each predetermined group based on the registrable device information; a display control step of displaying on a display means a registration execution section for registering the predetermined application and various settings for the registrable target device; Including, a program for causing the transmission step to execute a process of transmitting the registration setting information set in response to an operation on the registration execution unit to the communication management device;

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