JP5772407B2 - Mediation device, device management system and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an intermediary device, a device management system, and a program.

  Conventionally, a service form in which a network device connected to a user environment is managed by a service provider installed in a remote place is known. In such a device management system including a network device and a management device, a technique for effectively collecting device information and transmitting data to a service provider by installing an intermediary device in a user environment is known.

  The intermediary device installed in the user environment is connected to a plurality of network devices connected to the user's private network. The intermediary device periodically collects device information necessary for managing network devices, instead of the management device. The collected information is notified to a service provider as a management apparatus, and remotely managed by the service provider.

  There is an upper limit to the number of devices that can be managed by the mediation device. For this reason, when it is necessary to mediate more devices that exceed the upper limit, the number of devices exceeding the upper limit can be increased by attaching expansion parts to the mediation device and improving the hardware performance of the mediation device. It is known to cope with this by adding an intermediary device in the system.

  As such a device management system, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus management system that remotely manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a local network provided with a firewall. In this system, the image forming apparatus is remotely managed from the management apparatus side using the connection from the local network without significantly increasing the equipment cost.

  However, if the number of devices to be managed increases and exceeds the maximum number that the mediation device can mediate, a CE (customer engineer) or device administrator additionally installs a new mediation device. It is necessary to manually set a group of devices to be mediated for the mediation device. As described above, there is a problem that a long-time operation such as addition of an intermediary device and a setting change accompanying the addition of an intermediary device is required. Furthermore, since a new intermediary device is manually installed, there is a problem that a human error occurs in which a single device is set so that a plurality of intermediary devices are managed redundantly.

  In an equipment management system, in an environment where a plurality of mediation devices share and mediate a plurality of devices to be managed, one of the mediation devices is removed from the network due to a failure or movement of a management area. May end up. In this case, some devices do not connect to any intermediary device, resulting in an unmanaged state that is not temporarily managed. Furthermore, in order to return to the management state, work such as re-installing a new mediation device to mediate unmanaged devices or connecting an unmanaged device to an installed mediation device There was a need to do.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a change occurs in an intermediary device installed in a device management system, mediation of all devices in the device management system is changed to a mediation device after change. It is an object of the present invention to provide an intermediary device, a device management system, and a program capable of improving the efficiency of allocation processing.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a plurality of devices, a management device connected to the plurality of devices via a network, and managing the plurality of devices, and connected to the network An intermediary device newly installed in a device management system comprising a plurality of existing mediation devices that mediate between the plurality of devices and the management device and connected to the network, the device management system For each of the plurality of devices included in the device, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, and mediation device identification information for identifying the existing mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device correspond to each other The assigned device list receiving unit that receives the assigned device list from a predetermined existing intermediary device via the network and the assigned device list receiving unit The intermediary device and the existing intermediary device mediate according to the assigned device list storage unit for storing the assigned device list, the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit, and a preset distribution rule. A device distribution unit that determines a device in charge of the device, and when the device distribution unit determines the device in charge, the device distribution unit determines the device list that is stored in the device list storage unit The responsible device list update unit that updates based on the result, and the responsible device that transmits the updated responsible device list to the existing mediation apparatus when the responsible device list is updated based on the determination result by the device distributing unit. In the device list transmitting unit and the updated device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit, the mediation of the mediation device A device information receiving unit that receives device information related to the device in charge, and a device information transmission unit that transmits the device information to the management device. To do.

  In addition, the present invention provides a plurality of devices, a management device that is connected to the plurality of devices via a network and manages the plurality of devices, and is connected to the network and is connected between the plurality of devices and the management device. A device management system comprising a plurality of mediation devices that mediate, for each of the plurality of devices provided in the device management system, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, A device list in charge of receiving a device list associated with mediation device identification information for identifying the mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device from another mediation device via the network Stored in the receiving unit, the assigned device list storage unit that stores the assigned device list received by the assigned device list receiving unit, and the assigned device list storage unit. A device distribution unit that determines a device in charge of each of the plurality of mediation devices in accordance with a distribution rule set in advance and the device distribution unit, and the device distribution unit determines the device in charge A responsible device list updating unit that updates the responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit based on a determination result by the device distributing unit; and the responsible device list based on a determination result by the device distributing unit In the in-charge device list that is stored in the in-charge device list storage unit and the in-charge device list storage unit that is stored in the in-charge device list storage unit. A device information receiving unit for receiving device information related to the responsible device from the responsible device associated with the mediating device identification information of the mediating device; And having a device information transmitting unit that transmits the device information to the management device.

