Device information processing system, device information processing device, server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a device information processing system, a device information processing apparatus, a server device, and a program capable of facilitating installation and setting of various devices including information processing devices.SOLUTION: A device information processing apparatus 10 obtains device identification information satisfying predetermined conditions, extracts type identification information included in the device identification information, and obtains a type identification code specified by the extracted type identification information, thereby using the obtained type identification code to determine the settings of a corresponding device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device information processing system, a device information processing apparatus, a server apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, information processing devices have been widely used to improve work efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in fact, information processing devices require time and effort for installation and setting at the time of delivery. In addition, there are cases where a plurality of information processing devices are delivered together, and in such cases, the time and effort for installation and the like are further increased.

[0005] Note that Patent Document 1 discloses an example of acquiring device type information from a device connected to a network.

[0006] In view of the above situation, the present invention is made, and one of its objects is to provide a device information processing system, a device information processing apparatus, a server apparatus, and a program that can facilitate the installation and setting of various devices including information processing devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention, which solves the problems of the above-mentioned conventional example, is a device information processing system including a server device and a device information processing device, wherein the server device has acquisition means for acquiring device identification information including an individual identification code unique to a device and type identification code unique to a type of device, and the device information processing device has type acquisition means for acquiring the device identification information that satisfies predetermined conditions, extracting type identification information contained in the device identification information, and acquiring a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information, and the acquired type identification code is used in a process to determine the settings of the corresponding device.

[0008] According to this embodiment, a type identification code can be obtained using the device identification information of the device, and the setting content is determined by the type identification code, making it possible to easily install and configure various devices.

[0009] Furthermore, the server device may further have a holding means for associating and holding a batch identification code issued for each target of batch installation when multiple devices are installed at once with the acquired device identification information, the device information processing device may further have an receiving means for receiving the batch identification code, and the type acquisition means may acquire device identification information from the batch identification code accepted by the receiving means, with the predetermined condition that it is associated with the batch identification code, extract type-specific information contained in the acquired device identification information, and acquire a type identification code specified by the extracted type-specific information.

[0010] By using a unified identification code during the bulk installation process, it becomes possible to obtain type identification codes, etc., which simplifies the installation and configuration of various devices.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a device information processing device connected to a holding means that holds device identification information, which includes a unique individual identification code for each of a plurality of devices to be introduced in a batch, and a type identification code unique to the type of device, associated with a batch identification code issued for each target of batch introduction. The device information processing device includes an receiving means for receiving a batch identification code, and a type acquisition means for acquiring device identification information associated with the accepted batch identification code, extracting type identification information contained in at least a portion of the acquired device identification information, and acquiring a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information, wherein the acquired type identification code is used in a process to determine the settings of the corresponding device.

[0012] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to obtain type identification codes, etc., using a bulk identification code when the equipment is installed in bulk, it becomes possible to facilitate the installation and configuration of various types of equipment.

[0013] The present invention may further include: a selection acceptance means that accepts the selection of at least some of the device identification information associated with the accepted batch identification code; a function information acquisition means that, for a type identification code, accesses a function database that holds function information relating to the functions of devices of the type identified by the type identification code and acquires function information relating to the functions of devices corresponding to the acquired type identification code; and a setting screen presentation means that presents a setting screen that guides users through setting items relating to the devices corresponding to the selected device identification information, based on the function information relating to the type identification code included in the selected device identification information.

[0014] By providing instructions on the settings in this way, it becomes easier to install and configure various devices.

[0015] Furthermore, the setting screen presentation means may refer to the function information acquired for each device corresponding to the acquired type identification code and present a setting screen that guides the user through the setting items related to the function information of at least one of the devices corresponding to the extracted type identification code.

[0016] In another example, the setting screen presentation means may refer to the function information acquired for each device corresponding to the acquired type identification code and present a setting screen that guides the user through the setting items related to the function information that is commonly included in the devices corresponding to the extracted type identification code.

[0017] Furthermore, if the setting screen display means has predetermined setting values ​​related to the setting items to be guided, it may also display those setting values ​​on the setting screen.

