JP4661569B2 - Server apparatus, information management system, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a client terminal device, a server device that can communicate with an electronic device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the client terminal device, an information management system, and an image forming apparatus.

  An electronic device (here, a printer) operates in accordance with a control program, and a method for automatically updating such a control program is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

By the way, some printers operate in response to an instruction from a client terminal device, and such printers can display device information related to the operation of the printer, for example, as a file in an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file format. There is a case where it is used by being communicably connected to a server device to store. This server apparatus acquires an HTML file from a center server apparatus (for example, a server apparatus installed in a service center of a server apparatus vendor, etc.) every predetermined period (for example, every month) and stores it in its own apparatus. At the same time, when an HTML file transmission request is received from the client terminal device, the HTML file stored in the device itself is transmitted to the client terminal device.
JP 2001-282511 A

  However, the conventional server device acquires an HTML file from the center server device every predetermined period, and stores the acquired HTML file in its own device, and therefore controls a printer corresponding to the HTML file stored in the server device. In some cases, the version of the control program to be executed does not correspond to the version of the control program that actually controls the printer (= installed). For this reason, for example, an HTML file (for example, an instruction manual) describing functions that the printer does not have is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the user may be confused.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and there is no difference between the version of the control program that controls the electronic device and the version of the control program of the electronic device that corresponds to the device information stored in the server device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a server device, an information management system, and an image forming apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of matching.

  The server device according to claim 1 is a server device capable of communicating with a client terminal device and an electronic device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the client terminal device, and is a first device related to the operation of the electronic device. Device information storage means for storing information in association with first version information, which is version information of a control program of an electronic device corresponding to the first device information, and controlling the electronic device from the electronic device. When the reference version information which is version information of the control program being acquired is acquired and a request to transmit the first device information is received from the client terminal device, the first version information and the reference A determination means for determining whether or not the version information corresponds; and the client according to a determination result by the determination means. It is characterized by comprising a return control unit for controlling the return process to the terminal device. Here, the first device information is information related to the operation of the electronic device, and the device information that is updated in response to the update of the control program for controlling the electronic device has a predetermined version. Device information. Note that “updated in response to control program update” is not necessarily limited to “updated every time the control program is updated”, but “when the control program is updated”. , May be updated ".

  According to said structure, the 1st version information which is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the 1st device information in the apparatus information storage means with the 1st apparatus information regarding operation of an electronic device Stored in association. Then, the determination means acquires reference version information, which is version information of a control program that controls the electronic device, from the electronic device, and determines whether or not the first version information and the reference version information correspond to each other. Is done. Further, the reply control means controls the reply processing to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result by the determination means.

  Accordingly, the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the electronic device and the first information that is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the device information storage means. Since the reply process to the client terminal device is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not the version information corresponds, an appropriate reply process is performed for the client terminal device, and as a result, the electronic device is controlled. It is possible to make the version of the program correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  For example, when it is determined that the reference version information does not correspond to the first version information, the user who uses the client terminal device controls the electronic device by returning the fact to the client terminal device. It is possible to recognize that it is necessary to update the control program (or the first device information), the user requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program (or the first device information), and the electronic device Can be made to correspond to the version defined by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  The server device according to claim 2 is the server device according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device, And determining whether or not the control information for controlling the first device information and the electronic device needs to be updated based on the reference version information and the first version information, respectively, and the reply control unit is configured by the determination unit. It is characterized in that the reply process to the client terminal device is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not update is necessary.

  According to said structure, when the request | requirement to the effect of transmitting 1st apparatus information is received from the client terminal device by the determination means, 1st based on reference | standard version information and 1st version information is further provided. It is determined whether or not the device information and the control program that controls the electronic device need to be updated. Then, the reply control means controls the reply process to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result of the necessity of the update by the determination means.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the control program for controlling the electronic device and the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device need to be updated, and a reply process to the client terminal device is performed according to the determination result of whether or not the update is necessary. Therefore, the version of the control program for controlling the electronic device and the version of the control program for the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device by appropriately controlling the reply process are controlled. Can be prevented from occurring.

  For example, when it is determined that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the client terminal device is set by setting a reply process so as to transmit information to that effect to the client terminal device. Since the user who uses it can recognize that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the user requests a serviceman to update the control program, and the version of the control program of the electronic device Can be made to correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information, and the reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device, Since the necessity of updating the device information of 1 and the control program controlling the electronic device is determined, the necessity of updating the first device information and the control program controlling the electronic device can be easily determined, and Done exactly.

  In the server device according to claim 3, in the server device according to claim 2, when it is determined by the determination means that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, that effect is provided. The information is transmitted to the client terminal device.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined by the notification means that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated by the determination means, information to that effect is transmitted to the client terminal device.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, information to that effect is transmitted to the client terminal device. It becomes possible to recognize that the control program that controls the device needs to be updated. Accordingly, when the user or the like requests a serviceman to update the control program, the version of the control program of the electronic device is changed to the version of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device. It is possible to correspond to the version specified by the version information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the third aspect, it is determined by the determination unit that the notification unit needs to update a control program that controls the electronic device. In such a case, the information to that effect is notified so as to be recognized from the outside.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined by the notification means that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated by the determination means, information to that effect is notified from the outside in a recognizable manner.

