Management device, management system, management method, and management program

Abstract

To manage, in a management apparatus for managing a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, each electronic device in a smooth manner while preventing an increase in network traffic.SOLUTION: A network system 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... as a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, and a management server 80 as a management apparatus. Only the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... is enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 is disabled. The multifunction peripheral 20 having the agent function enabled acquires status information on each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... including itself and collectively sends the acquired status information to the management server 80. This prevents an increase in network traffic. Also, as the agent function of the multifunction peripheral 20 having the agent function with the highest capability is enabled, smooth management is realized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management method, a management program, and a management system, and more particularly to a management device, a management method, a management program, and a management system that manage a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, each electronic device has an agent unit. Each agent unit receives transmission schedule information for device status information from a remote maintenance server serving as a management device, and acquires operation schedule information set in the electronic device having the agent unit from the electronic device. Each agent unit then determines the timing for transmitting the device status information based on the transmission schedule information and the operation schedule information, and transmits the device status information to the remote maintenance server at the determined transmission timing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-191508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, each agent unit individually sends device status information to a remote maintenance server. Therefore, the greater the number of agent units, i.e., the greater the number of electronic devices to be managed, the greater the network traffic. This increase in network traffic interferes with the management device's management of each electronic device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel management device, management method, management program, and management system that can smoothly manage each electronic device while suppressing an increase in network traffic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a first aspect relating to a management device. and the second invention , the management system 3 Inventions and management methods 4 invention and the fifth invention , and , the management program 6 invention and the seventh invention Includes.

[0007] The first invention of the present invention relates to a management device that manages a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, and includes an optimal agent specifying means , first setting means and state information acquisition means The optimal agent specifying means is configured to specify the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent function being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices. Noh Based on the agent ability information related to power, from among the plurality of electronic devices The most relevant ability Identify the best agent with agent functionality. The first setting means sets the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices so as to enable the agent function of the electronic device identified as the optimal agent by the optimal agent identifying means among the plurality of electronic devices and disable the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the optimal agent.The state information acquiring means collectively acquires, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, state information representing the states of each of the plurality of electronic devices, obtained by monitoring the states of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, using the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.In other words, the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, i.e., the optimal agent, performs agent processing by monitoring the states of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including itself, using the agent function, acquiring state information representing the monitoring results from the plurality of electronic devices, and further transmitting the acquired state information collectively to the management device according to the first invention.

[0008] A management device according to a second aspect of the present invention manages multiple electronic devices having agent functions, and includes an optimal agent identification means, an identification result information output means, a second setting means, and a status information acquisition means. The optimal agent identification means identifies the optimal agent having the most capable agent function from the multiple electronic devices based on agent capability information related to the capabilities of the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices, the information being acquired from each of the multiple electronic devices. The identification result output means outputs identification result information representing the identification result by the optimal agent identification means. The second setting means, in response to a user operation, enables the agent function of one of the multiple electronic devices and sets the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices so as to disable the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices other than the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled. The status information acquisition means collectively acquires status information representing the status of each of the multiple electronic devices from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, using the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled. In other words, an electronic device with an enabled agent function monitors the status of multiple electronic devices, including itself, using the agent function, acquires status information representing the monitoring results from the multiple electronic devices, and then performs agent processing by transmitting the acquired status information in a batch to the management device according to the second invention.

[0009] In the first or second invention, the agent capability related information includes, for example, version information indicating the version of the agent function.

[0010] In the first or second invention, the plurality of electronic devices may form a first network common to the plurality of electronic devices. In this case, each of the plurality of electronic devices performs a device search to search for electronic devices that form the first network, including itself. Detected device count information indicating the number of electronic devices detected by this device search may be included in the agent capability relationship information.

[0011] Furthermore, in the first or second invention, when a plurality of electronic devices constitute a first network as described above, the management device may be provided in a second network separate from the first network.

[0012] The second network here may be, for example, the Internet.

