Network-management device, network-management method, and computer program product

• US 8,621,361 B2
• Filed: 06/07/2013
• Issued: 12/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
• Inventors: Yamashita, Akihiro
• Primary Examiner(s): SALOMON, PHENUEL S
• Application Number:
  US13/912,545
• Publication Number:
  US 20130268860A1
• Time in Patent Office: 207 Days
• Field of Search: 715/734, 715/736, 709/223, 709/224, 709/203
• US Class Current: 715/734
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0253 using browsers or web-pages for accessing management information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/12 Discovery or management of network topologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

A network-management device includes a map storing unit and a map state storing unit. The map storing unit stores therein a map created based on information on network devices. The map state storing unit stores therein a creation state indicating that creation of the map is in process or completed in association with the map. When creation of the map is in process, disclosure of the map is prohibited, and all the network devices are notified that creation of the map is in process. When creation of the map is completed, it is checked whether all the network devices are laid out on the map. When all the network devices are laid out on the map, disclosure of the map is permitted.

Claims

1. A management device, comprising:

a device-information storing unit that stores device information corresponding to a device connected to a network;

a receiving unit that receives a request indicating a display format to display the device information;

a first determining unit that, when the request indicates a first display format, causes display of first display information in a list, the first display information including information acquired from the device connected to the network or the device information stored in the device-information storing unit;

a second determining unit that, when the request indicates a second display format, causes display of second display information including the device information arranged on a map based on coordinates corresponding to the device information; and

a creation-state setting unit that sets a creation state of the second display information,

wherein when the second display information is not created, the second determining unit causes display of a notice indicating that the second display information is not created instead of the second display format,

the second determining unit determines whether to cause display of the second display information or display of the notice based on the creation state of the second display information, and

the notice includes an indication that creation of the second display information is in progress.

2. A method of managing devices on a network, comprising:

storing device information corresponding to a device connected to the network in a device-information storing unit;

receiving, at a receiving unit, a request indicating a display format to display the device information;

determining, in a first determining unit, whether the request indicates a first display format;

causing display, on a display unit, of first display information in a list, the first display information including information acquired from the device connected to the network or the device information stored in the device-information storing unit;

determining, in a second determining unit, whether the request indicates a second display format;

causing display, on the display unit, display of second display information including the device information arranged on a map based on coordinates corresponding to the device information; and

setting, in a creation-state setting unit, a creation state of the second display information,

wherein when a notice indicating that the second display information is not created is displayed instead of the second display format when the second display information is not created,

the display of the second display information or display of the notice is based on the creation state of the second display information, and

the notice includes an indication that creation of the second display information is in progress.

3. A system comprising:

a device connected to a network; and

a management device, the management device including

a device-information storing unit that stores device information corresponding to the device,

a receiving unit that receives a request indicating a display format to display the device information,

a first determining unit that, when the request indicates a first display format, causes display of first display information in a list, the first display information including information acquired from the device connected to the network or the device information stored in the device-information storing unit, and

a second determining unit that, when the request indicates a second display format, causes display of second display information including the device information arranged on a map based on coordinates corresponding to the device information,

wherein when the second display information is not created, the second determining unit causes display of a notice indicating that the second display information is not created instead of the second display format,

the management device further includes a creation-state setting unit that sets a creation state of the second display information,

the second determining unit determines whether to cause display of the second display information or display of the notice based on the creation state of the second display information, and

the notice includes an indication that creation of the second display information is in progress.