  Therefore, when it is determined that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the information to that effect is recognizable from the outside, so that the user operating the server device etc. It becomes possible to recognize that the control program that controls the device needs to be updated. Accordingly, when the user or the like requests a serviceman to update the control program, the version of the control program of the electronic device is changed to the version of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device. It is possible to correspond to the version specified by the version information.

  The server device according to claim 5 is the server device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second device information that is the latest version of the device information is included in the second device information. It is possible to communicate with the first center server device that stores the second version information that is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the device information, and the reply control means is When it is determined that it is necessary to update the first device information, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device, and the acquired second Is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means. .

  According to the above configuration, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information in the device information, is sent to the communicable first center server device, and the electronic device corresponding to the second device information is controlled. It is stored in association with second version information which is version information of the program. Then, when it is determined by the return control means that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device, The acquired second device information is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information, is acquired from the first center server device and transmitted to the client terminal device. Therefore, a user who operates the client terminal device or the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information, which is the version information of the control program for the electronic device, is acquired and stored in the device information storage means, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage means are the latest. It is possible to use the second device information, which is the latest version of device information, by a user who operates the other client terminal device.

  The server device according to claim 6 is the server device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second center server device stores the latest version of the control program among the control programs of the electronic device; When the communication is possible and the reply control means determines that the control program for controlling the electronic device needs to be updated by the determination means, the second center server device updates the latest The version of the control program is acquired, and the acquired latest version of the control program is transmitted to the electronic device.

  According to the above configuration, the latest version of the control program of the electronic device is stored in the communicable second center server device. When the reply control means determines that the control program controlling the electronic device needs to be updated by the determination means, the latest control program is acquired from the second center server device and acquired. The latest version of the control program is transmitted to the electronic device.

  Therefore, when it is determined that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the latest version of the control program is acquired from the second center server device, and the acquired latest version of the control program is acquired. Is transmitted to the electronic device, the latest version of the control program is transmitted to the electronic device at an appropriate timing and can be used in the electronic device.

  The server device according to claim 7 is the server device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the reply control unit controls the electronic apparatus by the determination unit and the first When it is determined that there is no need to update the device information, the first device information stored in the device information storage means is transmitted to the client terminal device.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined by the return control means that it is not necessary to update the control program controlling the electronic device and the first device information by the determination means, the response information is stored in the device information storage means. The first device information is transmitted to the client terminal device.

  Accordingly, when it is determined that there is no need to update the control program controlling the electronic device and the first device information, the first device information stored in the device information storage means is transmitted to the client terminal device. Therefore, a user who operates the client terminal device or the like can use the first device information that is the appropriate version of device information.

  The server device according to claim 8 is the server device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the version defined by the first version information is defined by the reference version information. If the version is newer than the version, it is determined that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, and the version defined by the first version information is defined by the reference version information. When the version is older than the version, it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, and the version specified by the first version information corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information The control program for controlling the electronic device and the first device information are updated. It is characterized by determining that there is no necessity.

  According to the above configuration, when the version specified by the first version information is newer than the version specified by the reference version information, it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device. If the version specified by the first version information is older than the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated. If the version specified by the version information of 1 corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that there is no need to update the control program controlling the electronic device and the first device information. The

  Therefore, since it is determined whether the version specified by the first version information is new or old with respect to the version specified by the reference version information, the control program controlling the electronic device and the first device information Whether update is necessary or not is determined easily and appropriately.

  An information management system according to claim 9, comprising: a client terminal device; an electronic device that operates in response to an instruction from the client terminal device; and a server device that can communicate with the client terminal device and the electronic device. In the system, the server device associates first device information related to operation of the electronic device with first version information that is version information of a control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information. Device information storage means for storing and reference version information, which is version information of a control program controlling the electronic device, from the electronic device, and the first device information from the client terminal device When a request for transmission is received, the first version information and the reference version information are Determination means for determining whether to respond in accordance with the determination result by the determining means is characterized by comprising a return control unit for controlling the return process of the to the client terminal device.

  According to said structure, the 1st version information which is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the 1st device information in the apparatus information storage means with the 1st apparatus information regarding operation of an electronic device Stored in association. Then, the determination means acquires reference version information, which is version information of a control program that controls the electronic device, from the electronic device, and determines whether or not the first version information and the reference version information correspond to each other. Is done. Further, the reply control means controls the reply processing to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result by the determination means.

  Accordingly, the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the electronic device and the first information that is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the device information storage means. Since the reply process to the client terminal device is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not the version information corresponds, an appropriate reply process is performed for the client terminal device, and as a result, the electronic device is controlled. It is possible to make the version of the program correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  For example, when it is determined that the reference version information does not correspond to the first version information, the user who uses the client terminal device controls the electronic device by returning the fact to the client terminal device. It is possible to recognize that it is necessary to update the control program (or the first device information), the user requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program (or the first device information), and the electronic device Can be made to correspond to the version defined by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  An information management system according to a tenth aspect is the information management system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device. Further, based on the reference version information and the first version information, each of the first device information and the control program controlling the electronic device is determined whether or not it is necessary to update, and the reply control means It is characterized in that a reply process to the client terminal device is controlled in accordance with a determination result of necessity of updating by means.