[0013] A management system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the management device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, and the plurality of electronic devices described above.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a management method for managing multiple electronic devices having agent functions, the management method including a best-fit agent identification step, a first setting step, and a status information acquisition step. In the best-fit agent identification step, a best-fit agent having the most capable agent function is identified from the multiple electronic devices based on agent capability information related to the capabilities of the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices acquired from the multiple electronic devices. In the first setting step, the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices is configured so as to enable the agent function of the electronic device identified as the best-fit agent in the best-fit agent identification step and disable the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the best-fit agent. In the status information acquisition step, status information indicating the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, is acquired collectively from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, the status information being obtained by monitoring the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, using the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled. In other words, an electronic device with an enabled agent function, i.e., an optimal agent, uses the agent function to monitor the status of multiple electronic devices, including itself, acquires status information representing the monitoring results from the multiple electronic devices, and then performs agent processing by transmitting the acquired status information in a batch to a device to which the management method of the fourth invention is applied.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a management method for managing multiple electronic devices having agent functions, the management method including a step of identifying an optimal agent, a step of outputting identification result information, a second setting step, and a step of acquiring status information. In the step of identifying an optimal agent, an optimal agent having the most capable agent function is identified from the multiple electronic devices based on agent capability information related to the capabilities of the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices acquired from the multiple electronic devices. In the step of outputting identification result information representing the identification result obtained in the step of identifying an optimal agent. In the second setting step, in response to a user operation, the agent function of one of the multiple electronic devices is enabled, and the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices other than the electronic device with the enabled agent function are disabled. In the step of acquiring status information, the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device with the enabled agent function is monitored by the agent function of the electronic device with the enabled agent function, and status information representing the status of the multiple electronic devices is acquired collectively from the electronic devices with the enabled agent function. In other words, an electronic device with an enabled agent function monitors the status of multiple electronic devices, including itself, using the agent function, acquires status information representing the monitoring results from the multiple electronic devices, and then performs agent processing by transmitting the acquired status information in a batch to a device to which the management method of the fifth invention is applied.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a management program for managing multiple electronic devices having agent functions, the management program causing a computer to execute a best-fit agent identification step, a first setting step, and a status information acquisition step. The best-fit agent identification step identifies an optimal agent having the most capable agent function from among the multiple electronic devices based on agent capability information related to the capabilities of the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices acquired from the multiple electronic devices. The first setting step enables the agent function of the electronic device identified as the best-fit agent in the best-fit agent identification step, and configures the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices so as to disable the agent function of each of the multiple electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the best-fit agent. The status information acquisition step collectively acquires, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, status information representing the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, using the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled. In other words, an electronic device with an enabled agent function, i.e., an optimal agent, performs agent processing by using the agent function to monitor the status of multiple electronic devices, including itself, acquire status information representing the monitoring results from the multiple electronic devices, and then transmit the acquired status information in a batch to a computer executing the management program related to the sixth invention.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a management program for managing multiple electronic devices having agent functions, and the management program causes a computer to execute an optimal agent identification step, an identification result information output step, a second setting step, and a status information acquisition step. The optimal agent identification step identifies an optimal agent having the most capable agent function from among the multiple electronic devices based on agent capability information related to the capabilities of the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices acquired from the multiple electronic devices. The identification result output step outputs identification result information representing the identification result obtained by the optimal agent identification step. The second setting step enables the agent function of one of the multiple electronic devices in response to a user operation, and configures the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices so as to disable the agent functions of each of the multiple electronic devices other than the electronic device with the enabled agent function. The status information acquisition step collectively acquires status information representing the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device with the enabled agent function, from the electronic devices with the enabled agent function, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the multiple electronic devices, including the electronic device with the enabled agent function, using the agent function of the electronic device with the enabled agent function. In other words, an electronic device with an enabled agent function performs agent processing, which involves monitoring the status of multiple electronic devices, including itself, using the agent function, acquiring status information representing the monitoring results from the multiple electronic devices, and then transmitting the acquired status information in a batch to a computer executing the management program of the seventh invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly manage each electronic device while suppressing an increase in network traffic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a series of operations of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of each multifunction peripheral in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a personal computer for an IT administrator in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a management server in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an agent table in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a valid agent storage area in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an agent setting screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the agent setting screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the agent setting screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an agent setting method storage area in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an agent registration task in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an agent control task in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an agent setting task in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation response time setting task in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention will be described using an enterprise network system 10 shown in FIG. 1 as an example.

[0021] 1, a network system 10 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of, for example, five, multifunction peripherals (MFPs) 20, 20, .... The network system 10 also includes a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") 30 for an IT administrator. These multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... and the PC 30 are connected to a LAN line 40 as an internal line installed within the company, thereby constituting an in-house LAN 50, which is a closed communication network.

[0022] Furthermore, an IP address is set to each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... and the PC 30 as an individual identification number. In addition, an arbitrary device name is given to each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... and the PC 30. In particular, each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... is given a device name such as "Dev-1", "Dev-2", .... Hereinafter, each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... may be referred to by its device name.

[0023] Furthermore, the LAN line 40 is connected to the Internet 70, a wide-area communication network, via a router 60 serving as a relay device, and is further connected to a management server 80, which is one of the cloud servers. The management server 80 is responsible for managing each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... For this purpose, the management server 80 has a management database (DB) 80a that stores various information about each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, .... Furthermore, a URL is set in the management server 80 as identification information for identifying the management server 80 on the Internet 70.

[0024] Each multifunction device 20 has multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function. Additionally, agent software (AGT) 20a is pre-installed in each multifunction device 20 (embedded agent). That is, each multifunction device 20 has an agent function. Using this agent function, each multifunction device 20 monitors its own status, for example, by monitoring a known MIB (Management Information Base), and transmits status information representing the monitoring results to the management server 80, for example, in accordance with the known SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). This enables the management server 80 to manage each of the multifunction devices 20, 20, ..., particularly remote management.

