Computer program for terminal device, and terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows a terminal device to communicate with a communication device using an appropriate protocol.SOLUTION: A terminal device receives, from a first communication device, first protocol information indicating that the first communication device supports a first protocol and does not support a second protocol, and receives, from a second communication device, second protocol information indicating that the second communication device supports the first protocol and supports the second protocol. When receiving the first protocol information from the first communication device and acquiring a first setting instruction, the terminal device transmits a first setting command that is according to the first protocol to the first communication device. When receiving the second protocol information from the second communication device and acquiring a second setting instruction, the terminal device transmits a second setting command that is according to the second protocol to the second communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a terminal device that executes communication with a communication device storing management information in which an OID (abbreviation for Object ID) is associated with a set value.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that manages devices according to SNMP (abbreviation for Simple Network Management Protocol).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology that enables a terminal device to execute communication with a communication device using an appropriate protocol.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program comprises the following parts of the computer of the terminal device: a first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports the first protocol but does not support the second protocol; a second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol; and a first setting command transmitting unit that, when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the first communication device is obtained, transmits a first setting command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device, wherein the first setting command is a first OID (Object) of the MIB (Management Information Base). The first setting command transmission unit includes an abbreviation for ID and a first setting value, wherein the first setting command is a command that requests that the first setting value be written to the first management information of the first communication device in association with the first OID; and the second setting command transmission unit transmits a second setting command to the second communication device in accordance with the second protocol when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second setting command includes a second OID of the MIB and a second setting value, wherein the second setting command is a command that requests that the second setting value be written to the second management information of the second communication device in association with the second OID.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the terminal device sends a first configuration command in accordance with the first protocol to a first communication device that supports the first protocol but not the second protocol, and sends a second configuration command in accordance with the second protocol to a second communication device that supports both the first and second protocols. Therefore, the terminal device can send configuration commands to the communication device using the appropriate protocol.

[0007] Furthermore, this specification discloses computer programs for terminal devices.The computer program comprises the following parts of the computer of the terminal device: a first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports the first protocol but does not support the second protocol; a second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol; and a first acquisition command transmitting unit that transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes the third OID of the MIB, and the first acquisition command is the first The system may function as follows: a first acquisition command transmission unit which is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the communication device; a first response command receiving unit which receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device when the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device; a second acquisition command transmission unit which transmits a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information; and a second response command receiving unit which receives a second response command including the fourth setting value from the second communication device when the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the terminal device sends a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to a first communication device that supports the first protocol but not the second protocol, and sends a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to a second communication device that supports both the first and second protocols. Therefore, the terminal device can send acquisition commands to the communication device using the appropriate protocol.

[0009] The computer-readable storage medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program, as well as the terminal device itself, are novel and useful. Furthermore, the method executed by the terminal device is also novel and useful. Additionally, a communication system comprising the above-mentioned terminal device, a first communication device, and a second communication device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of each table. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the sequences of cases A1 and A2 in which the search process is executed. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a flowchart of command processing. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a flowchart of HTTPS processing. [Figure 6] This figure shows the sequences for Case B and Case C when HTTPS is used. [Figure 7] This figure shows the sequences for Case D and Case E when SNMP is used. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the sequence of cases where writing the setting value fails in the comparative example. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the second management table and the authentication table in the fifth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises printers 10A and 10B and a terminal device 100. Each device 10A, 10B, and 100 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 6 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 6. The LAN 6 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the printers 10A and 10B write or transmit setting values ​​in response to request commands from the terminal device 100 (i.e., SET commands, POST commands, or GET commands described later).

[0012] (Configuration of printers 10A and 10B) Each printer 10A and 10B is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of terminal device 100) capable of performing printing functions. In a modified example, each printer 10A and 10B may be a multi-function device capable of performing scanning functions, fax functions, etc., in addition to printing functions.

[0013] Printer 10A supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) but does not support HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure). SNMP and HTTPS will be explained in detail later. Printer 10A has the printer name "PRA".

[0014] The printer 10A is equipped with non-volatile memory 34A and volatile memory 36A. Non-volatile memory 34A is a memory in which stored information is not erased even when the power of the printer 10A is turned off. Non-volatile memory 34A stores the first management table 38A. Volatile memory 36A is a memory in which stored information is erased when the power of the printer 10A is turned off. Volatile memory 36A temporarily stores information necessary for the printer 10A to perform processing.

[0015] Printer 10B supports SNMP and also supports HTTPS. Printer 10B has a printer name "PRB". Printer 10B includes a non-volatile memory 34B in which a second management table 38B is stored, and a volatile memory 36B. Hereinafter, printers 10A and 10B may be collectively referred to as "printer 10".

[0016] (Configuration of Terminal Device 100) Terminal device 100 is a user terminal such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), etc. Terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 116, and a control unit 130. Hereinafter, the interface may be referred to as "I / F".

[0017] Operation unit 112 is an I / F for inputting various instructions to terminal device 100. Display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information. Display unit 114 is a so-called touch panel and also functions as an operation unit. Communication I / F 116 is connected to LAN 6. Communication I / F 116 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0018] Control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. CPU 132 executes various processes according to programs 136 and 138 stored in memory 134. Memory 134 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. Memory 134 stores an OS (abbreviation for Operating System) program 136 and a setting application 138. Hereinafter, setting application 138 may be referred to as "application 138". OS program 136 is a program for controlling the basic operations of terminal device 100. Application 138 is an application for managing printer 10 using terminal device 100. Also, memory 134 may store an authority table 140.

[0019] (Explanation of Each Table 38A, 38B, 40, 140; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the first management table 38A stored in the non-volatile memory 34A of printer 10A, the second management table 38B stored in the non-volatile memory 34B of printer 10B, the authentication table 40 stored in the non-volatile memory 34B of printer 10B, and the authorization table 140 which may be stored in the memory 134 of terminal device 100 will be explained.

[0020] The first management table 38A of printer 10A is a table for storing various information about printer 10A. This information includes, for example, the administrator address of printer 10A, the remaining amount of consumables, the MAC address, etc.

