Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing program capable of supporting management via a network even though a device that does not support management via a network.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to: store a first virtual device that is virtually realized by using information about a first device and a second virtual device that is virtually realized by using information about a second device in the memory; acquire the information about the first device from the first device communicable with a communication unit of an own device, and reflect the acquired information about the first device in the first virtual device; acquire, through the first device, the information about the second device from the second device that is not communicable with the communication unit, and reflect the acquired information about the second device in the second virtual device; and use the information about the first device reflected in the first virtual device, and use the information about the second device reflected in the second virtual device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for managing vendor devices by multiple vendors. Patent Document 1 discloses a management apparatus for managing vendor devices by multiple vendors using a network management protocol, the management apparatus including: storage means for storing acquisition information for acquiring device information from the multiple vendor devices; acquisition means for acquiring device information from the multiple vendor devices based on the acquisition information; and management means for managing the device information acquired from the multiple vendor devices in association with each vendor, wherein the acquisition information includes location information of standard device information that can be commonly acquired from all of the multiple vendor devices and location information of extended device information that depends on each of the multiple vendors and can be acquired for each vendor device, the acquisition means acquires, from a first vendor device, standard device information based on the location information of the standard device information and first extended device information based on the location information of the extended device information of the first vendor device, and also acquires, from a second vendor device, standard device information based on the location information of the standard device information and second extended device information based on the location information of the extended device information of the second vendor device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is known a technology capable of managing a device via a network.

[0005] However, this technology does not work on all devices; it only functions on devices that support network-based management. Therefore, the technology could not be used on devices that did not support network-based management.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can enable network-based management even for devices that do not support network-based management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a memory and a processor, the processor storing in the memory a first virtual device virtually realized using information of a first device and a second virtual device virtually realized using information of a second device, the processor acquires information of the first device from the first device which can communicate with the communication unit of the device, and reflects the acquired information of the first device in the first virtual device, the processor acquires information of the second device from the second device which cannot communicate with the communication unit via the first device, and reflects the acquired information of the second device in the second virtual device, the processor utilizes the information of the first device reflected in the first virtual device and the processor utilizes the information of the second device reflected in the second virtual device.

[0008] In the information processing device according to the second embodiment, the processor receives information from the first device at the time of installation of the first device.

[0009] In the third aspect of the information processing apparatus, the processor acquires information about the second device upon receiving information about the installation of the first device.

[0010] In the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment, the processor in the information processing device according to the first embodiment receives information of the first device and information of the second device that the first device acquired from the second device at the time of installation of the first device, at the time of installation of the first device.

[0011] The information processing device according to the fifth embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment in which the processor stores the second device in association with the first device that acquires information about the second device.

[0012] The information processing device according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment, when the first device enters a predetermined state, the processor unlinks the first device from the second device, links the second device to another device, and makes it possible to obtain information about the second device from the other device.

[0013] The information processing device according to the seventh embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment in which the information of the first device and the information of the second device are management information-based information including billing information, toner level, paper level, parts replacement notification, consumable replacement notification, malfunction notification, or various device information.

[0014] The information processing device according to the eighth aspect is an information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor synchronizes information of the first virtual device between the first virtual device and the first device, and synchronizes information of the second device between the second virtual device and the second device, at predetermined timings.

[0015] In the information processing device according to the ninth embodiment, the processor, in the information processing device according to the first embodiment, reflects the information of the second device in the second virtual device if the information of the second device acquired satisfies predetermined requirements.

[0016] The information processing device according to the tenth embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment, wherein the information of the first device includes identification information that identifies the first device, and the information of the second device includes identification information that identifies the second device.

[0017] The information processing program according to the eleventh aspect causes a processor to store, in a memory, a first virtual device virtually realized using information of a first device and a second virtual device virtually realized using information of a second device, acquire information of the first device from the first device capable of communicating with a communication unit of its own device, reflect the acquired information of the first device in the first virtual device, acquire information of the second device from the second device incapable of communicating with the communication unit via the first device, reflect the acquired information of the second device in the second virtual device, use the information of the first device reflected in the first virtual device, and use the information of the second device reflected in the second virtual device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the first aspect and the eleventh aspect, even a device that does not support management via a network can be made to support management via a network.

[0019] According to the second aspect, the first device can be managed via a network from the time of installation of the first device.

