Management device, program, and management method

Abstract

To provide a user with safe deletion of device information.SOLUTION: A management device for managing a plurality of electronic devices over a network manages the electronic devices to be deleted. A user designates a condition for the electronic devices which delete device information held by the electronic device, to the management device through a UI (User Interface), so that only electronic devices satisfying the condition are allowed to delete the device information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for remotely deleting device information such as confidential information and user personal information held by an electronic device in a device management system that manages a predetermined electronic device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, with conventional technology, when managing a large number of electronic devices in a device management system, if device information for only specific electronic devices is to be deleted in bulk from the managed electronic devices, there is a problem in that if an electronic device that is not the target is selected by mistake, there is a possibility that device information for an unintended electronic device will be deleted.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a method for safely deleting device information to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is characterized in that a management device that manages multiple electronic devices via a network manages the electronic devices to be deleted, and a user specifies conditions for the electronic devices for which device information held by the electronic devices is to be deleted to the management device via a UI (User Interface), and only those electronic devices that meet the conditions cannot have their device information deleted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent accidental deletion of device information of unintended electronic devices when managing a large number of electronic devices via a device management system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a device management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device management server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a registered management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a list of electronic devices in a group to be deleted. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for classifying electronic devices into groups to be deleted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a setting screen for filter conditions for a group to be deleted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of filter matching condition options. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after the filter conditions are set. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after electronic devices that match the filter conditions have been added. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device in the group to be deleted. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the device management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a data table related to the process of creating and saving a task. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating a device environment setting task. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after the task is created. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a task target group selection screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a warning message displayed when saving a task. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table after the task is saved. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the process flow for executing a task for deleting device information and obtaining the execution result of the task for deleting device information. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a data table related to the process of executing a task for deleting device information and acquiring the execution result of the task for deleting device information. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a task is immediately executed. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a task is scheduled to be executed. [Figure 24-1] FIG. 24-1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the schedule type is regular. [Figure 24-2] FIG. 24-2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the schedule type is daily. [Figure 24-3] FIG. 24-3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the schedule type is weekly. [Figure 24-4] FIG. 24-4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the schedule type is monthly. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table after the execution result of the device information deletion task is acquired. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the device environment setting task log display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a management device, a program, and a management method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device management system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the device management system 1 includes an information processing terminal 2 operated by a user, a plurality of electronic devices 3, and a device management server 5. The information processing terminal 2, the plurality of electronic devices 3, and the device management server 5 are interconnected by a communication network 4 such as a LAN.

[0010] In this embodiment, the information processing terminal 2 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a browser 21. Note that the information processing terminal 2 is not limited to a PC, and may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or other portable terminal as long as it is capable of being equipped with the browser 21.

[0011] In this embodiment, the electronic device 3 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printer) that is a multifunction device having at least two of the following functions: copy function, printer function, scanner function, and facsimile function.

[0012] The device management server 5 is a management device that manages multiple electronic devices 3. As will be described in detail later, the device management server 5 has a function of classifying the electronic devices 3 into groups for which device information is to be deleted, and remotely deleting device information such as confidential information and user personal information held by the electronic devices 3.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device management server 5. As shown in Fig. 2, the device management server 5 is constructed by a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a HD (Hard Disk) 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0014] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the device management server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501.

[0015] The display 506 displays various types of information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, text, or an image.

[0016] The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 4. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc.

[0018] The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the medium is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0019] Next, functions that are realized by the CPU 501 of the device management server 5 operating in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 502 or HD 504 will be described.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device management server 5, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data table. As shown in Fig. 3, the device management server 5 includes a UI display unit 51, a target storage unit 52, a deletion target storage unit 53, a deletion determination unit 54, a deletion setting storage unit 55, a deletion execution warning unit 56, a deletion execution unit 57, a deletion result acquisition unit 58, and a deletion result storage unit 59.

[0021] The UI display unit 51 displays, on the browser 21 of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user, a device management UI (User Interface) for operating and executing the functions of the device management server 5. The user operates the functions of the device management server 5 from the device management UI displayed on the browser 21.

[0022] The target storage unit 52 stores device information of the electronic devices 3 that are targets managed by the device management server 5. The target storage unit 52 enables the electronic devices 3 to be managed to be designated from a device management UI displayed on the browser 21 of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user.

