JP4011971B2 - Network device management apparatus, network device management method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network device management apparatus, a network device management method, and a storage medium that manage a plurality of devices connected to a network by remote operation via the network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a number of attempts have been made by many standard organizations as a method for managing devices on a network constituting a large-scale network system. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides a general reference framework called the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.
[0003]
Here, the OSI model of the network management protocol is called a common management information protocol (CWIP). CMIP is a European common network management protocol.
[0004]
Also, in recent years, as a more common network management protocol, there is a variant protocol related to CMIP called Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Aiming at practical management " T.A. Rose = work / Takeshi Nishida = translation It is described in the first edition August 20, 1992 published by Toppan Corporation.
[0005]
According to this SNMP network management technology, a network management system includes at least one network management station (NMS), several managed nodes each including an agent, and management stations and agents for exchanging management information. Contains the network management protocol to use.
[0006]
The user can obtain data on the network and change data to be set by communicating with the agent software on the managed node using the network management software on the NMS. Has been.
[0007]
Here, the agent is software that runs as a background process for each target device.
[0008]
In this case, when the user requests management data from a device on the network, the management software puts object identification information in a management packet or frame and sends it to the target agent. Then, the agent interprets the object identification information, extracts data corresponding to the object identification information, puts the data in a packet, and sends it back to the user. Sometimes the corresponding process is invoked to retrieve the data.
[0009]
Further, the agent holds data regarding its own state in the form of a database. This database is called MIB (Management information Base). The MIB has a tree-structured data structure, and all nodes are uniquely numbered. This identifier of the node is called an object identifier (OBJECT IDENTIFIER).
[0010]
The structure of this MIB is called a management information structure (SMI: Structure of Management Information), and is specified in RFCCl155 Structure and Identification of Management Information TCP / IP-based Information.
[0011]
Next, the SNMP protocol will be described in detail.
[0012]
A PC (hereinafter referred to as a manager) on which network management utility software is operating communicates with a managed network device (hereinafter referred to as an agent) on which an SNMP agent is operating using the SNMP protocol. There are five types of commands in the SNMP protocol, which are called GetRequest, GetNextRequest, GetResponse, SetRequest, and Trap, respectively.
[0013]
GetRequest and GetNextRequest are commands that the manager sends to the agent in order for the manager to acquire the value of the MIB object of the agent. Upon receiving this command, the agent notifies the MIB object value (setting value) by sending a GetResponse command to the manager.
[0014]
On the other hand, SetRequest is a command that the manager sends to the agent in order for the manager to set the value of the MIB object of the agent. Upon receiving this command, the agent sends a GetResponse command to the manager in order to notify the manager of the setting result.
[0015]
Trap is a command that the agent sends to the manager in order for the agent to notify the manager of changes in its own state.
[0016]
Information exchanged by the SNMP protocol is diverse, but typical information includes communication-related information such as various settings of a network interface on which an agent operates, a statistical history of communication, and a current state.
[0017]
In addition, there is a lot of information related to devices connected to the network interface by the network interface.
[0018]
For example, in the case of a network printer, it is information on the operating state, performance, and equipment of the printer body.
[0019]
Various settings of the network interface exchanged between the agent and the manager by the SNMP protocol include settings of communication media level such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and Token Ring (frame type, etc.), IP address used in the TCP / IP network , Subnet mask, default gateway IP address, and the like.
[0020]
The manager inquires the agent about the current setting value through GetRequest or GetNextRequest described above, and the agent responds with GetResponse in response thereto.
[0021]
Also, the setting value edited on the manager side is transmitted to the agent side by SetRequest, and the agent changes appropriate settings such as the network interface.
[0022]
In this way, a physical user for setting a network device can be configured by performing various settings by communication between a manager outside the device and an agent incorporated in the device on the device side (having no user interface). Without providing an interface, it is possible to realize a network device remote management system that is very easy to use by using a graphical user interface (GUI) of a system (for example, a personal computer) that operates on the manager side.