[0018] The device information processing device may also include: a function information acquisition means that accesses a function database holding function information relating to the function of a device of the type identified by the type identification code and acquires function information relating to the function of a device corresponding to the acquired type identification code; a means that acquires function information of a device corresponding to the type identification code included in the device identification information associated with the accepted batch identification code and accepts input of setting values ​​for setting items related to the acquired function information; and a means that records the setting values ​​for each accepted setting item in association with the accepted batch identification code.

[0019] These examples show that the installation and configuration of various devices becomes easier.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a server device which includes means for receiving type identification information extracted from device identification information that includes an individual identification code unique to the device and type identification information unique to the type of device, and means for providing at least one of device type information and function information representing the function of the device using the received type identification information.

[0021] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a program that, in association with a batch identification code issued for each batch introduction target, accesses a holding means that holds device identification information including an individual identification code unique to each of a plurality of devices to be batch introduced and type identification information unique to a device type, and is connected to a computer so as to be accessible. The program functions as an acceptance means for accepting the batch identification code, an acquisition means for acquiring device identification information associated with the accepted batch identification code, extracting type identification information included in at least a part of the acquired device identification information, and acquiring a type identification code specified by the extracted type identification information, and the acquired type identification code is used in a process for determining the setting contents of the corresponding device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily install and set various devices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a configuration block diagram showing an example of a device information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a database used in the device information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a device information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a device information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen presented by a device information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of another database used in the device information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The device information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1, comprises a server device 10, a device information processing device 20, and a database server 30, all of which are connected to each other via communication means such as a network. In this example, the server device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13, and the device information processing device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The database server 30 may also be configured integrally with the server device 10.

[0025] The control unit 11 of the server device 10 is a program control device such as a CPU, and operates according to a program stored in the memory unit 12. In one example of this embodiment, the control unit 11 performs a process to acquire device identification information, which includes an individual identification code unique to each device and type identification information that identifies a type identification code unique to the type of device. The detailed operation of this control unit 11 will be described in detail later.

[0026] Here, the device identification information is, for example, a serial number (S / N) uniquely issued for each device, and at least a part of the serial number (S / N) includes a unique individual identification code for each device and a type identification code unique to the type of device. In this case, it is also preferable to enable the extraction of the type identification code in the control unit 11 and control unit 21 by predetermining the position and number of digits of the individual identification code and type identification code in the serial number (S / N), or by predetermining a specific code that indicates the individual identification code and type identification code. In the example of this embodiment, the type identification code is, for example, the last four digits, and the individual identification code is the entire serial number (S / N), but the individual identification code may be only a part of the serial number (S / N). This device type information corresponds to information such as the model number of the device.

[0027] Furthermore, if a type identification code representing the type of equipment can be obtained based on equipment identification information unique to the equipment, the type identification code may be a proprietary standard unrelated to GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Also, the equipment identification information does not need to include type identification information; a separate database can be prepared to associate equipment identification information (in this case, the equipment identification information may be the individual identification code itself) with type identification information, and the type identification information corresponding to the equipment identification information can be obtained by referring to this database.

[0028] The storage unit 12 is a memory device or the like, and holds a program executed by the control unit 11. This program may be provided on a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium, or received via a network and stored in this storage unit 12. This storage unit 12 also operates as the work memory of the control unit 11.

[0029] The communication unit 13 is a network interface, etc., and sends information to the device information processing device 20 and other information processing devices connected via the network, in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 11. The communication unit 13 also receives information sent by the device information processing device 20 and other information processing devices connected via the network and outputs it to the control unit 11.

[0030] The control unit 21 of the device information processing device 20 is a program control device such as a CPU, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 22. In one example of this embodiment, the control unit 21 functions as a type acquisition means that acquires device identification information that satisfies predetermined conditions, extracts type identification information contained in the device identification information, and acquires a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information. The detailed operation of this control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0031] The storage unit 22 is a memory device or the like, and holds a program executed by the control unit 21. This program may be provided on a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium, or received via a network and stored in this storage unit 22. This storage unit 22 also operates as the work memory of the control unit 21.