[0023] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing a device management table T1. The target holding unit 52 manages device information of all electronic devices 3 managed by the device management system 1 in the device management table T1 shown in Fig. 4(a). The device management table T1 holds device information of the electronic devices 3. The device information of the electronic devices 3 includes the device ID of the electronic device 3, the network IP address of the electronic device 3, the serial number of the electronic device 3, the vendor name of the electronic device 3, the model name of the electronic device 3, etc.

[0024] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen D1 of registered managed devices. The device information of the electronic devices 3 held in the device management table T1 is displayed on the display screen D1 of registered managed devices shown in FIG.

[0025] The deletion target holding unit 53 holds information on the electronic devices 3 that are targets for deletion of device information. The deletion target holding unit 53 enables the electronic devices 3 that are targets for deletion of device information to be specified from the device management UI displayed by the UI display unit 51.

[0026] Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing a group management table T2. The deletion target holding unit 53 holds information about what groups are set in the device management system 1 in the group management table T2 shown in Fig. 4(b). Here, it is assumed that a group called "group to be deleted" is held by default. The group management table T2 holds group IDs, group names such as "group to be deleted," and classification conditions. The classification conditions are, for example, "all filter conditions match."

[0027] Fig. 4(c) is a diagram showing the group management device table T3. The deletion target holding unit 53 holds information about which electronic device 3 belongs to which group in the group management device table T3 shown in Fig. 4(c). The group management device table T3 holds group management device IDs, group IDs, and device IDs of the electronic devices 3. Note that if no group settings have been made, the group management device table T3 will be empty.

[0028] Fig. 4(d) is a diagram showing a group setting table T4. The deletion target holding unit 53 holds, in the group setting table T4 shown in Fig. 4(d), filter conditions for classifying the electronic devices 3 into groups when managing the electronic devices 3 by group setting. The group setting table T4 holds a group setting ID, a group ID, a condition type, a condition, a condition value, and a matching condition. Note that if no group setting has been made, the group setting table T4 will be empty.

[0029] 4(e) is a diagram showing a deletion target group management table T5. The deletion target holding unit 53 holds information on which groups among the groups managed in the group management table T2 are to be deleted in the deletion target group management table T5 shown in FIG. 4(e). The deletion target group management table T5 holds deletion target group IDs and group IDs. In the deletion target group management table T5 shown in FIG. 4(e), it is assumed that the "deletion target group" with group ID=1 is set as the deletion target group by default, and electronic devices 3 classified into this group can be designated as deletion targets.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list display screen D2 of electronic devices 3 in a group to be deleted. Device information of the electronic devices 3 set in the group to be deleted is displayed on the list display screen D2 of the electronic devices 3 in the group to be deleted shown in Fig. 6. Note that the list display screen D2 of the electronic devices 3 in the group to be deleted shown in Fig. 6 shows a state in which group setting has not been set.

[0031] The deletion determination unit 54 determines whether a specific electronic device 3 can be designated as an electronic device 3 that is a target for device information deletion. Specifically, the deletion determination unit 54 compares the contents held in the target holding unit 52 with the contents held in the deletion target holding unit 53, and determines whether the electronic device 3 that is to be deleted is appropriate as a target for device information deletion.

[0032] The deletion setting storage unit 55 stores deletion settings (target electronic device 3, schedule, etc.) when deleting device information. When deleting device information, a deletion execution unit 57, which will be described later, acquires the deletion settings from the deletion setting storage unit 55 and executes the deletion in accordance with the deletion settings.

[0033] When the deletion setting of the device information is saved, the deletion execution warning unit 56 notifies the user that the deletion setting has been saved. Specifically, the deletion execution warning unit 56 prompts the user to check whether there are any problems with the deletion setting by displaying a warning message on the device management UI displayed on the browser 21 of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user.

[0034] The deletion execution unit 57 executes deletion of device information for the electronic device 3. Specifically, the deletion execution unit 57 acquires execution settings such as the target electronic device 3 and schedule from the deletion setting storage unit 55, and executes deletion of the device information in accordance with the settings.

[0035] The deletion result acquisition unit 58 acquires the execution result of the deletion of the device information output by the electronic device 3 as a result of executing the deletion of the device information for the electronic device 3.

[0036] The deletion result storage unit 59 stores the execution result of the deletion of the device information output by the electronic device 3. The device management server 5 provides the execution result of the deletion of the device information to the user via the device management UI displayed by the UI display unit 51.

[0037] Next, the flow of processing performed by the device management server 5 to classify the electronic devices 3 into groups to be deleted will be described.