[0020] According to the third aspect, the second device can be managed via a network after the installation of the first device.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect, the second device can be managed via a network from the time of installation of the first device.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect, the second device can be managed via the first device.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, the second device can be managed via another device switched from the first device.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the second device can be managed using a widely spread standard.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, a virtual device can be continuously managed based on information of a physical device.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect, only the target to be managed as a virtual device can be managed.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to identify which device the acquired information belongs to.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a system configuration diagram of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an example showing a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of management processing of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the flow of management processing of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an example of a table managed by the DS management unit of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an example of a table managed by the tenant management unit of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a system configuration diagram of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an example showing a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of switching processing of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the flow of switching processing of an information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of management processing of an information processing system according to a modification example. [Figure 14]This is a sequence diagram showing the management process flow of the information processing system related to the modified form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0030] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a first device 20, a second device 30, and a terminal device 40.

[0031] The information processing device 10 is a server that manages virtual devices that are virtually realized using information about actual devices that exist in reality. The information processing device 10 manages virtual devices using, for example, a DS (Digital Shadow) function. Here, the DS function holds the information and implements the interface necessary for managing the actual devices from a cloud service. Furthermore, the DS is a modeled virtual device that holds or executes functions that extend the functionality of the actual devices in cooperation with them. In this disclosure, the information processing device 10 may be referred to as "the device itself".

[0032] The first device 20 is a device that supports management via the network N. In other words, the first device 20 is a device that can communicate with the communication unit of the information processing device 10, which will be described later. The first device 20 is, for example, an image forming apparatus, network equipment, or precision equipment.

[0033] The second device 30 supports management via network N. handIt is a device that does not exist. In other words, the second device 30 is a device that cannot communicate with the communication unit of the information processing device 10, which will be described later. The first device 20 is, for example, an image forming apparatus, network equipment, or precision equipment. The second device 30 can communicate with the first device 20. Note that there may be multiple second devices 30.

[0034] The terminal device 40 is a device used to operate the information processing device 10 or to use the services provided by the information processing device 10. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, input unit 15, display unit 16, and communication interface (communication I / F) 17. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 19 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. Specifically, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a working area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or storage 14. In this embodiment, the ROM 12 or storage 14 stores an information processing program that manages the second device 30. In this disclosure, the ROM 12, RAM 13, or storage 14 may be referred to as memory.

[0037] ROM12 stores various programs and data. RAM13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage14 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0038] The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used for various types of input.

[0039] The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 16 may also function as an input unit 15 by employing a touch panel system.

[0040] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as databases, and standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® are used.

[0041] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 10 has a communication unit 101, a data processing unit 102, a WebAPI (Application Programming Interface) provision unit 103, a DS management unit 104, and a tenant management unit 105 as its functional configuration. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 11 reading an information processing program stored in the ROM 12 or storage 14, expanding it into the RAM 13, and executing it.

[0042] The communication unit 101 communicates with the first device 20 and the terminal device 40, etc., via the communication interface 17. The communication unit 101 obtains information about the first device 20 and information about the second device 30 from the first device 20. In this disclosure, the information about the first device 20 may be described as the installation data of the first device 20. In addition, in this disclosure, the information about the second device 30 may be described as the MIB (Management Information Base) of the second device 30 or the installation data of the second device 30.

[0043] The data processing unit 102 separates the information of the first device 20 from the information of the second device 30. That is, when the data processing unit 102 receives information from the first device 20 that integrates the information of the first device 20 and the information of the second device 30, it separates the information of the first device 20 from the information of the second device 30. The data processing unit 102 uses identification information to identify the device included in the information of the first device 20 or the information of the second device 30 to perform the separation.

[0044] The WebAPI provider unit 103 provides a WebAPI for managing virtual devices. The WebAPI provider unit 103 receives requests from terminal devices 40 or MPS (Managed Print Service) (not shown) and provides the WebAPI.

[0045] The DS management unit 104 manages virtual devices in the form of data or program objects. For example, the DS management unit 104 manages virtual devices using a device identification information table, a DS function correspondence list table, and a device synchronization data table. The tables managed by the DS management unit 104 will be described later in Figure 7.

[0046] The Tenant Management Unit 105 manages tenants. A tenant is, for example, a management unit for each customer or location. The Tenant Management Unit 105 manages tenants using, for example, each customer identification information table and a customer ID-DSID list table. The tables managed by the Tenant Management Unit 105 will be described later in Figure 8.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The terminal device 40 accesses the information processing device 10 via Web communication, including HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) communication, using a browser or the like. Specifically, the terminal device 40 accesses the DS management unit 104 and the tenant management unit 105 via the communication unit 101. The terminal device 40 may also access the information processing device 10 via, for example, the MPS. In this case, the MPS accesses the information processing device 10 using a Web API.