[0021] The information stored in the first management table 38A also includes communication settings for the printer 10A to perform communication. These communication settings include the printer 10A's IP address, proxy settings, etc. Information not illustrated in Figure 2 includes APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) settings, Network Reset, Reboot (i.e., restart), the printer 10A's installation location, access destination, error history, status (printing in progress, waiting, etc.), and print settings (e.g., default print resolution). The first management table 38A stores the above various information using a tree structure (i.e., a hierarchical structure). This collection of various information with a tree structure is called "MIB (Management Information Base)".

[0022] Specifically, the first management table 38A stores information by associating it with its content, OID (abbreviation for Object ID), and MIB value. The content is a string that indicates the meaning of the information. The OID is an identifier that identifies the information. The MIB value indicates the specific value (i.e., the setting value) of the information.

[0023] The second management table 38B of the printer 10B is a table for storing various information about the printer 10B. In this embodiment, the information stored in the second management table 38B is the same as the information stored in the first management table 38A. In modified examples, the information stored in the second management table 38B and the information stored in the first management table 38A may be different.

[0024] The second management table 38B stores the contents, OID, MIB value, and administrator privileges in association with each other. Administrator privileges are indicated as either "ON," which means administrator authentication is required, or "OFF," which means administrator authentication is not required.

[0025] The authentication table 40 of printer 10B is a table for storing authentication information. The authentication table 40 stores user IDs and passwords in association. The authentication table 40 stores administrator authentication information AI1, which is associated with user ID "U1" and password "PW1", and general authentication information AI2, which is associated with user ID "public" and password "public". Administrator authentication information AI1 is authentication information used for administrator authentication and is registered by the administrator. General authentication information AI2 is authentication information used for general authentication to authenticate general users who are different from administrators. General authentication information AI2 may have a default value. The password "PW1" for administrator authentication information AI1 is encrypted, while the password "public" for general authentication information AI2 is not encrypted. Encrypting the password for administrator authentication information AI1 can increase the security level.

[0026] The authorization table 140 of terminal device 100 is a table for storing administrator privileges. The authorization table 140 stores the contents, OIDs, and administrator privileges in association with each other. The authorization table 140 is the same as the second management table 38B of printer 10B, except that it does not include MIB values.

[0027] (Communication protocol between each printer 10A, 10B and terminal device 100) For communicating MIB values ​​between the printer 10A and the terminal device 100, protocols following UDP (User Datagram Protocol) of the transport layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model are widely known. Specifically, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a well-known example. In this embodiment, the terminal device 100 uses a communication protocol following TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) of the transport layer of the OSI reference model, in addition to SNMP, as a communication protocol for communicating MIB values. Specifically, HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is used. HTTPS employs user authentication and data encryption, thus offering a higher level of security than SNMP.

[0028] (Search process) Referring to Figure 3, the search process performed to store the authorization table 140 in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100 will be described.

[0029] (Case A1; Figure 3) This section describes Case A1, in which SNMP is enabled on printer 10A, and SNMP and HTTPS are enabled on printer 10B.

[0030] When terminal device 100 receives an operation to search for a printer connected to LAN6 at T10 (hereinafter referred to as "search operation"), it broadcasts a capability information request. The capability information request is a command to request the transmission of capability information, which includes the printer name, information indicating the protocols supported by the printer, and information indicating the protocols that are enabled. The capability information request is also a command to request the transmission of information other than MIB values ​​within a management table, if the printer that received the capability information has administrator privileges and stores such a management table.

[0031] At T20, terminal device 100 receives first capability information from printer 10A, including the printer name "PRA", support information "SNMP", and ON information "SNMP", and at T22, stores the first capability information in memory 134.

[0032] At T30, terminal device 100 receives second capability information from printer 10B, which includes the printer name "PRB", support information "SNMP, HTTPS", ON information "SNMP, HTTPS", and information other than MIB values ​​in the second management table 38B. At T32, terminal device 100 stores the second capability information in memory 134. Terminal device 100 stores the received information other than MIB values ​​as the authorization table 140 in memory 134.

[0033] The terminal device 100 determines, based on the second capability information, that the support information (i.e., SNMP and HTTPS) and the ON information (i.e., SNMP and HTTPS) match. In this case, the terminal device 100 displays a printer selection screen in T40 that includes the received printer names "PRA" and "PRB". This completes the search process.

[0034] Furthermore, the transmission of capability information requests and the reception of capability information are performed using SNMP. Most printers support SNMP. Therefore, terminal device 100 can reliably receive capability information from the printer.

[0035] (Case A2; Figure 3) This section describes Case A2, where SNMP is enabled on printer 10A, SNMP is enabled on printer 10B, and HTTPS is disabled on printer 10B.

[0036] Terminal device 100 accepts the search operation at T110. In this case, the same processing as in T12 to T22 of case A1 is performed between terminal device 100, printer 10A, and printer 10B.

[0037] Terminal device 100 receives second capability information from printer 10B at T130, which includes the printer name "PRB", support information "SNMP, HTTPS", ON information "SNMP", and management information other than MIB values ​​in the second management table 38B. In this case, since HTTPS is disabled for printer 10B, the ON information in the second capability information does not include "HTTPS". Also, the second capability information does not include information other than MIB values ​​in the management table. T132 is the same as T32 in case A1.

[0038] Terminal device 100 determines, in the second capability information, that the support information (i.e., SNMP and HTTPS) and the ON information (i.e., SNMP) do not match. Specifically, terminal device 100 determines that HTTPS, which has a higher security level, is disabled. In this case, terminal device 100 displays a printer selection screen in T140 that includes the received printer names "PRA" and "PRB," and a message prompting the user to enable HTTPS for printer 10B. In this case, the printer name "PRB" is further highlighted. Specifically, the printer name "PRB" is shown in bold and underlined. This completes the search process. With the above configuration, the user can find out that HTTPS for printer 10B is disabled. The user can then increase the security level by enabling HTTPS for printer 10B.

[0039] (Command processing of terminal device 100: Figure 4) Referring to Figure 4, the command processing executed by the CPU 132 of the terminal device 100 according to the application 138 will be explained. The processing in Figure 4 is executed when the printer selection screen is displayed. Note that all communications in this embodiment are performed via the communication interface 116, so the phrase "via the communication interface 116" will be omitted below.