[0038] 7 is a flowchart showing the process flow of classifying electronic devices 3 into groups to be deleted. As shown in Fig. 7, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) first sets a filter condition for the groups to be deleted in the device management UI displayed on the browser 21 of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user (step S1).

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a setting screen D3 for filter conditions for groups to be deleted, and FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of options for filter matching conditions. As shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen D3 for filter conditions for groups to be deleted accepts settings such as group name and filter conditions. Filter conditions include condition type, condition, condition value, and matching condition. Condition types include, for example, "IP address" and "serial number." Conditions are "include condition value" and "exclude condition value." Condition values ​​are values ​​related to the condition type. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the matching condition, which is one of the filter conditions, can be selected from "match all," "match any," and "do not match any."

[0040] The deletion target holding unit 53 adds records to the group setting table T4 for the number of filter conditions, and manages the conditions by linking them to the group IDs of the groups.

[0041] Here, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after the filter conditions have been set. The group setting table T4 shown in Fig. 10(d) shows a case where the following filter conditions have been set for the group to be deleted. [Filter matching conditions] Matches all [Filter condition 1] Condition Type: IP Address ·Condition:Contains the condition value Condition value: 10.60.228 [Filter condition 2] Condition Type: Serial Number ·Condition:Contains the condition value Condition value: A12345

[0042] 7, next, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) checks whether there are any electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions among the electronic devices 3 to be managed (step S2). More specifically, after setting the filter conditions, the deletion determination unit 54 checks whether the electronic devices 3 managed in the device management table T1 match the filter conditions set in the group setting table T4 and also match the "classification conditions" of the group management table T2.

[0043] If there are electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions (Yes in step S3), the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) adds records equal to the number of electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions to the group management device table T3 (step S4), and proceeds to the next step S5.

[0044] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after adding electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions. The group management device table T3 shown in FIG. 11(c) shows a case where records equal to the number of electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions have been added to the group to be deleted.

[0045] On the other hand, if there is no electronic device 3 that matches the filter condition (No in step S3), the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) proceeds directly to step S5.

[0046] In the following step S5, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) displays the electronic devices 3 classified into the group to be deleted (step S5).

[0047] Here, Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen D4 of the electronic devices 3 in the group to be deleted. Note that the example shown in Fig. 12 shows a state in which the electronic devices 3 are classified into the group to be deleted after the filter conditions have been set. As shown in Fig. 12, on the display screen D4 of the electronic devices 3 in the group to be deleted, after the filter conditions have been set for the group to be deleted, the electronic devices 3 classified in group Id=1 in the group to be deleted management table T5 are displayed in a list.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing in which the device management server 5 selects the electronic device 3 whose device information is to be deleted from the deletion target group, creates a task, and saves the task.

[0049] Here, Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow for selecting an electronic device 3 whose device information is to be deleted from a group to be deleted, and creating and saving the task, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a data table related to the process for creating and saving the task. The group management device table T3 shown in Fig. 14(c) assumes that the electronic device 3 with device ID = 3 has been assigned to the "group to be deleted" according to the procedure described above. Note that if no task has been created yet, the task management table T6 shown in Fig. 14(f) and the task target information management table T7 shown in Fig. 14(g) will be empty.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 13, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) first creates a device environment setting task (step S11) and sets the task type to "delete device information" (step S12).

[0051] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a device environment setting task creation screen D5. The deletion determination unit 54 sends a request to the electronic device 3 via the API of the electronic device 3 or the like, and manages the contents of the "device environment setting task" that executes the environment setting of the electronic device 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the deletion determination unit 54 sets the task name as "Delete Device Info" and the task type as "Delete Device Information."

[0052] Here, Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after a task is created and saved. Fig. 16(f) is a diagram showing a task management table T6. When the deletion determination unit 54 creates a task, it adds a record to the task management table T6, as shown in Fig. 16(f), with the task name = "Delete Device Info" and the task type as "delete_dev_info", which indicates that the task is for deleting device information.

[0053] Next, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) selects a target electronic device 3 from the electronic devices 3 classified into the deletion target group (step S13).

[0054] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the task target group selection screen D6. As shown in Fig. 17, when setting a target group for a created task, if the task type is a task for deleting device information, only groups that have records in the deletion target group management table T5 can be specified as targets; other groups cannot be specified, and cannot be specified as target groups due to selection being disabled on the UI, etc.

[0055] Next, the device management server 5 (deletion execution warning unit 56) displays a warning message when saving the task, and asks the user whether there is no problem with deleting the device information of the electronic device 3 (step S14).