[0032] The operation unit 23 is a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and receives user input and outputs the content of that operation to the control unit 21. The display unit 24 is a display, and displays information according to instructions input from the control unit 21.

[0033] The communication unit 25 is a network interface, etc., and sends information to the server device 10 and other information processing devices connected via the network, in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 21. The communication unit 25 also receives information sent by the server device 10 and other information processing devices connected via the network and outputs it to the control unit 21.

[0034] The database server 30 includes at least a device model database 30a, a device type database 30b, a function information database 30c, and a configuration item database 30d.

[0035] Here, the equipment model number database 30a records the type identification code (T) (or type-specific information) included in the equipment identification information (I) in association with the equipment model number (C) information issued by the manufacturer for each type of equipment, as illustrated in Figure 2(a).

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 2(b), the equipment type database 30b records information relating equipment model numbers (C) and equipment type information (P) that represents the type of equipment.

[0037] The functional information database 30c, as illustrated in Figure 2(c), records functional information (F) that represents the functions of a device, associated with the device model number (C) and device type information (P). Here, the functional information represents a list of functions possessed by a device identified by a certain device model number (C) and device type information (P). For example, if the device identified here is a wireless LAN router, this could include functions such as SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​registration and authentication.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 2(d), the configuration item database 30d associates the function information (F) with a list of configuration item names (L) that represent the configuration items corresponding to the function information. As in the example above, if the device is a wireless LAN router, examples of configuration item names include "SSID" corresponding to the SSID registration function, and "Authentication Method" and "Passcode" corresponding to the authentication function.

[0039] In this embodiment, the server device 10 is located at a manufacturer or retailer that ships equipment, and when shipping equipment, it associates user identification information that identifies the user to whom the equipment is shipped with equipment identification information that identifies the equipment shipped to that user, and stores this information, for example, in the storage unit 12.

[0040] Next, the operation of the control unit 11 of the server device 10 will be described. In one example of this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 receives access from the device information processing device 20, authenticates the user of the device information processing device 20, and obtains the user's user identification information. This authentication can employ widely known methods such as using a username and password. When the control unit 11 receives a query for device identification information from the device information processing device 20 of the authenticated user, it obtains the device identification information that it holds in association with the user identification information that identifies the user. As already mentioned, the device identification information here includes an individual identification code unique to the shipped device and type identification information that identifies the type of device related to the shipped device. The control unit 11 then transmits the obtained device identification information to the device information processing device 20 that made the query.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 3, the control unit 21 of the device information processing device 20 functionally includes a receiving unit 211, a type acquisition unit 212, a function information acquisition unit 213, a selection receiving unit 214, and a setting screen presentation unit 215.

[0042] The receiving unit 211 receives a setting start instruction from the user and instructs the type acquisition unit 212 to acquire equipment type information. The type acquisition unit 212 requests the server device 10 for equipment identification information associated with the user identification information of the user of the equipment information processing device 20, as a predetermined condition. The type acquisition unit 212 then acquires the equipment identification information sent by the server device 10 in response to the request.

[0043] The function information acquisition unit 213 extracts type-specific information contained in each of the device identification pieces acquired by the type acquisition unit 212, and further acquires the type identification code identified by the extracted type-specific information.

[0044] Specifically, if the type identification information is a GTIN, the functional information acquisition unit 213 will extract and acquire an item code representing the type of equipment from the GTIN as the type identification code.

[0045] Furthermore, the function information acquisition unit 213 uses the type identification code acquired here to determine the settings of the corresponding device. Specifically, the function information acquisition unit 213 acquires information about the function of the device corresponding to the item code, which is the type identification code.

[0046] For example, the function information acquisition unit 213 accesses the equipment model number database 30a of the database server 30 to obtain the equipment model number associated with the extracted type identification code. The function information acquisition unit 213 further accesses the equipment type database 30b of the database server 30 to obtain equipment type information corresponding to the obtained equipment model number, and obtains function information associated with the above equipment model number and equipment type information from the function information database 30c of the database server 30.