  According to said structure, when the request | requirement to the effect of transmitting 1st apparatus information is received from the client terminal device by the determination means, 1st based on reference | standard version information and 1st version information is further provided. It is determined whether or not the device information and the control program that controls the electronic device need to be updated. Then, the reply control means controls the reply process to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result of the necessity of the update by the determination means.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the control program for controlling the electronic device and the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device need to be updated, and a reply process to the client terminal device is performed according to the determination result of whether or not the update is necessary. Therefore, the version of the control program for controlling the electronic device and the version of the control program for the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device by appropriately controlling the reply process are controlled. Can be prevented from occurring.

  For example, when it is determined that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the client terminal device is set by setting a reply process so as to transmit information to that effect to the client terminal device. Since the user who uses it can recognize that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, the user requests a serviceman to update the control program, and the version of the control program of the electronic device Can be made to correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information, and the reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device, Since the necessity of updating the device information of 1 and the control program controlling the electronic device is determined, the necessity of updating the first device information and the control program controlling the electronic device can be easily determined, and Done exactly.

  An information management system according to an eleventh aspect is the information management system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the second device information is communicable with the server device and is the latest version of the device information. Is stored in association with second version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the second device information, and the reply control means includes the determination When it is determined by the means that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device and acquired. The second device information is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means. It is characterized in Rukoto.

  According to the above configuration, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information in the device information, is sent to the communicable first center server device, and the electronic device corresponding to the second device information is controlled. It is stored in association with second version information which is version information of the program. Then, when it is determined by the return control means that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device, The acquired second device information is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information, is acquired from the first center server device and transmitted to the client terminal device. Therefore, a user who operates the client terminal device or the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information, which is the version information of the control program for the electronic device, is acquired and stored in the device information storage means, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage means are the latest. It is possible to use the second device information, which is the latest version of device information, by a user who operates the other client terminal device.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 is an image forming apparatus having a server unit that receives an instruction from a client terminal device and an electronic device unit that operates in accordance with the received instruction. Device information storage means for storing first device information related to operation of the electronic device unit in association with first version information which is version information of a control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information; Obtaining a reference version information, which is version information of a control program controlling the electronic device unit, from the electronic device unit, and sending a request for transmitting the first device information from the client terminal device. A determination means for determining whether or not the first version information and the reference version information correspond to each other when received; Depending on the determination result by, it is characterized by comprising a return control unit for controlling the return process of the to the client terminal device.

  According to the above configuration, the first version in which the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device unit is the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information is stored in the device information storage unit. Stored in association with information. Whether or not the first version information and the reference version information correspond to each other is acquired from the electronic device unit by the determination means, from the electronic device unit, the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the electronic device unit. Is determined. Further, the reply control means controls the reply processing to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result by the determination means.

  Therefore, the reference version information, which is version information of the control program controlling the electronic device unit, and the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information stored in the device information storage means. Since the reply process to the client terminal apparatus is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not the version information of 1 corresponds, the reply process to the client terminal apparatus is performed appropriately. As a result, the electronic device It is possible to make the version of the control program of the unit correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  For example, when it is determined that the reference version information does not correspond to the first version information, the user using the client terminal device controls the electronic device unit by returning the fact to the client terminal device. It is possible to recognize that it is necessary to update the control program (or first device information), so that the user requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program (or first device information) and It becomes possible to make the version of the control program of the device unit correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device. Further, based on the reference version information and the first version information, it is determined whether or not the control program controlling the first device information and the electronic device unit needs to be updated. It is characterized in that the reply process to the client terminal device is controlled in accordance with the determination result of whether or not the update is necessary by the determination means.

  According to said structure, when the request | requirement to the effect of transmitting 1st apparatus information is received from the client terminal device by the determination means, 1st based on reference | standard version information and 1st version information is further provided. It is determined whether or not the device information and the control program that controls the electronic device unit need to be updated. Then, the reply control means controls the reply process to the client terminal device in accordance with the determination result of the necessity of the update by the determination means.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the control program for controlling the electronic device unit and the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device unit need to be updated, and the response to the client terminal device is made according to the determination result of whether or not the update is necessary. Since the process is controlled, by appropriately controlling the reply process, the version of the control program controlling the electronic device unit and the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device It is possible to prevent inconsistency with the version of the control program.

  For example, when it is determined that it is necessary to update a control program that controls the electronic device unit, the client terminal device is configured to set a reply process so as to transmit information to that effect to the client terminal device. Can recognize that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device unit, so the user requests a serviceman to update the control program, and controls the electronic device unit. It is possible to make the version of the program correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information, and reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device unit. Since it is determined whether or not the first device information and the control program that controls the electronic device unit need to be updated, it is easy to determine whether or not the first device information and the control program that controls the electronic device need to be updated. And accurately.

  The image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information, is used as the second device information. It is possible to communicate with the first center server device stored in association with the second version information which is the version information of the control program of the corresponding electronic device unit, and the reply control means is configured to execute the first control by the determination means. When it is determined that it is necessary to update one device information, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device, and the acquired second device is acquired. Information is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means.