[0023]
By using the SNMP protocol, it is possible not only to set the network or device parameters as described above, but also to issue a certain instruction from the manager to the device.
[0024]
For example, when a manager changes the value of a certain MIB object to a specified value, if the agent takes a specific action pre-associated with that value, it takes that action from the manager to the agent. Equivalent to giving instructions.
[0025]
For example, consider a virtual MIB object called canPrtPerfreshPrint given the definition in FIG. When this object is used for an agent installed in the network interface of a printer, it usually takes the value of testPrintPerfNone (1), but if the manager changes the value of this object to testPrintPerfNetworkConfig (2), the agent sets the parameter for network settings. The printer is instructed to print out the list. While the test print is being performed, this object continues to take the value of testPrintPerfNetworkConfig (2) and the manager cannot change it to any other value.
[0026]
When the test print is finished, the agent returns the value to testPrintPerfNone (1) again.
[0027]
Similarly, when the manager changes the value of this object to testPrintPerfPDLParams (3), the agent instructs the printer to print out a list of PDL (page description language) default setting values, and the agent prints TestPrintPerfFontList (4 ), The printer is instructed to print out a list of font names in which data is mounted on the printer.
[0028]
A typical network device remote management program using the SNMP protocol has a user interface as shown in FIG.
[0029]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in this type of information processing apparatus.
[0030]
In FIG. 11, there is a device list 501 that displays a list of network devices to be managed connected to the network.
[0031]
In a conventional remote management program, a user selects one device from a plurality of devices displayed in the device list 501 and performs a desired management operation.
[0032]
For example, a Status tab 504, a Features tab 505, and a Setup tab 506 appearing in FIG. 11 display the following detailed information regarding the device selected in the device list.
[0033]
In FIG. 11, a Status tab 504 displays the status of the device. For example, if an error has occurred, the type of error is displayed to alert the user.
[0034]
The Features tab 505 displays the setting state of the device equipment information. For example, in the case of a network printer, this is information such as the size and remaining amount of paper loaded in each cassette of the printer, the presence / absence of a duplex printing unit, and page description language support.
[0035]
The Setup tab 506 displays the setting status of the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway address, etc. in the TCP / IP system when setting the network interface.
[0036]
Further, when the network control is a NetWare system, settings of print applications such as PSERVER and NPRINTER are included.
[0037]
From the information displayed on these tabs, the user can obtain information about the device and set the network interface.
[0038]
By the way, it is not always necessary to use the SNMP protocol entirely in the network device remote management program. For example, in some cases, such as the above-described Jobs tab, an API (Application Program Interface) used in a network OS such as NetWare or Windows (registered trademark) NT may be used, or a device-specific special feature may be used. Other protocols may be used.
[0039]
In addition, there are devices that support a function capable of updating firmware from a remote management program. As a method, (1) a method of transferring a firmware image file to the device using a unique protocol, (2 ) A method for transferring a firmware image file to a file system inside the device by using an existing protocol such as FTP (if the file is FTP copied to a specific directory, this file is expanded in the RAM after reset and operated. Etc. are considered.
[0040]
Further, in the remote management program, a menu bar as shown in FIG. 11 or an alternative to it is often available. FIG. 12 exemplifies what options are prepared for the menu “Device”.
[0041]
In FIG. 12, an item “TestPrint” instructs the device selected on the device list to output a test print using the SNMP protocol as described above.
[0042]
In “Flash Network Board...”, When the user selects this, a dialog (not shown) is displayed, and the user can specify a new firmware image file. The firmware of the device selected on the device list is updated by the file specified by the user.
[0043]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in a remote management program for network devices, functions such as test printing and remote updating of device firmware are applied to one device selected on a device list on a setting screen provided by a user interface. Only.
[0044]
In reality, however, the user often wants to simultaneously perform the same operation on a plurality of devices on the network.