[0047] Furthermore, the function information acquisition unit 213 accesses the configuration item database 30d of the database server 30 to obtain a list of configuration item names corresponding to the acquired function information.

[0048] In this way, the function information acquisition unit 213 acquires a list of equipment model numbers, equipment type information, function information, and setting item names corresponding to the function information for each of the equipment identification information acquired by the type acquisition unit 212.

[0049] The selection and acceptance unit 214 presents the user with a list of equipment identification information obtained from the server device 10 by the type acquisition unit 212, along with the corresponding equipment model number, equipment type information, etc., and allows the user to select the equipment identification information, etc. corresponding to the equipment to be configured from the presented list. However, if only one piece of equipment identification information is received from the server device 10, or if the equipment identification information is selected without any manual operation by the user according to a predetermined rule, this selection and acceptance unit 214 is not necessarily required.

[0050] The settings screen display unit 215 presents the user with the names of setting items included in a list of setting item names corresponding to the device identification information selected by the user (or selected without user intervention), and guides the user through the settings process. The user will then configure each of the settings presented here on the shipped device.

[0051] [Example using a collective identification code] Furthermore, the equipment information processing system 1 of this embodiment can also handle cases where a large number of pieces of equipment are delivered in bulk from an organization such as a manufacturer. In this example, the organization, such as a manufacturer, that ships the equipment issues a bulk registration number as an example of a bulk identification code to identify the bulk delivery operation each time a bulk delivery is performed. This organization then records a list of equipment identification information for the equipment delivered in bulk in the bulk delivery operation, associated with the bulk registration number, in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10 as a bulk registration number database.

[0052] Furthermore, this organization shall register information such as type identification codes, equipment model numbers, equipment type information, and function information related to the equipment to be delivered in the equipment model number database 30a, equipment type database 30b, function information database 30c, and configuration item database 30d of the database server 30, respectively.

[0053] In this example, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 receives access from the device information processing device 20 and authenticates the user of the device information processing device 20. When the control unit 11 receives a query for device identification information along with a bulk registration number from the device information processing device 20 of the authenticated user, it retrieves the device identification information held in the bulk registration number database in association with the bulk registration number. The control unit 11 then transmits the retrieved device identification information to the device information processing device 20 that made the query.

[0054] Meanwhile, the user of the equipment information processing device 20 receives a bulk registration number from the organization that delivered the equipment in bulk. The receiving unit 211, implemented by the control unit 21 of the equipment information processing device 20, receives the instruction to start the setup from the user along with the bulk registration number, and instructs the type acquisition unit 212 to acquire equipment type information.

[0055] The type acquisition unit 212 requests the server device 10 to provide the equipment identification information associated with the batch registration number received by the receiving unit 211, under predetermined conditions. The type acquisition unit 212 then acquires the equipment identification information sent by the server device 10 in response to this request.

[0056] In this example as well, the processing of the selection acceptance unit 214, the function information acquisition unit 213, and the setting screen presentation unit 215 is the same as in the example already described, so a repeated explanation will be omitted here.

[0057] [Common settings] Furthermore, the settings screen presentation unit 215 may guide the user to setting items related to the device identified by the setting target device identification information, based on the function information corresponding to the type identification code included in the device identification information (hereinafter referred to as the setting target device identification information) that the user has selected as the target of setting (or has selected without user operation) from the function information acquired by the function information acquisition unit 213.

[0058] For example, if each of the device identification information to be configured contains multiple types of type identification codes (for example, if device identification information containing multiple different type identification codes such as type identification code a, type identification code b, etc. is selected as the target for configuration), then the configuration items corresponding to the function information obtained in relation to a certain type identification code a in the target device identification information are named configuration item p and q, and the configuration items corresponding to the function information obtained in relation to another type identification code b are named configuration item p and r.

[0059] In this case, the setting screen display unit 215 may guide the user to setting items related to the function information of at least one device corresponding to the type identification code included in the device identification information to be configured. In this case, the setting screen display unit 215 calculates the logical OR of the list of setting item names corresponding to the function information obtained in accordance with the type identification code included in the device identification information to be configured, and guides the user to configure the setting item name related to the logical OR. Specifically, in the example described above, the setting screen display unit 215 displays a setting guidance screen for configuring the setting item names p, q, and r mentioned above.