[0025] However, if each multifunction peripheral 20 transmits status information individually to the management server 80, network traffic increases. This increase in network traffic interferes with the management server 80's management of each multifunction peripheral 20, 20, . . .

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the agent function of only one of the multifunction peripherals 20 is enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 is disabled. Then, each multifunction peripheral 20 with its agent function enabled monitors the status of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20, including itself, acquires status information representing the monitoring results, and then transmits the acquired status information collectively to the management server 80. This enables the management server 80 to manage each of the multifunction peripherals 20 while suppressing an increase in network traffic. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which only the agent function of Dev-3 is enabled, and the agent functions of the other multifunction peripherals Dev-1, Dev-2, Dev-4, and Dev-5 are each disabled. In other words, in FIG. 2, Dev-3 is the parent device, and the other multifunction peripherals Dev-1, Dev-2, Dev-4, and Dev-5 are each child devices.

[0027] The status information of each multifunction peripheral 20, 20, ... transmitted to the management server 80 is stored in the management database 80a. The IT administrator's PC 30 can access the management server 80 and obtain the status information of each multifunction peripheral 20, 20, ... stored in the management database 80a. At that time, the PC 30 accesses the management server 80 using a web browser 306a (see FIG. 4).

[0028] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of each multifunction device 20. As shown in Fig. 3, each multifunction device 20 has a control unit 202. An image reading unit 206, an image forming unit 208, an auxiliary storage unit 210, a communication unit 212, an operation display unit 214, etc. are connected to the control unit 202 via a bus 204.

[0029] The control unit 202 is a control means of the multifunction device 20 that is responsible for overall control of the multifunction device 20. To this end, the control unit 202 has a CPU 202a as a control execution means. The control unit 202 also has a main memory unit 202b as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 202a. The main memory unit 202b includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 202a. The RAM forms a working area and a buffer area for the CPU 202a.

[0030] The image reading unit 206 is an image reading means that performs image reading processing by reading an image of an original (not shown) and outputting two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the image of the original. For this purpose, the image reading unit 206 is provided with an original table (not shown) on which the original is placed. The image reading unit 206 also includes an image reading unit including a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc. (not shown), and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading position of the image reading unit. The image reading unit 206 also includes an original pressing cover (not shown) for pressing down the original placed on the original table. Note that the original pressing cover may be provided with an optional automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown).

[0031] Image forming unit 208 is an image forming means that performs image forming processing, i.e., printing, on paper serving as a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown) based on appropriate image data such as the image scan data described above. This image forming processing is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method (Carlson process method). The paper after image forming processing by image forming unit 208, i.e., the printed matter, is discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown). Note that image forming unit 208 is not limited to electrophotographic processing, and may also perform image forming processing by other methods such as inkjet processing.

[0032] The auxiliary storage unit 210 is an auxiliary storage means of the multifunction device 20, and various data including various image data such as the scanned image data described above are appropriately stored in the auxiliary storage unit 210. The agent software 20a described above is stored in, or incorporated into, the auxiliary storage unit 210. Such an auxiliary storage unit 210 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD.

[0033] The communication unit 212 is a communication means of the multifunction peripheral 20, and is connected to the LAN line 40. The communication unit 212 is responsible for two-way communication processing via the LAN line 40. The communication unit 212 may be connected to the LAN line 40 via a wired connection, or may be connected to the LAN line 40 wirelessly, particularly via Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 212 is also responsible for two-way communication processing via a public switched telephone network (not shown).

[0034] The operation display unit 214 is a so-called operation panel and includes a touch panel 214a as an operation receiving means of the multifunction peripheral 20 and a display 214b as a display means of the multifunction peripheral 20; in other words, it includes the display 214b with the touch panel 214a. The touch panel 214a is, for example, a capacitive panel, but is not limited to this. The display 214b is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the operation display unit 214 includes appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown) in addition to the touch panel 214a. Additionally, the operation display unit 214 includes appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown) in addition to the display 214b.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a PC 30 for an IT administrator. As shown in Fig. 4, the PC 30 has a control unit 302. An auxiliary storage unit 306, a display unit 308, an operation unit 310, an external interface (I / F) unit 312, a communication unit 314, and the like are connected to the control unit 302 via a bus 304. The PC 30 may be a desktop type or a notebook type.

[0036] The control unit 302 has a CPU 302a as a control execution means for the PC 30. The control unit 302 also has a main memory unit 302b as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 302a. The main memory unit 302b includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores the BIOS and the like. The RAM forms a working area and a buffer area for the CPU 302a.

[0037] The auxiliary storage unit 306 is an auxiliary storage means of the PC 30 and includes, for example, a hard disk drive or SSD (not shown). The auxiliary storage unit 306 stores an operating system, various application software, and various data. The application software includes a web browser 306a.