  According to the above configuration, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information in the device information, is transmitted to the first center server device that can communicate with the electronic device unit corresponding to the second device information. It is stored in association with second version information which is version information of the control program. Then, when it is determined by the return control means that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information and the second version information are acquired from the first center server device, The acquired second device information is transmitted to the client terminal device, and the acquired second device information and second version information are stored in the device information storage means.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information, is acquired from the first center server device and transmitted to the client terminal device. Therefore, a user who operates the client terminal device or the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information which is the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit is acquired and stored in the device information storage unit, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage unit are stored in the device information storage unit. Users who are updated to the latest information and operate other client terminal devices can also use the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information.

  According to the server device of claim 1, it is determined whether or not the control program for controlling the electronic device and the update of the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device are necessary, and a reply process is performed according to the determination result. Therefore, the version of the control program for controlling the electronic device and the version of the control program for the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device are set by appropriately setting the reply process. Can be prevented from occurring.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information, and the reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device, Since it is determined whether or not the device information of 1 and the control program that controls the electronic device need to be updated, it is easy to determine whether or not to update the first device information and the control program that controls the electronic device, and Can be done accurately.

  According to the server device according to claim 2, when it is determined that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the electronic device, information to that effect is transmitted to the client terminal device. A user who uses a terminal device can recognize that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, and the user requests a serviceman to update the control program. The version of the electronic device control program can be made to correspond to the version specified by the version information of the electronic device control program corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  According to the server device according to claim 3, when it is determined that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, the information to that effect is recognizable from the outside, so that the server It becomes possible for a user or the like who operates the apparatus to recognize that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, and the user or the like requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program. The version of the electronic device control program can be made to correspond to the version specified by the version information of the electronic device control program corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device.

  According to the server device according to claim 4, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information that is the latest version of the device information from the first center server device. Is acquired and transmitted to the client terminal device, the user or the like who operates the client terminal device can use the second device information which is the latest version of the device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information, which is the version information of the control program for the electronic device, is acquired and stored in the device information storage means, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage means are the latest. The user who operates the other client terminal device and the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  According to the server device of the fifth aspect, when it is determined that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, the latest version of the control program is acquired from the second center server device. Since the acquired latest version of the control program is transmitted to the electronic device, the latest version of the control program is transmitted to the electronic device at an appropriate timing and can be used in the electronic device.

  According to the server device of the sixth aspect, when it is determined that there is no need to update the control program for controlling the electronic device and the first device information, the second stored in the device information storage means. Since one piece of device information is transmitted to the client terminal device, a user or the like who operates the client terminal device can use the first device information, which is an appropriate version of device information.

  According to the server device of the seventh aspect, the necessity of updating is determined based on whether the version specified by the first version information is new or old with respect to the version specified by the reference version information. The necessity of updating the control program and the first device information can be determined easily and appropriately.

  According to the information management system of the eighth aspect, it is determined whether or not the control program for controlling the electronic device and the update of the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device are necessary, and the response is made according to the determination result. Since the process is performed, the version of the control program controlling the electronic device and the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device are set by appropriately setting the reply process. Inconsistency with the version can be prevented.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information, and the reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device, Since it is determined whether or not the device information of 1 and the control program that controls the electronic device need to be updated, it is easy to determine whether or not to update the first device information and the control program that controls the electronic device, and Can be done accurately.

  According to the information management system of claim 9, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device that is the latest version of the device information from the first center server device. Since the information is acquired and transmitted to the client terminal device, a user or the like who operates the client terminal device can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information, which is the version information of the control program for the electronic device, is acquired and stored in the device information storage means, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage means are the latest. The user who operates the other client terminal device and the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect, the control program for controlling the electronic device unit and the necessity of updating the first device information related to the operation of the electronic device unit are respectively determined, and according to the determination result. Therefore, by appropriately setting the reply process, the version of the control program that controls the electronic device unit and the electronic device corresponding to the first device information stored in the server unit It is possible to prevent inconsistency with the version of the control program.

  Further, based on the first version information that is version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information, and reference version information that is version information of the control program that controls the electronic device unit. Since it is determined whether or not the update of the control program that controls the first device information and the electronic device unit is determined, whether or not the control program that controls the first device information and the electronic device unit is updated is determined. It can be done easily and accurately.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device which is the latest version of the device information from the first center server device. Since the information is acquired and transmitted to the client terminal device, a user or the like who operates the client terminal device can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  When it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device. Since the second version information, which is the version information of the control program for the electronic device, is acquired and stored in the device information storage means, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage means are the latest. The user who operates the other client terminal device and the like can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  Embodiments of an information management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an information management system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information management system includes a server device 1 (corresponding to a part of an image forming apparatus (= server unit)), a plurality (two in this case) of client terminal devices 2, and a multifunction device 3 ( A part of the image forming apparatus (= corresponding to an electronic device) and a first center server device 41 (corresponding to a first center server device), a second center server device 42 (corresponding to the second center server device).

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the server device 1 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and an interface circuit 14. The two client terminal devices 2, the multifunction device 3, the first center server device 41, and the second center server device 42 are communicably connected.

  The control part 11 controls each part which comprises this server apparatus 1 according to the control program stored in ROM12. The RAM 13 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the control unit 11. The interface circuit 14 is configured to connect the server device 1 (mainly the control unit 11) to be communicable with the client terminal device 2 and the like via a LAN (Local Area Network) 5.