  In addition, the present invention provides a plurality of devices, a management device that is connected to the plurality of devices via a network and manages the plurality of devices, and is connected to the network and is connected between the plurality of devices and the management device. In a device management system comprising a plurality of existing mediation devices that mediate a network, a device newly installed to mediate between a predetermined device and the management device and connected to the network is installed in the device management system. For each of the plurality of devices provided, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, and mediation device identification information for identifying the existing mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device are associated with each other. The assigned device list received from a predetermined existing intermediary device via the network, the assigned device list, and In accordance with the set distribution rules, when the computer and the existing intermediary device determine a responsible device in charge of mediation, and when the responsible device is determined by the device distributing unit, the responsible device list is A responsible device list updating unit that updates based on a determination result by the device distribution unit; and when the responsible device list is updated based on a determination result by the device distribution unit, the updated responsible device list is transferred to the existing intermediary A device information receiving unit that transmits device information to the device, and a device information receiving unit that receives device information related to the device in charge from the device in charge associated with the mediation device identification information of the computer in the updated device list in charge And a program for causing the device information to function as a device information transmission unit that transmits the device information to the management device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when the change arises in the mediation apparatus installed in an apparatus management system, the process which allocates the mediation of all the apparatuses in an apparatus management system to the mediation apparatus after a change can be made efficient. There is an effect.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the device management system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the mediation device 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a responsible device list. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the device information DB included in the remote management device 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the second mediation device 4b is introduced as a new mediation device into the device management system 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the second mediation device 4b is introduced as a new mediation device into the device management system 1. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the device management system 1 when the second mediation device 4 b is introduced as a new mediation device into the device management system 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a list of devices in charge after the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the device information DB after the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the first mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10-2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the second mediating apparatus 4b after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the existing mediation device 4 is removed from the device management system 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the existing mediating device 4 is removed from the device management system 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the existing mediation device 4 is removed from the device management system 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining device redistribution processing when the existing mediation device 4 is removed from the device management system 1. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the device management system 1 when the existing mediation device of the device management system 1 is removed from the local network 7. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a list of devices in charge shared by each intermediary device 4 before the sequence process described in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a device information DB stored in the remote management device 2 before the sequence processing described in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a list of devices in charge shared by each intermediary device 4 after the sequence processing described in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a device information DB included in the remote management device 2 after the sequence processing described in FIG. FIG. 20A is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the second mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 20B is a sequence diagram of the device information management process performed by the first mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the intermediary device 4.

  Exemplary embodiments of an intermediary device, a device management system, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a device management system 1 according to the embodiment. The device management system 1 includes a remote management device 2, a plurality of devices 3 to be managed, a plurality of mediation devices 4, a plurality of routers 5, and a firewall 6.

  In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, a remote management device 2 installed in a location away from the user environment performs management of a plurality of devices 3 installed in a user environment such as a company building, for example. .

  The plurality of devices 3 and the plurality of mediation devices 4 are connected to a local network 7 provided with a firewall 6. A plurality of routers 5 are connected to the local network 7, and the plurality of devices 3 and the plurality of mediating devices 4 are connected to each other via the router 5. The local network 7 is connected to the Internet 8 via the firewall 6. The remote management device 2 is connected to the Internet 8. The remote management device 2 is connected to the mediation device 4 via the Internet 8 and the local network 7.

  Each mediation device 4 mediates between a predetermined device 3 and the remote management device 2. Further, the mediating device 4 manages a predetermined device 3 instead of the remote management device 2. Specifically, the intermediary device 4 periodically collects device information from a predetermined device 3 and transmits the collected device information to the remote management device 2. The remote management device 2 comprehensively manages the device information received from each intermediary device 4. Here, the device information is information related to the device 3, and includes setting information of the device 3, an operation history of the device 3, and the like.

  In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, each mediating device 4 is assigned a device in charge of mediation, and all the devices 3 are managed by any one of the mediating devices 4. In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a new mediation device 4 is introduced into the device management system 1 or when the existing mediation device 4 installed in the device management system 1 is installed. When the installation of the intermediary device 4 in the device management system 1 is changed, such as when it is removed or becomes unusable due to a failure, and it becomes necessary to redistribute the responsible device that each intermediary device 4 should be responsible for The mediating device 4 in the device management system 1 cooperates to automatically redistribute the devices in charge of each mediating device 4.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the mediation device 4. The intermediary device 4 includes an address storage unit 100, a device list transmission / reception unit 102, a device list storage unit 104, a device management unit 106, a device information storage unit 108, a reception unit 110, and a connection status confirmation unit 112. An intermediary device monitoring unit 114, a device distribution unit 116, and a responsible device list update unit 118.

  The address storage unit 100 stores the address of another mediation device 4 installed in the user environment. The address stored in the address storage unit 100 is used to access another mediating device 4 from the mediating device 4 when the mediating device 4 is newly introduced into the device management system 1 and connected to the local network 7. Used for

  The assigned device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 receives the assigned device list from the other intermediary device 4 via the local network 7. The assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 transmits the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 to be described later to the other intermediary device 4. The assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 also transmits the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 to the remote management device 2 via the local network 7 and the Internet 8.

  The assigned device list storage unit 104 stores the assigned device list received by the assigned device list transmitting / receiving unit 102. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a responsible device list. In the assigned device list, the device ID, the device MAC address, the device IP address, the device connection method, and the mediation device ID of the mediation device responsible for mediation of the device are registered for all devices to be managed by the remote management device 2. It is associated. Here, the device ID is information for identifying a plurality of devices installed in the user environment. The mediation device ID is information for identifying each mediation device already installed in the user environment.

  When the mediation device 4 is a device newly introduced into the device management system 1, the responsible device is not yet assigned to the mediation device 4. If the intermediary device 4 is a newly introduced device, the assigned device list storage unit 104 does not store the assigned device list, and the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 stores it in the address storage unit 100. The other existing intermediary device 4 is accessed using the stored address, the responsible device list is received from the existing mediating device 4, and the received responsible device list is stored in the responsible device list storage unit 104.

  The device management unit 106 refers to the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 and identifies its own assigned device. Then, the device management unit 106 acquires device information from the identified device 3 via the local network 7. The device management unit 106 transmits device information acquired from the device 3 to the remote management device 2 via the local network 7 and the Internet 8. The device information storage unit 108 stores the device information acquired by the device management unit 106 in association with the device ID of the acquisition source device 3.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the device information DB included in the remote management device 2. The remote management device 2 refers to the assigned device list received from the mediation device 4, and stores the device ID and the mediation device ID in association with each other in the device information DB. Further, the remote management device 2 stores the device information of each device in the device information DB in association with each device ID. Also, when the remote device 2 updates the responsible device list in the predetermined mediation device 4 and receives the updated responsible device list from the mediation device 4, the remote management device 2 corresponds to the device ID in the device information DB and the mediation device ID. Update the attachment according to the updated device list.