[0056] 18 is a diagram showing an example of the warning message D7 when a task is saved. As shown in Fig. 18, when the task type is a task for deleting device information when the task is saved, the deletion execution warning unit 56 displays a warning statement (warning message) on the device management UI displayed on the browser of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user, informing the user that device information will be deleted by executing the task. Specifically, the deletion execution warning unit 56 displays the warning statement only when the task type in the task management table T6 of the task to be saved is "delete_dev_info."

[0057] Next, the device management server 5 (deletion determination unit 54) executes task storage (step S15).

[0058] When a target group is specified, the deletion determination unit 54 adds a record to the task target information management table T7. Here, Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after the task is saved. Fig. 19(g) is a diagram showing the task target information management table T7. The task target information management table T7 manages the target groups that are targets for executing a device environment setting task.

[0059] Next, a process flow in which the device management server 5 executes a task for deleting device information and acquires the execution result of the task for deleting device information will be described.

[0060] Here, Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the process flow for executing a task to delete device information and obtaining the task execution results for deleting device information, and Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a data table related to the process for executing a task to delete device information and obtaining the task execution results for deleting device information. In the task target information management table T7 shown in Fig. 21(g), it is assumed that the group with group Id=1 is specified as the target in "target group Id" according to the procedure described above.

[0061] 21(h) is a diagram showing the task log management table T8. The task log management table T8 manages the execution results of the device environment setting task. The task log management table T8 holds the task ID and the task execution result.

[0062] 21(i) is a diagram showing the task log details management table T9. The task log details management table T9 manages detailed execution results for each electronic device 3 specified as the target of a device environment setting task. The task log details management table T9 holds the device ID of the task target, the task type, the task execution result, and storage location information for the task execution result file.

[0063] If no task is being executed, the task log management table T8 and the task log details management table T9 will be empty.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 20, the device management server 5 (deletion execution unit 57) first executes a task for deleting device information (step S21). There are two methods for executing the created task for deleting device information: immediate task execution and scheduled task execution. Examples of each task execution method are shown below.

[0065] First, the case of immediately executing a task will be described. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen D8 when immediately executing a task. As shown in Fig. 22, when immediately executing a task, the task to be executed is selected from a list of created tasks, and the task is executed. When a task is selected, the arrow button shown in frame X in Fig. 22 is enabled and can be pressed. When the button is pressed, task execution starts, and the task is executed.

[0066] Next, the case of scheduled task execution will be described. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen D9 when scheduled task execution is performed. As shown in Fig. 23, by selecting a task from the task list and selecting the "Schedule" tab, the scheduled execution time of the task can be set. It is possible to set the date and time for starting the task, and by setting the scheduled time and pressing the save button of the disk icon shown in box Y in Fig. 23, the scheduled time for task execution is saved. The task will be executed when the server time of the device management server 5 reaches the set time.

[0067] Schedules can be set to run not only "once only," but also "regularly," which runs at set intervals from a certain time, or to schedule tasks to run on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, such as "daily," "weekly," or "monthly." Figure 24-1 shows an example of the screen when the schedule type is "regular," Figure 24-2 shows an example of the screen when the schedule type is "daily," Figure 24-3 shows an example of the screen when the schedule type is "weekly," and Figure 24-4 shows an example of the screen when the schedule type is "monthly."

[0068] Next, the device management server 5 (deletion result acquisition unit 58) acquires the device information deletion task execution result from the electronic device 3 (step S22). More specifically, after completing the execution of the device information deletion task, the deletion result acquisition unit 58 adds the following records to the task log management table T8 and the task log detail management table T9.

[0069] Here, Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a data table after the device information deletion task execution results have been acquired. As shown in Fig. 25(h), the deletion result acquisition unit 58 adds a record of the task ID and the task execution results for each executed task to the task log management table T8. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 25(i), the deletion result acquisition unit 58 adds a record of the electronic devices 3 belonging to the target group of the executed task and each task type to the task log detail management table T9. In the case of a device information deletion task (task type is "delete_dev_info"), the deletion result acquisition unit 58 receives the results of the device information deletion from the electronic devices 3 as a file such as a PDF file, and stores information about the area on the device management server 5 where the results were saved in the task execution result file.

[0070] Next, the device management server 5 (deletion result storage unit 59) displays the execution result of the device information deletion task on the device management UI displayed on the browser 21 of the information processing terminal 2 operated by the user (step S23).