  The server device 1 is connected to the first center server device 41 and the second center server device 42 via the LAN 5, the router 6 and the Internet 7. The server device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the client terminal device 2, the first center server device 41, and the second center server device 42 using, for example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 3 includes a control unit (CPU) 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a document reading unit 304, a codec (CODEC: Coder and Decoder) 305, an image memory 306, a printing unit 307, and an operation unit 308. , A display unit 309, a modem 310, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 311, which are communicably connected to the server apparatus 1 via the bus 8.

  The multifunction machine 3 includes a scanner that reads an image of a document and generates image data, a printer that prints and outputs image data on a recording paper, a copier that prints and outputs image data generated by reading an image of a document on recording paper, It functions as a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data by facsimile and an Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data by e-mail, and performs predetermined processing (for example, facsimile transmission, etc.) in response to an instruction from the client terminal apparatus 2. It is configured.

  The control unit 301 controls each unit constituting the multifunction machine 3 according to a control program stored in the ROM 302. The RAM 303 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the control unit 301. The document reading unit 304 reads an image of a document, generates image data, and outputs the image data to a predetermined output destination. Although not shown, the document reading unit 304 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a flat bed scanner (FBS: Flat Bed Scanner) having an optical system such as a light source, an automatic document feeder (ADF). ) Or the like.

  The codec 305 encodes image data for copying, facsimile transmission / reception, and the like, and decodes (decompresses) the encoded image data. The image memory 306 stores image data directly output from the document reading unit 304, image data encoded by the codec 305, received image data, and the like. The printing unit 307 prints out the image data read from the image memory 306 on a recording sheet. As a printing method in the printing unit 307, for example, an electrophotographic method can be used.

  The operation unit 308 includes input keys for inputting information by the user, a touch panel, and the like. Various operation inputs by the user are performed via the operation unit 308. The input keys include a start key for instructing the document reading unit 304 to start reading a document, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a facsimile number, and the like, and a cursor key for performing various settings. The display unit 309 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays various setting information, operation information of the multifunction device 3, and the like in characters, graphics, and the like that are arranged in parallel with the operation unit 308. .

  The modem 310 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation V.3. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 30 standard or the like. The NCU 311 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make or cut a call, and is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) 9. The control unit 301 can control the modem 310 and the NCU 311 to perform facsimile transmission / reception of image data.

  The first center server device 41 is information related to the operation of the multifunction device 3 and is the latest version of the device information that is updated each time the control program for controlling the multifunction device 3 is updated. The second device information is stored in association with the second version information which is the version information of the control program of the multifunction machine 3 corresponding to the second device information.

  Here, the case where the device information is an instruction manual for the multifunction machine 3 and is stored in the first center server device 41 as an HTML file will be described. Further, here, the control program for controlling the multifunction device 3 is firmware, which is stored in the ROM 302, and is read out and executed by the control unit 301 to control each unit constituting the multifunction device 3. Is.

  The second center server device 42 stores the latest version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 in the execution format file format (as an EXE file).

  The client terminal device 2 is constructed by incorporating an OS (Operating Systems), a browser, etc. into a personal computer or the like. The client terminal device 2 requests an HTML file from the server device 1, that is, transmits an HTTP request specifying a URL (Uniform Resource Locators) of a predetermined HTML file, and receives the HTML file returned from the server device 1. To do. Then, an image indicated by the received HTML file is displayed on a monitor (not shown) by the browser.

  The user can perform facsimile transmission / reception of image data from the client terminal device 2 using the multifunction device 3 via the server device 1. For example, when image data is facsimile-transmitted from the client terminal device 2 using the multifunction device 3, an instruction for facsimile transmission from the user is that the HTML file for facsimile transmission is displayed by the browser in the client terminal device 2. This is done based on the screen. When a facsimile transmission destination, subject, etc. are entered from such a screen, the facsimile transmission instruction information, facsimile transmission destination, subject, etc. are sent from the client terminal device 2 via the server device 1 to the MFP 3. Sent. When the multifunction device 3 receives the instruction information or the like, the multifunction device 3 performs facsimile transmission of the image data based on the received instruction information and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a chart showing an example of information stored in the first center server device 41 and the second center server device 42, respectively. (A) is an example of information stored in the first center server device 41, and (b) is an example of information stored in the second center server device 42. As shown to (a), the information stored in the 1st center server apparatus 41 is 2nd version information C2 which is the version information of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to apparatus information C1 and apparatus information C1. The update date C3 of the device information C1 (and the control program).

  For example, the HTML file A that is the device information C1 is updated on October 1, 2005, and is device information corresponding to the control program whose version information C2 is “Ver.100,000”. In the device information C1, the HTML file C corresponds to the second device information that is the latest version of device information, and in the version information C2, “Ver. 110000” corresponds to the second version information. .