[0045]
For example, if there is a firmware update for a certain model, it is necessary to update the firmware for all models connected to the network. In such a case, the user selects the device in the device list. However, the step of selecting the menu “Flash Network Board...” And selecting the firmware image file has to be performed for each device, which is troublesome.
[0046]
Also, when several new devices are introduced to the network at the same time, it may be necessary to output test prints of multiple devices. Even in this case, select the device in the device list and select the “Test Print” menu. There is a problem that the step of selecting the device has to be taken for each device, which is also troublesome and extremely inconvenient.
[0047]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it is determined that there is a printing device corresponding to at least one remote test print command among the selected printing devices. Remote test print for a plurality of selected devices based on the operation of the instruction unit displayed adaptively when the selected device is determined to have multiple types of devices among the selected devices. Or a mechanism capable of transmitting a command for remotely distributing firmware.
[0048]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The network device management apparatus according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
In a network device management apparatus that manages a plurality of printing devices connected to a network by remote operation via the network, device display means for displaying a list of printing devices to be managed on a user interface, and the device display Selecting means for selecting a plurality of printing devices from the printing devices displayed by the means, and whether there is a printing device corresponding to a remote test print command among the printing devices selected by the selecting means, And a determination unit that determines whether the print device selected by the selection unit includes only a device of the same type as a print device corresponding to a firmware remote distribution command; At least one remote test in the selected printing device When it is determined that there is a printing device corresponding to the print command, the remote test print command instruction unit is effectively displayed, the instruction unit is displayed in an instructionable state, and the determination unit selects the selection unit. If it is determined that there are a plurality of types of devices, the print instruction unit display means for displaying the instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of firmware in an unusable manner and the instruction for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware In response to the detection means detecting that the detection means has detected that there has been a single instruction via a detection means for detecting that the copy is designated, and a designation section for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware. Remote test print command or firmware is remotely distributed to selected devices A command and having a control means for transmitting in order to execute in the plurality of devices.
[0049]
The network device management method according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
A device display step of displaying a list of print devices to be managed on a user interface in a network device management method in a network device management apparatus for managing a plurality of print devices connected to a network by remote operation via the network A selection step of selecting a plurality of printing devices from the printing devices displayed by the device display step, and printing corresponding to a remote test print command in the printing devices selected by the selection step A determination step of determining whether there is a device and whether there is only a device of the same type as a print device corresponding to a firmware remote delivery command among the print devices selected in the selection step; , The print data selected in the selection step If it is determined that there is a printing device that supports at least one remote test print command in the chair, the remote test print command instruction section is displayed effectively, and the instruction section is displayed in an instructionable manner. If the determination step determines that there are a plurality of types of devices among the devices selected by the selection step, a print instruction unit display step for displaying the instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of firmware as unusable, and a test A detecting step for detecting that an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of prints or firmware has been instructed, and a step of detecting that there has been one instruction via an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware In response to the remote test print command for a plurality of selected devices, Details, characterized in that and a control step of transmitting in order to execute a command to the remote transmission of firmware in the plurality of devices.
[0059]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system to which a network management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to an example of a network system to which devices managed by network management software are connected. To do.
[0060]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network board (NB), which connects a printer 102 having an open architecture to a network. The NB 101 is connected to the local area network (LAN) 100 via a LAN interface such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface 10Base2 having a coaxial connector and a 10BaseT having an RJ-45.
[0061]
A plurality of personal computers (PCs) such as the PC 103 and the PC 104 are also connected to the LAN 100, and the PC 103 and the PC 104 can communicate with the NB 101 under the control of the network operating system.
[0062]
Therefore, one of the PCs, for example, the PC 103 can be used for network management. A local printer such as the printer 105 connected to the PC 104 may be connected.
[0063]
A file server 106 is connected to the LAN 100, and the file server 106 manages access to files stored in a network disk 107 having a large capacity (for example, about 10 billion bytes).
