JP7613176B2 - PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a system equipped with an image processing device.

Patent document 1 discloses a technology that notifies a user of which of multiple rechargeable batteries that can be installed in a printer is capable of supplying sufficient voltage according to the user's usage pattern.

JP 2019-030107 A

One scenario in which a printer would be used is when multiple printers are available and the user takes one of them out to use. In this case, unless the user takes out a printer that has been configured to suit their intended use, they may not be able to get the print results they want.

It is possible for a user to find a printer with the desired settings by checking the settings of each printer one by one before use, but this is time-consuming and not very user-friendly.

One aspect of the present disclosure aims to enable a user to easily identify an image processing device that is suitable for that user.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program executable by a computer included in an information processing device. The information processing device is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of image processing devices.
The program causes a computer to execute a user information acquisition process, a decision process, and a recommended information output process.

The user information acquisition process is a process for acquiring user information, which is information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices.
The determination process is a process for determining a recommended device to be used based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process. The recommended device is an image processing device that should be used by the user among the plurality of image processing devices.

The recommendation information output process is a process of outputting recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination process.
In such a program, the recommended device is determined based on the user information, and the recommendation information is output, so that the user can easily specify an image processing device suitable for the user based on the recommendation information.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device configured to execute the program may be provided. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method (i.e., a method for determining a device recommended for use and outputting recommended information) used in the information processing device in which the program is executed may be provided. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system including an information processing device in which the program is executed and a plurality of image processing devices may be provided.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an image processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile device and a cradle. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a management device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a setting requirement table. 13 is a flowchart of a management process. 13 is a flowchart of a recommended device determination process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the setting requirement table. 13 is a flowchart of a modified example of a recommended device determination process.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
1. Embodiment
(1-1) Overview of Image Processing System The image processing system 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 includes a management device 5, a wireless communication device 100, and one or more mobile devices. Any number of mobile devices may be included. The image processing system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a first mobile device 31, a second mobile device 32, and a third mobile device 33. The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 may each have a different configuration, but in this embodiment, as an example, they have the same configuration.

The image processing system 1 may further include a multifunction device 34. The image processing system 1 may further include one or more image processing devices (not shown). The image processing system 1 may further include one or more personal computers (hereinafter, PCs). Any number of PCs may be included. The image processing system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a first PC 71, a second PC 72, a third PC 73, and a fourth PC 74.

The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33, the multifunction device 34, and one or more image processing devices (not shown) each have an image processing function. The image processing function includes, for example, at least one of a printing function and a scanning function. The printing function is a function of acquiring image data and printing an image represented by the image data on a sheet-like recording medium. The scanning function is a function of reading an image and generating image data representing the read image. In this embodiment, the first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 have, for example, a printing function, and the multifunction device 34 has, for example, a printing function and a scanning function.

The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 and the multifunction device 34 may each be, for example, a stationary image processing device that is intended to be placed in a fixed position for use, or a handy image processing device that is easily portable and intended to be carried around. In this embodiment, for example, the first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 are all handy types, and the multifunction device 34 is a stationary type. In this embodiment, the first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 are each classified as, for example, a label printer. A label printer has a function of printing images on roll paper. Roll paper is a long recording medium wound into a roll.

The management device 5 is connected to a communication network 150. The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 can be connected to the communication network 150 directly or via a cradle. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the first mobile device 31 is indirectly connected to the communication network 150 via a first cradle 51, the second mobile device 32 is indirectly connected to the communication network 150 via a second cradle 52, and the third mobile device 33 is directly connected to the communication network 150.

The first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 are each connected to a communication network 150. The multifunction device 34 is also connected to the communication network 150. One or more image processing devices (not shown) may also be connected to the communication network 150.

The communication network 150 may include a wired network or a wireless network. In this embodiment, being "connected" to the communication network 150 means being able to communicate with other devices through the communication network 150.

The first cradle 51 and the second cradle 52 are each connected to a communication network 150. The first mobile device 31 is detachable from the first cradle 51. The second mobile device 32 is detachable from the second cradle 52. The first and second mobile devices 31 and 32 may be attachable to either the first or second cradle 51 and 52, respectively. However, in this embodiment, for example, for convenience of management, it is pre-arranged that the first mobile device 31 is attached to the first cradle 51, and the second mobile device 32 is attached to the second cradle 52.

The first cradle 51 has a function of supplying charging power to the first mobile device 31 attached to the first cradle 51. The first cradle 51 also has a function of relaying communication between the first mobile device 31 and other devices connected to the communication network 150. The second cradle 52 also performs the same function as the first cradle 51 with respect to the second mobile device 32.

The management device 5 of this embodiment includes, as an example, a management control device 10 and a server 20. The management control device 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other and can communicate with each other. The server 20 mainly functions as a database server. The server 20 has a database 21. The database 21 includes a setting requirement table shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later.

The setting requirement table may be provided in the management control device 10. The management control device 10 and the server 20 may be capable of communicating with each other via the communication network 150. The server 20 may be built into the management control device 10. In other words, the management control device 10 may have the functions of the server 20.

The management device 5 has a device management function. The device management function manages one or more managed devices connected to the communication network 150. Specifically, for example, from each managed device, device information (corresponding to an example of device information in the present disclosure) indicating the function and/or status of the managed device is obtained. Also, for example, various requests are made to each managed device. The various requests include a request to set (update) a setting value, which will be described later. In this embodiment, at least the first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 correspond to the managed devices. The multifunction device 34 and one or more image processing devices (not shown) may also correspond to the managed devices.