[0040] In S10, CPU132 monitors for the acceptance of an operation to select the printer name to communicate with from among the one or more printer names displayed on the printer selection screen (hereinafter referred to as the "printer selection operation"). Hereinafter, the printer that has the printer name to communicate with will be referred to as the "target printer".

[0041] In S12, the CPU 132 performs protocol determination processing. Protocol determination processing is a process to determine the communication protocol to be used for communication with the target printer (hereinafter referred to as the "used protocol") using capability information in memory 134. Specifically, the CPU 132 identifies capability information corresponding to the target printer and identifies the ON information contained in that capability information. If the identified ON information contains one communication protocol, the CPU 132 determines that one communication protocol to be used. On the other hand, if the identified ON information contains two or more communication protocols, the CPU 132 determines the communication protocol with the highest security level to be used.

[0042] For example, if printer 10A is the target printer and the ON information in the first capability information includes one communication protocol "SNMP", the CPU 132 decides to use SNMP as the protocol to be used. If printer 10B is the target printer and the ON information in the second capability information includes one communication protocol "SNMP", the CPU 132 decides to use SNMP as the protocol to be used. Furthermore, if printer 10B is the target printer and the ON information in the second capability information includes two communication protocols "SNMP" and "HTTPS", the CPU 132 decides to use HTTPS, which has the highest security level, as the protocol to be used. In this way, the CPU 132 can appropriately determine the protocol to be used according to the capability information received from printer 10.

[0043] In S14, CPU132 determines whether the protocol used, as determined in S12, is SNMP or not. If the protocol used is SNMP (YES in S14), CPU132 proceeds to S20. If it is determined to be YES in S14, the subsequent processing is carried out according to HTTPS. On the other hand, if the protocol used is not SNMP, i.e., if the protocol used is HTTPS (NO in S14), CPU132 proceeds to S40.

[0044] In S20, CPU132 determines whether or not a configuration operation has been accepted. When the protocol used is SNMP, a configuration operation includes specifying the information to be configured (e.g., an IP address) and specifying the modified string for the already specified information. If CPU132 accepts a configuration operation (YES in S20), it determines that a configuration instruction has been received and proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if CPU132 accepts a retrieval operation (NO in S20), it determines that a retrieval instruction has been received and proceeds to S30. When the protocol used is SNMP, a retrieval operation includes specifying the information to be retrieved (e.g., an IP address).

[0045] In S22, the CPU 132 sends a SET command to the target printer that includes the OID of the information specified in the configuration operation and the string specified in the configuration operation. When the target printer receives the SET command from the terminal device 100, it identifies the OID and string in the SET command. The target printer then associates the identified string with the identified OID and writes it as an MIB value to the target printer's management table (hereinafter referred to as the "target management table"). The target printer then sends a response command to the terminal device 100 that includes the OID of the information specified in the configuration operation and status information indicating that the writing of the MIB value is complete.

[0046] In S24, CPU132 receives a response command from the target printer. When S24 ends, CPU132 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0047] Furthermore, in S30, the CPU 132 sends a GET command containing the OID of the information specified in the acquisition operation to the target printer. When the target printer receives a GET command from the terminal device 100, it retrieves the MIB value associated with the OID included in the GET command from the target management table. The CPU 132 then sends a response command containing the retrieved MIB value to the terminal device 100.

[0048] In S32, the CPU 132 receives a response command from the target printer. The CPU 132 also displays the information in the response command on the display unit 114. This allows the user to know the settings of the target printer. When S32 is completed, the CPU 132 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0049] Furthermore, if CPU 132 determines NO in S14, it executes HTTPS processing in S40. HTTPS processing is the process in which communication is performed between the terminal device 100 and the target printer according to HTTPS. When S40 is completed, CPU 132 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0050] (HTTPS processing; Figure 5) Referring to Figure 5, the HTTPS processing performed in S40 of Figure 4 will be explained. In S60, the CPU 132 determines whether or not a configuration operation has been accepted. When the protocol used is HTTPS, the configuration operation includes specifying the information to be configured (e.g., an IP address), specifying the modified string for the already specified information, and entering authentication information. If the CPU 132 accepts the configuration operation (YES in S60), it determines that a configuration instruction has been received and proceeds to S70. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 accepts the acquisition operation (NO in S60), it determines that an acquisition instruction has been received and proceeds to S100. When the protocol used is HTTPS, the acquisition operation includes specifying the information to be acquired (e.g., an IP address) and entering authentication information.

[0051] In S70, CPU 132 determines in the privilege table 140 whether the administrator privilege associated with the OID corresponding to the information specified in S60 (hereinafter referred to as "target OID") is "ON". If the administrator privilege is "ON" (YES in S70), CPU 132 proceeds to S72; otherwise, it proceeds to S80.

[0052] In step S72, the CPU 132 displays a first input field for entering the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator. As shown in Figure 6, the first input field includes a message prompting the user to enter the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator, a field for entering a user ID, and a field for entering a password.

[0053] In S74 of Figure 5, the CPU 132 monitors whether authentication information is entered into the first input field. If authentication information is entered into the first input field, the CPU 132 determines YES in S74 and proceeds to S90.

[0054] Furthermore, in S80, the CPU 132 displays a second input field for entering the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator or the authentication information of a general user of the printer 10B. As shown in Figure 6, the second input field includes a message prompting the user to enter the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator or the authentication information of a general user of the printer 10B, a field for entering a user ID, and a field for entering a password.

[0055] In step S82 of Figure 5, the CPU 132 monitors whether authentication information is entered into the second input field. If authentication information is entered into the second input field, the CPU 132 determines YES in S82 and proceeds to S90.