  The accepting unit 110 accepts information input from the user. Specifically, the reception unit 110 receives a distribution rule used by a device distribution unit 116 described later. Here, the distribution rule is to determine, for each intermediary device 4, a device 3 for which each intermediary device 4 is responsible for mediation when a change occurs in the installation of the intermediary device 4 installed in the user environment. Rules, that is, rules for redistributing the equipment 3. As another example, the distribution rule may be set in the device distribution unit 116 in advance. In this case, the reception unit 110 may not be provided.

  As a distribution rule, based on the model type of each device 3, a model standard rule that distributes the devices 3 so that one mediating device 4 takes charge of the devices 3 of the same model, and one mediating device 4 is installed in the same department. The department standard rule for distributing the device 3 so as to be in charge of the device 3, and the static as in the administrator standard rule for distributing the device 3 so that one intermediary device 4 is in charge of the device 3 managed by the same administrator There are rules based on information. Also, as a distribution rule, a network distance standard rule for distributing the devices 3 so that the network distance such as the number of routers (hops) passed from each device 3 to reach each intermediary device 4 is minimized, ping, etc. Rules based on dynamic information, such as response time reference rules for distributing devices 3 so that the response time until the response to information transmitted from the mediating device 4 to the devices 3 reaches the mediating device 4 is minimized. There is.

  Furthermore, the distribution rule also defines a standard for determining a device in charge of each intermediary device. For example, as a criterion for determining the number of devices in charge of each intermediary device, a distribution rule for allocating the number of devices in charge of each intermediary device to be equal, and the optimal number of devices in charge of each intermediary device are determined in advance. There are distribution rules that distribute based on numbers.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a network standard rule that determines a network distance, that is, a device with a small number of hops as a device in charge, and a device with a small number of hops from each mediation device in turn is a device in charge of each mediation device A case will be described in which a distribution rule that determines the devices in charge of each intermediary device is used so that the number of devices in charge of each of the plurality of mediation devices approaches the same value.

  The connection status confirmation unit 112 accesses the local network 7 and acquires the connection status of the plurality of devices 3 to the network. Here, the connection status is information relating to the network connection of each device 3 and changes depending on the network status such as the network distance from the mediation device 4 to each device 3 and the response time of each device 3 with respect to the mediation device 4. It is dynamic information.

  The mediation device monitoring unit 114 periodically accesses all other mediation devices 4 connected to the local network 7 and receives a response to this access from the accessed mediation device 4. When the mediation device monitoring unit 114 receives this response, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 determines that the accessed mediation device 4 is operating normally, and when the mediation device monitoring unit 114 does not receive a preset specified time response, Judge that an abnormality has occurred. The reason why the mediation device monitoring unit 114 does not receive a response from the mediation device 4 that is the access destination for a specified time is that the mediation device 4 that is the access destination is removed from the device management system 1 in addition to the failure of the mediation device 4 that is the access destination. The case is assumed.

  As described above, the response received from the access destination intermediary device 4 indicates that the network connection of the access destination intermediary device 4 is not changed and is operating normally, and corresponds to continuation information. The content may be a simple signal, and when this signal is received, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 determines that the accessed mediation device 4 is operating normally. Here, the mediation apparatus monitoring unit 114 functions as a continuation information receiving unit.

  In accordance with the distribution rule received by the receiving unit 110, the device distribution unit 116 refers to the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 and is responsible for mediation of all devices 3 installed in the user environment. The intermediary device 4 is determined. In addition, when using the distribution rule of the network distance reference rule, the device distribution unit 116 further refers to the network distance from the intermediary device 4 to each device 3 acquired by the connection status confirmation unit 112 as the connection status, The assigned device is distributed to each intermediary device 4. In addition, when using the distribution rule of the response time reference rule, the device distribution unit 116 further refers to the response time of each device 3 for the mediation device 4 acquired as the connection status by the connection status confirmation unit 112, and The assigned device is distributed to the intermediary device 4. When the device distribution unit 116 determines the device in charge of each intermediary device 4, it instructs the device-in-charge list update unit 118 to update the device-in-charge list stored in the device-in-charge list storage unit 104.

  When the assigned device list updating unit 118 receives an instruction to update the assigned device list from the device distributing unit 116, the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 based on the determination result of the assigned device by the device distributing unit 116. Update the list. When the responsible device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 receives the updated responsible device list from the other mediation device 4, the responsible device list updating unit 118 displays the responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit 104, The assigned device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 updates the received device list received.

  The functional configuration of the mediation device 4 described with reference to FIG. 2 is common to the existing mediation device 4 and the mediation device 4 newly introduced into the device management system 1.

  Hereinafter, the device redistribution process when a new mediating device 4 is introduced into the device management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the device management system 1, it is assumed that the first mediation device 4a, which is an existing mediation device already installed in the device management system 1, is in charge of mediation of the 16 devices 3a to 3p. In this situation, it is assumed that the second mediation device 4b is additionally introduced into the device management system 1 as a new mediation device.

  In this case, the second mediating device 4b acquires the device-in-charge list from the first mediating device 4a, and determines the device in charge in accordance with the device-in-charge list and the preset distribution rule. In this example, a device with a small number of hops is used as a device in charge, and the distribution rule is distributed so that the number of devices in charge of each intermediary device is equal. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second mediating device 4 b determines eight devices 3 i to 3 p from the second mediating device 4 b to the hop number 2 as its own devices. Further, the second mediating device 4b also determines the eight devices 3a to 3h having the number of hops from the first mediating device 4a up to 2 as the devices in charge of the first mediating device 4a for the first mediating device 4a.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the device management system 1 when the second mediation device 4 b is introduced as a new mediation device into the device management system 1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, in the device management system 1, the first mediation device 4 a as an existing mediation device is responsible for mediation of four devices: the first device, the second device, the third device, and the fourth device. Here, a device redistribution process when the second mediating device 4b is additionally introduced as a new mediating device will be described. It is assumed that the address storage unit 100 of the second mediating device 4b stores the address of the first mediating device 4a.