[0038] The display unit 308 has a display 308a as a display means of the PC 30. The display 308a is, for example, a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this. In addition to the display 308a, the display unit 308 also has appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (not shown).

[0039] The operation unit 310 is an operation receiving unit of the PC 30, and includes a keyboard 310a. In addition to the keyboard 310a, the operation unit 310 also includes appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches (not shown).

[0040] The external interface unit 312 is an external interface means of the PC 30, and is responsible for interface processing with external devices (not shown). For this reason, the external interface unit 312 has various external connection terminals such as a USB terminal (not shown). In particular, various USB devices (not shown), such as a mouse or USB memory, can be connected to the USB terminal.

[0041] The communication unit 314 is a communication means of the PC 30, and this communication unit 314 is connected to the LAN line 40. The communication unit 314 is responsible for two-way communication processing via the LAN line 40. The communication unit 314 may be connected to the LAN line 40 by wire, or may be connected to the LAN line 40 wirelessly, particularly by Wi-Fi.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the management server 80. As shown in Fig. 5, the management server 80 has a control unit 802. The control unit 802 is connected via a bus 804 to an auxiliary storage unit 806, a display unit 808, an operation unit 810, an external interface (I / F) unit 812, a communication unit 814, and the like.

[0043] The control unit 802 has a CPU 802a as a control execution means of the management server 80. In addition, the control unit 802 has a main memory unit 802b as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 802a. The main memory unit 802b includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores the BIOS and the like. The RAM forms a working area and a buffer area for the CPU 802a.

[0044] The auxiliary storage unit 806 is an auxiliary storage means of the management server 80 and includes, for example, a hard disk drive or SSD (not shown). The auxiliary storage unit 806 stores an operating system for the server, application software, and various data. The application software includes management software 806a. The aforementioned management database 80a is also provided in the auxiliary storage unit 806.

[0045] The display unit 808 has a display 808a as display means of the management server 80. This display 808a is, for example, a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this. In addition to the display 808a, the display unit 808 also has appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (not shown).

[0046] The operation unit 810 is an operation receiving unit of the management server 80, and includes a keyboard 810a. In addition to the keyboard 810a, the operation unit 810 also includes appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches (not shown).

[0047] The external interface unit 812 is an external interface means of the management server 80, and is responsible for interface processing with external devices (not shown). For this reason, the external interface unit 812 has various external connection terminals such as a USB terminal (not shown). In particular, various USB devices such as a mouse (not shown) can be connected to the USB terminal.

[0048] The communication unit 814 is a communication means of the management server 80, and this communication unit 814 is connected to the Internet 70 via a relay device or the like (not shown).

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the agent function is enabled in only one of the multifunction devices 20, 20, .... Three setting methods are available for determining which multifunction device 20 has its agent function enabled: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.

[0050] According to the automatic setting method, the multifunction peripheral 20 having the agent function with the highest capability, which is expected to contribute to the smoothest management among the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ..., is identified as the optimal agent, and the agent function of this optimal agent is enabled. According to the semi-automatic setting method, the optimal agent is presented to the IT administrator as a recommended agent, but the IT administrator manually sets as desired which multifunction peripheral 20 has its agent function enabled. According to the manual setting method, the IT administrator manually sets as desired which multifunction peripheral 20 has its agent function enabled. The IT administrator manually selects as desired which agent setting method to adopt, the automatic setting method, the semi-automatic setting method, or the manual setting method.

[0051] Specifically, first, a registration operation is performed to register each multifunction peripheral 20 in the management server 80. This registration operation is preferably performed when each multifunction peripheral 20 is installed, but this is not a limitation and it may be performed at any time. When this registration operation is performed, the multifunction peripheral 20 that accepted the registration operation, in other words, the multifunction peripheral 20 to be registered, searches for what multifunction peripherals 20, including itself, constitute the in-house LAN 50 (i.e., what multifunction peripherals 20 are connected to the LAN line 40), so to speak, performing a device search. Then, the multifunction peripheral 20 to be registered transmits registration information to the management server 80, including the results of the device search, in particular the number of detected devices that indicates the number of multifunction peripherals 20 detected by the device search. In addition to the number of detected devices, the registration information here includes the IP address, agent function version, and device name of the multifunction peripheral 20 to be registered.

[0052] The registration information received by the management server 80 is stored in an agent table 850 shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 20 to be registered is registered in the management server 80. The agent table 850 is configured by management software 806a, and is provided in the auxiliary storage unit 806. Fig. 6 also shows an example of the agent table 850 when all the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... that make up the in-house LAN 50 are registered.

[0053] Furthermore, among the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... registered in the management server 80, the multifunction peripheral 20 having the latest version and the largest number of detected devices is identified as the optimum agent. In the example shown in Fig. 6, Dev-3 is identified as the optimum agent.