[0049] The DS Management Unit 104 or Tenant Management Unit 105 communicates with the first device 20 using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) or the like. The DS Management Unit 104 or Tenant Management Unit 105 obtains installation data from the first device 20 in order to construct the first virtual device 21, which is a virtual device virtually realized using the information of the first device 20. The installation data includes information about the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip, sysObjectID (sysOID, system OID), and identification information that identifies the device, such as an ID obtained by concatenating the serial number with the product code. The DS Management Unit 104 or Tenant Management Unit 105 may verify the authenticity of whether or not the device is under management based on the identification information. The DS Management Unit 104 or Tenant Management Unit 105 constructs the first virtual device 21 from the installation data of the first device 20. The DS Management Unit 104 or Tenant Management Unit 105 performs synchronization processing between the constructed first virtual device 21 and the first device 20. Here, "construction" refers to the process of creating an image of a virtual device and then reflecting the information of the actual device into that image. The DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105 may create the image of the virtual device in advance, or it may create it after acquiring the information of the actual device. For example, the DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105 may create an image of the virtual device before the actual device is shipped or installed, and then reflect the information of the actual device into the image after the actual device is installed.

[0050] Furthermore, the DS Management Unit 104 or the Tenant Management Unit 105 obtains the MIB of the second device 30 via the first device 20 in order to construct a second virtual device 31, which is a virtual device virtually realized using the information of the second device 30. In other words, the first device 20 obtains the MIB from the second device 30 and transmits it to the DS Management Unit 104 or the Tenant Management Unit 105. The DS Management Unit 104 or the Tenant Management Unit 105 constructs the second virtual device 31 from the MIB of the second device 30. The MIB includes billing information, toner level, paper level, parts replacement notification, consumable replacement notification, malfunction notification, or various device information. Also, if there are multiple second devices 30, a second virtual device 31 is constructed for each device. The DS Management Unit 104 or the Tenant Management Unit 105 performs synchronization processing between the constructed second virtual device 31 and the second device 30 via the first device 20.

[0051] Next, the operation of information processing system 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of management processing by the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The step numbers shown in Figure 5 are the same as or correspond to the step numbers shown in Figure 6, which will be described later.

[0052] In step S10, the first device 20 performs initial processing. Initial processing is performed, for example, when the first device 20 is newly installed. The first device 20 accepts the input of a customer ID from the user and generates installation data. The first device 20 may, for example, identify the customer ID from network information previously registered in the DS management unit 104 based on the connected network information. Here, the customer ID is a value used to identify the user who will use the first device 20. The information processing system 1 proceeds to step S102.

[0053] In step S102, the first device 20 transmits the customer ID and installation data of the first device 20 to the DS management unit 104. In other words, the DS management unit 104 obtains the customer ID and information about the first device 20 from the first device 20. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to steps S103 and S20.

[0054] In step S103, the DS management unit 104 constructs the first virtual device 21. For example, the DS management unit 104 may reflect the installation data of the first device 20 into the image after creating the image, or it may reflect the installation data of the first device 20 into an image that has been created in advance. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S104.

[0055] In step S104, the DS management unit 104 associates and stores the first device 20 and the first virtual device 21. For example, the DS management unit 104 assigns the same identification value to the first device 20 and the first virtual device 21, and stores them associated with each other. The DS management unit 104 uses the DSID, which is identification information that identifies the virtual device, as the identification value. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S105.

[0056] In step S105, the customer ID and the DSID of the first virtual device 21 are registered from the DS management unit 104 to the tenant management unit 105. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S106.

[0057] In step S106, the tenant management unit 105 associates and stores the first virtual device 21 with the customer ID. As will be described later in Figure 8, the tenant management unit 105 registers the DSID of the first virtual device 21 and the customer ID in the customer ID-DSID list table.

[0058] In step S20, the first device 20 searches for equipment in the second device 30. The first device 20 detects equipment on the network, for example, by broadcast communication. The first device 20 may perform the search periodically, or it may perform the search in response to communication from the second device 30 or the information processing device 10. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S21.

[0059] In step S21, the second device 30 transmits the device address to the first device 20 in response to the processing in step S20. The device address is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, or identification information to identify the device. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S22.

[0060] In step S22, the first device 20 collects installation data for the second device 30 from the second device 30. For example, the first device 20 may receive the installation data for the second device 30 from another first device (not shown) that is already installed. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S23.