  Further, at the time before the second mediating device 4b is added, as shown in FIG. 3, each device ID “ The first mediation device 4a identified by the mediation device ID “B01” is associated with the first to fourth devices identified by “A01” to “A04”, and in the device information DB of the remote management device 2, As shown in FIG. 4, the first mediating device 4a identified by the mediating device ID “B01” is associated with the first to fourth devices identified by the device IDs “A01” to “A04”, respectively.

  First, the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the second mediating device 4b accesses the address stored in the address storage unit 100, so that the second mediating device 4b newly establishes a local network with respect to the first mediating device 4a. 7 is transmitted (step S100). When receiving the installation start notification, the first mediating device 4a requests the remote management device 2 for installation processing and receives a completion response from the remote management device 2 (step S102). When the first intermediary device 4a receives a completion response from the remote management device 2, the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the first mediation device 4a is in charge stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 of the first mediation device 4a. The device list is transmitted to the second mediating device 4b (step S104). The assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the second mediating apparatus 4 b stores the received assigned device list in the assigned device list storage unit 104.

  As described above, the newly added second mediating device 4b stores the address of the existing mediating device 4 in the address storage unit 100, and therefore requires input from the user when connected to the local network 7. Without having to do so, it is possible to automatically access the existing intermediary device 4 and obtain the responsible device list. Furthermore, the second mediating apparatus 4b can know the responsible equipment handled by each mediating apparatus in the current equipment management system 1 by referring to the responsible equipment list.

  Next, the connection status confirmation unit 112 of the second mediating apparatus 4b confirms the connection status of each managed device. Specifically, the connection status confirmation unit 112 of the second mediating apparatus 4b performs a connection check of the first device, the second device, the third device, and the fourth device (steps S106 to S112). Specifically, the connection status confirmation unit 112 identifies the number of hops from the second mediation device 4b to each device 3.

  Next, the device distribution unit 116 of the second mediation apparatus 4b determines that the device distribution unit 116 itself is based on the number of hops identified in Steps S106 to S112 and the distribution device and the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104. A device in charge is determined (step S114). Specifically, the assigned device list is determined by referring to the assigned device list so that the number of assigned devices of each intermediary device 4 becomes the same in ascending order of the number of hops. In this example, since there are four devices in charge of the first mediation device 4a, the device distribution unit 116 of the second mediation device 4b determines two devices that are half of the four devices as its own devices. When the device distributor 116 of the second intermediary device 4b determines its own device, the device distributor 116 refers to the device list in charge, and determines the mediator device that has been in charge of managing the device that has newly become its device. Identify. Here, the first mediating device 4a is specified.

  Next, the assigned device list update unit 118 of the second mediating apparatus 4b updates the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 based on the determination result by the device distribution unit 116, and transmits / receives the assigned device list. The unit 102 notifies the first intermediary device 4a of the assigned device change request for requesting the change in charge of the first intermediary device 4a together with the updated responsible device list (step S116).

  Upon receiving the assigned device change request, the assigned device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 of the first mediating device 4a refers to the assigned device list received together with the assigned device change request, confirms the assigned device of the first mediating device 4a itself, and is optimal. The distribution is confirmed, and the confirmation result is returned to the second mediation apparatus 4b (step S118).

  The device management unit 106 of the second mediation device 4b transmits a device information acquisition request together with the updated device list to the first mediation device 4a specified by the device distribution unit 116 in step S114 (step S120). The device information acquisition request is information for requesting device information of a device in charge newly assigned to the second mediating apparatus 4b.

  Upon receiving the device information acquisition request, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating device 4a refers to the device list in charge received together with the device information acquisition request, and the device in charge that the second mediating device 4b is newly responsible for The device information is read from the device information storage unit 108, and the read device information is transmitted to the second mediating device 4b together with the device ID (step S122).

  Upon receiving the device information and the device ID from the first mediation device 4a, the device management unit 106 of the second mediation device 4b stores the received device information in the device information storage unit 108 in association with the device ID. Information is registered (step S124).

  As another example, the device management unit 106 of the second mediation device 4b may directly acquire the device information of the device in charge for which the second mediation device 4b is newly in charge from the device in charge. .

  Next, the in-charge device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the second mediating apparatus 4b remotely manages the in-charge device registration notification for notifying that the in-charge device list of the second mediating apparatus 4b is newly determined together with the updated in-charge device list. It transmits to the apparatus 2 (step S126). When the remote management device 2 receives the responsible device registration notification, the remote management device 2 updates its own device information DB based on the responsible device list received together with the responsible device registration notification.

  Next, upon receiving a response to the responsible device registration notification from the remote management device 2, the responsible device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 of the second mediating device 4 b notifies the first mediating device 4 a together with the updated responsible device list and a registration result notification. Is transmitted (step S128). The registration result notification is information indicating that the updated responsible device list is transmitted to the remote management device 2 and that the updating of the responsible device is completed in the remote management device 2.

  In the first intermediary device 4a, when the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 receives the assigned device list together with the assigned device registration notification, the assigned device list update unit 118 displays the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104. , Update to the in-charge device list received together with the in-device registration notification. Furthermore, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating apparatus 4a deletes the device information of the device that is out of its charge from the device information storage unit 108 based on the updated responsible device list (step S130).