[0060] In another example, the settings screen display unit 215 may guide the user to setting items related to function information that are common to the devices corresponding to the type identification code included in the device identification information for which settings are to be configured. In this case, the settings screen display unit 215 calculates the logical AND of the list of setting item names corresponding to the function information obtained in accordance with the type identification code included in the device identification information for which settings are to be configured, and guides the user to configure the setting item name related to the logical AND. Specifically, in the example described above, the settings screen display unit 215 displays a setting guidance screen for configuring the setting item name p mentioned above.

[0061] In each example, when a user makes a setting on the setting guidance screen, the device information processing device 10 sequentially selects the device identification information included in the device identification information to be configured, and instructs the device identified by the selected device identification information (which communicates using its MAC address) to set the setting value for each setting item corresponding to the function information related to the type identification code included in the device identification information, if there is a setting value entered on the setting guidance screen corresponding to the setting item name of that setting item. In this example, the burden of making common settings for multiple devices is reduced.

[0062] [Operation] Next, an example of the operation of the device information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the following example of this embodiment, we will explain the case where a user receives a large number of network devices (such as wireless LAN routers and network switches) from an organization such as a manufacturer in a single shipment.

[0063] The manufacturer shipping these devices issues a bulk registration number to identify the bulk delivery operation when delivering network equipment to the user in a single batch. The manufacturer then records a list of device identification information for the network equipment delivered in the bulk delivery as a bulk registration number database in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10, associated with the bulk registration number. Here, the device identification information includes the device's serial number and the device's GTIN as type identification information. Furthermore, in this example of network equipment, a MAC (Media Access Control) address unique to that device may also be associated with the device identification information and recorded in the bulk registration number database for each device.

[0064] Furthermore, this manufacturer pre-registers information such as type identification codes, device model numbers, device type information, and function information for each network device in the device model number database 30a, device type database 30b, function information database 30c, and setting item database 30d of the database server 30.

[0065] The user who receives the network equipment will obtain a bulk registration number from the organization that supplied the equipment. After installing the network equipment (connecting to the network and powering it on), the user will operate the equipment information processing device 20 to start the configuration of the installed network equipment, providing the bulk registration number along with the instruction to begin configuration. The installation work may be performed by a contractor (installation company) or by the user themselves.

[0066] Upon receiving this instruction, the device information processing device 20 requests the server device 10 for the device identification information (and in this example, the corresponding MAC address) associated with the bulk registration number received from the user, as illustrated in Figure 4 (S11).

[0067] The server device 10 then authenticates the user of the device information processing device 20 and responds to the inquiry received from the device information processing device 20 of the authenticated user, along with the bulk registration number. Specifically, the server device 10 retrieves the device identification information and MAC address held in the bulk registration number database in association with the received bulk registration number (S12), and transmits the retrieved device identification information and MAC address to the device information processing device 20 that initiated the inquiry (S13).

[0068] In this case, device identification information and MAC addresses are obtained in multiple quantities, corresponding to the multiple devices delivered together.

[0069] When the device information processing device 20 receives device identification information, etc., corresponding to each of the multiple devices sent by the server device 10, it sequentially selects from the list of acquired device identification information (and MAC addresses) (S14) and repeatedly executes the following process.

[0070] The device information processing device 20 extracts type identification information included in the device identification information selected in step S14, and further obtains the type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information (S15). Here, it is assumed that the extracted type identification information is a GTIN, so the device information processing device 20 extracts and obtains an item code representing the type of device from the GTIN, which is the type identification information, as the type identification code.

[0071] The device information processing device 20 then accesses the device model number database 30a of the database server 30 to obtain the device model number associated with the extracted type identification code (S16), and further accesses the device type database 30b of the database server 30 to obtain device type information corresponding to the obtained device model number (S17), and obtains the function information associated with the above device model number and device type information from the function information database 30c of the database server 30 (S18).