[0061] In step S23, the second device 30 transmits installation data to the first device 20, corresponding to the processing in step S22. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S108.

[0062] In step S108, the first device 20 transmits the customer ID and the installation data of the second device 30 to the DS management unit 104. In other words, the DS management unit 104 acquires the installation data of the second device 30 via the first device 20. The first device 20 may store the date and time the installation data was collected, the collection interval, and the DSID of the collected device. The first device 20 may compare the previously acquired installation data with the currently acquired installation data and transmit only the difference to the DS management unit 104. Alternatively, the first device 20 may classify the installation data based on the type of installation data and update frequency information, and acquire and synchronize the data at different intervals for each classification. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S109.

[0063] In step S109, the DS management unit 104 constructs the second virtual device 31. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S110.

[0064] In step S110, the DS management unit 104 associates and stores the first virtual device 21 and the second virtual device 31. The DS management unit 104, for example, stores the DSIDs of each virtual device in a parent-child relationship in the DS function correspondence list table, as will be described later in Figure 7. The DS management unit 104, for example, associates the DSID of the first virtual device 21 with the second virtual device 31. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S111.

[0065] In step S111, the customer ID and the DSID of the second virtual device 31 are registered from the DS management unit 104 to the tenant management unit 105. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S112.

[0066] In step S112, the tenant management unit 105 associates and stores the second virtual device 31 with the customer ID. The information processing system 1 then terminates the management process.

[0067] As described above, through the processes in steps S10 and S102, the DS management unit 104 receives information about the first device 20 at the time of installation when performing the initial processing of the first device 20.

[0068] Furthermore, through the processing described in steps S102, S20 to S23, and S108, the DS management unit 104 acquires information about the second device 30, triggered by the reception of information regarding the installation of the first device 20.

[0069] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of management processing by the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. Management processing is performed when the CPU 11 reads a management program from the ROM 12 or storage 14, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it.

[0070] In step S101, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the first device 20 has been installed. If it determines that the first device 20 has been installed (step S101: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102. If it determines that the first device 20 has not been installed (step S101: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the first device 20 is installed.

[0071] In step S102, the CPU 11 obtains information about the first device 20 from the first device 20. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S103.

[0072] In step S103, the CPU 11 constructs the first virtual device 21. That is, the CPU 11 constructs the first virtual device 21 from the information of the first device 20 and stores the first virtual device 21 in memory. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S104.

[0073] In step S104, the CPU 11 associates and stores the first device 20 and the first virtual device 21. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S105.

[0074] In step S105, CPU 11 registers the customer ID and the DSID of the first virtual device 21. CPU 11 then proceeds to step S106.

[0075] In step S106, CPU 11 associates and stores the first virtual device 21 with the customer ID. CPU 11 then proceeds to step S107.

[0076] In step S107, the CPU 11 reflects the information of the first device 20 to the first virtual device 21. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S108.

[0077] In step S108, the CPU 11 obtains information from the second device 30 via the first device 20. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S109.

[0078] In step S109, the CPU 11 constructs the second virtual device 31. That is, the CPU 11 stores the second virtual device 31 in memory. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S110.

[0079] In step S110, the CPU 11 associates and stores the first virtual device 21 and the second virtual device 31. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S111.

[0080] In step S111, CPU 11 registers the customer ID and the DSID of the second virtual device 31. CPU 11 then proceeds to step S112.

[0081] In step S112, CPU 11 associates and stores the customer ID with the second virtual device 31. CPU 11 then proceeds to step S113.

[0082] In step S113, the CPU 11 reflects the information of the second device 30 to the second virtual device 31. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S114.

[0083] In step S114, the CPU 11 uses the information from the first device 20 that has been reflected in the first virtual device 21. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S115.

[0084] In step S115, the CPU 11 uses the information of the second device 30 that has been reflected in the second virtual device 31. The CPU 11 then terminates the management process.

[0085] As described above, through the processing from steps S101 to S115, the CPU 11 utilizes the information of the first device 20 reflected in the first virtual device 21 and the information of the second device 30 reflected in the second virtual device 31.

[0086] Figure 7 shows an example of a table managed by the DS management unit 104 of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The DS management unit 104 manages virtual devices using, for example, a device identification information table, a DS function correspondence list table, and a device synchronization data table.

[0087] Each device identification information table includes a DSID item, a DS name item, and a DS function presence / absence item. The DSID item stores the DSID. The DS name item stores the name of the virtual device. The DS function presence / absence item stores a value indicating whether or not the device supports DS functionality.