  Next, the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the first mediating apparatus 4a transmits to the remote management device 2 a notification of change of the assigned device indicating that there is a change in the assigned device of the first mediating apparatus 4a together with the updated assigned device list. (Step S132). When the remote management device 2 receives the assigned device change notification and the assigned device list from the first intermediary device 4a, the received assigned device list is compared with the device information DB held by itself, and the assigned devices of the respective intermediate devices match. If it is confirmed that there is a match, a response is returned to the first mediating apparatus 4a. When the first intermediary layer device 4a receives the response from the remote management device 2, the first intermediary layer device 4a returns a registration completion result of the change of the device in charge to the second intermediary device 4b (step S134). Thus, the redistribution process when a new mediation device is added to the device management system 1 is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a list of devices in charge after the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. When the second mediation device 4b is added to the device management system 1 and the charge of the first device and the second device is changed from the first mediation device 4a to the second mediation device 4b by the redistribution process, the charge device list is changed. As shown in FIG. 8, in the updated device list as shown in FIG. 8, the device IDs “A01” and “A02” are associated with “B02” that is the mediation device ID for identifying the second mediation device 4b. It has been.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the device information DB of the remote management device 2 is also updated. In the updated device information DB, the device IDs “A01” and “A02” include the mediation device of the second mediation device 4b. ID “B02” is associated.

  As described above, in the device management system 1, when a new mediating device 4 is added, the added new mediating device becomes a determination subject and determines a device in charge of the new mediating device. Then, the updated responsible device list reflecting the change of the responsible device of the new mediating device and the associated device of the existing mediating device is shared by all the mediating devices 4 installed in the user environment, Further, the remote management device 2 can also assign the charge of all devices to the appropriate mediation device 4 by reflecting the updated device list in the device information DB.

  FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the first mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. When the device management unit 106 of the first intermediary device 4a starts collecting device information (step S150), the device management unit 106 first accesses the first device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the first device from the first device. (Step S152). Subsequently, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating apparatus 4a accesses the second device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the second device from the second device (step S154).

  The device management unit 106 of the first mediation device 4a acquires device information from all the devices in charge of the first mediation device 4a, that is, the first device and the second device, in steps S152 and S154. The device management unit 106 stores the acquired device information of the first device and the second device in the device information storage unit 108 of the first mediation device 4a, and notifies the remote management device 2 of the device information (step S156). Thus, the device information management process by the first mediating device 4a is completed. The first mediating device 4a performs this device information management process every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

  FIG. 10-2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the second mediating apparatus 4b after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. When the device management unit 106 of the second mediating apparatus 4b starts collecting device information (step S160), the device management unit 106 first accesses the third device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the third device from the third device. (Step S162). Subsequently, the device management unit 106 of the second mediating apparatus 4b accesses the fourth device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the fourth device from the fourth device (step S164).

  The device management unit 106 of the second mediation device 4b acquires device information from all the devices in charge of the second mediation device 4b, that is, the third device and the fourth device, in steps S162 and S164. The device management unit 106 further stores the acquired device information of the third device and the fourth device in the device information storage unit 108 of the second mediation device 4b, and notifies the remote management device 2 of the device information (step S166). Thus, the device information management process by the second mediation device 4b is completed. The second intermediary device 4b performs this device information management process every time a predetermined time elapses.

  As described above, when the second mediation device 4a is newly added to the device management system 1 including the first mediation device 4a, the first mediation device 4a collects device information from the third device and the fourth device. Therefore, the processing load can be reduced. Furthermore, the processing time can be shortened.

  Next, device redistribution processing when the existing mediation apparatus 4 is removed from the device management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the device management system 1 includes a first mediation device 4a, a second mediation device 4b, and a third mediation device 4c as existing mediation devices. The first mediating device 4a manages the devices 3a to 3f assigned as its own device, the second mediating device 4b manages the devices 3g to 3k assigned as its own device, and the third mediating device. Assume that 4c manages the devices 3l to 3p assigned as its own devices.

  In this case, the intermediary device monitoring unit 114 of each intermediary device regularly contacts each other and always confirms that all intermediary devices are operating normally. Specifically, the first mediating device 4a periodically accesses the second mediating device 4b and receives a response as continuation information from the second mediating device 4b. The first mediation device 4a also periodically accesses the third mediation device 4c and receives a response as continuation information from the third mediation device 4c. In addition, the relationship of the timing which the 1st mediation apparatus 4a accesses the 2nd mediation apparatus 4b and the 3rd mediation apparatus 4c is not specifically limited, The timing which accesses each mediation apparatus should just be controlled independently, respectively. .

  Similarly, the second mediating device 4b periodically accesses the first mediating device 4a and the third mediating device 4c, and receives a response as continuation information from each mediating device. The third mediating device 4c periodically accesses the first mediating device 4a and the second mediating device 4b, and receives a response as continuation information from each mediating device.

  In this way, each intermediary device 4 communicates with each other, so that each intermediary device 4 grasps that all intermediary devices 4 installed in the user environment are operating normally. It is possible to avoid a situation in which an abnormality such as a failure occurs in the device 4 and a situation in which the device 3 to be managed by the intermediate device 4 in which the abnormality originally occurred is temporarily not managed by any of the intermediate devices 4 is avoided. it can.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the third mediation device 4 c is removed from the local network 7 among the three existing mediation devices 4 a to 4 c installed in the user environment in the device management system 1. Further, after the third mediation device 4c is removed, the second mediation device 4b accesses the third mediation device 4c, and does not receive a response from the third mediation device 4c for a predetermined time, so that the third mediation device 4c Assume that an abnormality has occurred.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the second mediating device 4b that has detected that an abnormality has occurred in the third mediating device 4c inquires the first mediating device 4a, and the first mediating device 4a Confirm that no response is received from the mediation device 4c, and notify the second mediation device 4b. The second mediating device 4b determines that an abnormality has occurred in the third mediating device 4c when the response from the third mediating device 4c is not received by the first mediating device 4a in addition to the second mediating device 4b. In this case, the first mediating device 4a and the second mediating device 4b communicate with each other, refer to the device-in-charge list, and determine the device to be handled from the device in charge managed by the third mediating device 4c. Perform redistribution processing.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, among the devices 3l to 3p that were the devices in charge of the third mediating device 4c, the devices 3l to 3m are the devices in charge of the first mediating device 4a, and the devices 3n to 3p are the second mediating devices. The device in charge of the device 4b is determined. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the device 3 to be managed by the mediation device 4 in which an abnormality has occurred is temporarily not managed by any mediation device 4.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the device management system 1 when the existing mediation device of the device management system 1 is removed from the local network 7. In the example shown in FIG. 15, in the device management system 1, the first mediating device 4a as the existing mediating device manages the first device, the second mediating device 4b manages the second device, and the third mediating device. The redistribution process when the third mediating device 4c is removed in a situation where the 4c manages the third device and the fourth device will be described.

  For example, after the third mediating device 4c cannot communicate with other devices (for example, the third mediating device 4c is removed by the CE) (step S200), the second mediating device 4b periodically performs the third mediation. When accessing the device 4c and not receiving a response to the access (step S202), the second mediating device 4b starts mediating device abnormality detection processing (step S204). Note that access to the third mediation device 4c is performed from all mediation devices other than the third mediation device 4c installed in the user environment, but in the present embodiment, the third mediation device is the first. It is assumed that the mediating apparatus that detects the abnormality 4c performs the following redistribution processing.

  When the mediation device abnormality detection process by the second mediation device 4b is started, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 of the second mediation device 4b then identifies the third mediation device 4c to the first mediation device 4a. An inquiry requesting access to the third mediating device 4c is made together with the device ID (step S206). When receiving the inquiry from the second mediation device 4b, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 of the first mediation device 4a identifies the third mediation device 4c by the mediation device ID and confirms that there is no response from the third mediation device 4c. Therefore, the third mediating device 4c is accessed (step S208). Then, it confirms that no response has been received for a predetermined time from the third mediating device 4c, and notifies the second mediating device 4b that there is no response (step S210).

  Through the above processing, the second mediating device 4b, which is a device that first detects that an abnormality has occurred in the third mediating device 4c, is the determining agent, and other mediation devices installed in the user environment. The first mediating device 4a, which is a device, is instructed to determine whether or not the third mediating device 4c is abnormal, and a comprehensive judgment is made according to the judgment result. This avoids erroneously determining that an abnormality has occurred in the third mediating device 4c due to a problem occurring in the mediating device itself that has been determined that an abnormality has occurred in the third mediating device 4c. be able to.

  Next, the second mediating device 4b starts a redistribution process in which the device in charge of the third mediating device 4c, which is the mediating device in which an abnormality has occurred, is used as the device in charge of another mediating device. Specifically, the connection status confirmation unit 112 of the second mediation device 4b performs a connection check between the third device and the fourth device, which are the devices in charge of the third mediation device 4c, and the second mediation device 4b to each device 3 The number of hops up to is specified (step S212, step S214).

  Further, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 of the second mediation device 4b transmits a connection check request to the first mediation device 4a (step S216). When the mediation device monitoring unit 114 of the first mediation device 4a receives a connection check request from the second mediation device 4b, the connection status confirmation unit 112 of the first mediation device 4a performs a connection check between the third device and the fourth device. The number of hops from the first mediating device 4a to each device 3 is specified (steps S218 and S220). Then, the mediation device monitoring unit 114 of the first mediation device 4a returns the result of the connection check, that is, the number of hops from the first mediation device 4a to each device 3 to the second mediation device 4b (step S222).

  Next, the device distribution unit 116 of the second mediation device 4b performs the third based on the result of the connection check by the connection status confirmation unit 112 of the second mediation device 4b and the result of the connection check received from the first mediation device 4a. The intermediary device 4 in charge of the device and the fourth device is determined (step S224).

  In this example, according to the network standard rule, the distribution rule is set such that the number of devices in charge of each intermediary device is equal, and the number of hops from the first mediation device 4a and the second mediation device 4b to each device 3 Are equal. In this case, the device distribution unit 116 of the second mediation device 4b assigns the third device to the second mediation device 4b so that the number of devices in charge of the first mediation device 4a and the second mediation device 4b are equal, and the fourth device Are assigned to the first intermediary device.

  Next, the second mediating apparatus 4b performs registration processing for the third device that has newly become its own device (step S226). In the registration process, the device distribution unit 116 of the second mediating device 4b updates the responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit 104 based on the distribution result. Furthermore, the device management unit 106 of the second mediating apparatus 4b acquires device information from the third device that has newly become its assigned device, and registers it in the device information storage unit 108 (step S228). Furthermore, the device management unit 106 of the second mediating device 4b transmits a registration notification indicating that the third device is registered as its own device to the remote management device 2 (step S230). Note that the updated device list may be transmitted as the registration notification.

  Further, the responsible device list transmission / reception unit 102 of the second mediating device 4b requests the first mediating device 4a to manage the fourth device that has newly become the responsible device together with the updated responsible device list. Is transmitted (step S232).

  Upon receiving the updated responsible device list, the responsible device list transmitting / receiving unit 102 of the first mediating apparatus 4a performs a fourth device registration process (step S234). In the registration process, the assigned device list update unit 118 of the first mediating apparatus 4 a updates the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit 104 to the assigned device list received by the assigned device list transmission / reception unit 102.