The wireless communication device 100 has a wireless communication function. The wireless communication device 100 may be any type of device having a wireless communication function. The wireless communication device 100 may be, for example, an IC card or an IC tag, or may be an easily portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile personal computer.

The wireless communication device 100 is capable of wireless communication with the management device 5. More specifically, the wireless communication device 100 is capable of wireless communication with the management control device 10. In the following description, when referring to communication between the management device 5 and other devices, more specifically, communication between the management control device 10 and other devices is meant.

The wireless communication between the wireless communication device 100 and the management device 5 may be performed using any communication method. In this embodiment, the wireless communication is performed according to, for example, the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication method. When the wireless communication device 100 is held over the management control device 10, NFC communication is performed between the two. Holding the wireless communication device 100 over the management control device 10 means bringing the wireless communication device 100 close to the management control device 10 so that the distance and/or positional relationship is such that NFC communication is possible.

The wireless communication device 100 includes a storage device. If the wireless communication device 100 is, for example, an IC card or an IC tag, the storage device may be built into, for example, an IC chip in the IC card or IC tag.

User information is stored in the storage device of the wireless communication device 100. User information is information related to a user. A user here means, for example, any one of one or more people who have the possibility or authority to use a managed device. In this embodiment, as an example, there are multiple users, including users A to D, which will be described later. Therefore, the user information stored in the wireless communication device 100 may be user information of any one of users A to D.

In this embodiment, the user information includes, for example, a unique user ID. For example, if the wireless communication device 100 is owned by user A or loaned to user A, the user information may include user A's user ID. The user information is not limited to information that can directly identify the user, and may include information indicating the attributes of the user. An example of information indicating the attributes of the user is business information that indicates the content of the business performed by the user.

When the wireless communication device 100 is held over the management control device 10 , NFC communication is performed between the two, and user information is transmitted from the wireless communication device 100 to the management control device 10 .
When the wireless communication device 100 transmits user information to the management control device 10, the management control device 10 performs authentication based on the user information. If the authentication is successful, the management control device 10 accepts login of the user corresponding to the user information.

Note that a user may log in using a method other than holding the wireless communication device 100 over the management control device 10. For example, the user may log in by directly inputting user information via the input I/F 13 of the management control device 10.

The first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 are each assigned for use by a specific user. Specifically, for example, the first PC 71 is assigned to user A, the second PC 72 is assigned to user B, the third PC 73 is assigned to user C, and the fourth PC 74 is assigned to user D.

The image processing system 1 of this embodiment is operated, for example, as follows. That is, normally, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of managed devices including first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 are connected to the communication network 150. A plurality of users (for example, users A to D) are assigned tasks that require the use of the managed devices. When each of the plurality of users performs his/her own task, he/she disconnects one of the plurality of managed devices from the communication network 150 and takes it out, and performs the task using the one of the taken-out devices. The user can use the managed device while it is connected to the communication network 150. However, the task of each user is usually performed in a place different from the place where the communication network 150 is constructed. Therefore, normally, each user disconnects the managed device to be used from the communication network 150 and takes it to the work place, and uses it to perform the task at the work place. Then, after completing the task, the user returns the taken-out device. Here, the return includes connecting to the communication network 150. Returning the taken-out device is one aspect of the user's ending use.

In the case where the portable device is a device that is operated by being attached to a cradle without being directly connected to the communication network 150, such as the first and second mobile devices 31 and 32, removing the portable device from the cradle corresponds to taking the portable device out (disconnecting the device from the communication network 150), and attaching the portable device to the cradle corresponds to returning the portable device.

Each of the first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 is equipped with a scheduler. The scheduler is software with various functions for managing the user's schedule. One example of a scheduler is Outlook provided by Microsoft Corporation. Both Microsoft and Outlook are registered trademarks.

User A's schedule is registered in the scheduler of the first PC 71, for example, by user A's input operation. User B's schedule is registered in the scheduler of the second PC 72, for example, by user B's input operation. User C's schedule is registered in the scheduler of the third PC 73, for example, by user C's input operation. User D's schedule is registered in the scheduler of the fourth PC 74, for example, by user D's input operation.

The schedule that can be registered in the scheduler of this embodiment includes planned use information. Planned use information is information that indicates that one of multiple managed devices is planned to be used, that is, a prior reservation to use one of the managed devices.

The planned use information includes, for example, use time information. The use time information includes at least a use start time, which is the planned time to start using the managed device. The use time information may further include, for example, a use end time, which is the planned time to end use, or the time from the use start time to the use end time.

As described below, the management device 5 also has a scheduler 12c (see FIG. 3). The scheduler 12c of the management device 5 and the schedulers of the first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 are in a mutually sharing relationship, and at least the schedules registered in the schedulers of the first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 are shared with the scheduler 12c of the management device 5. In other words, the schedules of users A to D registered in the schedulers of the first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 are shared with and registered in the scheduler 12c of the management device 5. Therefore, by referring to the scheduler 12c of the management device 5, the schedules registered in each of the first to fourth PCs 71 to 74 can be known.

The communication network 150 of this embodiment is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 200. The WAN 200 may be any network. The WAN 200 of this embodiment is, for example, the Internet configured to perform communication according to the TCP/IP protocol. Various devices connected to the communication network 150 may be capable of communicating with other networks connected to the WAN 200 through the WAN 200. The management device 5 may be connected to the WAN 200. In this case, the management device 5 may be capable of connecting to the communication network 150 via the WAN 200.