[0088] The DS function compatibility list table includes a parent DSID field and a child DSID field. The parent DSID field stores the DSID of the virtual device that manages other virtual devices. The child DSID field stores the DSID of the virtual device managed by the virtual device identified by the parent DSID.

[0089] Each device synchronization data table includes a DSID item, a model code item, a serial number item, and a total number of output surfaces item. The model code item stores a value indicating the model of the physical device corresponding to the virtual device. The serial number item stores the serial number, such as the manufacturing number, of the physical device corresponding to the virtual device. The total number of output surfaces item stores a value indicating the size or load of the virtual device, such as the number of files.

[0090] Figure 8 shows an example of a table managed by the tenant management unit 105 of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The tenant management unit 105 manages tenants using, for example, each customer identification information table and a customer ID-DSID list table.

[0091] Each customer identification information table includes a customer ID field and a customer name field. The customer ID field stores identification information for identifying a customer. The customer name field stores the name of the customer.

[0092] The Customer ID-DSID list table includes the Customer ID field and the DSID field.

[0093] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition to the method of the first embodiment, the method of the second embodiment performs a switching process to an alternative device if synchronization processing between the second device 30 and the second virtual device 31 via the first device 20 is not possible. The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, parts that have the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0094] Figure 9 is a system configuration diagram of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 shows a situation where synchronization processing between the second device 30 and the second virtual device 31 via the first device 20 is not possible. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, the first device 20, the second device 30, a terminal device 40, and a backup device 50. When synchronization processing between the second device 30 and the second virtual device 31 via the first device 20 is not possible, it may be due to, for example, a failure of the first device 20, unresponsiveness due to the first device 20 being in power-saving mode, or a failure in the network N to which the first device 20 is connected.

[0095] The replacement device 50 is a device that supports management via network N. In other words, the replacement device 50 is a device that can communicate with the communication unit 101 of the information processing device 10. That is, the replacement device 50 is a different first device from the first device 20. In this disclosure, the replacement device 50 may be referred to as another device.

[0096] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 shows that synchronization processing between the second device 30 and the second virtual device 31 is not possible via the first device 20 because synchronization processing between the first device 20 and the first virtual device 21 is not possible.

[0097] The DS Management Unit 104 or the Tenant Management Unit 105 constructs an alternative virtual device 51, which is a virtual device corresponding to the alternative device 50.

[0098] Furthermore, the DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105 uses the alternate virtual device 51 instead of the first virtual device 21. That is, in order to manage the second virtual device 31, the MIB of the second device 30 is obtained via the alternate device 50. In other words, the alternate device 50 obtains the MIB from the second device 30 and transmits it to the DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105. Then, the DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105 performs synchronization processing between the second virtual device 31 and the second device 30 via the alternate device 50.

[0099] Next, the operation of information processing system 1 will be explained. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the switching process by the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The step numbers shown in Figure 11 are the same as or correspond to the step numbers shown in Figure 12.

[0100] In step S204, the DS management unit 104 detects a communication failure from the first device 20. The DS management unit 104 determines that a communication failure has been detected, for example, if there is no response from the first device 20 or if the first device 20 enters a predetermined state. The predetermined states include, for example, no response, restarting, and alert state. The DS management unit 104 detects the communication failure, for example, by periodic polling or by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) trap notification. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S206.

[0101] In step S206, the DS Management Unit 104 searches the Tenant Management Unit 105 for the equipment list based on the customer ID. Specifically, the DS Management Unit 104 retrieves the DSID associated with the customer ID from the customer ID-DSID list table shown in Figure 8 above. The Information Processing System 1 then proceeds to step S207.

[0102] In step S207, the Tenant Management Unit 105 sends the equipment list to the DS Management Unit 104 in response to the processing in step S206. The Information Processing System 1 then proceeds to step S208.

[0103] In step S208, the DS management unit 104 extracts the replacement device 50 from the equipment list. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S209.

[0104] In step S209, the DS management unit 104 extracts the linked destination for the first device 20. That is, the DS management unit 104 obtains the child DSID linked to the parent DSID, which is the DSID of the first virtual device 21 corresponding to the first device 20, from the DS function correspondence list table in Figure 7 shown above. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S211.

[0105] In step S211, the DS management unit 104 stores the second device 30 and the substitute device 50 in association. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S212.

[0106] In step S212, the link is changed from the DS management unit 104 to the alternative device 50. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S60.

[0107] In step S60, the replacement device 50 stores a link between itself and the second device 30. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S61.

[0108] In step S61, the installation data of the second device 30 is collected from the replacement device 50 to the second device 30. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S62.