  Further, as shown in (b), the information stored in the second center server device 42 is the control program C4 of the multifunction machine 3, its version information C5, and the update date C6 of the control program. For example, the EXE file B, which is the control program C4, was updated on October 10, 2005, and its version information C5 is “Ver.101000”. In the control program C4, “EXE file C” corresponds to the latest version of the control program.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device 1 according to the present invention. The control unit 11 of the server device 1 functionally includes a request receiving unit 11a, an update necessity determination unit 11b (corresponding to a determination unit), an acquisition unit 11c (corresponding to a part of a reply control unit), A notification control unit 11d (corresponding to the notification unit), an update processing unit 11e (corresponding to a part of the reply control unit), and a reply processing unit 11f (corresponding to a part of the reply control unit) are provided. . The RAM 13 of the server device 1 functionally includes a device information storage unit 13a (corresponding to a device information storage unit).

  When the control unit 11 reads out and executes the control program stored in the ROM 12, the control unit 11 performs the request reception unit 11a, the update necessity determination unit 11b, the acquisition unit 11c, the notification control unit 11d, the update processing unit 11e, And while functioning as the reply process part 11f, RAM13 is functioned as the apparatus information storage part 13a.

  The request reception unit 11a sends a request to transmit first device information, which is device information stored in the device information storage unit 13a, from one of the two client terminal devices 2. Accept.

  The update necessity determination unit 11b, when the request reception unit 11a receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device 2, the version of the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 The reference version information, which is information, is acquired, and is based on the first version information and the reference version information that are version information of the control program of the MFP 3 corresponding to the first device information stored in the device information storage unit 13a. Thus, it is determined whether or not the first device information and the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 need to be updated.

  Specifically, the update necessity determination unit 11b controls the multifunction device 3 when the version specified by the first version information is newer than the version specified by the reference version information. If the version specified by the first version information is older than the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated. When the version specified by the first version information corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information, it is necessary to update the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 and the first device information. It is determined that there is no. Here, “the version specified by the first version information corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information” means that the version specified by the first version information is specified by the reference version information. Or substantially the same as long as there is no practical problem.

  For example, when the first version information is “Ver.100000” and the reference version information is “Ver.101000” (see FIG. 2), the first device information controls the MFP 3. It is determined that it is necessary to update the first device information because the device information is older than the device information corresponding to the control program. Further, for example, when the first version information is “Ver.101000” and the reference version information is “Ver.100000” (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 2), the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 Is older than the control program corresponding to the first device information, it is determined that the control program controlling the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated.

  When the update necessity determination unit 11b determines that the first device information needs to be updated, the acquisition unit 11c receives the second device information (the latest device information) from the first center server device 41 ( In the case shown in FIG. 2, “HTML file C”) and second version information (in the case shown in FIG. 2, “Ver. 110000”) are acquired, and the acquired second device information and second information are acquired. The version information is stored in the device information storage unit 13a. By this process, the first device information and the first version information stored in the device information storage unit 13a are updated to the second device information and the second version information, respectively.

  When the update necessity determination unit 11b determines that the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 needs to be updated, the notification control unit 11d notifies information to that effect so that the information can be recognized from the outside. It is. Here, the notification control unit 11d blinks the LED arranged on the display unit 309, and information indicating that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the MFP 3 on the LCD (for example, “control program” To update! "Message).

  When the update necessity determination unit 11b determines that the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 needs to be updated, the update processing unit 11e receives the latest version of the control program from the second center server device 42. And the latest version of the acquired control program is transmitted to the multifunction machine 3.

  The reply processing unit 11f stores in the device information storage unit 13a when it is determined by the update necessity determination unit 11b that it is not necessary to update the control program controlling the multifunction machine 3 and the first device information. The first device information is transmitted to the client terminal device 2. Further, the reply processing unit 11f receives the second information acquired from the first center server device 41 by the acquisition unit 11c when the update necessity determination unit 11b determines that the first device information needs to be updated. Is transmitted to the client terminal device 2.

  The device information storage unit 13a associates the first device information, which is device information of a predetermined version, with the first version information, which is version information of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information. To store. The device information storage unit 13a is stored by storing the second device information and the second version information, which are the latest device information acquired from the first center server device 41, by the acquiring unit 11c. Device information and version information are updated. Specifically, the first device information is updated to the second device information that is the latest device information, and the first version information is updated to the second version information that is the version information of the latest control program. .

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the server device 1. First, the request receiving unit 11a determines whether or not a request for transmitting the first device information (HTML file) is received from the client terminal device 2 (S1). If it is determined that the request has not been accepted (NO in S1), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that the request has been accepted (YES in S1), the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information that is the device information stored in the device information storage unit 13a by the update necessity determination unit 11b. First version information which is version information of the control program is read (S3).

  Then, the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 is read from the multifunction device 3 (ROM 302) by the update necessity determination unit 11b (S5). Next, the update necessity determination unit 11b determines whether or not the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 needs to be updated (S7). When it is determined that the update is necessary (YES in S7), the notification control unit 11d notifies the outside that the information indicating that the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 needs to be updated can be recognized from the outside. (S9). Then, the update processing unit 11e acquires the latest version of the control program (here, EXE file C) from the second center server device 42 (S11), and the acquired latest version of the control program is stored in the multifunction device 3. It is transmitted (S13), and the process is terminated.

  If NO in step S7, the update necessity determination unit 11b determines whether or not the first device information (HTML file) needs to be updated (S15). When it is determined that there is no need to update (NO in S15), the reply processing unit 11f transmits the first device information (HTML file) stored in the device information storage unit 13a to the client terminal device 2. (S17), and the process ends. If it is determined that updating is required (YES in S15), the acquisition unit 11c obtains the second device information (here, the HTML file C) that is the latest device information from the first center server device 41. Acquired (S19), the acquired second device information (here, HTML file C) is transmitted to the client terminal device 2 by the reply processing unit 11f (S21), and the process ends.

  In this way, the version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 and the first device information stored in the device information storage unit 13a. Since the reply process to the client terminal apparatus 2 is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not the first version information that is information corresponds, the appropriate reply process is performed on the client terminal apparatus 2. As a result, the version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 can be made to correspond to the version specified by the version information of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device 1. It becomes.

  Further, the control program for controlling the multifunction device 3 and the necessity of updating the first device information related to the operation of the multifunction device 3 are respectively determined, and the reply process is performed according to the determination result. By appropriately setting, inconsistency between the version of the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 and the version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device 1 Occurrence can be prevented.

  Further, based on the first version information that is the version information of the control program of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information, and the reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the multifunction device 3. Since it is determined whether or not the first device information and the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 are updated, it is determined whether or not the first device information and the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 are updated. It is done easily and accurately.

  Further, when it is determined that the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated, information to that effect is transmitted to the one client terminal device 2, so that the client terminal device 2 is used. The user or the like can recognize that the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 needs to be updated. Therefore, when the user or the like requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program, the version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 is changed to that of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device 1. It is possible to correspond to the version defined by the version information of the control program.

  In addition, when it is determined that the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated, the information to that effect is notified from the outside so that it can be recognized from the outside. It is possible for a user or the like who operates an operation unit that accepts an operation from the user to recognize that it is necessary to update a control program that controls the multifunction device 3. Become. Therefore, when the user or the like requests a serviceman or the like to update the control program, the version of the control program of the multifunction device 3 is changed to that of the multifunction device 3 corresponding to the first device information stored in the server device 1. It is possible to correspond to the version defined by the version information of the control program.

  Further, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information, which is the latest version of the device information, is acquired from the first center server device 41, and one client terminal device 2 Therefore, a user or the like who operates one client terminal device 2 can use the second device information which is the latest version of device information.

  Further, when it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, the second device information corresponding to the latest version of the device information and the second device information are handled from the first center server device 41. Since the second version information which is the version information of the control program of the multifunction machine 3 is acquired and stored in the device information storage unit 13a, the first device information and the first version stored in the device information storage unit 13a. The information is updated to the latest information, and the user who operates the other client terminal device 2 can use the second device information that is the latest version of the device information.

  In addition, when it is determined that the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated, the latest version of the control program is acquired from the second center server device 42, and the acquired latest version of the control program is acquired. Since the control program is transmitted to the multifunction device 3, the latest version of the control program is transmitted to the multifunction device 3 at an appropriate timing and can be used in the multifunction device 3.

  Further, when it is determined that there is no need to update the control program and the first device information for controlling the multifunction machine 3, the first device information stored in the device information storage unit 13a is 1 client. Since it is transmitted to the terminal device 2, a user who operates one client terminal device 2 or the like can use the first device information which is device information of an appropriate version.

  Further, if the version specified by the first version information is newer than the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated, and the first If the version specified by the version information of 1 is older than the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated, and is specified by the first version information. If the version corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that there is no need to update the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 and the first device information. Whether or not the control program being controlled and the first device information need to be updated are determined easily and appropriately, respectively. .

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The following forms may be sufficient.
(A) In the present embodiment, the case where the electronic device is the multifunction device 3 has been described. However, other electronic devices (for example, a facsimile, a copier, etc.) may be used.

  (B) In the present embodiment, the first center server device 41 and the second center server device 42 have been described separately. However, the first center server device 41 and the second center server device 42 May be configured by one server device. In this case, the system configuration is simplified.

  (C) In the present embodiment, the case where the control program is firmware has been described, but another control program (for example, application software) may be used.

  (D) In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the notification control unit 11d notifies information indicating that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the multifunction machine 3 from the outside. Information that indicates that it is necessary to update the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 may be transmitted to the apparatus 2. In this case, even when there is no user or the like in the vicinity of the multifunction device 3, the user or the like who operates the client terminal device 2 is notified that the control program that controls the multifunction device 3 needs to be updated. Is possible.

  (E) In the present embodiment, the case where the multifunction device 3 and the server device 1 are separately provided has been described. However, the multifunction device 3 and the server device 1 may be configured integrally. That is, the multi-function device 3 may be configured to have the function of the server device 1.

  (E) In the present embodiment, the case where the update necessity determination unit 11b determines based on the first version information and the reference version information has been described, but instead of the version information, the first version information and the reference The determination may be made based on update date information corresponding to each version information.