(1-2) Configuration of Mobile Device and Cradle The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 and the first and second cradles 51, 52 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 all have the same configuration, and the first and second cradles 51, 52 all have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the first mobile device 31 and the first cradle 51 will be mainly described here.

The first mobile device 31 includes a control unit 41, a memory unit 42, an input I/F 43, a display I/F 44, a first communication I/F 45, a second communication I/F 46, a third communication I/F 47, a printing unit 48, and a battery 49.

The control unit 41 has, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 42 has, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, and flash memory. That is, each of the mobile devices 31 to 33 in this embodiment is equipped with a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory. Various types of software and data are stored in the storage unit 42.

The control unit 41 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitive physical recording medium. In this embodiment, the storage unit 42 corresponds to the non-transitive physical recording medium storing the program. Note that the various functions realized by the control unit 41 are not limited to being realized by executing a program (i.e., by software processing), and some or all of them may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware.

The input I/F 43 has an input device for receiving various input operations. The input device of the input I/F 43 may include, for example, an operation switch (not shown) or a touch panel (not shown).

The display I/F 44 has a display device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display I/F 44 may also have a light-emitting device, such as an LED.

The first communication I/F 45 is an I/F for connecting the first mobile device 31 to the communication network 150. The communication I/F 45 may include, for example, an I/F for a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the first communication I/F 45 of each of the first and second mobile devices 31 and 32 is not connected to the communication network 150, and the first communication I/F 45 of the third mobile device 33 is connected to the communication network 150.

The second communication I/F 46 is an I/F for connecting to the first cradle 51 and communicating with the first cradle 51 (in other words, for indirectly connecting to the communication network 150 via the first cradle 51). In this embodiment, the second communication I/F 46 is an I/F capable of data communication based on, for example, the USB communication standard.

The third communication I/F 47 is an I/F capable of wireless communication using a communication method different from that of the first communication I/F 45 and the second communication I/F 46. The third communication I/F 47 may be compatible with any communication method. In this embodiment, for example, the third communication I/F 47 may be compatible with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication method. Note that "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark.

The printing unit 48 realizes the printing function described above.
The battery 49 functions as a power source for the first mobile device 31 and supplies power to each component inside the first mobile device 31. Each component inside the first mobile device 31 operates on the power of the battery 49. Although the battery 49 may be a primary battery, the battery 49 in this embodiment is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged. Charging power is input to the battery 49 from the first cradle 51. The battery 49 is charged by this charging power. The control unit 41 has a function of detecting the remaining battery capacity. The remaining battery capacity is the remaining amount of power charged in the battery 49.

The first mobile device 31 has one or more setting items, and a setting value is set for each of these setting items. The first mobile device 31 operates based on these setting values. Each setting value is set, for example, by being stored in the memory unit 42 or the printing unit 48. The setting values of the one or more setting items include one or more setting values used when executing the printing function described above, one or more setting values used when executing the scanning function described above, and/or one or more setting values used to control the display I/F 44.

Examples of setting items include print density, paper type, paper size, paper width, template, display language, and display brightness. Print density indicates the density of the image printed on the recording medium. Paper type indicates the type of recording medium on which the image is printed. Paper size indicates the size of the recording medium on which the image is printed. Paper width indicates the width of the recording medium on which the image is printed. Template indicates a prototype of the image to be printed. In the first mobile device 31, it is possible to incorporate the image to be printed into any one selected from various templates and print it. Display language indicates the type of language of the characters displayed on the display I/F 44. Display brightness indicates the brightness of the display device in the display I/F 44.

For each setting item, multiple setting values are prepared, and one of these multiple setting values is set. For example, as setting values for paper type, plain paper, glossy paper, label, etc. are prepared, and one of these is set. Also, for example, as setting values for template, first template to nth template (n is a natural number) are prepared, and one of these is set. Also, for example, as setting values for display language, Japanese, English, etc. are prepared, and one of these is set.

The first mobile device 31 can be equipped with various optional items. Examples of the various optional items include a power adapter for supplying charging power from a commercial power source to the battery 49, a car adapter for supplying charging power from a power outlet (a so-called cigarette lighter socket) of an automobile to the battery 49, a clip for attaching the first mobile device 31 to the user's clothing, a barcode reader for reading barcodes, etc.

The first cradle 51 includes a charging output circuit 61, a first communication I/F 62, a communication control unit 63, a second communication I/F 64, and a display I/F 65. The charging output circuit 61 can be connected to an external power source 180 via a power cord (not shown). The external power source 180 may be any power source. In this embodiment, the external power source 180 is, for example, a commercial power source that supplies 100V AC. The charging output circuit 61 converts the power input from the external power source 180 into the aforementioned charging power for charging the battery 49. When the first mobile device 31 is attached to the first cradle 51, the charging power generated by the charging output circuit 61 is supplied to the battery 49 of the first mobile device 31.

The first communication I/F 62 is an I/F for connecting the first cradle 51 to the communication network 150, and is configured, for example, in the same manner as the first communication I/F 45 of the first mobile device 31. The first communication I/F 62 is connected to the communication network 150.