[0109] In step S62, the second device 30 transmits installation data of the second device 30 to the replacement device 50, corresponding to the processing in step S22. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S213.

[0110] In step S213, the replacement device 50 transmits the customer ID and installation data to the DS management unit 104. In other words, the DS management unit 104 obtains information about the second device 30 from the replacement device 50. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S214.

[0111] In step S214, the DS management unit 104 synchronizes the information of the second device 30 between the second virtual device 31 and the second device 30.

[0112] In step S70, the first device 20 is restored. For example, the first device 20 is restored by user repair or restart process. The information processing system 1 proceeds to step S22.

[0113] In step S22, the installation data of the second device 30 is collected from the first device 20 to the second device 30. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S23.

[0114] In step S23, the second device 30 transmits installation data of the second device 30 to the first device 20, corresponding to the processing in step S22. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S216.

[0115] In step S216, the first device 20 transmits the customer ID and installation data to the DS management unit 104. In other words, the DS management unit 104 obtains information about the second device 30 from the first device 20. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S217.

[0116] In step S217, the DS management unit 104 instructs the first device 20 to release the link. That is, the DS management unit 104 instructs the first device 20 to release the link between the first device 20 and the second device 30. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S71.

[0117] In step S71, the first device 20 stores that there is no link between the first device 20 and the second device 30. That is, the first device 20 releases the link between the first device 20 and the second device 30. The information processing system 1 terminates the switching process.

[0118] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the switching process flow by the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The CPU 11 reads the switching program from the ROM 12 or storage 14, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it, thereby performing the switching process.

[0119] In step S201, the CPU 11 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The CPU 11 may perform actions at predetermined intervals, including the execution of software updates for the first device 20. If it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S201: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S202. If it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S201: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0120] In step S202, the CPU 11 synchronizes the information of the first device 20 between the first virtual device 21 and the first device 20. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S203.

[0121] In step S203, the CPU 11 synchronizes the information of the second device 30 between the second virtual device 31 and the second device 30. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S204.

[0122] In step S204, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has detected a communication failure with the first device 20. The CPU 11 determines that a communication failure has been detected, for example, if there is no response from the first device 20 or if the first device 20 enters a predetermined state. If it determines that a communication failure with the first device 20 has been detected (step S204: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205. If it determines that a communication failure with the first device 20 has not been detected (step S204: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S201.

[0123] In step S205, CPU 11 obtains the customer ID associated with the first device 20. CPU 11 then proceeds to step S206.

[0124] In step S206, the CPU 11 searches for the device list using the customer ID. The device list is, for example, a list of devices that the first device 20 can communicate with via broadcast communication. For example, the CPU 11 obtains and registers a list of devices that the first device 20 communicated with in step S20 of Figure 5 from the first device 20. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S207.

[0125] In step S207, CPU11 obtains the device list. CPU11 then proceeds to step S208.

[0126] In step S208, the CPU 11 extracts a replacement device 50 from the device list. For example, the CPU 11 sets a device that has responded to communication from among the devices listed in the device list as the replacement device 50. The CPU 11 extracts a substitute device using information that includes information representing units to which communication can reach, such as subnets, locations, or floors. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S209.

[0127] In step S209, the CPU 11 extracts the destination of the first device 20. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S210.

[0128] In step S210, the CPU 11 unlinks the second device 30 from the first device 20. The CPU 11 deletes the rows for the parent DSID, which is the DSID of the first virtual device 21 corresponding to the first device 20, and the child DSID, which is the DSID of the second virtual device 31 corresponding to the second device 30, from the DS function correspondence list table shown in Figure 7 above. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S211.

[0129] In step S211, the CPU 11 associates and stores the second device 30 and the substitute device 50. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S212.

[0130] In step S212, the CPU 11 changes the association to the alternative device 50. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S213.

[0131] In step S213, the CPU 11 obtains information about the second device 30 from the substitute device 50. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S214.

[0132] In step S214, the CPU 11 synchronizes the information of the second device 30 between the second virtual device 31 and the second device 30. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S215.

[0133] In step S215, the CPU 11 determines whether the first device 20 has recovered. If it determines that the first device 20 has recovered (step S215: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S216. If it determines that the first device 20 has not recovered (step S215: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the switching process.

[0134] In step S216, the CPU 11 obtains information about the second device 30 from the first device 20. That is, the CPU 11 determines that the first device 20 has recovered because the first device 20 has transmitted information about the second device 30. The CPU 11 then proceeds to step S217.