[0056] In S90, the CPU 132 sends an HTTPS command containing authentication information to the target printer. When the target printer receives the HTTPS command from the terminal device 100, it identifies the last digit of the OID in the command and identifies the administrator privileges associated with the identified last digit of the OID in the second management table 38. If the identified administrator privileges are "ON", the target printer performs authentication using the administrator authentication information AI1, and if the identified administrator privileges are "OFF", it performs authentication using the general authentication information AI2. If authentication using the administrator authentication information AI1 or general authentication information AI2 is successful, the target printer sends a response command containing "OK" indicating successful authentication to the terminal device 100, and if the authentication fails, it sends a response command containing "NG" indicating failed authentication to the terminal device 100. The authentication in the HTTPS process follows either the HTTPS digest authentication method or the basic authentication method. This configuration simplifies the mechanism used for authentication.

[0057] In S92, the CPU 132 determines whether or not it has received a response command containing the information "OK" from the target printer. If the CPU 132 receives a response command containing the information "OK" from the target printer (YES in S92), it proceeds to S94. If the CPU 132 receives a response command that does not contain the information "OK" from the target printer (NO in S92), it terminates the process shown in Figure 5. If the CPU 132 determines NO in S94, it displays information indicating that authentication has failed on the display unit 114.

[0058] In S94, the CPU 132 performs a key exchange with the target printer. As a result, information within POST commands and response commands in subsequent communications between the terminal device 100 and the target printer (e.g., S96, S98) is encrypted. Because the information within the commands is encrypted in this way, the security level can be enhanced.

[0059] In S96, the CPU 132 sends a POST command to the target printer that includes the OID of the information specified in the configuration operation and the string specified in the configuration operation. When the target printer receives the POST command from the terminal device 100, it identifies the OID and string in the POST command. The target printer then associates the identified string with the identified OID as an MIB value and writes it to the target management table. The target printer then sends a response command to the terminal device 100 that includes the OID of the information specified in the configuration operation and status information indicating that the writing of the MIB value is complete.

[0060] In S98, CPU132 receives a response command from the target printer. When S98 finishes, CPU132 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0061] Furthermore, if S60 determines NO, CPU 132 executes S100. The processing performed in S100 is the same as the processing performed in S70 to S90. S110 and S112 are the same as S92 and S94, respectively. As a result, information in the GET command and response command is encrypted in subsequent communications between terminal device 100 and the target printer (for example, S114 and S116).

[0062] In S114, the CPU 132 sends a GET command containing the OID of the information specified in the acquisition operation to the target printer. When the target printer receives a GET command from the terminal device 100, it retrieves the MIB value associated with the OID included in the GET command from the target management table. The CPU 132 then sends a response command containing the retrieved MIB value to the terminal device 100.

[0063] In S116, the CPU 132 receives a response command from the target printer. The CPU 132 also displays the information in the response command on the display unit 114. This allows the user to know the settings of the target printer. When S116 is completed, the CPU 132 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0064] (Specific cases) Next, referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain specific cases B to E that are realized by the processes shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0065] (Case B; Figure 6) Referring to Figure 6, we will now describe Case B, in which a write operation is performed according to HTTPS. The initial state of Case B is the state after Case A1 in Figure 3. That is, the memory 134 of the terminal device 100 stores the first capability information, the second capability information, and the authorization table 140. Also, SNMP is enabled for printer 10A, and SNMP and HTTPS are enabled for printer 10B.

[0066] When terminal device 100 receives a printer selection operation from the user at T210 to select printer 10B (YES in S10 in Figure 4), it determines that HTTPS, which has the highest security level among SNMP and HTTPS supported by printer 10B, will be used as the protocol (S12), and determines that the protocol to be used is HTTPS (NO in S14).

[0067] Terminal device 100 accepts a setting operation from the user at T212 (YES at S60 in Figure 5). The setting operation in this case includes specifying the information to be written, "IP address," and specifying the changed string "192.168.2.2" for "IP address." In this case, terminal device 100 determines in the authorization table 140 that the administrator privilege associated with the OID corresponding to the information to be written, "IP address," is "ON" (YES at S70), and displays the first input field at T214 (S72). At T216, terminal device 100 accepts the input of administrator authentication information AI1 to the first input field, and at T220 sends an HTTPS command to printer 10B (S90). Terminal device 100 writes the administrator authentication information AI1 and the OID corresponding to the information to be written, "IP address," to the HTTPS command.

[0068] When printer 10B receives an HTTPS command from terminal device 100 at T220, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "4" and that the administrator privileges associated with the OID ending in "4" are "ON". Next, terminal device 100 determines that administrator authentication was successful because the administrator authentication information AI1 in the authentication table 40 matches the administrator authentication information AI1 in the HTTPS command. Then, terminal device 100 sends a response command containing the information "OK" to terminal device 100 at T222.

[0069] When terminal device 100 receives a response command containing the information "OK" from printer 10B in T222 (YES in S92), it performs an exchange of encryption keys with printer 10B in T230 (S94), and sends a POST command 200 corresponding to the setting operation in T212 to printer 10B in T232 (S96). Terminal device 100 writes the OID corresponding to the information "IP address" to POST command 200. In addition, terminal device 100 writes the string "192.168.2.2" specified in the setting operation in T212 as an MIB value to POST command 200.

[0070] When printer 10B receives a POST command 200 from terminal device 100 at T232, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "4", and at T240, it associates the OID ending in "4" with the MIB value "192.168.2.2" within the command and writes it to the second management table 38B. Next, at T242, printer 10B sends a response command 210 to terminal device 100 that contains the same OID as the OID ending in "4" of POST command 200, along with the status information "success".

[0071] Terminal device 100 receives a response command 210 from printer 10B at T242 (S98). This completes the writing process.

[0072] (Case C; Figure 6) Next, referring to Figure 6, we will explain Case C, in which a write operation is performed according to HTTPS. The initial state of Case C is the same as the initial state of Case B.

[0073] T310 is the same as T210 in Case B. Terminal device 100 accepts a setting operation from the user at T312 (YES at S60 in Figure 5). The setting operation in this case includes specifying the information to be written, "Proxy", and specifying the changed string "OFF" for "Proxy setting". In this case, terminal device 100 determines in the authorization table 140 that the administrator privilege associated with the OID corresponding to the information to be written, "Proxy setting", is "OFF" (NO at S70), and displays the second input field at T314 (S80). When terminal device 100 accepts the input of general authentication information AI2 to the second input field at T316 (YES at S82), it sends an HTTPS command to printer 10B at T320 (S90). Terminal device 100 writes the general authentication information AI2 and the OID corresponding to the information to be written, "Proxy setting", to the HTTPS command.