The second communication I/F 64 is an I/F for connecting the first cradle 51 to the first mobile device 31 so that they can communicate with each other, and is configured, for example, in the same manner as the second communication I/F 46 of the first mobile device 31. When the first mobile device 31 is attached to the first cradle 51, the second communication I/F 46 of the first mobile device 31 is connected to the second communication I/F 64 of the first cradle 51.

The communication control unit 63 communicates with the management device 5 connected to the communication network 150 via the first communication I/F 62. The communication control unit 63 further communicates with the first mobile device 31 attached to the first cradle 51 via the second communication I/F 64. The communication control unit 63 has a function of relaying communication between the management device 5 and the first mobile device 31. For example, when various requests for the first mobile device 31 are received from the management device 5, the communication control unit 63 outputs the requests to the first mobile device 31 via the second communication I/F 64. Also, for example, when various data destined for the management device 5 is received from the first mobile device 31, the communication control unit 63 transmits the data to the management device 5 via the first communication I/F 62.

The communication control unit 63 further controls the display I/F 65. The display I/F 65 has a light-emitting device such as an LED. The display I/F 65 may have a display device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

(1-3) Configuration of the management control device Next, the configuration of the management control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The management control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input I/F 13, a display I/F 14, a first communication I/F 15, and a second communication I/F 16.

The control unit 11 has, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 12 has, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory. That is, the management control device 10 of this embodiment has a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 11 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitive physical recording medium. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 corresponds to the non-transitive physical recording medium storing the program. Note that the various functions realized by the control unit 11 are not limited to being realized by executing a program (i.e., by software processing), and some or all of them may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware.

The memory unit 12 stores various software and data. In this embodiment, the memory unit 12 stores the following software: OS 12a, main management software 12b, and the scheduler 12c described above. The main management software 12b includes a program for the management process shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later. The OS 12a, main management software 12b, and scheduler 12c are installed in a computer system including the control unit 11. The main management software 12b and scheduler 12c may be installed in the management control device 10 when and how.

The storage unit 12 further stores a setting requirement table (corresponding to an example of correspondence information in this disclosure) as illustrated in FIG. 4. The setting requirement table is information (e.g., a type of database) in which user information and setting requirements are associated with each other. The setting requirement table is referenced by the main management software 12b and updated as appropriate.

The management control device 10 has a recommended device providing function. The recommended device providing function is a function that provides recommended information to the user. The recommended information is information indicating a recommended device. A recommended device is one of multiple managed devices that the user should use, or one that is preferable for the user to use. More specifically, a recommended device is one of multiple managed devices that is suitable for the user's purpose of use (e.g., business), in other words, one that can preferably achieve the user's business or other purposes of use. The recommended device providing function is achieved by acquiring user information. Therefore, it can be said that the user information is the basis information for the management control device 10 to determine a recommended device. The recommended device providing function is realized by the control unit 11 executing a management process.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the setting requirement table, one or more setting requirements are associated with each piece of user information and registered. Each setting requirement indicates a specific setting value for one or more predetermined setting items that should be or preferably are used in a managed device when the corresponding user uses the managed device. In other words, a setting requirement indicates a specific setting value for one or more predetermined setting items that should be or preferably are set in the managed device in order to suitably achieve the intended use when a user uses a managed device for business or a specified purpose.

The setting values that allow a user to optimally achieve their intended purpose may differ depending on the user or the type of work the user performs. The setting requirements table stores setting requirements suitable for each user (e.g., matching the type of work the user performs). It should be noted that anyone, anytime, and anyhow can register setting requirements in the setting requirements table.

One or more setting requirements may be associated with one piece of user information. Figure 4 shows an example in which one setting requirement is registered for each user. That is, in the example of Figure 4, user A is associated with setting requirement SA, user B is associated with setting requirement SB, user C is associated with one setting requirement SC, and user D is associated with setting requirement SD.

The number and types of setting items in each setting requirement may be the same as or different from each other.
For example, assume that the setting items in the setting requirement SA are paper size and template, and the respective setting values are paper size=A4 and template=second template. In this case, the setting items in the setting requirement SB may include both paper size and template, or may include only one of them, or may include neither. When the paper size and/or template are included, the respective setting values may be the same as or different from the setting requirement SA. The same applies to the relationship between the multiple setting requirements when multiple setting requirements are set for the same user.

The recommended device provision function described above is realized using a setting requirement table. That is, the management control device 10 acquires user information and acquires the setting requirements associated with the user information in the setting requirement table. It then determines a managed device that satisfies the acquired setting requirements as a recommended device and provides the recommended information to the user.

As described above, the management control device 10 has a device management function and acquires device information from each managed device. The device information may include any information. Examples of device information include function information indicating the functions possessed by the managed device, status, current settings of various configuration items, information indicating available options, and information on options that are actually installed. Examples of status include the remaining battery power and the remaining amount of paper.

The management control device 10 may acquire device information from each managed device at any timing. In this embodiment, device information is acquired by polling, for example, in response to the arrival of a monitoring timing. The monitoring timing may be set in any manner. The monitoring timing may arrive periodically, for example. The monitoring timing may be different for each managed device. Specifically, for example, the monitoring timing may have the same period but arrive at different times.

In addition to the setting requirements table, the management control device 10 further includes a device information table (not shown). The device information table shows some or all of the device information acquired by the device management function for each managed device. In this embodiment, the device information table includes the current setting value for each of one or more specified setting items for each managed device.