[0054] For example, if the automatic setting method is selected as the agent setting method, the agent function of the optimal agent is enabled as described above, and the agent functions of the multifunction devices 20 other than the optimal agent are disabled.

[0055] In the automatic setting method, if there are multiple multifunction peripherals 20 that satisfy the conditions for an optimal agent, for example, the latest (newest) registered multifunction peripheral 20 among them is identified as the optimal agent. Conversely, the earliest (oldest) registered multifunction peripheral 20 may be identified as the optimal agent. Also, if there is no multifunction peripheral 20 that satisfies the conditions for an optimal agent, for example, priority may be given to the number of detected devices, i.e., the multifunction peripheral 20 with the largest number of detected devices and the latest version among them may be identified as the optimal agent. Conversely, priority may be given to the version, i.e., the multifunction peripheral 20 with the latest version and the largest number of detected devices among them may be identified as the optimal agent.

[0056] When the agent function of the optimal agent is enabled, or more precisely, when the agent function of any of the multifunction devices 20 is enabled, this fact is stored in the enabled agent storage area 860 shown in Fig. 7. The enabled agent storage area 860 is also configured by the management software 806a, and is provided in the auxiliary storage unit 806. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the agent function of Dev-3 is enabled.

[0057] The contents of agent table 850 can be confirmed by the IT administrator's PC 30. That is, when management server 80 is accessed using web browser 306a of PC 30 and a predetermined operation is performed on web browser 306a, an agent setting screen 350 such as that shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on display 308a of PC 30.

[0058] According to this agent setting screen 350, a drop-down list 352 for selecting an agent setting method is provided at the top. Then, an agent list 354 based on the contents of agent table 850 is provided below drop-down list 352. Furthermore, below agent list 354, in other words, at the bottom of agent setting screen 350, an "OK" key 356 and a "Cancel" key 358 are provided.

[0059] 8, for example, when the "OK" key 356 is operated (pressed), the settings made on the agent setting screen 350 are confirmed. On the other hand, when the "Cancel" key 358 is operated, the state immediately before the agent setting screen 350 was displayed is maintained.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, when the semi-automatic setting method is selected as the agent setting method, the most suitable agent is presented to the IT administrator as a recommended agent, as described above, while the IT administrator manually sets as desired which MFP 20 the agent function of which should be enabled. As shown in more detail in FIG. 9, the agent status column in the agent list 354 on the agent setting screen 350 is displayed using a drop-down list 360. In particular, the drop-down list 360a for the most suitable agent displays the word "recommended," indicating that the most suitable agent is a recommended agent. By operating each drop-down list 360, the agent can be set to either "enabled" or "disabled."

[0061] In the semi-automatic setting method, if there are multiple MFPs 20 that satisfy the conditions for an optimal agent, all of these optimal agents are presented as recommended agents. Furthermore, if there is no MFP 20 that satisfies the conditions for an optimal agent, priority may be given to the number of detected devices, i.e., the MFP 20 with the largest number of detected devices and the latest version among them may be identified as the optimal agent. Conversely, priority may be given to the version, i.e., the MFP 20 with the latest version and the largest number of detected devices among them may be identified as the optimal agent.

[0062] 9, the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... including the recommended agent must be enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 must be disabled. In other words, unless the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... is enabled and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 is disabled, at least the "OK" key 358 will not accept any operation and will be grayed out, for example. Then, when the "OK" key 356 is operated after the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... is enabled and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 is disabled, the settings made on the agent setting screen 350 are confirmed. On the other hand, when the "Cancel" key 358 is operated, the state immediately before the agent setting screen 350 was displayed is maintained.

[0063] Furthermore, when the manual setting method is selected as the agent setting method, as described above, the IT administrator manually sets as desired which of the multifunction peripherals 20 the agent function of which should be enabled. As shown in detail in Fig. 10, the agent status column in the agent list 354 on the agent setting screen 350 is displayed using a drop-down list 360. Then, by operating each drop-down list 360, it is possible to set either enabled or disabled as desired.

[0064] 10 , the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... must be enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 must be disabled. In other words, unless the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... is enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 is disabled, at least the "OK" key 358 will not accept any operation and will be grayed out, for example. Then, when the "OK" key 356 is operated after the agent function of one of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... has been enabled, and the agent function of each of the other multifunction peripherals 20 has been disabled, the settings made on the agent setting screen 350 are confirmed. On the other hand, when the "Cancel" key 358 is operated, the state immediately before the agent setting screen 350 was displayed is maintained. The IT administrator can manually select which agent configuration method to use from among the automatic configuration method, the semi-automatic configuration method, and the manual configuration method.

[0065] The agent setting method is stored in an agent setting method storage area 870 shown in Fig. 11. This agent setting method storage area 870 is also configured by the management software 806a, and is provided in the auxiliary storage unit 806. Note that Fig. 11 shows an example in which the automatic setting method is selected as the agent setting method.