[0074] When printer 10B receives an HTTPS command from terminal device 100 at T320, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "5" and that the administrator privileges associated with the OID ending in "5" are "OFF". Subsequently, terminal device 100 determines that general authentication was successful because the general authentication information AI2 in the authentication table 40 matches the general authentication information AI2 in the HTTPS command. T322 and T330 are the same as T222 and T230 in case B, respectively.

[0075] Terminal device 100 sends a POST command 220 to printer 10B in T332 corresponding to the setting operation in T312 (S96). Terminal device 100 writes the OID corresponding to the information "Proxy setting" to POST command 220. In addition, terminal device 100 writes the string "OFF" specified in the setting operation in T312 as an MIB value to POST command 220.

[0076] When printer 10B receives a POST command 220 from terminal device 100 at T332, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "5", and at T340, it associates the OID ending in "5" with the MIB value "OFF" in the command and writes it to the second management table 38B. Next, at T342, printer 10B sends a response command 230 to terminal device 100 that contains the same OID as the OID ending in "5" of POST command 220, along with the status information "success".

[0077] Terminal device 100 receives a response command 230 from printer 10B at T342 (S98). This completes the writing process.

[0078] (Effects of Case B and Case C) As shown in Case B, terminal device 100 displays a first input field for entering the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator when an OID associated with administrator privileges "ON" is specified. On the other hand, as shown in Case C, terminal device 100 displays a second input field for entering the authentication information of the printer 10B administrator or the authentication information of a general user of the printer 10B when an OID associated with administrator privileges "OFF" is specified. With this configuration, authentication information corresponding to the security level of the information stored in printer 10B can be entered. Therefore, the security level can be increased and user convenience can be improved.

[0079] (Case D; Figure 7) Referring to Figure 7, we will now describe Case D, in which a write operation is performed according to SNMP. The initial state of Case D is the same as the initial state of Case B in Figure 6.

[0080] When terminal device 100 receives a printer selection operation from the user at T410 to select printer 10A (YES at S10 in Figure 4), it determines that SNMP, which printer 10A supports, will be used as the protocol (S12), and confirms that the protocol used is SNMP (YES at S14). Terminal device 100 receives a setting operation from the user at T412 (YES at S20). In this case, the setting operation includes specifying the information to be written, "IP address," and specifying the changed string "192.168.2.1" for "IP address." In this case, terminal device 100 sends a SET command 300 to printer 10A at T420 corresponding to the setting operation at T412 (S22). Terminal device 100 identifies the OID ending in "4" from the information "IP address" specified in the setting operation at T412, and writes this information to the SET command 300. Furthermore, terminal device 100 writes the string "192.168.2.1" specified in the T412 configuration operation to the SET command 300 as an MIB value.

[0081] When printer 10A receives a SET command 300 from terminal device 100 at T420, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "4", and at T430, it writes the MIB value "192.168.2.1" from the command to the first management table 38A, associating it with the OID ending in "4". Next, at T432, printer 10A sends a response command 310 to terminal device 100 that contains the same OID as the OID ending in "4" of the SET command 300, along with the status information "success".

[0082] Terminal device 100 receives a response command 310 from printer 10A at T432 (S24). This completes the writing process.

[0083] (Case E; Figure 7) Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain Case E, in which the acquisition process according to SNMP is executed. The initial state of Case E is the same as the initial state of Case B in Figure 6.

[0084] T510 is the same as T410 in Case D. Terminal device 100 accepts an acquisition operation from the user at T512 (NO at S20 in Figure 4). The acquisition operation in this case includes specifying the information to be acquired, "consumable amount". Terminal device 100 sends a GET command 320 to printer 10A at T514 in response to the acquisition operation at T512 (S30). Terminal device 100 identifies the OID ending in "2" from the information "consumable amount" specified in the acquisition operation at T512 and writes that information to the GET command 320.

[0085] When printer 10A receives a GET command 320 from terminal device 100 at T514, it determines that the GET command 320 contains an OID ending in "2", identifies the MIB value "80" associated with the OID ending in "2" in the first management table 38A, and sends a response command 330 containing the identified MIB value "80" to terminal device 100 at T516.

[0086] When terminal device 100 receives a response command 330 from printer 10A at T516, it displays the MIB value "80" from the response command 330 at T518 (S32). This completes the acquisition process.

[0087] (Effects of Cases B to E) Before explaining the effects of Cases B to E, we will refer to Figure 8 to describe the processing performed by the comparative example terminal device 150. In the search process, the comparative example terminal device 150 receives only the printer name of the printer from the printer. Furthermore, the terminal device 150 does not perform the protocol determination process S12 in Figure 3. Therefore, even if printer 10B, which supports SNMP and HTTPS, is selected as the target printer, the terminal device 150 can send a request command according to SNMP to printer 10B.

[0088] Terminal device 150 accepts a printer selection operation at T610 to select printer 10B, and accepts a configuration operation from the user at T620. In this case, the configuration operation includes specifying the information to be written, "IP address," and specifying the changed string "192.168.2.2" for "IP address." In this case, terminal device 150 sends an SNMP-compliant SET command 400 to printer 10B at T622.

[0089] When printer 10B receives a SET command 400 from terminal device 150 at T622, it determines that the command contains an OID ending in "4", and in the second management table 38B, it determines that the administrator privileges associated with the OID ending in "4" are "ON". Printer 10B determines that administrator authentication using administrator authentication information AI1 is unsuccessful and does not write the MIB value "192.168.2.2" in the command to the second management table 38B. Next, printer 10B sends an ERROR command containing the status information "error" to terminal device 150 at T624. In addition, when printer 10B receives a GET command compliant with SNMP containing an OID ending in "4" from terminal device 150, it sends an ERROR command containing the status information "error" to terminal device 150.