The management control device 10 further has a function of detecting whether or not a managed device is connected to the communication network 150. More specifically, the management control device 10 can detect when a managed device that was connected to the communication network 150 is disconnected from the communication network 150 (including when a managed device that was attached to a cradle is removed from the cradle). The management control device 10 can also detect when a managed device that was disconnected from the communication network 150 is returned, i.e., when it is connected to the communication network 150 (including when a managed device that was removed from the cradle is attached to the cradle).

(1-4) Management Processing by the Management Control Device The management processing included in the main management software 12b in the management control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. After booting up, the control unit 11 of the management control device 10 executes the management processing when it receives an instruction to execute the management processing.

When the control unit 11 starts the management process, in S110, it determines whether a new user who is not currently logged in has logged in. If a new user has logged in, the process proceeds to S120. In S120, user information is acquired. If the user logged in by holding the wireless communication device 100 over the management control device 10, the user information has been received from the wireless communication device 100, so the received user information is acquired. Also, if the user logged in via the input I/F 13 of the management control device 10, the user information was input by the user at the time of login, so the input user information is acquired. User information may also be acquired by other methods.

In S130, a recommended device determination process is executed based on the user information acquired in S120. The recommended device determination process is a process for determining a recommended device. Details of the recommended device determination process are as shown in FIG. 6.

When the control unit 11 proceeds to the recommended device determination process, in S310, it acquires the setting requirements corresponding to the user information acquired in S120. Specifically, it refers to the setting requirements table and acquires the setting requirements associated with the user of the user information acquired in S120.

In S320, the device information table is referenced, that is, the current setting values of each of the devices to be managed are confirmed.
In S330, it is determined whether or not there is a managed device that satisfies the setting requirements obtained in S310, based on the processing result of S320. "Satisfying the setting requirements" means that, among the various setting values currently set, the setting values of each setting item defined as a setting requirement all match the setting values defined as the setting requirements. Note that, even if some of the current setting values of multiple setting items set as setting requirements differ from the setting values set as the setting requirements, the setting requirements may be considered to be satisfied.

If it is determined in S330 that there is a managed device that satisfies the setting requirements, the process proceeds to S340. In S340, the managed device that is determined to satisfy the setting requirements is determined to be a recommended device. After processing in S340, the process proceeds to S140 (see FIG. 5).

If it is determined in S330 that there is no managed device that satisfies the setting requirements, the process proceeds to S350. In S350, the capability requirements corresponding to the user information acquired in S120 are acquired. Note that in S350, the capability requirements may be acquired taking into account the setting requirements of the user information.

Capability requirements refer to capabilities that a managed device that the user is going to use, i.e., a managed device determined to be a recommended device, should have. Examples of capabilities include specifications that should be provided, the required battery level, and optional items that should be installed or can be installed. Capability requirements may be acquired in any manner. For example, similar to the setting requirements table, a table in which capability requirements are associated with each user may be prepared in advance, and the capability requirements may be acquired from that table. Alternatively, the user may be asked what capabilities the managed device has and acquired from the user.

In S360, it is determined whether or not a managed device exists that satisfies the capability requirements obtained in S350. Specifically, for example, the device information table is referenced to determine whether or not a managed device exists that satisfies the capability requirements. If a managed device that satisfies the capability requirements exists, the process proceeds to S340, and the managed device is determined to be the recommended device. If no managed device satisfies the capability requirements, the process proceeds to S370.

In S370, a requirement unsatisfied process is executed. The requirement unsatisfied process is a process for making the user aware that none of the managed devices satisfy the setting requirements and the capability requirements, in other words, that there are no managed devices that can be recommended as recommended devices. For example, the specified information may be displayed on the display I/F 14 of the management control device 10. In addition, for example, the specified information may be wirelessly transmitted to a terminal device (not shown) owned by the user (e.g., a mobile terminal such as a smartphone). After processing of S370, the process proceeds to S140 (see FIG. 6).

Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation will continue. In S140, the recommended information is output. The recommended information is information indicating the recommended devices determined by the recommended device determination process in S130. The recommended information may be output anywhere and in any way. For example, it may be wirelessly transmitted to the aforementioned terminal device owned by the user. In this case, in response to receiving the recommended information, the terminal device may notify the user of information indicating the recommended devices.

For example, the recommended information may be transmitted to the recommended device via the communication network 150. If the recommended device is assumed to be attached to a cradle, such as the first mobile device 31, the recommended information may be transmitted to the corresponding cradle. In this case, the cradle may notify the user that the managed device attached to the cradle is a recommended device, for example, by turning on an LED. Furthermore, the cradle that receives the recommended information may transmit the recommended information to the managed device attached to the cradle. In this case, the managed device may, in response to receiving the recommended information from the cradle, notify the user that the managed device is a recommended device, for example, by displaying specified information on the display I/F 44 or turning on an LED.

In S150, the acceptance of new user logins is stopped. In S160, it is determined whether or not the removal (i.e., start of use) of a managed device connected to the communication network 150 has been detected after the processing of S140.

If the removal of the managed device is not detected in S160, the process proceeds to S150. If the removal of the managed device is detected in S160, the process proceeds to S170. In S170, it is determined whether the managed device whose removal was detected is a recommended device determined in S130. If the managed device whose removal was detected is not a recommended device, the process proceeds to S180.