  Next, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating apparatus 4a refers to the updated responsible device list, identifies the fourth device that has newly become the responsible device of the first mediating device 4a, and starts from the fourth device to the device. Information is acquired (step S236). Next, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating device 4a transmits a registration notification indicating that the fourth device is registered as its own device to the remote management device 2 (step S238). Thus, the redistribution processing in the device management system 1 when the existing mediation device is removed from the local network 7 is completed.

  FIG. 16 is stored in the assigned device list shared by each mediation device 4, that is, in the assigned device list storage unit 104 of each mediation device 4 in a situation before the third mediation device 4c is removed by the sequence processing described in FIG. It is a figure which shows the apparatus list in charge. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a device information DB stored in the remote management device 2 in a state before the third mediating device 4c is removed by the sequence process described in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, in the device list and device information DB before the sequence processing, the device ID “A01” is associated with the mediation device ID “B01” of the first mediation device 4a. The device ID “A02” is associated with the mediation device ID “B02” of the second mediation device 4b. The device IDs “A03” and “A04” are associated with the mediation device ID “B03”.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a list of devices in charge shared by each intermediary device 4 after the sequence processing described in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a device information DB included in the remote management device 2 after the sequence processing described in FIG. As described above, the device IDs “A03” and “A04” for identifying the third device and the fourth device, which are the devices in charge of the fourth mediating device 4c identified by the mediating device ID “B03” before the sequence processing, are included. The mediation device ID “B02” of the second mediation device 4b and the mediation device ID “B01” of the first mediation device 4a are associated with each other.

  In this way, in the device management system 1, when an existing mediating device is removed, such as when an existing mediating device is removed, the mediating device that first detects this becomes the determining entity, and is assigned to the device in charge of the mediating device that detected the malfunction. The distributed device is redistributed as a device in charge of the mediation device other than the mediation device in which the abnormality is detected. Then, the updated responsible device list reflecting the redistribution is shared by all the intermediary devices 4 installed in the user environment, and also in the remote management device 2, the updated responsible device list is updated in the device information DB. By reflecting the above, it is possible to assign the charge of all the devices to the appropriate mediation device 4.

  FIG. 20A is a sequence diagram illustrating the device information management process performed by the second mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. When the device management unit 106 of the second mediating apparatus 4b starts collecting device information (step S250), the device management unit 106 first accesses the second device, which is the device in charge thereof, and acquires device information of the second device from the second device. (Step S252). Subsequently, the device management unit 106 of the second mediating apparatus 4b accesses the third device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the third device from the third device (step S254).

  The device management unit 106 of the second mediation device 4b acquires device information from all the devices in charge of the first mediation device 4a, that is, the second device and the third device, in steps S252 and S254. The device management unit 106 stores the acquired device information of the second device and the third device in the device information storage unit 108 of the second mediating device 4b, and notifies the remote management device 2 of the device information (step S256). Thus, the device information management process by the second mediation device 4b is completed. The second intermediary device 4b performs this device information management process every time a predetermined time elapses.

  FIG. 20B is a sequence diagram of the device information management process performed by the first mediating apparatus 4a after being redistributed by the redistribution process illustrated in FIG. When the device management unit 106 of the first intermediary device 4a starts collecting device information (step S260), the device management unit 106 first accesses the first device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the first device from the first device. (Step S262). Subsequently, the device management unit 106 of the first mediating apparatus 4a accesses the fourth device, which is its own device, and acquires device information of the fourth device from the fourth device (step S264).

  The device management unit 106 of the first mediation device 4a acquires device information from all the devices in charge of the first mediation device 4a, that is, the first device and the fourth device, in steps S262 and S264. The device management unit 106 further stores the acquired device information of the first device and the fourth device in the device information storage unit 108 of the first mediating device 4a, and notifies the remote management device 2 of the device information (step S266). Thus, the device information management process by the first mediating device 4a is completed. The first mediating device 4a performs this device information management process every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As an example of the change of the mediation device 4 according to the present embodiment, the address of the existing mediation device used in the mediation device newly added to the device management system 1 is that the newly added mediation device accesses the network. It is also possible to search automatically. In this case, the mediation device 4 further includes an existing mediation device search unit. When the mediation device 4 connects to the local network 7, the existing mediation device search unit searches for an existing mediation device via the local network. Then, when the existing mediation device search unit detects the address of the existing mediation device, the existing mediation device search unit stores the detected address in the address storage unit 100.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the intermediary device 4. The intermediary device 4 includes an HDD 202, a memory device 203, a CPU 204, an interface device 205, a display device 206, and an input device 207. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus 201. A program for realizing processing in the mediating device 4 is stored in the HDD 202, for example. The HDD 202 stores necessary files and data along with programs.

  The memory device 203 reads the program from the HDD 203 and stores the read program when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 204 realizes the function related to the mediation device 4 according to the program stored in the memory device 203. The interface device 205 is used as an interface for connecting to the local network 7. The display device 206 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like by a program. The input device 207 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used to input various operation instructions from the user.

  The program executed by the intermediary device 4 of the present embodiment is an installable or executable file, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Recorded on a readable recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the mediation device 4 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the mediation device 4 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the intermediary device 4 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (in charge device list transmission / reception unit, device management unit, reception unit, connection status confirmation unit, mediation device monitoring unit, device distribution unit, and in-charge device list update). In the actual hardware configuration, the CPU (processor) reads out the program from the storage medium and executes the program to load each unit on the main storage device. The device management unit, the reception unit, the connection status confirmation unit, the mediation device monitoring unit, the device distribution unit, and the assigned device list update unit are generated on the main storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device management system 2 Remote management device 3 Device 4 Mediation device 5 Router 100 Address storage part 102 Responsible equipment list transmission / reception part 104 Responsible equipment list storage part 106 Equipment management part 108 Equipment information storage part 110 Reception part 112 Connection status confirmation part 114 Intermediary Device monitoring unit 116 Device distribution unit 118 In-charge device list update unit