[0066] In this embodiment, when a registration operation is performed to register each multifunction peripheral 20 in the management server 80, the CPU 202a of that multifunction peripheral 20 executes an agent registration task in accordance with an agent registration program included in the agent software 20a. The flow of this agent registration task is shown in Figure 12. The agent registration task is executed in response to the registration operation.

[0067] According to this agent registration task, the CPU 202a first performs a device search in step S1, that is, searches for what multifunction peripherals 20, including the multifunction peripheral 20 (own device) in which the CPU 202a is installed, make up the in-house LAN 50. Then, the CPU 202a advances the process to step S3.

[0068] In step S3, the CPU 202a transmits registration information including the results of the device search in step S1, particularly including the number of detected devices, to the management server 80. As described above, the registration information includes the number of detected devices as well as the IP address, agent function version, and device name of the multifunction device 20 to be registered. With the execution of step S3, the CPU 202a ends the agent registration task.

[0069] Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, it is also possible to cancel the registration of a registered multifunction peripheral 20. In this case, the CPU 202a executes an agent registration cancellation task. This agent registration cancellation task can be performed at any time. When this agent registration cancellation task is executed, registration cancellation information is transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 20 whose registration is to be canceled to the management server 80. In response to this, the management server 80 cancels the registration of the multifunction peripheral 20 whose registration is to be canceled, that is, deletes the registration information for that multifunction peripheral 20 from the agent table 850.

[0070] Furthermore, the CPU 202a of each multifunction peripheral 20 executes an agent control task in accordance with an agent control program included in the agent software 20a. The flow of this agent control task is shown in Figure 13. The agent control task is executed in accordance with schedule information provided by the management server 80, and is executed periodically, for example, every few hours. The agent control task is also executed when some event occurs in any of the multifunction peripherals 20, such as a paper jam or out of paper, and is executed by a so-called interrupt. This interrupt when some event occurs is performed by an SNMP trap.

[0071] According to this agent control task, first, in step S11, the CPU 202a accesses the management server 80 and, in particular, refers to the valid agent storage area 860 to confirm whether the agent function of itself (or the multifunction peripheral 20 in which it is installed) is enabled, or more precisely, whether it is set to be enabled. Then, the CPU 202a proceeds to step S13.

[0072] In step S13, the CPU 202a determines whether the agent function of itself (or the multifunction peripheral 20 in which it is installed) is enabled as a result of the check in step S11. Here, for example, if its own agent function is not enabled, the CPU 202a ends the agent control task. On the other hand, if its own agent function is enabled, the CPU 202a advances the process to step S15.

[0073] In step S15, the CPU 202a monitors the status of each registered multifunction device 20 (registered device), including itself (or the multifunction device 20 in which it is installed), and acquires status information representing the monitoring results. Then, the CPU 202a proceeds to step S17.

[0074] In step S17, the CPU 202a collectively transmits the state information acquired in step S15 to the management server 80. With the execution of step S17, the CPU 202a ends the agent control task.

[0075] That is, this agent control task is executed by all registered multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ..., but the agent processing of steps S15 and S17, which is the essential processing of the agent function, is executed only by (the CPU 202a of) the multifunction peripheral 20 in which the agent function is enabled.

[0076] In response to this, when the CPU 802a of the management server 80 receives the above-mentioned registration information or registration cancellation information from any of the multifunction devices 20, it executes an agent setting task. The flow of this agent setting task is shown in Figure 14. The CPU 802a of the management server 80 also executes this agent setting task in accordance with an agent setting program included in the management software 806a.

[0077] According to this agent setting task, the CPU 802a first updates the agent table 850 in step S101. That is, when the CPU 802a receives registration information from any of the multifunction devices 20, it stores the registration information in the agent table 850. Furthermore, when the CPU 802a receives registration cancellation information from any of the multifunction devices 20, it deletes the registration information of the multifunction device 20 whose registration is to be canceled from the agent table 850 based on the registration cancellation information. Then, the CPU 802a proceeds to step S103.

[0078] In step S103, the CPU 802a refers to the agent setting method storage area 870 and determines whether the automatic setting method has been selected as the agent setting method. If the automatic setting method has not been selected as the agent setting method, that is, if the semi-automatic setting method or the manual setting method has been selected as the agent setting method, the CPU 802a ends the agent setting task. On the other hand, if the automatic setting method has been selected as the agent setting method, the CPU 802a proceeds to step S105.

[0079] In step S105, the CPU 802a identifies the optimum agent in the manner described above, and then the CPU 802a advances the process to step S107.

[0080] In step S107, the CPU 802a enables the agent function of the multifunction device 20 identified as the optimum agent in step S105, in other words, sets the effective agent, and stores this in the effective agent storage area 860. With this, the CPU 802a ends the agent setting task.

[0081] Additionally, when the CPU 802a of the management server 80 receives a request from the IT administrator's PC 30 to display the agent setting screen 350, the CPU 802a responds by executing an operation response time setting task. The flow of this operation response time setting task is shown in Fig. 15. The CPU 802a of the management server 80 executes this response time setting task in accordance with a response operation time setting program included in the management software 806a.