In S180, a misuse notification (corresponding to an example of notification information in the present disclosure) is executed. Specifically, specific notification information is output indicating that a managed device other than the recommended device determined in S130 has been taken out. The notification information is output in a manner that allows the user to recognize that a managed device other than the recommended device has been taken out. Specifically, the notification information may be output via the display I/F 14, for example. After processing in S180, the process proceeds to S150.

If the managed device whose removal was detected in S170 is a recommended device, the process proceeds to S190. In S190, the acceptance of logins from new users that was stopped in S150 is resumed. After the process of S190, the process proceeds to S110. Note that the processes of S150 and S190 avoid the execution of new processes of S120 and S130 from the time when the recommended device is determined in S130 until the removal of the recommended device is detected in S170.

If a new user has not logged in at S110, the process proceeds to S200. At S200, it is determined whether the return of the managed device (i.e., end of use) has been detected. If the return of the managed device has been detected, the process proceeds to S210. At S210, current setting information is obtained from the managed device whose return has been detected. The current setting information is the setting values currently set for one or more specified setting items. Any setting item or any number of setting items may be obtained at S210.

In S220, the device information table is updated according to the setting values acquired in S210. That is, among the settings of the returned managed device stored in the device information table, the setting values corresponding to the setting values acquired in S210 are updated to the setting values acquired in S210. After processing in S220, the process proceeds to S110.

If the return of the managed device is not detected in S200, the process proceeds to S230. In S230, it is determined whether the monitoring timing for the above-mentioned polling has arrived. If the monitoring timing has not arrived in S230, the process proceeds to S110. If the monitoring timing has arrived in S230, the process proceeds to S240. In S240, device information is obtained from each managed device and stored in the memory unit 12. After processing of S240, the process proceeds to S110.

(1-5) Advantages of the Embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the following advantages (1a) to (1f) are obtained.
(1a) In this embodiment, a recommended device is determined based on user information, and recommendation information indicating the recommended device is output. Therefore, the user can easily identify a management target device suitable for the user based on the recommendation information.

(1b) The management device 5 is provided with a setting requirement table (see FIG. 4). When the management device 5 acquires user information, it refers to the setting requirement table to acquire setting requirements corresponding to the user. Then, it determines a managed device that satisfies the setting requirements as a recommended device. Therefore, the management device 5 can easily and accurately determine a recommended device.

(1c) The management device 5 is provided with a device information table, in which device information for each managed device is stored. The management device 5 then refers to the device information table to determine a managed device that satisfies the setting requirements corresponding to the user information. Moreover, each time a managed device is returned, the device information table is updated based on the setting values in the managed device at the time of return. This makes it possible to more accurately determine a recommended device based on the actual state of each managed device.

(1d) In this embodiment, if there is no managed device that satisfies the setting requirements, a recommended device is determined based on the capability requirements. Therefore, even if there is no managed device that satisfies the setting requirements, it is possible to provide the user with useful information to help the user decide which device to take out.

(1e) When the management device 5 outputs the recommended information, it outputs the setting requirements as well. Therefore, the user can recognize which device is the recommended device based on the output of the recommended information, and can also recognize at least the setting values of the setting items stipulated in the setting requirements. In other words, the user can confirm what setting values are set in the recommended device that he or she is about to use.

(1f) The recommendation information is output, for example, to a mobile terminal owned by the user, a recommended device, a cradle in which the recommended device is attached, etc. Therefore, the user can more easily know which managed device should be taken out.

In this embodiment, the management device 5 corresponds to an example of an information processing device in this disclosure. The control unit 11 of the management control device 10 corresponds to an example of a computer in this disclosure. The main management software 12b in the management control device 10 corresponds to an example of a program in this disclosure. The first to third mobile devices 31 to 33 each correspond to an example of an image processing device in this disclosure. The setting requirement table in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of correspondence information in this disclosure. The device information table (not shown) corresponds to an example of existing setting information in this disclosure. The recommended device corresponds to an example of a recommended device in this disclosure.

The process of S120 corresponds to an example of a user information acquisition process in the present disclosure. The process of S130 corresponds to an example of a determination process in the present disclosure. The process of S140 corresponds to an example of a recommended information output process in the present disclosure. The process of S160 corresponds to an example of a start detection process in the present disclosure. The process of S180 corresponds to an example of an alarm information output process in the present disclosure. The process of S200 corresponds to an example of an end detection process in the present disclosure. The process of S210 corresponds to an example of a setting value acquisition process in the present disclosure. The process of S220 corresponds to an example of an update process in the present disclosure. The process of S240 corresponds to an example of a device information acquisition process in the present disclosure. The process of S310 corresponds to an example of acquiring setting requirements in the present disclosure. The processes of S320 to S340 correspond to an example of determining a recommended device for use based on the acquired setting requirements in the present disclosure. The processes of S350 to S370 correspond to an example of determining an image processing device that satisfies the capability requirements as a recommended device for use in the present disclosure. The method of determining the recommended device in S340 after processing in S350 and S360 corresponds to an example of a specific determination method in this disclosure.

2. Other embodiments
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

(3-1) The setting requirement table may be configured in any manner. If the user information includes business information instead of or in addition to the user ID, a setting requirement table such as that shown in FIG. 7 may be provided. In the setting requirement table in FIG. 7, setting requirements are associated with each piece of business information. In this case, each setting requirement indicates a setting value suitable for carrying out the business indicated by the corresponding business information.

(3-2) As mentioned above, each of users A to D can register planned use information in the scheduler of their own PC. That is, users A to D can specify a time period during which they wish to use a managed device and make a reservation in advance. The planned use information registered by each user is shared among multiple users (including users A to D) who can use (i.e. log in to) image processing system 1.