[0064]
The print server 108 causes a plurality of connected printers 109 or printers such as the remote printer 105 to perform printing. Also, other peripheral devices (not shown) may be connected to the LAN 100.
[0065]
The file server 106 serves as a file management unit that receives, stores, queues, caches, and transmits files between LAN members.
[0066]
For example, the data files created by each of the PC 103 and PC 104 are sent to the file server 106. The file server 106 arranges these data files in order, and the arranged data files are sorted according to a command from the print server 108. Send to one of the printers 109.
[0067]
The PC 103 as a client and the PC 104 as a remote printer each generate a data file, send the generated data file to the LAN 100, receive a file from the LAN 100, display these files, and / or It can perform processing and is configured by a general personal computer.
[0068]
Although personal computer equipment is shown in FIG. 1, other computer equipment suitable for executing network software may be included. For example, if you are using UNIX® software, you may include UNIX® workstations in your network, and these workstations, together with the illustrated PC, under appropriate circumstances. Can be used.
[0069]
Typically, a LAN, such as LAN 100, provides services to a relatively local user group, such as a user group on one floor in a building or multiple consecutive floors.
[0070]
For example, a wide area network (WAN) may be created as a user moves away from another user, such as when the user is in another building or prefecture.
[0071]
A WAN is basically an aggregate formed by connecting several LANs with a high-speed digital line such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN).
[0072]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the LAN 100, the LAN 110, and the LAN 120 are connected via the modem / transponder 130 and the backbone 140 to form a WAN.
[0073]
Each LAN includes a dedicated PC, and may include a file server and a print server as necessary.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 1, the LAN 110 includes PCll, PCl12, a file server 113, a network disk 114, a print server 115, and a printer 116. In contrast, it includes only LAN 120, PC 121 and PC 122. Devices connected to the LAN 100, the LAN 110, and the LAN 120 can access the functions of devices connected to other LANs via the WAN connection.
[0075]
Also, the WWW server 150 is connected to the LAN 100, and an HTML document generated by the network management software installed on the WWW server 150 is displayed using a WWW browser installed on the PC 103, or the PC 103 Printer settings made on the above WWW browser can also be transmitted to a specific printer via the network management software on the WWW server 150.
[0076]
More specifically, the network shown in FIG. 1 can use network software such as Novell or UNIX (registered trademark) software in order to efficiently communicate between various network members. Although any network software can be used, for example, Novell's NetWare (registered trademark of Novell) software can be used. A detailed description of this software package can be found in the online documentation included with the Netware package. This can be purchased with the NetWare package from Novell.
[0077]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the client 103 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0078]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 103 denotes a PC on which network management software runs, and is equivalent to the PC (client) 103 in FIG.
[0079]
The PC 103 includes a CPU 201 that executes a network management program stored in the ROM 202 or the hard disk (HD) 211 or supplied from the floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) 212. Overall control.
[0080]
Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory and work area of the CPU 201. A keyboard controller (KBC) 205 controls an instruction input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 206 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 210.
[0081]
A disk controller (DKC) 207 is used to access a hard disk (HD) 211 and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) 212 that store a boot program, various applications, editing files, user files, a network management program, and the like. Control. A network interface card (NIC) 208 exchanges data bidirectionally with an agent or a network device via the LAN 100.
[0082]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the module configuration of network management software (software of a network device remote management apparatus) in the network management apparatus according to the present invention. Note that the network management software 300 according to the present invention is stored in the hard disk 211 (may be another storage medium) shown in FIG. At that time, the CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a work area.
[0083]
In FIG. 3, an overall control unit 301 manages the operation of the entire software. When this software is started, control is first transferred to this part. After startup, the overall control unit 301 first instructs the device list display unit 302 and the device detailed information display unit 303 to perform initialization.
[0084]
The device list display unit 302 and the device detailed information display unit 303 initialize themselves, and simultaneously instruct the device search unit 304 and the device specific information acquisition setting unit 305 to perform initialization.