[0082] According to this response operation setting task, first, in step S201, the CPU 802a displays the agent setting screen 350 on the display 308a of the IT administrator's PC 30. Then, the CPU 802a advances the process to step S203.

[0083] In step S203, the CPU 802a performs processing in response to an operation on the agent setting screen 350. That is, the CPU 802a selects an agent setting method from the automatic setting method, the semi-automatic setting method, and the manual method in response to an operation on a drop-down list 352 on the agent setting screen 350. Alternatively, the CPU 802a sets whether the agent function of each multifunction device 20 is enabled or disabled in response to an operation on another drop-down list 360 on the agent setting screen 350. Then, when either the "OK" key 356 or the "Cancel" key 358 on the agent setting screen 350 is operated, the CPU 802a ends the operation response processing of step S203 and proceeds to step S205.

[0084] In step S205, the CPU 802a determines whether the operation response processing of step S203 has been terminated by operating the "OK" key 356 on the agent setting screen 350. Here, for example, if the operation response processing of step S203 has been terminated by pressing the "Cancel" key 358 rather than by operating the "OK" key 356 on the agent setting screen 350, the CPU 802a terminates the operation response setting task. On the other hand, if the operation response processing of step S203 has been terminated by operating the "OK" key 356, the CPU 802a proceeds to step S207.

[0085] In step S207, the CPU 802a confirms the setting contents on the agent setting screen 350. Then, the CPU 802a advances the process to step S209.

[0086] In step S207, the CPU 802a refers to the agent setting method storage area 870 and determines whether the automatic setting method has been selected as the agent setting method. If the automatic setting method has been selected as the agent setting method, for example, the CPU 802a proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the automatic setting method has not been selected as the agent setting method, that is, if the semi-automatic setting method or manual setting method has been selected as the agent setting method, the CPU 802a proceeds to step S213, which will be described later.

[0087] In step S211, the CPU 802a identifies the optimum agent, and then the CPU 802a proceeds to step S215, which will be described later.

[0088] Furthermore, when the CPU 802a advances the process from step S209 to step S213, it identifies the multifunction peripheral 20 selected to enable the agent function, that is, the selected agent, in step S213. Then, the CPU 802a advances the process to step S215.

[0089] In step S215, the CPU 802a enables the agent function of the multifunction device 20 identified as the optimum agent in step S211, or enables the agent function of the multifunction device 20 identified as the selected agent in step S213. That is, the CPU 802a sets the valid agent, that is, stores this in the valid agent storage area 860. With this, the CPU 802a ends the operation response time setting task.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, the multifunction peripherals 20 for which the agent function is to be enabled can be configured using three agent configuration methods: the automatic configuration method, the semi-automatic configuration method, and the manual configuration method. In particular, according to the automatic configuration method, the multifunction peripheral 20 having the most capable agent function is identified as the optimal agent, and the agent function of this optimal agent is enabled. This makes it possible to smoothly manage each of the multifunction peripherals 20, 20, ... while suppressing an increase in network traffic.

[0091] The multifunction peripheral 20 in this embodiment is an example of an electronic device according to the present invention. The management server 80 in this embodiment is an example of a management device according to the present invention. Furthermore, the network system 10 in this embodiment is an example of a management system according to the present invention.

[0092] Additionally, the in-house LAN 50 in this embodiment is an example of a first network according to the present invention. The Internet 70 in this embodiment is an example of a second network according to the present invention. Furthermore, the status information of each multifunction peripheral 20, 20, ... transmitted collectively from the multifunction peripheral 20 in which the agent function is enabled to the management server 80 is received by the management server 80 and eventually acquired by the CPU 802a of the management server 80. Such CPU 802a is an example of a status information acquisition means according to the present invention.

[0093] Furthermore, the CPU 802a of the management server 80 that executes step S105 of the agent setting task and step S211 of the operation response time setting task in this embodiment is an example of an optimum agent specifying means according to the present invention. Also, the CPU 802a of the management server 80 that executes step S201 of the operation response time setting task is an example of a specifying result information output means according to the present invention. In particular, the agent setting screen 350 shown in FIG. 8 is an example of the specifying result information according to the present invention.

[0094] The CPU 802a of the management server 80 that executes step S107 in the agent setting task is an example of a first setting means according to the present invention. The CPU 802a of the management server 80 that executes step S215 in the operation response setting task, or more precisely, the CPU 802a that executes step S215 via step S211, is an example of a first setting means according to the present invention. The CPU 802a that executes step S215 via step S213 is an example of a second setting means according to the present invention.

[0095] This example is a specific example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, that is, the present invention can be applied to aspects other than the example.

[0096] For example, one agent is selected as the optimum agent, but a configuration may be adopted in which a sub-agent is selected in addition to the main agent.