[0071] Here, Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the device environment setting task log display screen D10. Fig. 26 is an example of a screen when displaying the task execution results for deleting device information. As shown in Fig. 26, the contents according to the task log management table T8 and the task log detail management table T9 are displayed, and when the task type is "delete_dev_info", it becomes possible to obtain the device information deletion result file obtained from the electronic device 3 by clicking the "Download device information deletion result file" button.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, the device management system 1 manages the electronic devices 3 to be deleted, and the user specifies filter conditions for the electronic devices 3 for which device information held by the electronic devices 3 is to be deleted to the device management system 1 via the device management UI, so that device information can be deleted only for electronic devices 3 that match the filter conditions. This prevents the user from accidentally deleting device information for unintended electronic devices 3 when managing a large number of electronic devices 3 via the device management system 1, and allows for safe deletion of device information.

[0073] The programs executed by the device management server 5 of this embodiment are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0074] The program executed by the device management server 5 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The program executed by the device management server 5 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0075] Furthermore, the program executed by the device management server 5 of this embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0076] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0077] Note that the electronic device 3 is not limited to a multifunction peripheral as long as it is a device equipped with a communication function. The electronic device 3 may be, for example, an image forming device such as a copier, printer, scanner, or facsimile machine, an output device such as a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function that allows mutual communication), or a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collecting device, a medical device, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 3 Electronic equipment 4 Network 5 Management device 51 UI display section 52 Target holding section 53 Deletion target holding section 54 Deletion determination unit 55 Deletion setting retention section 56 Deletion Execution Warning 57 Deletion execution unit 58 Deletion result acquisition unit 59 Deletion result storage unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-154687

Claims

1. A management device for managing a plurality of electronic devices via a network, Manage the electronic device to be deleted; a user specifies, via a UI (User Interface), to the management device, conditions for deleting device information held by the electronic device; Preventing the deletion of device information of only the electronic devices that meet the conditions. A management device characterized by:

2. A management device for managing a plurality of electronic devices via a network, a UI display unit that displays a device management UI (User Interface) that executes the functions of the management device; a target storage unit that stores device information of the electronic device managed by the management device specified via the device management UI; a deletion target storage unit that stores information on deletion targets regarding device information of the electronic device designated via the device management UI; a deletion determination unit that determines whether the desired electronic device can be designated as the electronic device to be deleted based on the information of the electronic device to be deleted; a deletion setting storage unit that stores deletion settings for executing deletion of device information of the electronic device determined to be a deletion target; a deletion execution unit that acquires settings from the deletion setting storage unit and executes deletion of device information from the electronic device in accordance with the settings; A management device comprising:

3. a deletion execution warning unit that, when a deletion setting of the device information of the electronic device is stored in the deletion setting storage unit, notifies a user that the deletion setting has been stored; 3. The management device according to claim 2.

4. the deletion execution warning unit prompts the user to check whether there are any problems with the deletion settings by displaying a warning message on the device management UI; 4. The management device according to claim 3.

5. a deletion result acquisition unit that acquires a deletion execution result of the device information output from the electronic device as a result of executing the device information deletion; a deletion result storage unit that stores a device information deletion execution result acquired from the electronic device; 4. The management device according to claim 2, further comprising:

6. the deletion determination unit compares the contents of the target storage unit with the contents stored in the deletion target storage unit, and determines whether the electronic device to be deleted is appropriate as a device information deletion target.

3. The management device according to claim 2.

7. A program for controlling a management device that manages multiple electronic devices via a network, a UI display unit that displays a device management UI (User Interface) that executes the functions of the management device; a target storage unit that stores device information of the electronic device managed by the management device specified via the device management UI; a deletion target storage unit that stores information on deletion targets regarding device information of the electronic device designated via the device management UI; a deletion determination unit that determines whether the desired electronic device can be designated as the electronic device to be deleted based on the information of the electronic device to be deleted; a deletion setting storage unit that stores deletion settings for executing deletion of device information of the electronic device determined to be a deletion target; a deletion execution unit that acquires settings from the deletion setting storage unit and executes deletion of device information from the electronic device in accordance with the settings; A program to function as a

8. A method for managing electronic devices in a management device that manages a plurality of electronic devices via a network, comprising: Manage the electronic device to be deleted; a user specifies, via a UI (User Interface), to the management device, conditions for deleting device information held by the electronic device; Preventing the deletion of device information of only the electronic devices that meet the conditions.

10. A method for managing electronic devices comprising:

Images