[0090] As described above, when printer 10B receives a SET command in accordance with SNMP from terminal device 150 (T622 in Figure 8), it may not write the MIB value to the second management table 38B. On the other hand, terminal device 100 in this embodiment sends a POST command in accordance with HTTPS to printer 10B (T232 in Figure 6). In this case, printer 10B writes the MIB value included in the POST command to the second management table 38B (T240). Therefore, the possibility that the MIB value will not be written to the second management table 38B can be reduced. Consequently, user convenience can be improved.

[0091] Furthermore, when printer 10B receives a GET command in accordance with SNMP from terminal device 150, it may not send the MIB value to terminal device 150. On the other hand, terminal device 100 in this embodiment sends a GET command in accordance with HTTPS to printer 10B (S114 in Figure 5). In this case, printer 10B sends the MIB value corresponding to the OID included in the GET command to terminal device 100 (S116). Therefore, the possibility that the MIB value will not be sent to terminal device 100 can be reduced. Consequently, user convenience can be improved.

[0092] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, terminal device 100 sends a SET command according to SNMP to printer 10A, which supports SNMP but not HTTPS, and sends a POST command according to HTTPS to printer 10B, which supports both SNMP and HTTPS. Therefore, terminal device 100 can send configuration commands (i.e., SET commands or POST commands) to printer 10 using the appropriate protocol.

[0093] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 sends an SNMP-compliant GET command to printer 10A, which supports SNMP but not HTTPS, and sends an HTTPS-compliant GET command to printer 10B, which supports both SNMP and HTTPS. Therefore, the terminal device 100 can send retrieval commands (i.e., GET commands) to printer 10 using the appropriate protocol.

[0094] (Correspondence) Printer 10A and Printer 10B are examples of the "first communication device" and "second communication device," respectively. The first capability information and the second capability information are examples of the "first protocol information" and "first protocol information," respectively. SNMP and HTTPS are examples of the "first protocol" and "second protocol," respectively. The setting instruction obtained when YES is determined in S20 of Figure 4 and the setting instruction obtained when YES is determined in S60 of Figure 5 are examples of the "first setting instruction" and "second setting instruction," respectively. The SET command and POST command are examples of the "first setting command" and "second setting command," respectively. The first management table 38A and the second management table 38B are examples of the "first management information" and "second management information," respectively. The OID included in the SET command in S22 of Figure 4 is an example of the "first OID." The MIB value included in the SET command in S22 of Figure 4 is an example of the "first setting value." The OID included in the POST command of S96 in Figure 5 is an example of a "second OID". The MIB value included in the POST command of S96 in Figure 5 is an example of a "second setting value". The capability information request is an example of an "information request". Administrator privileges are an example of "permission information". The HTTPS command containing authentication information is an example of a "first authentication command" and a "second authentication command". The OK information is an example of "success information". The ON information is an example of "function information". The message displayed on the printer selection screen of T140 in Figure 3 is an example of "notification information".

[0095] T20 in Figure 3 is an example of processing performed by the "first protocol information receiving unit". T30 in Figure 3 is an example of processing performed by the "second protocol information receiving unit". S22 in Figure 4 is an example of processing performed by the "first setting command sending unit". S96 in Figure 5 is an example of processing performed by the "second setting command sending unit".

[0096] The acquisition instruction obtained when NO is determined in S20 of Figure 4, and the acquisition instruction obtained when NO is determined in S60 of Figure 5, are examples of the "first acquisition instruction" and the "second acquisition instruction," respectively. The GET command following SNMP and the GET command following HTTPS are examples of the "first acquisition command" and the "second acquisition command," respectively. The response command in S32 of Figure 4 and the response command in S116 of Figure 5 are examples of the "first response command" and the "second response command," respectively. The OID included in the GET command in S30 of Figure 4 is an example of the "third OID." The MIB value included in the response command in S20 of Figure 4 is an example of the "third setting value." The OID included in the GET command in S114 of Figure 5 is an example of the "fourth OID." The MIB value included in the response command in S116 of Figure 5 is an example of the "fourth setting value."

[0097] T20 in Figure 3 is an example of processing performed by the "first protocol information receiving unit". T30 in Figure 3 is an example of processing performed by the "second protocol information receiving unit". S30 in Figure 4 is an example of processing performed by the "first acquisition command transmission unit". S32 in Figure 4 is an example of processing performed by the "first response command receiving unit". S114 in Figure 5 is an example of processing performed by the "second acquisition command transmission unit". S116 in Figure 5 is an example of processing performed by the "second response command receiving unit".

[0098] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0099] (First variation) The "first protocol" and the "second protocol" may be a PJL (Printer Job Language) that does not use encryption and a PJL that uses encryption, respectively.

[0100] (Second Modification) The printer 10 may be configured to periodically transmit capability information, or it may be configured to transmit capability information when the printer 10 is powered on. In this modification, the "information request transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0101] (Third Modification) In S12 of Figure 3, the terminal device 100 may transmit a signal requesting the transmission of information indicating whether or not the target printer supports SNMP, and then transmit a signal requesting the transmission of information indicating whether or not the target printer supports HTTPS.

[0102] (Fourth Modification) The second management table 38B of printer 10B does not need to include administrator privileges. In this case, printer 10B only needs to store one of the administrator authentication information AI1 and the general authentication information AI2. In this modification, S70 in Figure 5 can be omitted.

[0103] (Fifth Modification) As shown in Figure 9, the authentication table 40 may store the first administrator authentication information AI1 (user ID "U1", password "P1"), the general authentication information AI2 (user ID "public", password "public"), and the second administrator authentication information AI3 (user ID "U2", password "P2"). Alternatively, the content, OID, MIB value, first administrator privileges, and second administrator privileges may be associated and stored in the second management table 38B of the printer 10B. In this modification, the first administrator privileges indicate either "ON", which indicates that administrator authentication using the first administrator authentication information AI1 is required, or "OFF", which indicates that such administrator authentication is not required. Similarly, the second administrator privileges indicate either "ON", which indicates that administrator authentication using the second administrator authentication information AI3 is required, or "OFF", which indicates that such administrator authentication is not required. In this modification, the authorization table 140 of the terminal device 100 stores the content, OID, first administrator privileges, and second administrator privileges in association. In this modified version, at S70 in Figure 5, the CPU 132 determines whether the first administrator privilege associated with the target OID is "ON" in the privilege table 140. If the first administrator privilege is "ON", the CPU 132 displays an input field for entering the first administrator authentication information AI1 on the display unit 114. If the first administrator privilege is "OFF", the CPU 132 determines whether the second administrator privilege associated with the target OID is "ON" in the privilege table 140. If the second administrator privilege is "ON", the CPU 132 displays an input field for entering the second administrator authentication information AI3 on ​​the display unit 114. If the second administrator privilege is "OFF", the CPU 132 displays an input field for entering the first administrator authentication information AI1, the second administrator authentication information AI3, or general authentication information AI2 on the display unit 114.