It is a block diagram showing an example of an information management system concerning this embodiment. 4 is a chart showing an example of information stored in each of the first center server device and the second center server device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the server apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of operation | movement of a server apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Server device (part of image forming device, server unit)
11 control unit 11a request receiving unit 11b update necessity determination unit (update necessity determination unit)
11c Acquisition unit (part of reply control means)
11d Notification control unit (part of notification means)
11e Update processing part (part of reply control means)
11f Reply processing part (part of reply control means)
13 RAM
13a Device information storage unit (device information storage means)
2 Client terminal device 3 MFP (part of image forming device, electronic device, electronic device part)
41 1st center server apparatus (1st center server apparatus)
42 2nd center server apparatus (2nd center server apparatus)

Claims (14)

A client terminal device, and a server device capable of communicating with an electronic device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the client terminal device;
Device information storage means for storing first device information related to the operation of the electronic device in association with first version information which is version information of a control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information;
When receiving a request for transmitting the first device information from the client terminal device, while acquiring reference version information, which is version information of a control program controlling the electronic device, from the electronic device Determining means for determining whether or not the first version information corresponds to the reference version information;
A server apparatus comprising: a reply control unit that controls a reply process to the client terminal device according to a determination result by the determination unit. When the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device, the determination unit further includes the first device information based on the reference version information and the first version information. And determining whether or not to update the control program that controls the electronic device,
The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reply control unit controls a reply process to the client terminal device according to a determination result of whether or not update is necessary by the determination unit.   When it is determined by the determination unit that it is necessary to update a control program that controls the electronic device, the determination unit includes a notification unit that transmits information to that effect to the client terminal device. Item 3. The server device according to Item 2.   When the determination means determines that the control program that controls the electronic device needs to be updated, the notification means notifies the information to that effect so that the information can be recognized from the outside. The server device according to claim 3. Of the device information, the second device information that is the latest device information is stored in association with the second version information that is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the second device information. Capable of communicating with the first center server device,
When the determination unit determines that the first device information needs to be updated, the reply control unit receives the second device information and the second version from the first center server device. Acquiring the information, transmitting the acquired second device information to the client terminal device, and storing the acquired second device information and second version information in the device information storage means. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the server device is characterized in that: Among the control programs for the electronic device, it is possible to communicate with a second center server device that stores the latest version of the control program,
The reply control means receives the latest version of the control program from the second center server device when the determination means determines that the control program controlling the electronic device needs to be updated. The server apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the server apparatus acquires and transmits the acquired latest version of the control program to the electronic device.   The reply control means is stored in the equipment information storage means when the judgment means judges that there is no need to update the control program controlling the electronic equipment and the first equipment information. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the first device information is transmitted to the client terminal device. When the version specified by the first version information is newer than the version specified by the reference version information, the determination unit needs to update a control program that controls the electronic device. And
When the version specified by the first version information is older than the version specified by the reference version information, it is determined that the first device information needs to be updated,
When the version specified by the first version information corresponds to the version specified by the reference version information, it is necessary to update the control program controlling the electronic device and the first device information. The server device according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that there is no data. An information management system comprising a client terminal device, an electronic device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the client terminal device, and a server device that can communicate with the client terminal device and the electronic device,
The server device
Device information storage means for storing first device information related to the operation of the electronic device in association with first version information which is version information of a control program of the electronic device corresponding to the first device information;
When receiving a request for transmitting the first device information from the client terminal device, while acquiring reference version information, which is version information of a control program controlling the electronic device, from the electronic device Determining means for determining whether or not the first version information corresponds to the reference version information;
An information management system comprising: reply control means for controlling a reply process to the client terminal device in accordance with a judgment result by the judgment means. When the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device, the determination unit further includes the first device information based on the reference version information and the first version information. And determining whether or not to update the control program that controls the electronic device,
The information management system according to claim 9, wherein the reply control unit controls a reply process to the client terminal device in accordance with a determination result of whether or not update is necessary by the determination unit. The second device information that is communicable with the server device and is the latest version of the device information is the version information of the control program of the electronic device corresponding to the second device information. A first center server device that stores the second version information in association with the version information;
When the determination unit determines that the first device information needs to be updated, the reply control unit receives the second device information and the second version from the first center server device. Acquiring the information, transmitting the acquired second device information to the client terminal device, and storing the acquired second device information and second version information in the device information storage means. The information management system according to claim 10, wherein the system is an information management system. An image forming apparatus having a server unit that receives an instruction from a client terminal device and an electronic device unit that operates according to the received instruction,
The server unit is
Device information storage means for storing first device information relating to operation of the electronic device unit in association with first version information which is version information of a control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the first device information; ,
The reference version information that is the version information of the control program that controls the electronic device unit is acquired from the electronic device unit, and a request for transmitting the first device information is received from the client terminal device. A determination means for determining whether or not the first version information corresponds to the reference version information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a reply control unit that controls a reply process to the client terminal device according to a determination result by the determination unit. When the determination unit receives a request to transmit the first device information from the client terminal device, the determination unit further includes the first device information based on the reference version information and the first version information. And determining whether or not to update the control program that controls the electronic device unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the reply control unit controls a reply process to the client terminal device according to a determination result of whether or not update is necessary by the determination unit. Among the device information, the second device information that is the latest version of the device information is associated with the second version information that is the version information of the control program of the electronic device unit corresponding to the second device information. It can communicate with the first center server device to store,
When the determination unit determines that the first device information needs to be updated, the reply control unit receives the second device information and the second version from the first center server device. Acquiring the information, transmitting the acquired second device information to the client terminal device, and storing the acquired second device information and second version information in the device information storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

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