[0072] The device information processing device 20 then accesses the configuration item database 30d of the database server 30 and obtains a list of configuration item names corresponding to the function information obtained in step S18 (S19).

[0073] The device information processing device 20 repeats the processes from steps S14 to S19 until there is no more unselected device identification information in step S14 (i.e., until all device identification information is selected).

[0074] Next, the device information processing device 20 presents a list of device identification information obtained in step S13, along with at least some of the information obtained in steps S15 to S19 in relation to each device identification information (S20), and allows the user to select the device to be configured.

[0075] The device information processing device 20 then calculates the logical OR of the list of setting item names obtained in steps S15 to S19 based on each of the device identification information selected by the user as the target of setting, and presents a setting guidance screen that instructs the user to set the setting item name related to the said logical OR.

[0076] As an example, let's explain the case where the user selects the device identification information for a wireless LAN router and the device identification information for a network switch from the equipment delivered as a set. Assume that the wireless LAN router's corresponding list of setting item names includes "SSID," "Authentication Function," and "IP Address," and the network switch's corresponding list of setting item names includes "IP Address" and "Default Gateway." The device information processing device 20 then presents the user with the setting item names "SSID," "Authentication Function," "IP Address," and "Default Gateway" as the logical OR of these setting item names (Figure 5), and accepts the input of settings corresponding to these setting item names (S21). Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting guidance screen presented to the user in step S21.

[0077] When the user enters a setting value, the device information processing device 20 sequentially selects the device identification information selected by the user in step S20, refers to the MAC address associated with the selected device identification information, and sends the settings received in step S21 to the network device identified by that MAC address, thereby configuring the corresponding device (S22).

[0078] In this case, if the list of setting item names obtained in relation to the selected device identification information does not include a setting item name corresponding to the entered setting value, it is not necessary to send the setting value to the device identified by the selected device identification information.

[0079] Furthermore, if the user wishes to configure other devices after this process, they repeat the process from step S20 (A).

[0080] According to this embodiment, the user can configure the equipment delivered in a single package without having to look up the model of the equipment, simply by following the list of setting item names presented based on the listed equipment identification information. This makes it possible for the user to easily install and configure various pieces of equipment.

[0081] [Another example of a list screen] In the above example, when the device information processing device 20 presents a list of device identification information in step S20 of Figure 4, it may also present information such as the configuration status and operating status of the corresponding device. In this example, the device information processing device 20, for example, refers to the MAC address associated with the device identification information to be listed, and communicates with the network device identified by that MAC address to collect information such as its configuration status and operating status.

[0082] In this case, the device will respond to inquiries regarding its configuration and operating status received using its MAC address, providing information such as whether there are errors in the configuration (for example, whether the IP address is not set or is incorrect, preventing communication with other devices) and whether it is currently communicating with other devices.

[0083] In this example, the server device 10 may also be configured to accept registration of information entered by the equipment installer or user for each equipment type and register it with the corresponding equipment type information in the batch registration number database. Examples of information entered and registered here include information identifying the network group to which the equipment belongs (group name), and memos.

[0084] When the device information processing device 20 presents a list of device identification information in step S20 of Figure 4, it accesses the server device 10 to obtain information such as the group name and memo registered for the device identification information corresponding to the input batch registration number, and includes it in the list for presentation.

[0085] Furthermore, when presenting this list, the device information processing device 20 may allow searching for the devices to be configured using at least some of the device model number and device type information as conditions. In this example, when the device information processing device 20 presents the list and accepts input of search conditions from the user, it searches for information that matches the search conditions from the presented device identification information and related type identification information, type identification code, device model number, device type information, etc., obtained from the database server 30.

[0086] The device information processing device 20 selects the device identification information related to the information found through the search as the target for setting.

[0087] [Example of setting value guidance on the settings guidance screen] Furthermore, to further simplify the configuration process, the database server 30 may also include a profile database 30e that stores candidate setting values ​​for setting items related to each device identified by the device identification information associated with the batch registration number, in association with the batch registration number (Figure 6). In this profile database 30e, the setting item name and corresponding candidate setting value (V) related to the device identified by the device identification information associated with the batch registration number in the batch registration number database are registered and stored in association with the batch registration number (N). Note that the setting item name registered in the profile database 30e for the same setting item and the setting item name registered in the setting item database 30d should match each other.

[0088] The candidate settings in this profile database 30e (there may be multiple candidates for each setting item) are entered, for example, by the installation contractor.

[0089] In one example of this embodiment, the device information processing device 20 may accept input of candidate setting values ​​and register them in the profile database 30e. In this example, the device information processing device 20 accepts input of a bulk registration number relating to the device for which the candidate setting values ​​are to be input from the installer or the like (candidate inputter).

[0090] The device information processing device 20 executes steps S11 to S19 of the process illustrated in Figure 4 to obtain device identification information associated with the batch registration number, obtains a type identification code from the obtained device identification information, and accesses the database server 30 based on the type identification code to obtain functional information about the delivered device. The device information processing device 20 then further obtains a list of setting item names related to the functional information obtained here.

[0091] The device information processing device 20 presents the candidate inputter with a list of setting item names that can be set on the delivered device, and accepts candidate setting values ​​for each setting item name included in the list (multiple candidate setting values ​​may be entered for a single setting item name).

[0092] When the device information processing device 20 performs an operation indicating that the candidate inputter has completed inputting candidate setting values, it registers and records the setting item name and the candidate setting value in the profile database 30e, associating them with the batch registration number entered by the candidate inputter.

[0093] When the device information processing device 20, which utilizes such a profile database 30e, receives an instruction from a user or the like to start the setup process and executes the process shown in Figure 4, in step S21, when it presents the setup guidance screen, it accesses the profile database 30e of the database server 30, retrieves pairs of setting item names and candidate setting values ​​registered in association with the entered batch registration number, and presents each candidate setting value in association with the corresponding setting item name.

[0094] For example, when an installation company installs multiple wireless LAN routers included in a bulk delivery of equipment into a user's organization, the installation company registers candidate SSID values ​​that can be set for the wireless LAN routers to be installed on each floor, associating them with the bulk registration number and the setting item name "SSID". The installation company then installs each of the multiple wireless LAN routers on each floor of the user's organization's building, and at the time of installation, records the serial number of the wireless LAN router and its installation location.

[0095] Subsequently, the user or installer operates the device information processing device 20 to execute the process illustrated in Figure 4. In this process, when displaying the setting guidance screen, the device information processing device 20 retrieves the setting item name and its candidate setting value associated with the entered batch registration number from the profile database 30e and includes them in the setting guidance screen for display.

[0096] In this example, the user or installer (operator) operating the device information processing device 20 refers to the information recorded by the installer at the time of installation, which associates the serial number of the wireless LAN router with its installation location, and selects the device identification information containing the serial number from the list presented in step S20 of Figure 4.

[0097] In step S21, the device information processing device 20 displays a list of setting item names corresponding to the selected device identification information. If candidate setting values ​​for the corresponding setting item names have been obtained from the profile database 30e, the device information processing device 20 displays these candidate setting values ​​in association with the corresponding setting item names.

[0098] In this way, the device information processing device 20 displays the setting values ​​related to the setting items to be guided on the setting guidance screen when those setting values ​​are predetermined, making it easier to configure the device.

[0099] In the above embodiment, registration was made possible by associating it with a bulk registration number. However, the bulk registration number may only be used for registering the equipment, and the settings may be directly linked to individual equipment. Specifically, if equipment A-1~... (including multiple model numbers) is registered with bulk registration number A and equipment B-1~... (including multiple model numbers) is registered with bulk registration number B, equipment with the same model number and function may be extracted from the lists of A-1~... and B-1~... registered with each of the multiple bulk registration numbers, using the model number information linked at the time of registration, and the settings for the extracted products may be performed all at once. Alternatively, extraction and settings may be performed all at once from a list combining equipment identification information directly entered by the operator in advance and the bulk registration number.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the individual identification code and the type identification code were included in the same device identification information. However, the unique individual identification code may be, for example, a serial number (S / N) issued uniquely for each device, and the type identification information that identifies the type of device may be information that represents the type of device, issued uniquely for each type of device by the device manufacturer, etc. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) containing multiple different pieces of information may be obtained as identification information, such as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), which is also called a JAN code in Japan. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Device information processing system, 10. Server device, 11. Control unit, 12. Storage unit, 13. Communication unit, 20. Device information processing device, 21. Control unit, 22. Storage unit, 23. Operation unit, 24. Display unit, 25. Communication unit, 30. Database server, 211. Receiving unit, 212. Type acquisition unit, 213. Function information acquisition unit, 214. Selection acceptance unit, 215. Setting screen presentation unit.