The scheduler can register, for each reservation (i.e., for each reserved time slot), the setting requirements to be set in the managed device to be used during that reserved time slot. The scheduler can also register, in association with the task information indicating the task to be performed during that reserved time slot.

As described above, the scheduler 12c (see FIG. 3) of the management device 5 can share and manage the schedules of multiple users, including users A to D. When each of users A to D registers usage plan information in the scheduler of their own PC, the usage plan information is shared with the scheduler 12c and is similarly registered in the scheduler 12c. Therefore, the management device 5 can grasp the reservation status of each of the multiple users.

When configured in this way, in S130 of FIG. 5, a recommended device determination process such as that shown in FIG. 8 may be executed. That is, in S410, it is determined in the scheduler 12c whether a reservation for a managed device by the user has been registered.

If it is determined in S410 that no reservation for the user has been registered, the process proceeds to S310 (FIG. 6), and the process from S310 onward in FIG. 6 is executed.
If a reservation for the user is registered in S410, the process proceeds to S420, where schedule information indicating the schedule of the user is obtained from the scheduler 12c.

In S430, it is determined whether a reservation for use of the managed device has been registered in the schedule of the relevant user. If no reservation has been registered, the process proceeds to S310 (FIG. 6), and thereafter, the process from S310 onward in FIG. 6 is executed. If a reservation has been registered, the process proceeds to S450.

In S450, it is determined whether the schedule information includes additional information. The additional information includes, for example, setting requirements or business information. If the schedule information does not include additional information in S450, the process proceeds to S310 (FIG. 6), and thereafter, the process from S310 onward in FIG. 6 is executed. If the schedule information includes additional information in S450, the process proceeds to S460.

In S460, it is determined whether the attached information is a setting requirement or business information. If the attached information is a setting requirement, the process proceeds to S470. In S470, the setting requirement is acquired. After the process of S470, the process proceeds to S320 (FIG. 6), and the process from S320 onward in FIG. 6 is executed.

If the attached information is business information in S460, the process proceeds to S480. In S480, the setting requirements corresponding to the business information are obtained. For example, if the user information in the setting requirements table includes business information as illustrated in FIG. 7, the setting requirements table may be referenced to obtain the setting requirements associated with the business information. After processing S480, the process proceeds to S320 (FIG. 6), and the processes from S320 onward in FIG. 6 are executed.

(3-3) The recommended information output in S140 in the management process of FIG. 5 may include the user information acquired in S120 or information indicating the user corresponding to the user information. In this case, the information indicating the user may be displayed at the output destination of the recommended information.

Furthermore, the recommendation information may include setting requirements. In this case, the setting requirements may be notified when the recommended devices are notified at the output destination of the recommendation information.
In addition, when the recommendation information including the setting requirements is transmitted to the recommended device, the setting values may be updated in the recommended device based on the setting requirements. This specification is particularly effective when a recommended device that does not satisfy the setting requirements is determined by going through the processes of S350 to S360, for example.

(3-4) If it is determined in S330 that there is no managed device that satisfies the setting requirements, the process may proceed to S370.
(3-5) If the process proceeds to S340 because it is determined in S360 that there is a managed device that satisfies the capability requirements, then in the subsequent S140, recommendation information may be output that includes information indicating that the recommended device does not satisfy the setting requirements.

(3-6) If multiple managed devices satisfy the setting requirements in S330, one of the multiple managed devices may be determined as the recommended device in S340. In this case, any method may be used to determine the recommended device. For example, the processes of S350 to S360 may be executed to determine a managed device that satisfies the capability requirements as the recommended device. If there are multiple managed devices that are determined to satisfy the capability requirements in S360, one of the multiple managed devices may be determined as the recommended device in S340.

(3-7) If the recommended device determined in S130 does not satisfy the setting requirements, information indicating the setting requirements may be transmitted to the recommended device. In this case, the recommended device may change its own setting values based on the transmitted information.

(3-8) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

1...image processing system, 5...management device, 10...management control device, 11...control unit, 12...storage unit, 12b...main management software, 12c...scheduler, 20...server, 21...database, 31...first mobile device, 32...second mobile device, 33...third mobile device, 48...printing unit, 49...battery, 51...first cradle, 52...second cradle, 100...wireless communication device, 150...communication network.

Claims (20)