[0085]
When the initialization is completed, the overall control unit 301 instructs the device list display unit 302 to internally generate and display a device list, and the device list display unit 302 that has received the instruction instructs the device search unit 304 to search for a device. That is, it instructs to detect a device to be managed that exists in the network.
[0086]
Next, when the device search unit 304 generates information necessary for the search packet and passes it to the SNMP protocol processing layer 306, the SNMP protocol processing layer 306 converts the information passed from the device search unit 304 into an SNMP packet, Further, it is passed to the lower TCP / IP protocol processing layer 307.
[0087]
As a result, when the TCP / IP protocol processing layer 307 passes the information passed from the SNMP protocol processing unit 306 as an IP packet to the physical network access layer 308, the physical network access layer 308 passes the passed information on to the Ethernet. It is transmitted to such network media and receives a response from the device. The received information is transmitted in the opposite direction as described above, and reaches the device list display section 302 as a device search result.
[0088]
The device list display unit 302 that has obtained the search result from the device search unit 304 instructs the device specific information acquisition setting unit 305 to obtain the profile information of the detected device. Here, the profile information includes a device name, a device type, an address, and a device status.
[0089]
The device specific information acquisition setting unit 305 instructs the SNMP protocol processing layer 306 to acquire the value of the MIB object having profile information. This instruction is sequentially transmitted to the TCP / IP protocol processing layer 307 and the physical network access layer 308 in the same manner as performed in the above-described device search, and the response from the device traces each layer in the reverse direction, and device-specific information. This is transmitted to the acquisition setting unit 305.
[0090]
Upon receiving the device profile information from the device specific information acquisition setting unit 305, the device list display unit 302 internally generates a device list, and further displays the device list 503 on the user interface shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the CRT 210 shown in FIG.
[0091]
Here, different icons are used depending on the type of device. In addition, a device name or a MAC address is displayed for a device for which no device name is defined under the icon.
[0092]
Note that the device search unit 304 searches for a device not only at startup but also periodically thereafter, and notifies the device list display unit 302 of the result each time. The device list display unit 302 updates the device list 503 on the internal and user interfaces according to the received result.
[0093]
When the user selects an icon on the device list 503, this information is transmitted to the overall control unit 301, and the overall control unit 301 displays the detailed information of the selected device on the device detailed information display unit 303 accordingly. Instruct them to do so. The device detailed information has the above three types (Status 504, Features 505, Setup 506).
[0094]
The remote management software supports the menu shown in the menu bar 501 shown in FIG. When the “Device” pull-down menu is clicked, items as shown in FIG. 5 are further displayed. Depending on the selected device, only items supported by the device are active and can be selected by the user, and the other items are grayed out. It is assumed that the device currently selected in the device list supports “Test Print”.
[0095]
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the structure of the “Device” pull-down menu of the menu bar 501 shown in FIG.
[0096]
In FIG. 5, when the user selects “Test Print” in the “Device” menu, the remote management software requests the agent on the network to output a test print describing each item of the network setting. To do.
[0097]
This is done using the MIB object shown in FIG. 10 supported by the agent. That is, when the user selects the “TestPrint” menu, the remote management software passes the device detailed information display unit 303 shown in FIG. Change the value of the instance to the value of testPrintPerfNetworkConfig (2).
[0098]
As a result, the test print can be output to the device (here, the network printer) as described above.
[0099]
When the user selects the “Flash Network Board...” Item of the “Device” menu shown in FIG. 5, the dialog shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the CRT 210 shown in FIG. When an image is selected, the firmware of the currently selected device is remotely updated with that data.
[0100]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flash network board displayed on the CRT 210 illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0101]
As described above, the remote update of the firmware uses a special protocol, uses the FTP protocol, or varies depending on a device, but the method itself is not essential to the present invention, and thus the details are omitted.
[0102]
By the way, there is an item “Select Devices By ...” in the “Device” menu. When the user selects this item, a dialog as shown in FIG. 7 appears.