[0135] In step S217, the CPU 11 instructs the first device 20 to unlink from the second device 30. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the first device 20 to unlink from the second device 30. The CPU 11 then terminates the switching process.

[0136] As described above, when the first device 20 reaches a predetermined state through the processing from step S204 to step S213, the link between the first device 20 and the second device 30 is released, and the substitute device 50 is linked to the second device 30, making it possible to obtain information about the second device 30 from the substitute device 50.

[0137] Furthermore, through the processing from step S201 to step S203, the information of the first device 20 is synchronized between the first virtual device 21 and the first device 20 at predetermined timings, and the information of the second device 30 is synchronized between the second virtual device 31 and the second device 30.

[0138] [Differentiation] The information processing device 10 of the first and second embodiments has been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various improvements or modifications are possible.

[0139] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of management processing by the information processing system 1. More specifically, Figure 13 shows the flow of management processing when the installation data of the first device 20 and the installation data of the second device 30 are integrated and transmitted to the information processing device 10. Note that the same processing as in the flowchart of Figure 5 is omitted from the description. Information processing system 1 executes steps S10 and S20 through S23. Information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the first device 20 integrates the installation data of the first device 20 and the installation data of the second device 30. The first device 20 may also perform a data format conversion. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the first device 20 transmits installation data, integrated with the customer ID, to the DS management unit 104. In other words, the DS management unit 104 acquires information that integrates the installation data of the first device 20 and the installation data of the second device 30. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the DS management unit 104 separates the integrated installation data into installation data for the first device 20 and installation data for the second device 30. The DS management unit 104 separates the data based on the identification information contained in the installation data. The DS management unit 104 may also perform a data format conversion. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S103. Information processing system 1 executes steps S103, S105, S106, S109, S111, S104, S110, and S112. Information processing system 1 then completes the management process. As described above, through the processing in steps S10, S20 to S23, S30 and S31, the DS management unit 104 receives information about the first device 20 and information about the second device 30 that the first device 20 acquired from the second device 30 when the first device 20 was installed.

[0140] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of management processing by the information processing system 1. Specifically, Figure 14 shows the flow of management processing when the second device 30 is installed after the first device 20 has been installed. Note that the same processes as those in the flowchart of Figure 5 are omitted from the description. In step S40, the second device 30 performs initial processing. Initial processing is performed, for example, when the second device 30 is newly installed. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the second device 30 notifies the first device 20. The second device 30, for example, sends an SNMP trap notification, a notification informing that it has been added to the network, or a request to build a virtual device. The information processing system 1 then proceeds to step S20. Information processing system 1 executes steps S20 through S24, S109, S108, S110, and S112. Information processing system 1 then terminates the management process.

[0141] Regarding the process in step S108 in Figure 5, the first device 20 may execute step S108 only after the process in step S105 has been completed. That is, the DS management unit 104 or the tenant management unit 105 sends a registration completion response to the first device 20 after executing the process in step S105 or step S106. Then, after receiving the registration completion response, the first device 20 sends the customer ID and installation data.

[0142] The information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment may reflect the information of the second device 30 to the second virtual device 31 if the information of the second device 30 meets predetermined requirements. Here, predetermined requirements include being registered in advance as equipment that should be managed under contract. The information processing device 10 determines whether the predetermined requirements are met, for example, based on the encryption key or password set in advance included in the TPM, which is installation data.

[0143] The above process can also be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits. In this case, it may be executed on a single piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0144] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0145] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0146] Furthermore, the program for operating the information processing device 10 may be provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in memory or storage. This program may also be provided, for example, as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the information processing device 10.

[0147] [Note] The following are preferred forms of this disclosure.

[0148] (((1))) Memory and Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The first virtual device, which is virtually realized using the information of the first device, and the second virtual device, which is virtually realized using the information of the second device, are stored in the memory. The device acquires information from the first device, which is capable of communicating with the communication unit of the device, and reflects the acquired information from the first device in the first virtual device. Information about the second device is obtained from the second device, which is unable to communicate with the communication unit, via the first device, and the obtained information about the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. Using the information of the first virtual device reflected in the first virtual device, and using the information of the second virtual device reflected in the second virtual device Information processing device.

[0149] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, The information of the first device is received at the time of installation of the first device. The information processing device described in (((1))).

[0150] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, The information of the second device is acquired when information is received regarding the installation of the first device. The information processing device described in (((1))) or (((2))).