[0097] The present invention can also be applied to situations where electronic devices other than the multifunction device 20 are managed.

[0098] Instead of or in addition to the PC 30 for the IT administrator, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet or a smartphone may be employed.

[0099] Furthermore, the management server 80 may be provided within the in-house LAN 50, or a PC 30 for an IT administrator may be provided with the same functions as the management server 80. In addition, any of the multifunction devices 20 may be provided with the same functions as the management server 80.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the form of a device called a management device (electronic device management device) or the form of a system called a management system (electronic device management system), but can also be provided in the form of a method called a management method (electronic device management method) or the form of a program called a management program (electronic device management program).

[0101] Furthermore, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a management program is stored. The storage medium referred to here includes disk-type media such as CDs and DVDs, and semiconductor-type media such as USB memory and SD memory cards. Furthermore, instead of portable media, device-embedded (built-in) media such as ROMs and hard disk drives can also be used as the storage medium referred to here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10...Network System 20…Multifunction device 20a … Agent Software 50... Internal LAN 70 … Internet 80...Administrative Server 80a ... Management database 350 ... Agent setting screen 802a...CPU 806a … Management software

Claims

1. A management device that manages a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, an optimum agent specifying means for specifying an optimum agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices, based on agent ability related information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability related information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a first setting means for setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices so as to enable the agent function of the electronic device identified as the optimal agent by the optimal agent identifying means among the plurality of electronic devices and to disable the agent function of each of the electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the optimal agent among the plurality of electronic devices; and a management device comprising: a status information acquisition means for collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, status information representing the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

2. A management device for managing multiple electronic devices having agent functions, comprising: an optimum agent specifying means for specifying an optimum agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices, based on agent ability related information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability related information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a determination result information output means for outputting determination result information representing the determination result by said optimum agent determination means; a second setting means for setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices in response to a user operation, so as to enable the agent function of one of the plurality of electronic devices and disable the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices other than the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled; and a management device comprising: a status information acquisition means for collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, status information representing the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

3. 3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the agent capability information includes version information indicating a version of the agent function.

4. The plurality of electronic devices are provided on a first network common to the plurality of electronic devices, each of the plurality of electronic devices performs a device discovery to discover the electronic devices that constitute the first network, including itself; 4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the agent capability relation information includes detected device number information indicating the number of the electronic devices detected by the device search.

5. The management device according to claim 4 , which is provided on a second network separate from the first network.

6. The management device according to claim 5 , wherein the second network is the Internet.

7. A management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and A management system including the plurality of electronic devices.

8. A management method for managing a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, comprising: an optimal agent identifying step of identifying an optimal agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices based on agent ability relation information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability relation information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a first setting step of setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices so as to enable the agent function of the electronic device identified as the optimal agent in the optimal agent identifying step among the plurality of electronic devices and to disable the agent function of each of the electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the optimal agent among the plurality of electronic devices; and A management method including a state information acquisition step of collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, state information representing the state of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, obtained by monitoring the state of each of the plurality of electronic devices including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

9. A management method for managing a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, comprising: an optimal agent identifying step of identifying an optimal agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices based on agent ability relation information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability relation information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a determination result information output step of outputting determination result information representing the determination result obtained by the optimal agent determination step; a second setting step of setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices in response to a user operation, so as to enable the agent function of any of the plurality of electronic devices and disable the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices other than the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled; and A management method including a state information acquisition step of collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, state information representing the state of each of the plurality of electronic devices, which is obtained by monitoring the state of each of the plurality of electronic devices including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

10. A management program for managing a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, an optimal agent identification step of identifying an optimal agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices based on agent ability related information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability related information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a first setting procedure for setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices so as to enable the agent function of the electronic device identified as the optimal agent by the optimal agent identification procedure among the plurality of electronic devices and disable the agent function of each of the electronic devices other than the electronic device identified as the optimal agent among the plurality of electronic devices; and A management program that causes a computer to execute a status information acquisition procedure for collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, status information representing the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

11. A management program for managing a plurality of electronic devices having agent functions, comprising: an optimal agent identification step of identifying an optimal agent having the agent function with the highest ability from among the plurality of electronic devices based on agent ability related information relating to the ability of the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices, the agent ability related information being acquired from each of the plurality of electronic devices; a determination result information output step for outputting determination result information representing a determination result obtained by the optimum agent determination step; a second setting procedure for setting the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices in response to a user operation, such that the agent function of one of the plurality of electronic devices is enabled and the agent function of each of the plurality of electronic devices other than the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled is disabled; and A management program that causes a computer to execute a status information acquisition procedure for collectively acquiring, from the electronic devices in which the agent function is enabled, status information representing the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, obtained by monitoring the status of each of the plurality of electronic devices, including the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled, by the agent function of the electronic device in which the agent function is enabled.

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