[0103]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of Select Devices By displayed on the CRT 210 illustrated in FIG. 2, and the user can select a plurality of devices by any one of the following three methods.
[0104]
In FIG. 7, when “By Type” is selected, all devices of the same type as the currently selected device are selected.
[0105]
When “IP Address” is selected, all devices within the specified IP address range are selected.
[0106]
Further, when “MAC Address...” Is selected, all devices having the same MAC address vendor code as the currently selected device are selected. Note that the display example shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to a state in which “By Type” is currently selected (the check button CB1 in the check buttons CB1 to CB3 is highlighted).
[0107]
When the dialog shown in FIG. 7 is closed, the backgrounds of the icons of the selected devices on the device list 503 shown in FIG. (That is, when one device is normally selected, the entire background is colored, but when multiple devices are selected, only the rectangular frame surrounding the icon is colored, and the interior is the same color as the background of the unselected icon. State.)
If a plurality of devices are selected by “By Type” shown in FIG. 7, when “Flash Network Board...” Is selected in this state, the above-described menu shown in FIG. When the user designates the firmware image file in the user interface shown in FIG. 6, the firmware is remotely updated sequentially for all the selected devices of the same type.
[0108]
In addition, regardless of which of the above two methods is selected, when the user selects the “Test Print” menu item in that state, a “sequential test print request is sent for devices that support test print, and the“ Test Print ”menu is selected. Once selected, all selected devices output test prints.
[0109]
As another method for selecting a plurality of devices, in the case of a Windows (registered trademark) PC whose operating system is Macrosoft, the Alt key on the keyboard (the “Option” key is used in MACOS of Macintosh, and the OS is UNIX (registered trademark). ), You can select device list icons one by one with a pointer device such as a mouse while holding down the control key.
[0110]
Then, the background of the icon of the selected device is hollow as in the case of selection as shown in FIG.
[0111]
If the selected devices are of different types, the “Flash Network Board ...” menu is grayed out.
[0112]
Further, “Test Print” becomes active if at least one device that supports test printing is included.
[0113]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the network management apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1)-(13) shows each step.
[0114]
First, upon receiving device profile information from the device specific information acquisition setting unit 305, the device list display unit 302 internally generates a device list, and a device management menu (shown in FIG. 4) by the user interface shown in FIG. (See user interface including device list) (1). Then, it waits for the menu selection by the user, and determines whether or not the device menu device is selected (2). If it is determined that the device menu device is not selected, the process proceeds to step (3). Execute the process.
[0115]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the device menu device is selected, an item (item shown in FIG. 5) in the submenu subordinate to the device menu device is selected in step (4). When an item in the submenu is selected, in step (5), it waits for a select device corresponding to the device selection to be selected, and when the select device is selected, step (6) Then, it is determined whether or not the type is “BYTYPE” shown in FIG. 7. If YES, the process proceeds to step (13), and the icons of a plurality of selected devices are displayed in the device list 503 in the user interface shown in FIG. The identification is displayed above, and the process proceeds to step (10) and thereafter.
[0116]
On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step (6), it is determined in step (7) whether or not the selected type is “IP Address” shown in FIG. ), The icons of the plurality of selected devices are identified and displayed on the device list 503 in the user interface shown in FIG. 4, and the process proceeds to step (10) and subsequent steps.
[0117]
On the other hand, if NO is determined in step (7), it is determined in step (8) whether the selected type is “MAC Address” shown in FIG. If YES, the process proceeds to step (9), the icons of a plurality of selected devices are identified and displayed on the device list 503 in the user interface shown in FIG. 4, and the process proceeds to step (10) and subsequent steps.
[0118]
Then, in step (10), setting commands are sequentially output to each selected device, and in step (11), waiting for receiving a response from each device, and receiving a response from each device, The management information is updated and the process returns to step (1).
[0119]
According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of repeating the same operation for each device in the same function processing, for example, test print or the same firmware update, and the work of the network administrator who is the user Efficiency can be further increased.