[0151] (((4))) The aforementioned processor, The information of the first device and the information of the second device that the first device obtained from the second device at the time of installation of the first device are received at the time of installation of the first device. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0152] (((5))) The aforementioned processor, The second device is stored in association with the first device that acquires information about the second device. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((4))).

[0153] (((6))) The aforementioned processor, When the first device reaches a predetermined state, the link between the first device and the second device is released, and the second device is linked to another device, making it possible to obtain information about the second device from that other device. The information processing device described in (((5))).

[0154] (((7))) The information of the first device and the information of the second device are management information-based information including billing information, toner level, paper level, parts replacement notification, consumable replacement notification, malfunction notification, or various device information. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((6))).

[0155] (((8))) The aforementioned processor, At predetermined timings, the first virtual device and the first device synchronize the information of the first device, and the second virtual device and the second device synchronize the information of the second device. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((7))).

[0156] (((9))) The aforementioned processor, If the acquired information from the second device meets predetermined requirements, the information from the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((8))).

[0157] (((10))) The information of the first device includes identification information that identifies the first device, and the information of the second device includes identification information that identifies the second device. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((9))).

[0158] (((11))) The first virtual device, which is virtually realized using the information of the first device, and the second virtual device, which is virtually realized using the information of the second device, are stored in memory. The device acquires information from the first device, which is capable of communicating with the communication unit of the device, and reflects the acquired information from the first device in the first virtual device. Information about the second device is obtained from the second device, which is unable to communicate with the communication unit, via the first device, and the obtained information about the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. Using the information of the first virtual device reflected in the first virtual device, and using the information of the second virtual device reflected in the second virtual device An information processing program that instructs a processor to perform a task.

[0159] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0160] According to (((1))) and (((11))), even devices that do not support network-based management can be made to support network-based management.

[0161] According to (((2))), the first device can be managed via the network from the time of installation.

[0162] According to (((3))), the second device can be managed via the network after the first device has been installed.

[0163] According to (((4))), the second device can be managed via the network from the time the first device is installed.

[0164] According to (((5))), the second device can be controlled via the first device.

[0165] According to (((6))), the second device can be managed via another device switched from the first device.

[0166] According to (((7))), the second device can be managed using widely adopted standards.

[0167] According to ((8)), virtual devices can be continuously managed based on information from the actual devices.

[0168] According to (((9))), only objects that should be managed as virtual devices can be managed.

[0169] According to (((10))), it is possible to identify which device the acquired information belongs to. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 20 First device 21 First Virtual Device 30 Second device 31 Second Virtual Device 40 Terminal devices 50 Alternative equipment 51 Alternative Virtual Devices

Claims

1. Memory and Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The memory stores a first virtual device, which is virtually realized using information from the first device, and a second virtual device, which is virtually realized using information from a second device connected to the same network as the first device. The device acquires information from the first device, which is capable of communicating with the communication unit of the device, and reflects the acquired information from the first device in the first virtual device. Information about the second device is obtained from the second device, which is unable to communicate with the communication unit, via the first device, and the obtained information about the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. Using the information of the first virtual device reflected in the first virtual device, and using the information of the second virtual device reflected in the second virtual device Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, The information of the first device is received at the time of installation of the first device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The information of the second device is acquired when information is received regarding the installation of the first device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, The information of the first device and the information of the second device that the first device obtained from the second device at the time of installation of the first device are received at the time of installation of the first device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned processor, The second device is stored in association with the first device that acquires information about the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned processor, When the first device reaches a predetermined state, the link between the first device and the second device is released, and the second device is linked to another device, making it possible to obtain information about the second device from that other device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The information of the first device and the information of the second device are management information-based information including billing information, toner level, paper level, parts replacement notification, consumable replacement notification, malfunction notification, or various device information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned processor, At predetermined timings, the first virtual device and the first device synchronize the information of the first device, and the second virtual device and the second device synchronize the information of the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned processor, If the acquired information from the second device meets predetermined requirements, the information from the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The information of the first device includes identification information that identifies the first device, and the information of the second device includes identification information that identifies the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A first virtual device, virtually realized using information from the first device, and a second virtual device, virtually realized using information from a second device connected to the same network as the first device, are stored in memory. The device acquires information from the first device, which is capable of communicating with the communication unit of the device, and reflects the acquired information from the first device in the first virtual device. Information about the second device is obtained from the second device, which is unable to communicate with the communication unit, via the first device, and the obtained information about the second device is reflected in the second virtual device. Using the information of the first virtual device reflected in the first virtual device, and using the information of the second virtual device reflected in the second virtual device An information processing program that causes a processor to perform a task.

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