[0104] (Sixth variation) The authentication method for administrator authentication or general authentication is not limited to HTTPS digest authentication or basic authentication. For example, an authentication method using SNMP (specifically SNMP SET command) may also be used.

[0105] (7th Modification) In case A2 of Figure 3, at T140, the terminal device 100 does not need to display a message prompting the user to enable HTTPS for printer 10B, nor does it need to highlight the printer name "PRB". In another modification, the terminal device 100 may display a message on the printer selection screen at T140 to confirm whether or not to enable HTTPS for printer 10B. In this modification, when the terminal device 100 receives an operation to enable HTTPS, it sends a signal to printer 10B requesting that HTTPS be enabled. In yet another modification, the terminal device 100 may send a signal to printer 10B requesting that HTTPS be enabled before T140, and then display a message on the printer selection screen to inform the user that HTTPS for printer 10B has been enabled.

[0106] (Variation 8) In the search process, the request for capability information and the communication of capability information may utilize mDNS (abbreviation for multicast Domain Name System), etc.

[0107] (9th variation) The "first communication device" and the "second communication device" are not limited to printers, but may be other devices such as scanners, facsimile machines, PCs, servers, etc.

[0108] (Tenth Modification) In the above embodiment, the CPU 132 executes programs 136 and 138 to realize the processes shown in Figures 3 to 8. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0109] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0110] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the terminal device in the following parts, namely: A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first setting command transmission unit transmits a first setting command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first setting command includes a first OID (Object ID) of the MIB (Management Information Base) and a first setting value, and the first setting command is a command that requests that the first setting value be written to the first management information of the first communication device in association with the first OID, A second setting command transmission unit transmits a second setting command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second setting command includes a second OID of the MIB and a second setting value, and the second setting command is a command requesting that the second setting value be written to the second management information of the second communication device in association with the second OID, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as an information request transmission unit that transmits an information request requesting the transmission of protocol information to the first communication device and the second communication device. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the first communication device. The computer program described in item 1, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device in response to the transmission of the information request to the second communication device. (Item 3) The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and The MIB includes a memory that stores, in association with each of the multiple OIDs of the aforementioned MIB, the OID and permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command containing the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. To make it function as, The computer program described in item 1 or 2, wherein the second setting command sending unit sends the second setting command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. (Item 4) The second protocol mentioned above is HTTPS (an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), The computer program described in item 3, which, upon receiving the first authentication command or the second authentication command, performs authentication in accordance with the HTTPS digest authentication method or basic authentication method. (Item 5) The terminal device includes a display unit, The second protocol information includes functional information indicating whether the second protocol is enabled or disabled. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, which functions as a third display control unit that displays notification information prompting the activation of the second protocol on the display unit when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and the function information contained in the second protocol information indicates that the second protocol is disabled. (Item 6) The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device using the first protocol. The second protocol information receiving unit is a computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, which receives the second protocol information from the second communication device using the first protocol. (Item 7) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first acquisition command transmission unit that transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes a third OID of the MIB, and the first acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the first communication device, When the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device, the first response command receiving unit receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device, A second acquisition command transmission unit transmits a second acquisition command to the second communication device in accordance with the second protocol when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction is obtained for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information, and a second setting command transmission unit When the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device, the second response command receiving unit receives a second response command from the second communication device, which includes the fourth setting value. A computer program described in any one of items 1 through 6 that functions as such. (Item 8) A computer program for a terminal device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the terminal device in the following parts, namely: A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first acquisition command transmission unit that transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes a third OID of the MIB, and the first acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the first communication device, When the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device, the first response command receiving unit receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device, A second acquisition command transmission unit transmits a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information, When the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device, the second response command receiving unit receives a second response command from the second communication device, which includes the fourth setting value. A computer program that functions as such. (Item 9) The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as an information request transmission unit that transmits an information request requesting the transmission of protocol information to the first communication device and the second communication device. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the first communication device. The computer program described in item 8, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the second communication device. (Item 10) The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and The MIB includes a memory that stores, in association with each of the multiple OIDs of the aforementioned MIB, the OID and permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the authentication information of the administrator of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command containing the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. To make it function as, The computer program described in item 8 or 9, wherein the second acquisition command transmission unit transmits the second acquisition command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. (Item 11) The second protocol mentioned above is HTTPS (an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), The computer program described in item 10, which, upon receiving the first authentication command or the second authentication command, performs authentication in accordance with the HTTPS digest authentication method or basic authentication method. (Item 12) The terminal device includes a display unit, The second protocol information includes functional information indicating whether the second protocol is enabled or disabled. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A computer program according to any one of items 8 to 11, which functions as a third display control unit that displays notification information prompting the activation of the second protocol on the display unit when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and the function information contained in the second protocol information indicates that the second protocol is disabled. (Item 13) The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device using the first protocol. The computer program described in any one of items 8 to 12, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device using the first protocol. (Item 14) The first protocol mentioned above is SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), The second protocol is HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), as described in any one of items 1 through 13. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 2: Communication system, 6: LAN, 10A: Printer, 10B: Printer, 34A: Non-volatile memory, 34B: Non-volatile memory, 36A: Volatile memory, 36B: Volatile memory, 38A: First management table, 38B: Second management table, 40: Authentication table, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 116: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: OS program, 138: Configuration application, 140: Authorization table, 150: Terminal device

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the terminal device in the following parts, namely: A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first setting command transmission unit transmits a first setting command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first setting command includes a first OID (abbreviation for Object ID) of the MIB (abbreviation for Management Information Base) and a first setting value, and the first setting command is a command that requests that the first setting value be written to the first management information of the first communication device in association with the first OID, A second setting command transmission unit transmits a second setting command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second setting command includes a second OID of the MIB and a second setting value, and the second setting command is a command that requests that the second setting value be written to the second management information of the second communication device in association with the second OID, To make it function as, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and The MIB includes a memory that stores, in association with each of the multiple OIDs, the OID and permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command including the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. To make it function as, The second setting command transmission unit transmits the second setting command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. Computer program.

2. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as an information request transmission unit that transmits an information request requesting the transmission of protocol information to the first communication device and the second communication device. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the first communication device. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the second communication device.

3. The second protocol mentioned above is HTTPS (an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second communication device, upon receiving the first authentication command or the second authentication command, performs authentication in accordance with the HTTPS digest authentication method or basic authentication method.

4. The second protocol information includes functional information indicating whether the second protocol is enabled or disabled, The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 1, which functions as a third display control unit that displays notification information prompting the activation of the second protocol on the display unit when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and the function information contained in the second protocol information indicates that the second protocol is disabled.

5. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device using the first protocol. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device using the first protocol.

6. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first acquisition command transmission unit transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes a third OID of the MIB, and the first acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the first communication device, When the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device, the first response command receiving unit receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device, A second acquisition command transmission unit transmits a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information, When the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device, the second response command receiving unit receives a second response command from the second communication device, which includes the fourth setting value. A computer program according to claim 1, which functions as such.

7. A computer program for a terminal device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the terminal device in the following parts, namely: A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first acquisition command transmission unit transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes a third OID of the MIB (abbreviation for Management Information Base), and the first acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the first communication device, When the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device, the first response command receiving unit receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device, A second acquisition command transmission unit transmits a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information, When the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device, the second response command receiving unit receives a second response command from the second communication device, which includes the fourth setting value. To make it function as, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and The MIB includes a memory that stores, in association with each of the multiple OIDs, the OID and permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the authentication information of the administrator of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command including the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. To make it function as, The second acquisition command transmission unit transmits the second acquisition command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. Computer program.

8. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, It functions as an information request transmission unit that transmits an information request requesting the transmission of protocol information to the first communication device and the second communication device. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the first communication device. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device in response to the information request being transmitted to the second communication device.

9. The second protocol mentioned above is HTTPS (an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the second communication device, upon receiving the first authentication command or the second authentication command, performs authentication in accordance with the HTTPS digest authentication method or basic authentication method.

10. The second protocol information includes functional information indicating whether the second protocol is enabled or disabled, The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The computer program according to claim 7, which functions as a third display control unit that displays notification information prompting the activation of the second protocol on the display unit when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and the function information contained in the second protocol information indicates that the second protocol is disabled.

11. The first protocol information receiving unit receives the first protocol information from the first communication device using the first protocol. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the second protocol information receiving unit receives the second protocol information from the second communication device using the first protocol.

12. The first protocol mentioned above is SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second protocol is HTTPS (an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure).

13. A terminal device, A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first setting command transmission unit transmits a first setting command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first setting command includes a first OID (abbreviation for Object ID) of the MIB (abbreviation for Management Information Base) and a first setting value, and the first setting command is a command that requests that the first setting value be written to the first management information of the first communication device in association with the first OID, A second setting command transmission unit transmits a second setting command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second setting instruction for transmitting a setting command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second setting command includes a second OID of the MIB and a second setting value, and the second setting command is a command that requests that the second setting value be written to the second management information of the second communication device in association with the second OID, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device further, Display unit and For each of the multiple OIDs of the aforementioned MIB, a memory is provided to store the OID in association with permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command including the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second setting instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the second OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. Equipped with, The second setting command transmission unit transmits the second setting command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. Terminal device.

14. A terminal device, A first protocol information receiving unit that receives first protocol information from a first communication device, wherein the first protocol information indicates that the first communication device supports a first protocol but does not support a second protocol, A second protocol information receiving unit that receives second protocol information from a second communication device different from the first communication device, wherein the second protocol information indicates that the second communication device supports both the first protocol and the second protocol, A first acquisition command transmission unit transmits a first acquisition command in accordance with the first protocol to the first communication device when the first protocol information is received from the first communication device and a first acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the first communication device is obtained, wherein the first acquisition command includes a third OID of the MIB (abbreviation for Management Information Base), and the first acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a third setting value associated with the third OID in the first management information of the first communication device, When the first acquisition command is transmitted to the first communication device, the first response command receiving unit receives a first response command including the third setting value from the first communication device, A second acquisition command transmission unit transmits a second acquisition command in accordance with the second protocol to the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device and a second acquisition instruction for transmitting an acquisition command to the second communication device is obtained, wherein the second acquisition command includes a fourth OID of the MIB, and the second acquisition command is a command requesting the transmission of a fourth setting value associated with the fourth OID in the second management information, When the second acquisition command is transmitted to the second communication device, the second response command receiving unit receives a second response command from the second communication device, which includes the fourth setting value. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device further, Display unit and For each of the multiple OIDs of the aforementioned MIB, a memory is provided to store the OID in association with permission information indicating whether or not administrator authentication is required. A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first input field for inputting the authentication information of the administrator of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is required. A first authentication command transmission unit transmits a first authentication command including the first authentication information to the second communication device when the first authentication information is entered into the first input field. A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second input field for inputting the administrator's authentication information or the authentication information of a general user of the second communication device when the second protocol information is received from the second communication device, the second acquisition instruction is obtained, and the authorization information associated with the fourth OID in the memory indicates that administrator authentication is not required. A second authentication command transmission unit transmits a second authentication command containing the second authentication information to the second communication device when the second authentication information is entered into the second input field. Equipped with, The second acquisition command transmission unit transmits the second acquisition command to the second communication device when it receives from the second communication device success information indicating that the first authentication information or the second authentication information has been successfully authenticated. Terminal device.

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