[0120]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a network system to which the network management apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0121]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a network system to which the network management apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
[0122]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0123]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0124]
The functions shown in FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0125]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0126]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0127]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. Can be used.
[0128]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0129]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0130]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when it is determined that there is a printing device corresponding to at least one remote test print command in the selected printing device, and in the selected device. A command for remote test printing or a command for remotely distributing firmware to a plurality of selected devices based on an operation of an instruction unit that is adaptively displayed when it is determined that there are a plurality of types of devices. Can be sent.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system to which a network management apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a module configuration of network management software in the network management device according to the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a “Device” pull-down menu of the menu bar shown in FIG. 4;
6 is a diagram showing an example of a flash network board displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an example of Select Devices By displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the network management apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs that can be read by a network system to which the network management apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object in this type of network device remote management system.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in a remote management system of this type of network device.
12 is a diagram for explaining a menu structure in the user interface shown in FIG. 11; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 CPU for executing network device remote management program
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 System bus
205 Keyboard controller (KBC)
206 CRT controller (CRTC)
207 Disk controller (DKC)
208 Network Interface Card (NIC)
209 Keyboard (KB)
210 CRT display (CRT)
211 Hard disk (HD)
212 Floppy (registered trademark) disk drive (FD)
300 Network Device Remote Management Program
301 Overall control unit
302 Device list display area
303 Device detailed information display section
304 Device search unit
305 Device specific information acquisition setting unit
306 SNMP protocol processing layer
307 TCP / IP protocol processing layer
308 Physical network access layer

Claims (3)

In a network device management apparatus for managing a plurality of printing devices connected to a network by remote operation via the network,
Device display means for displaying a list of printing devices to be managed on the user interface;
Selecting means for selecting a plurality of printing devices from among the printing devices displayed by the device display means;
Whether there is a print device corresponding to the remote test print command among the print devices selected by the selection means, and printing corresponding to the firmware remote delivery command among the print devices selected by the selection means A determination means for determining whether there is only a device of the same type as a device ;
When the determination unit determines that at least one of the printing devices selected by the selection unit is compatible with a remote test print command, the remote test print command instruction unit is enabled. Display the instruction unit so that the instruction unit can be instructed. When the determination unit determines that there are a plurality of types of devices among the devices selected by the selection unit, use the instruction unit to instruct remote distribution of firmware. A print instruction unit display means for disabling display;
Detecting means for detecting that an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware is instructed;
A remote test print command is sent to a plurality of selected devices in response to the detection means detecting that there has been a single instruction via an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware. or a control unit that sends a command to the remote transmission of firmware to be executed in the plurality of devices,
A network device management apparatus comprising: In a network device management method in a network device management apparatus for managing a plurality of printing devices connected to a network by remote operation via the network,
A device display step for displaying a list of printing devices to be managed on the user interface;
A selection step of selecting a plurality of printing devices from the printing devices displayed by the device display step; and
The printing device selected by the selection step includes a printing device corresponding to a remote test print command, and the printing device selected by the selection step corresponds to a firmware remote distribution command. A determination step of determining whether there is only a device of the same type as a device;
When the determination step determines that at least one printing device corresponding to the remote test print command exists among the printing devices selected by the selection step, the remote test print command instruction unit is enabled. Display the instruction unit so that the instruction unit can be instructed, and use the instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of firmware when the determination step determines that there are a plurality of types of devices among the devices selected by the selection step. A print instruction part display process for displaying the disagreement;
A detection step of detecting that an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of a test print or firmware is instructed;
A remote test print command is sent to a plurality of selected devices in response to the detection step detecting that there has been a single instruction via an instruction unit for instructing remote distribution of test prints or firmware. Or a control step for transmitting a command for remotely distributing firmware in the plurality of devices, and
A network device management method comprising:   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the network device management method according to claim 2.

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