JP 2009-32277 A

Claims (10)

A plurality of devices, a management device connected to the plurality of devices via a network and managing the plurality of devices, a plurality of existing devices connected to the network and mediating between the plurality of devices and the management device An intermediary device newly installed in a device management system comprising an intermediary device and connected to the network,
For each of the plurality of devices included in the device management system, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, and an intermediary device identification for identifying the existing mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device A responsible device list receiving unit that receives a device list associated with the information from a predetermined existing mediation device via the network;
A responsible device list storage unit for storing the responsible device list received by the responsible device list receiving unit;
A device distribution unit that determines a device in charge of mediation by the mediation device and the existing mediation device in accordance with the distribution device list stored in the device-in-charge list storage unit and a preset distribution rule;
When the assigned device is determined by the device distribution unit, the assigned device list update unit updates the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit based on the determination result by the device distribution unit;
When the responsible device list is updated based on the determination result by the device distributing unit, the responsible device list transmitting unit that transmits the updated responsible device list to the existing mediation device;
A device that receives device information related to the responsible device from the responsible device associated with the mediation device identification information of the mediation device in the updated responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit An information receiver;
An intermediary device comprising: a device information transmission unit that transmits the device information to the management device. The responsible device list receiving unit, when the intermediary device and the responsible device of the existing mediation device are determined in the existing mediation device, and the responsible device list is updated based on the determined responsible device, Further receiving the updated responsible device list from the existing mediation device,
2. The assigned device list update unit updates the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit to the assigned device list received by the assigned device list receiving unit. Mediation device. A continuation information receiving unit that periodically receives continuation information indicating that there is no change in the network connection of the existing mediation device from each of the plurality of existing mediation devices connected to the network;
The device distribution unit, when the continuation information receiving unit does not receive the continuation information from a predetermined first existing mediation device for a predetermined time among a plurality of existing mediation devices connected to the network, In accordance with the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit and the distribution rule, determine a second existing mediation device other than the first existing mediation device and the responsible device of the mediation device,
The responsible device list updating unit updates the responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit based on a determination result by the device distributing unit,
The mediating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the responsible device list transmission unit transmits the updated responsible device list to the second existing mediating device.   The assigned device list transmitting unit is updated when the assigned device is determined by the device distributing unit and the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit is updated by the assigned device list updating unit. The intermediary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the subsequent device list is transmitted to the management device. A reception unit that receives the distribution rule input by the user;
The device distribution unit determines the device in charge of the mediation device and the existing mediation device based on the distribution rule received by the reception unit and the device-in-charge list. The intermediary device according to any one of the above. The distribution rule is a rule based on a connection status of the plurality of devices to the network,
A connection status receiving unit for receiving a connection status of each device from the plurality of devices to the network;
The device distribution unit determines the device in charge of the mediation device and the existing mediation device according to the device list in charge, the connection status received by the connection status reception unit, and the distribution rule. The intermediary device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An existing mediation device search unit for searching for the existing mediation device connected via the network;
The mediating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the responsible device list receiving unit receives the responsible device list from the existing mediating device searched by the existing mediating device searching unit. An address storage unit for storing an address of the existing mediation device;
The intermediary device according to claim 1, wherein the responsible device list receiving unit accesses the address stored in the address storage unit and receives the responsible device list from the existing mediating device. A plurality of devices, a management device connected to the plurality of devices via a network and managing the plurality of devices, and a plurality of mediators connected to the network and mediating between the plurality of devices and the management device A device management system comprising a device,
The intermediary device is:
For each of the plurality of devices included in the device management system, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, and mediation device identification information for identifying the mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device And a responsible device list receiving unit that receives the associated device list associated with and from another intermediary device via the network;
A responsible device list storage unit for storing the responsible device list received by the responsible device list receiving unit;
A device distribution unit that determines a device in charge of mediation by each of the plurality of mediation devices in accordance with a distribution rule that is stored in the device-in-charge list storage unit and a preset distribution rule;
When the assigned device is determined by the device distribution unit, the assigned device list update unit updates the assigned device list stored in the assigned device list storage unit based on the determination result by the device distribution unit;
When the responsible device list is updated based on the determination result by the device distributing unit, the responsible device list transmitting unit that transmits the updated responsible device list to the other intermediary device;
Device information for receiving device information related to the responsible device from the responsible device associated with the mediation device identification information of the mediation device in the updated responsible device list stored in the responsible device list storage unit A receiver,
A device management system comprising: a device information transmission unit configured to transmit the device information to the management device. A plurality of devices, a management device connected to the plurality of devices via a network and managing the plurality of devices, a plurality of existing devices connected to the network and mediating between the plurality of devices and the management device In a device management system comprising an intermediary device, a computer newly installed to mediate between a predetermined device and the management device and connected to the network,
For each of the plurality of devices included in the device management system, device identification information for identifying the device, a device address, and an intermediary device identification for identifying the existing mediation device in charge of mediation between the device and the management device A responsible device list receiving unit that receives a device list associated with the information from a predetermined existing mediation device via the network;
A device distribution unit for determining a device in charge of mediation by the computer and the existing mediation device in accordance with a distribution rule set in advance, and the responsible device list;
A responsible device list updating unit that updates the responsible device list based on a determination result by the device distributing unit when the responsible device is determined by the device distributing unit;
When the responsible device list is updated based on the determination result by the device distributing unit, the responsible device list transmitting unit that transmits the updated responsible device list to the existing mediation device;
A device information receiving unit that receives device information related to the device in charge from the device in charge associated with the mediation device identification information of the computer in the updated device list in charge;
A program for causing the device information to function as a device information transmission unit that transmits the device information to the management apparatus.

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