Claims

1. A device information processing system including a server device and a device information processing device, The server device is Acquisition means for acquiring device identification information, which includes an individual identification code unique to the device and type identification code unique to the type of device, The system includes a holding means for associating and storing a batch identification code issued for each batch of equipment to be installed when multiple such equipment is installed at once, and the acquired equipment identification information. The aforementioned device information processing device is A means for receiving a batch identification code, A type acquisition means that acquires the equipment identification information held in the holding means in association with the collective identification code received by the receiving means, extracts type identification information contained in the equipment identification information, and acquires a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information, It has, A device information processing system in which the acquired type identification code is used to determine the settings of the corresponding device.

2. It is connected to a storage means that holds device identification information, which includes a unique individual identification code for each of the multiple devices being deployed in a batch, and a type identification code unique to the type of device, in association with a batch identification code issued for each target of the batch deployment. A means for receiving a batch identification code, The system includes a type acquisition means that acquires device identification information held in the holding means in association with the accepted batch identification code, extracts type identification information contained in at least a portion of the acquired device identification information, and acquires a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information, A device information processing device that uses the acquired type identification code to determine the settings of the corresponding device.

3. The device information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further, A selective acceptance means that accepts at least a portion of the device identification information associated with the accepted batch identification code, A function information acquisition means accesses a function database that holds function information relating to the function of a device of the type identified by the type identification code, and acquires function information relating to the function of the device corresponding to the acquired type identification code. A setting screen presentation means that, based on the function information corresponding to the type identification code included in the selected device identification information among the acquired function information, presents a setting screen that guides the user through the setting items related to the device corresponding to the selected device identification information, A device information processing device that includes this.

4. The device information processing apparatus according to claim 3, The setting screen presentation means is a device information processing device that refers to the function information acquired for each device corresponding to the acquired type identification code and presents a setting screen that guides the user through setting items related to the function information of at least one of the devices corresponding to the extracted type identification code.

5. The device information processing apparatus according to claim 3, The setting screen presentation means is a device information processing device that refers to the function information acquired for each device corresponding to the acquired type identification code and presents a setting screen that guides the user through setting items related to the function information commonly included in the devices corresponding to the extracted type identification code.

6. A device information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The aforementioned setting screen presentation means is a device information processing device that, when setting values ​​related to the setting items to be guided are predetermined, also presents those setting values ​​on the setting screen.

7. A device information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, A function information acquisition means accesses a function database that holds function information relating to the function of a device of the type identified by the type identification code, and acquires function information relating to the function of the device corresponding to the acquired type identification code. A means for acquiring functional information of a device corresponding to a type identification code contained in the device identification information held in the holding means, in association with the accepted batch identification code, and for accepting input of setting values ​​for setting items related to the acquired functional information, A means for recording the setting value for each accepted setting item in association with the accepted batch identification code, A device information processing device that includes this.

8. A computer connected to a storage means that can access a storage means that holds device identification information, which includes a unique individual identification code for each of the multiple devices to be installed in a batch, and a type identification code unique to the type of device, in association with a batch identification code issued for each target of batch installation, A means for receiving a batch identification code, A type acquisition means that acquires device identification information held in the holding means in association with the accepted batch identification code, extracts type identification information contained in at least a portion of the acquired device identification information, and acquires a type identification code identified by the extracted type identification information, To make it function as, A program that uses the acquired type identification code to determine the settings of the corresponding device.

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