A program executable by a computer included in an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
The computer includes:
a user information acquisition process for acquiring user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination process for determining a recommended device which is an image processing device to be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices, based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process;
a recommendation information output process for outputting recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination process;
Run the command ,
The determination process includes acquiring setting requirements indicating setting values to be used in the recommended device based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process, and determining the recommended device based on the acquired setting requirements.
program. The program according to claim 1,
the information processing device has correspondence information in which the user information and the setting requirements are associated with each other;
The determination process includes acquiring the setting requirement associated with the user information in the correspondence information.
program. The program according to claim 1,
the information processing device includes a scheduler in which use schedule information indicating that the user is planning to use any one of the plurality of image processing devices,
the scheduler is configured to be able to register the use schedule information in association with the setting requirements;
the determination process includes acquiring, from the scheduler, the setting requirements associated with the use schedule information of the user corresponding to the user information;
program. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the information processing device has a storage unit in which existing setting information indicating the setting values set in each of the plurality of image processing devices is stored;
the determination process includes determining, as the recommended device, an image processing device in which the setting value that satisfies the setting requirement is set, based on the existing setting information stored in the storage unit.
program. The program according to claim 4,
The computer further comprises:
an end detection process for detecting that use of the recommended device has been ended after the recommendation information output process is executed;
a setting value acquisition process for acquiring the setting value set in the recommended device in response to detection of the end of use of the recommended device by the end detection process;
an update process for updating the existing setting information in the storage unit according to the setting value acquired by the setting value acquisition process;
A program that executes the following. The program according to claim 4 or 5,
the determination process includes, when there is no image processing device in which the setting value that satisfies the setting requirement is set, determining the recommended device in accordance with a specific determination method.
program. The program according to claim 6,
The recommended information output process further includes outputting information indicating the setting requirements.
program. A program executable by a computer included in an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
The computer includes:
a user information acquisition process for acquiring user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination process for determining a recommended device which is an image processing device to be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process;
a recommendation information output process for outputting recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination process;
Run the command,
the determination process includes acquiring capability requirements indicating capabilities that the recommended device should have, based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process, and determining an image processing device that satisfies the acquired capability requirements as the recommended device;
The recommendation information output process further includes outputting information indicating setting requirements, the setting requirements indicating setting values to be used in the recommended device.
program. The program according to claim 8,
The computer further comprises:
a device information acquisition process for acquiring device information indicating a function or a state of each of the image processing devices from each of the plurality of image processing devices;
Run the command,
the determination process includes, when there is device information whose corresponding function or state satisfies the capability requirement among the device information acquired by the device information acquisition process, determining an image processing device corresponding to the device information as the recommended device.
program. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The recommendation information output process includes at least one of the following (a) and (b).
(a) a first transmission process of transmitting the recommendation information to a terminal device separate from the information processing device;
(b) a second transmission process of transmitting the recommendation information to the recommended device; A program executable by a computer included in an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
At least one of the plurality of image processing devices includes a battery and is configured to be mountable on a predetermined cradle for charging the battery;
the information processing device is configured to be able to communicate with the cradle,
The program causes the computer to
a user information acquisition process for acquiring user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination process for determining a recommended device which is an image processing device to be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process;
a recommendation information output process for outputting recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination process;
Run the command,
The recommendation information output process includes at least one of the following (a), (b), and (c).
(a) a first transmission process of transmitting the recommendation information to a terminal device separate from the information processing device;
(b) a second transmission process of transmitting the recommendation information to the recommended device;
(c) a third transmission process for transmitting the recommendation information to the cradle when the recommended device is an image processing device configured to be mountable on the cradle. A program executable by a computer included in an information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
The computer includes:
a user information acquisition process for acquiring user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination process for determining a recommended device which is an image processing device to be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices, based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition process;
a recommendation information output process for outputting recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination process;
a start detection process for detecting an image processing device that has started to be used among the plurality of image processing devices after the execution of the recommendation information output process;
A program that executes the following. The program according to claim 12,
The computer further comprises:
a notification information output process for outputting specific notification information in response to the image processing device detected by the start detection process being different from the recommended use device;
A program that executes the following. The program according to claim 12 or 13,
After the recommendation information output process is executed, at least a new execution of the recommendation information output process is avoided until the start of use of the recommended device is detected by the start detection process.
program. The program according to claim 14,
After the recommended information output process is executed, new execution of the user information acquisition process is avoided until the start of use of the recommended device is detected by the start detection process.
program. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The program , wherein the recommendation information further includes the user information . An information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
an acquisition unit that acquires user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, a recommended device that is an image processing device that should be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices;
an output unit that outputs recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The determination unit obtains setting requirements indicating setting values to be used in the recommended device based on the user information obtained by the acquisition unit, and determines the recommended device based on the obtained setting requirements.
Information processing device. An information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
an acquisition unit that acquires user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, a recommended device that is an image processing device that should be used by the user, from among the plurality of image processing devices;
an output unit that outputs recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination unit;
Equipped with
the determination unit obtains capability requirements indicating capabilities that the recommended device should have based on the user information obtained by the acquisition unit, and determines an image processing device that satisfies the obtained capability requirements as the recommended device;
The output unit further outputs information indicating a setting requirement, the setting requirement indicating a setting value to be used in the recommended device.
Information processing device. An information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
At least one of the plurality of image processing devices includes a battery and is configured to be mountable on a predetermined cradle for charging the battery;
the information processing device is configured to be able to communicate with the cradle,
The information processing device includes:
an acquisition unit that acquires user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, a recommended device that is an image processing device that should be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices;
an output unit that outputs recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The output unit executes at least one of the following (a), (b), and (c):
(a) transmitting the recommendation information to a terminal device separate from the information processing device;
(b) transmitting the recommendation information to the usage recommendation device;
(c) transmitting the recommendation information to the cradle when the recommended device is an image processing device configured to be mountable in the cradle; An information processing device configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of image processing devices,
an acquisition unit that acquires user information, the user information being information related to a user who uses any one of the plurality of image processing devices;
a determination unit that determines, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, a recommended device that is an image processing device that should be used by the user from among the plurality of image processing devices;
an output unit that outputs recommendation information including information indicating the recommended device determined by the determination unit;
a start detection unit that detects an image processing device that has started to be used among the plurality of image processing devices after the output unit has output the recommendation information;
An information processing device comprising: