Management device, management system, management method, and recording medium

Abstract

A management apparatus for managing information related to an import object that has been imported to a user device includes a management means, an acquisition means, a generation means, and a transmission means. The management device manages a management user and a general user associated with each of the import objects. The acquisition means acquires use history information relating to the import object used by the general user. The generation means generates a notification when a usage state based on usage of the history information matches a predetermined condition. A transmission device transmits the notification to the management user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, online markets that provide various applications for smart devices are being utilized. For example, a user using a smart device can download a desired application recommended in an online market for a fee or for free, and can use the recommended application on the smart device. As described above, a system for recommending useful applications to a user is known. For example, a technology for recommending an application based on a tendency of a plurality of users to use the application is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Citation list

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-190154 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] However, in the prior art, when the user who manages the imported object such as an application installed in the device is different from the user who uses the application, the managing user who manages the imported object faces difficulty in grasping the usage status of other users of the imported object imported by the managing user.

[0008] Solutions to the problem

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device for managing information related to an imported object that has been imported into a user device, the management device comprising: a management device configured to manage management users and general users respectively related to the imported object; an acquisition device configured to acquire usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; a generation device configured to generate a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; and a sending device configured to send the notification to the management user.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, it relates to a management system, comprising: a management device for managing information related to an import object that has been imported into a user device; and a communication terminal for displaying information related to the import object sent by the management device. The management device comprises: a management device configured to manage management users and general users respectively related to the import object; an acquisition device configured to acquire usage history information related to the import object used by the general user; a generation device configured to generate a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; and a sending device configured to send the notification to the management user. The communication terminal comprises a display control device configured to display the notification generated by the management device on a display device.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium carrying a computer-readable code for controlling a computer system to execute a method, the method comprising: managing administrative users and general users, each user being associated with an imported object that has been imported into a user device; obtaining usage history information associated with the imported object used by the general user; generating a notification when a usage status based on the usage history information matches a predetermined condition; and sending the notification to the administrative user.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, even when a user who manages an imported object such as an application and a user who uses the imported object are different, the managing user who manages the imported object can grasp the use status of other users of the imported object imported by the managing user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [ Figure 1 ]

[0016] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing management of historical information about a customer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [ Figure 2 ]

[0018] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram showing how history information of an import object is obtained before and after import.

[0019] [ Figure 3 ]

[0020] Figure 3is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system.

[0021] [ Figure 4 ]

[0022] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management device, a history management server, and an application distribution server.

[0023] [ Figure 5 ]

[0024] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a communication terminal.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ]

[0026] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a user device.

[0027] [ Figure 7 ]

[0028] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system.

[0029] [ Figure 8 ]

[0030] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system.

[0031] [ Fig. 9 ]

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a user information management table.

[0033] [ Fig.10 ]

[0034] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a device information management table.

[0035] [ Fig.11 ]

[0036] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a usage history information management table.

[0037] [ Fig.12 ]

[0038] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information management table.

[0039] [ Fig.13 ]

[0040] Fig.13This is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation condition management table.

[0041] [ Fig.14 ]

[0042] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of an import object management table.

[0043] [ Fig.15 ]

[0044] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of an import information management table.

[0045] [ Fig.16 ]

[0046] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a usage history information management table.

[0047] [ Fig.17 ]

[0048] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information management table.

[0049] [ Fig.18 ]

[0050] Fig.18 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a user authentication process and a device login process.

[0051] [ Fig.19 ]

[0052] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in order to perform user authentication in a communication terminal.

[0053] [ Fig. 20 ]

[0054] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during device login in a user device.

[0055] [ Fig.21 ]

[0056] Fig.21 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the history information acquisition process.

[0057] [ Fig. 22 ]

[0058] Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of recommendation determination processing.

[0059] [ Fig.23 ]

[0060] Fig.23is a flowchart showing an example of recommendation determination processing.

[0061] [ Fig.24 ]

[0062] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a notification of recommended information.

[0063] [ Fig.25 ]

[0064] Fig.25 is a sequence diagram showing an example of various application acquisition processes.

[0065] [ Fig.26 ]

[0066] Fig.26 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing according to usage.

[0067] [ Fig. 27 ]

[0068] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a notification of an application usage status.

[0069] [ Fig.28 ]

[0070] Fig.28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process using a user device according to another embodiment.

[0071] The accompanying drawings are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Moreover, throughout the several views, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific terms are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terms selected, and it should be understood that each specific component includes all technical equivalents having similar functions, operating in a similar manner and achieving similar results.

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074] <Customer History Information Management>

[0075] Next, the management of customer history information in this embodiment is described. Figure 1 This is a diagram that explains the management of customer history information. Figure 1As shown, the management device 3 manages the user devices and users belonging to the customer according to each customer identification information. The management device 3 collects log information from each user device, and manages the log information as usage history information by associating the log information with the customer identification information to which the user device belongs. In addition, the management device 3 collects purchase information from the history management server 6 that manages the purchase information of each user, and manages the purchase history as transaction history information by associating the purchase history with the customer identification information to which the user belongs. The management device 3 determines the import object based on the usage history information and the transaction history information, and recommends the import of the determined import object to the customer. For example, in order to enable the management user who manages the user device 5 to confirm the recommendation of the import object, an import object recommendation notification is sent to the desired sending destination, and whether the import object is imported is managed based on the recommendation notification. After that, the management device 3 manages the customer identification information in association with the set import object.

[0076] <Acquisition of history information before and after the import of the import target>

[0077] The calculation of the difference information before and after the import of the import object is explained. Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram showing how to obtain historical information before and after the import of an import object. Figure 2 In the example, the management device 3 calculates the difference information before and after the import of the specified import object by the following method. The management device 3 stores the application identification information (ID) of the installed application, the customer identification information, and the import date and time in association with each other. Afterwards, for example, one month after the import, the following processing is performed.

[0078] -Extract recommendation conditions based on application identification information.

[0079] - Extracting the history corresponding to the recommendation condition from the usage history information and transaction history information corresponding to the customer identification information.

[0080] - Before and after the import date and time, calculate the difference between the history extracted from the usage history information and the history extracted from the transaction history information.

[0081] Specifically, the usage history information and transaction history information before the introduction (for example, one month) are collected, and the usage history information and transaction history information after the introduction (for example, one month) are collected, and the difference information (including change amount or ratio) between the usage history information and transaction history information before and after the introduction is calculated, such as the change amount for one month or the difference information for each day of one month.

[0082] In this embodiment, a management system is constructed that provides the difference information calculated based on the above-mentioned method to a management user.

[0083] [Overall configuration of information processing system]

[0084] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system. Figure 3 As shown, the information processing system 1 is composed of various devices and terminals including a management device 3, a communication terminal 4, a user device 5, a history management server 6, and an application publishing server 7. The information processing system 1 also includes a management system 2, and the management system 2 includes a management device 3, a communication terminal 4, a user device 5, and a history management server 6. In the information processing system 1, the management device 3, the communication terminal 4, the user device 5, the history management server 6, and the application publishing server 7 are connected to each other through a communication network 100. When the management device 3 communicates with the communication terminal 4, the user device 5, and the history management server 6 respectively via the communication network, the communication can also be performed via a firewall inside the communication network 100.

[0085] The communication network 100 is a communication network in which non-specific mass communication is performed, and is implemented by the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), etc. In addition to wired communication, the communication network 100 may also include wireless communication networks such as the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0086] <Management equipment>

[0087] The management device 3 included in the information processing system 1 is an information processing device (computer system) that manages information related to the import object imported into the user device. The management device 3 is implemented by one or more information processing devices (computer systems) installed with a general server operating system (OS) and the like, and manages history information related to the import object including the application recommended for use. The history information is, for example, usage history information representing the usage history when using the function of the user device 5. The management device 3 performs the recommendation determination processing described below based on the history information. In addition, the management device 3 may have an installation management function for managing the installation of the application. In addition, the management device 3 stores a communication application for communicating with other devices and communication terminals in a storage device. The management device 3 can cooperate with another management server that manages the usage history to manage the usage history of the import object. That is, the management device 3 can also manage the usage history information (log information) as the usage history and the information for recommending the import of the import object separately.

[0088] The management device 3 may be a communication terminal having a communication function, such as a general personal computer (PC), a portable notebook PC, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc. The management device 3 may also be used as a communication device or a communication terminal capable of causing software such as browser software to operate. The management device 3 may be implemented by a plurality of computers.

[0089] The management device 3 can send a notification (send) of data (information), such as a recommendation information notification as a result of recommendation determination processing, to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 (described below) by push notification (send). In this case, the management device 3 can use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM: Firebase CloudMessaging), which is an example of a push notification server, to implement notification (send) by push notification.

[0090] <Communication Terminal>

[0091] The communication terminal 4 displays information related to the import object transmitted by the management device 3. The communication terminal 4 is implemented by an information processing device (computer system) installed with a general-purpose OS or the like to perform communication. The communication terminal 4 receives and displays the recommendation information notification and the difference information before and after the import of the import object transmitted by the management device 3. The communication terminal 4 stores a communication application in a storage device, the communication application being used to perform communication with the communication terminal 4 and another device and application providing a commonly used external service.

[0092] The communication terminal 4 may be a communication terminal having a communication function used by a user, such as a general-purpose PC, a portable notebook PC, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal (sunglass type, watch type, etc.). The communication terminal 4 may be a communication device or a communication terminal capable of operating browser software or various application software.

[0093] <User Device>

[0094] The user device 5 is a device that is managed in association with the client identification information in the management device 3. The user device 5 is, for example, a device (device) implemented by an information processing device (computer system) installed with a general-purpose OS, etc. to perform communication, and provides history information related to the import object, such as a recommended application. The user device 5 imports and uses the recommended import object (application, etc.). In response to the use of the function of the user device 5, the user device 5 stores log information as an example of the use history, and uploads the log information to the management device 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, user devices 5A and 5B are image forming devices as examples of multifunction peripherals (MFPs). In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, user devices 5A and 5B are referred to as user devices 5. User devices 5 include scanners, fax machines, electronic whiteboards, projectors, PCs, smart phones, and interactive voice operation devices (smart speakers or artificial intelligence (AI) speakers). User devices 5 store other devices and applications that provide commonly used external services, and communication applications for communicating with various devices and terminals through communication network 100 in a storage device.

[0095] The user device 5 may be implemented by a computer such as a general-purpose desktop PC or a portable notebook PC.

[0096] <History Management Server>

[0097] The record management server 6 is an information processing device (computer system) that manages record information. The record management server 6 is implemented by one or more information processing devices (computer systems) installed with a general server OS, etc. The record management server 6 manages the record information in association with the user device 5 or the customer, and the record information includes contract record information indicating the contract record related to the contract of the user device 5, purchase record information indicating the purchase record, and survey record information indicating the survey record. The above-mentioned record information, that is, the transaction record information, is record information different from the usage record information managed by the management device 3. Specifically, the transaction record information includes purchase record information indicating the purchase record related to the purchase of the user device 5, contract record information indicating the contract record related to the contract of the user device 5, and survey record information indicating the survey record related to the survey of the user device 5. The record management server 6 stores the communication application used to perform communication with another device or communication terminal in the storage device.

[0098] The history management server 6 may be implemented by a computer such as a general-purpose PC or a portable notebook PC, or may be implemented by a plurality of computers in which various units (functions or means) such as storage devices are divided and allocated as desired. All or part of the functions of the history management server 6 may be provided by a server computer located in a cloud environment or a server computer located in a local environment. In other words, the management system 2 according to the present embodiment may be constructed so that the management device 3 manages the information (data) managed by the history management server 6. The history management server 6 may use a communication device or a communication terminal capable of running software such as browser software.

[0099] <Application publishing server>

[0100] The application publishing server 7 is an information processing device (computer system) that provides applications (services) to the user device 5 or the user in a charged or free manner. The application publishing server 7 is implemented by one or more information processing devices (computer systems) installed with a general server OS, etc. The application publishing server 7 stores and manages various applications distributed or imported to the user device 5 in a predetermined storage area. As a result, the user can download the desired application from the application publishing server 7 to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 used by the user. The application publishing server 7 also performs authentication in response to a predetermined processing request from the user device 5, and performs predetermined processing. The so-called processing includes, for example, providing application data to the user device 5, providing application functions to the user device 5, and providing services to the user device 5 or the user. The application publishing server 7 stores the communication application used to communicate with other devices or communication terminals in a storage device.

[0101] The application publishing server 7 may be implemented by a computer such as a general-purpose PC or a portable notebook PC, or may be implemented by a plurality of computers in which various units (functions or means) such as storage devices are divided and allocated. All or part of the functions of the application publishing server 7 may be provided by a server computer located in a cloud environment or a server computer located in a local environment. The application publishing server 7 may use a communication device or a communication terminal capable of running software such as browser software.

[0102] In the present embodiment, based on the above-described system configuration, a management device capable of grasping whether the imported object is used appropriately is provided to the user who uses the imported object.

[0103] In this embodiment, “recommendation” means recommending the import of the import object to the customer.

[0104] Examples of the recommendation include a recommendation for importing an import object such as an application program (hereinafter, referred to as an app) to the user device 5 or the like.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the "import object" is an object to be imported. Examples of the import object include an application to be imported (installed) to the user device 5, etc., a user's contract behavior or contract content related to a contract of the user device 5, a purchase procedure for purchase, and a survey behavior such as a survey. In the following description, an application is taken as an example as an import object, but the import object is not limited to an application.

[0106] In the present embodiment, "import" means being able to utilize the imported object. In the case where the imported object is software such as an application, examples of importing include making the software available by installation in the user device 5, communication terminal 4, etc., purchasing a license, and making the functions of the application available from an external server such as an application publishing server 7. In the case where the imported object is hardware or an article such as a peripheral device or an apparatus, importing includes installing the hardware, making the hardware available, and purchasing the hardware. In the case where the imported object is a service, importing includes a contract and application for the service.

[0107] In the present embodiment, a "user" is a person who is managed in the management device 3 in association with the customer identification information. A user refers to, for example, a person who sees and processes various notifications sent by the management device 3 using a communication terminal. A user also refers to a person who operates the user device 5 to use a predetermined function, or refers to a person who performs a transaction or procedure such as a purchase or a contract through a communication terminal. Users include general users (an example of a first user) and management users (an example of a second user). A general user is a person who uses the user device 5. A management user is a person who manages or owns the user device 5. For example, a management user can import an import object to the user device 5 based on a recommendation information notification. Users include departments, organizations, groups, teams, companies, etc. in addition to individuals.

[0108] In this embodiment, a "client" is a contractor who uses a service provided by the information processing system 1. The client is managed by client identification information in the management device 3. The client includes, for example, a subject to which a user and a user device belong, or an account related to the subject. The client includes, for example, a department, organization, group, team, and group of an enterprise. The client may represent an individual such as a user. A user or a user device 5 belonging to a client may be referred to as a client.

[0109] In the present embodiment, "service" is a function provided by the information processing system 1. A service includes a function provided by an application. Examples of a service include providing data or a function of an application, and recommending an import object.

[0110] In this embodiment, "use" means that the user uses the imported object. Use includes activation, execution, etc. of the imported application. In addition, "usage" is the number of times or the amount of use of the imported object. The usage includes the number of times the function of the installed application is executed, the number of times the application is started, the usage time of the application, the number of documents processed by the application, the data volume or quantity of the medium such as paper, and the frequency of use of the application.

[0111] [Hardware Configuration]

[0112] Reference Figures 4 to 6 Describes the hardware configuration of the device or terminal included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. Figures 4 to 6The hardware configuration of the device or terminal represented in the figure may be modified by appropriately adding or deleting the components constituted.

[0113] <Hardware configuration of management equipment, history management server, and application distribution server>

[0114] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management device, a history management server, and an application publishing server. Figure 4 As shown, the management device 3 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a read-only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) 304, a hard disk (HD) 305, a hard disk drive (HDD) controller 306, a display 307, a short-distance communication interface (I / F) 308, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor 309, and an imaging element I / F 310. The management device 3 also includes a network I / F 311, a keyboard 312, a pointing device 313, a medium I / F 315, an external device connection I / F 316, a sound input / output I / F 317, a microphone 318, a speaker 319, and a bus 320.

[0115] Among these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall action of the management device 3. The ROM 302 stores programs for driving the CPU 301, etc. The RAM 303 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 301. The EEPROM 304 reads or writes various data such as applications under the control of the CPU 301. The HD 305 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 306 controls the reading or writing of various data to or from the HD 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The management device 3 may have a hardware configuration including a solid state drive (SSD) instead of the HD 305 and the HDD controller 306. The display 307 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image. In the present embodiment, the display 307 functions as an example of a display unit. The short-distance communication I / F 308 is a communication circuit for performing data communication with a communication device or a communication terminal including, for example, a wireless communication interface such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WI-FI (registered trademark). The CMOS sensor 309 is a built-in imaging device for acquiring image data or video data by imaging a subject under the control of the CPU 301. The imaging device may be implemented by a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or the like instead of the CMOS sensor. The imaging element I / F 310 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the CMOS sensor 309.

[0116] The network I / F 311 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The keyboard 312 is an example of an input device having a plurality of keys for the user to input characters, numbers, and various instructions. In addition, an input device composed of a touch panel for inputting text, numerical values, various instructions, etc. may be provided instead of the keyboard 312 or on the basis of the keyboard 110. The pointing device 313 is an example of an input device that allows the user to select or execute a specific instruction, select a target for processing, or move a cursor being displayed. The medium I / F 315 reads data from or writes (stores) data to a recording medium 314 such as a flash memory. The external device connection I / F 316 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, etc. The sound input / output I / F 317 is a circuit for controlling the input and output of audio signals between the microphone 318 and the speaker 319 under the control of the CPU 301. The microphone 318 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 318 acquires voice and sound waves emitted from an external speaker or the like, and acquires information using electrical signals. The speaker 319 is a built-in circuit that generates sounds such as music or voice by converting electrical signals into physical vibrations. The bus 320 is an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting various parts such as the CPU 301.

[0117] The history management server 6 is realized by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an EEPROM 604, an HD 605, an HDD controller 606, a display 607, a short-distance communication I / F 608, a CMOS sensor 609, and an imaging element I / F 610. Since these hardware resources are the same as the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the EEPROM 304, the HD 305, the HDD controller 306, the display 307, the short-distance communication I / F 308, the CMOS sensor 309, and the imaging element I / F 310 of the management device 3, the description thereof is omitted. The history management server 6 also includes a network I / F 611, a keyboard 612, a pointing device 613, a medium I / F 615, an external device connection I / F 616, a sound input / output I / F 617, a microphone 618, a speaker 619, and a bus 620. These hardware resources are the same as the network I / F 311, keyboard 312, pointing device 313, medium I / F 315, external device connection I / F 316, sound input / output I / F 317, microphone 318, speaker 319, and bus 320 of the management device 3, so the description is omitted.

[0118] The application publishing server 7 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, an EEPROM 704, an HD 705, an HDD controller 706, a display 707, a short-distance communication I / F 708, a CMOS sensor 709, and an imaging element I / F 710. Since these hardware resources are the same as the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the EEPROM 304, the HD 305, the HDD controller 306, the display 307, the short-distance communication I / F 308, the CMOS sensor 309, and the imaging element I / F 310 of the management device 3, the description thereof is omitted. The application publishing server 7 also includes a network I / F 711, a keyboard 712, a pointing device 713, a medium I / F 715, an external device connection I / F 716, a sound input / output I / F 717, a microphone 718, a speaker 719, and a bus 720. These hardware resources are the same as the network I / F 311, keyboard 312, pointing device 313, medium I / F 315, external device connection I / F 316, sound input / output I / F 317, microphone 318, speaker 319, and bus 320 of the management device 3, and thus description thereof is omitted. The application publishing server 7 may be implemented by a general external server connected via the communication network 100. The hardware resources in this case may be based on the hardware specifications of the external server.

[0119] <Hardware configuration of communication terminal>

[0120] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a communication terminal. Figure 5 As shown, the communication terminal 4 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an EEPROM 404, a display 407, a short-distance communication I / F 408, a CMOS sensor 409, and an imaging element I / F 410. The communication terminal 4 also includes a network I / F 411, a touch panel 412, a pointing device 413, a medium I / F 415, an external device connection I / F 416, a sound input / output I / F 417, a microphone 418, a speaker 419, and a bus 420.

[0121] The CPU 401 controls the actions of the entire communication terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores programs for driving the CPU 401, etc. The RAM 403 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 401. The EEPROM 404 reads or writes various data such as applications under the control of the CPU 401. The display 407 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image. In the present embodiment, the display 407 functions as an example of a display unit. The short-distance communication I / F 408 is a communication circuit for performing data communication with a communication device or a communication terminal including a wireless communication interface such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WI-FI (registered trademark). The CMOS sensor 409 is a built-in imaging device for acquiring image data or animation data by imaging a subject under the control of the CPU 401. The imaging device can be implemented by a CCD sensor or the like instead of the CMOS sensor. The imaging element I / F 410 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the CMOS sensor 409.

[0122] The network I / F 411 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The touch panel 412 is an example of an input device for operating the communication terminal 4 by the user pressing, clicking, or tapping a predetermined button, icon, etc. arranged on the display 407. Instead of the touch panel 412 or in addition to the touch panel 110, an input device such as a keyboard for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. may be provided. The pointing device 413 is an example of an input device that allows the user to select or execute a specific instruction, select a target for processing, or move a cursor being displayed. The medium I / F 415 reads data from or writes (stores) data to a recording medium 414 such as a flash memory. The external device connection I / F 416 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a USB memory, etc. The sound input / output I / F 417 is a circuit that processes sound signals input and output between the microphone 418 and the speaker 419 under the control of the CPU 401. The microphone 418 is a built-in type circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 418 acquires voice and sound waves emitted from an external speaker or the like, and acquires information using electrical signals. The speaker 419 is a built-in circuit that generates sounds such as music or voice by converting electrical signals into physical vibrations. The bus 420 is an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting various parts such as the CPU 401.

[0123] <Hardware configuration of user device>

[0124] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a user device. Figure 6As shown, the user device 5 is an image forming device such as an MFP, and includes hardware resources such as a controller 510 , a short-distance communication circuit 520 , an engine controller 530 , a control panel 540 , and a network I / F 550 .

[0125] The controller 510 includes a CPU 501 as a main processor of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 502, a north bridge (NB) 503, a south bridge (SB) 504, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 505, a local memory (MEM-C) 506, an HDD controller 507, and an HD 508 as a storage device. The NB 503 and the ASIC 505 are connected through an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus 521.

[0126] CPU 501 is a control unit that controls the entire user device 5. NB 503 connects CPU 501 with MEM-P 502, SB 504, and AGP bus 521. NB 503 includes a memory controller for controlling reading or writing of various data with respect to MEM-P 502, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) master, and an AGP target.

[0127] The MEM-P 502 includes a ROM 502a as a memory, which stores programs and data for realizing various functions of the controller 510. The MEM-P 502 also includes a RAM 502b, which is used as a drawing memory for developing programs and data or storing drawing data for printing. The program stored in the RAM 502b can be provided as a file in an installable format or an executable format by recording the program on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (CD-ROM), a CD-R (CD-R), or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0128] SB 504 is a bridge for connecting NB 503 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC 505 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing purposes including hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge connecting AGP bus 521, PCI bus 522, HD 508, and MEM-C 506, respectively. ASIC 505 includes a PCI target and AGP master controller, an arbitrator that arbitrates the driving timing of each signal according to a predetermined priority order in ASIC 505, a memory controller that controls MEM-C 506, image data rotation, etc. through hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between scanner 531 and printer 532 through PCI bus 522. A USB interface or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) interface can be connected to ASIC 505.

[0129] MEM-C 506 is a local memory used as a buffer or code buffer for image data to be copied. HD 508 is a memory for storing image data, font data for printing, and format information. HDD controller 507 controls the reading or writing of data to HD 508 according to the control of CPU 501. AGP bus 521 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card provided to increase the graphics processing speed. By directly accessing MEM-P 502 with high throughput, the speed of the graphics accelerator card can be increased.

[0130] The short-distance communication circuit 520 includes a short-distance communication antenna 520a. The short-distance communication circuit 520 is a communication circuit that performs communication in accordance with NFC, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), or the like.

[0131] The engine controller 530 includes a scanner 531, a printer 532, and a fax machine 533. The control panel 540 includes a display panel 540a and an operation panel 540b. The display panel 540a is implemented, for example, by a touch panel that displays a current setting or selection screen and receives user input. The operation panel 540b includes: a numeric keypad that receives setting values ​​of various image forming parameters such as image density parameters; and a start key that receives an instruction to start copying. In this embodiment, the display panel 540a functions as an example of a display unit. The controller 510 controls the entire user device 5, such as drawing, communication, input, etc. from the control panel 540. The scanner 531 or the printer 532 includes image processing functions such as error diffusion and gamma (γ) conversion. In addition, the fax machine 533 includes an analog I / F, a modem, a speaker, etc. for performing fax communication using an analog line (public line) connected to an external device with a fax communication function.

[0132] In response to an instruction to select a specific application through the control panel 540, for example, using an application switching key, the user device 5 selectively executes a document box function, a copy function, a print function, and a fax function. When the document box function is selected, it becomes a document box mode, when the copy function is selected, it becomes a copy mode, when the print function is selected, it becomes a print mode, and when the fax function is selected, it becomes a fax mode.

[0133] The network I / F 550 controls data communication with external devices through the communication network 100. The short-distance communication circuit 520 and the network I / F 550 are electrically connected to the ASIC 505 via the PCI bus 522.

[0134] The user device 5 can also be implemented by a computer, including Figure 4 The hardware resources shown.

[0135] The above-mentioned program can be recorded as a document in an installable or executable format for distribution on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media are writable compact disc storage (CD-R), digital versatile disk (DVD), BLU-RAY (registered trademark), secure digital (SD) card, USB memory, etc. The recording medium can be provided to domestic or foreign users in the form of a program product. For example, the management device 3 implements the management method according to the present disclosure by executing the program according to the present disclosure.

[0136] [Functional configuration of information processing system]

[0137] Below, refer to Figure 7 to Figure 17 , the functional structure of this embodiment is explained. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system. Figure 7 express Figure 3 Among the terminals or devices represented in , a terminal or device related to the processing or action described below.

[0138] <Functional configuration of management equipment>

[0139] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 , describes the functional configuration of the management device 3. Figure 7 As shown, the management device 3 includes a data exchange unit 31, an extraction determination unit 32, an acquisition unit 33, a display control unit 34, a judgment processing unit 35, a calculation unit 36, a generation unit 37, a login management unit 38, and a storage and reading unit 39. These functional units are operated by responding to commands from the CPU 301 according to a program for the management device 3 that is expanded from at least one of the ROM 302, the EEPROM 304, or the HD 305 to the RAM 303. Figure 4 The management device 3 includes a device that realizes the function or makes it work by any hardware resource represented by the hardware resource. Figure 4 The storage unit 3000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 302, EEPROM 304, or HD 305 shown. In addition, the storage unit 3000 stores a communication program (communication application) for communicating with each device or each terminal via the communication network 100, a browser application, an import object management application for sending the import effect of the import object to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, and the like.

[0140] 《Functional structure of management equipment》

[0141] The following describes in detail the configuration of each functional unit of the management device 3. Figure 7The data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 shown is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 on the network I / F 311 and the short-distance communication I / F 308, and performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with each terminal or each device via the communication network 100. The data exchange unit 31 sends information related to at least one determined import object (a recommendation information notification containing information of the import object) to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 that can communicate with the management device 3. In addition, the data exchange unit 31 sends a notification to the management user. In addition, the data exchange unit 31 sends a notification for the customer generated by the generation unit 37 described below to a destination associated with the customer identification information that identifies the customer. In addition, the data exchange unit 31 sends information related to the replacement import object as a replacement for the import object, that is, replacement import object information, to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5. In addition, the replacement import object information may also include storage location information indicating the storage location of the replacement import object. The data exchange unit 31 also sends a notification to the communication terminal 4 in response to an access from the communication terminal 4 used by the management user. In the present embodiment, the data exchange unit 31 functions as an example of at least one of a transmission unit and a reception unit.

[0142] The extraction determination unit 32 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301, and extracts and determines the import object according to the recommendation information notification request sent by the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5. The extraction determination unit 32 determines the import object for which a prescribed period has passed since the import. In addition, the extraction determination unit 32 determines the import object that is imported to the user device 5 for a fee from the import object. In addition, the extraction determination unit 32 determines the import object that is imported to the user device 5 for a fee based on the notification (for example, the recommendation notification) sent from the management device 3. The extraction determination unit 32 determines the import object that is imported to the user device 5 for a fee. In the present embodiment, the extraction determination unit 32 functions as an example of at least one of the extraction unit or the determination unit.

[0143] The acquisition unit 33 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 33 functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires usage history information (first history information) indicating the usage history related to the function of the user device 5. In addition, in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 33 functions as a second acquisition unit that acquires transaction history information (second history information) related to the transaction history of the user. The transaction history information includes information related to the purchase history, contract history, and survey history of the user device 5. The acquisition unit 33 may include a plurality of acquisition devices. In addition, the acquisition unit 33 acquires usage history information related to the import object used by a general user. The acquisition unit 33 acquires history information related to the determined import object. The acquisition unit 33 also acquires usage history information of the user device 5 as history information. In addition, the acquisition unit 33 acquires a collection of usage history information in one or more user devices 5 owned by customers associated with the same customer identification information as history information. In addition to the history information, the acquisition unit 33 also acquires identification information of the import object and import date and time information. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 33 also functions as an example of acquisition means.

[0144] The display control unit 34 is mainly realized by the processing of the display 307 by the CPU 301, and controls the display of various screens and information (data) of at least one of the communication terminal 4 and the user device 5. The display control unit 34 uses a browser to display a display screen generated in accordance with HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) on at least one of the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 and the display panel 540a of the user device 5. In this embodiment, the display control unit 34 functions as an example of a display control device.

[0145] The determination processing unit 35 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and performs various determinations in the management device 3. In the present embodiment, the determination processing unit 35 functions as an example of determination processing means.

[0146] The calculation unit 36 ​​is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301. The calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the usage of the specified import object by the specified user based on the history information. The calculation unit 36 ​​also calculates the number of times the import object is used by a user different from the management user who imports the import object as the usage. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 36 ​​functions as an example of a calculation device.

[0147] The generation unit 37 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301, and generates the recommendation information notification screen data after executing the recommendation judgment processing. In addition, the generation unit 37 generates a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information matches the predetermined conditions. Specifically, the generation unit 37 generates a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information of the import object determined by the extraction determination unit 32 is consistent with the prescribed conditions. In addition, the generation unit 37 generates, as a notification, a notification of alternative import object information including information indicating an alternative import object that becomes a substitute for the import object when the usage amount of the function or setting related to the specific import object calculated by the calculation unit 36 ​​is below the prescribed value. The generation unit 37 may also generate a notification including the standard text etc. when sending a notification including the standard text etc. generated in advance in a prescribed format. The notification generated here includes, for example, a notification sent by e-mail, a notification notified by an application, etc.

[0148] In the present embodiment, the generation unit 37 functions as an example of a generation device.

[0149] The login management unit 38 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301. The login management unit 38 uses the user identification information and password sent by the communication terminal 4 to perform user authentication processing. The login management unit 38 manages management users and general users related to the imported object. The login management unit 38 manages the user device 5 corresponding to the customer identification information for identifying the customer, the user corresponding to the customer identification information, and the imported object identification information for identifying the imported object imported corresponding to the customer identification information. The data table (each database (DB)) used for the above management is described below. In the present embodiment, the login management unit 38 functions as an example of at least one of the registration device and the management device.

[0150] The storage and reading unit 39 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301 of at least one of the ROM 302, the EEPROM 304, or the HD 305, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 39 functions as an example of a storage reading device.

[0151] User Information Management Table

[0152] Fig. 9 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example and is not limited to this example. Fig. 93001 of the user information management table shown in FIG. In the user information management table, at least one of the customer identification information or the customer name is used as a label, and the user name, user type, password, and email address are stored and managed in association with each other according to the user identification information divided by each label. Among these information, the customer identification information and the customer name are identification information given to the customer X who uses the user device 5 in the management system 2. Examples of customer identification information include "C0001", "C0002", etc. User identification information is information for identifying a user included in the customer (belonging to the customer). Examples of user identification information include "U0001", "U0002", etc. User name is the name of the user with user identification information. User type indicates the type of user as a customer, including management user, general user, etc. Password is identification information associated with user identification information at the time of login when using the information processing system 1 including the management system 2, and is input by the user at the time of initial startup (at the time of login), etc. Email address is the address when the user uses the email given to the user. In this embodiment, the user information management table (user information management DB 3001) functions as an example of a user history information management device. In addition, in the user information management DB 3001, information indicating whether the management device 3 sends a recommendation information notification may be stored for each user identification information. For example, information indicating that a recommendation information notification is sent is stored in association with the user identification information corresponding to the management user.

[0153] Device Information Management Table

[0154] Fig.10 3 is a diagram showing an example of a device information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.103002 of the device information management table shown in FIG. In the device information management table, at least one of the customer identification information or the customer name is used as a label, and the device type and address information are stored and managed in association with each other according to the device identification information (terminal identification information) divided by each label. Among these information, the device identification information is information for identifying the user device 5 included in the customer (belonging to the customer). Examples of the device identification information include "D0001", "D0002", etc. The device identification information includes information of the communication terminal 4 in addition to the information of the user device 5. When the management device 3 notifies the communication terminal 4 of the recommended import object and the calculated information, etc., the information about the communication terminal 4 is used. When the management device 3 notifies the communication terminal 4 of the recommended information for recommending the import object, etc., the communication terminal 4 is determined from the device identification information based on the customer identification information that becomes the notification object, and the notification is sent to the sending destination shown in the address information. The user can be determined from the user identification information based on the customer identification information, and the notification can be sent to the email address. The device type is the type of device given as the user device 5, and examples of the device type include "MFP", "scanner", "fax", "electronic whiteboard", "projector", "PC", "smart phone", and "interactive voice operation device (smart speaker)". The address information is, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, which is used to specify and manage the user device 5 in the information processing system 1.

[0155] In the device information management DB 3002, information indicating whether the management apparatus 3 sends a recommendation information notification may be stored for each device identification information. For example, in the device identification information corresponding to the user device 5 and the communication terminal 4 managed by the management user, information indicating that a recommendation information notification is to be sent is stored in association.

[0156] The device information management table is used for the following purposes. For example, the device information management table is used to determine which customer identification information to associate with and store based on the device information management table when log information is received from a device that has not been managed by the first history information management table described below (for example, a device that has just been installed by a customer and has not been used for log collection in the past). Or the device information management table is used when the management device 3 determines which device to request log information from. In this case, the address information is used when the management device 3 makes a query to the user device 5. In this embodiment, the device information management table (device information management DB 3002) is used as an example of a device history information management device.

[0157] Use history information management table

[0158] Fig.113 is a diagram showing an example of a usage history information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.11 The usage history information management table shown in FIG. 300 is a usage history information management DB 3003. In the usage history information management table, at least one of the customer identification information or the customer name is used as a label, and the device type, usage history (item 1), user identification information, user name, setting item, usage date and time, and usage count (usage amount) are stored and managed in association with each other according to the device identification information divided by each label. Among these information, the device type is information indicating the type of the user device 5, and indicates, for example, MFP, fax machine, projector, etc. The usage history (item 1) is an example of the first history information indicating the usage history related to the function of the user device 5. Examples of the usage history (item 1) include "business card copying", "subpoena scanning and copying", "searching", "video watching", etc. In other words, the usage history (item 1) is information indicating the function or application executed by the user device 5. Here, the so-called "information indicating the function" is the name of the function and the function identification information, and the so-called "information indicating the application" is the name of the application and the application identification information. In the case where an application includes multiple functions, in addition to the information indicating the application, information indicating the function used in the application can also be stored. The user identification information is information for identifying the user who executes the function or application of the user device 5. The user name is the name of the user who executes the function or application of the user device 5. The setting item indicates the setting item and setting value corresponding to the prescribed function set when utilizing the function or application of the user device 5. Examples of the setting item include, for example, print settings or destinations, etc. The date and time of use indicates the date and time (i.e., the date and time when the function of the application is executed) or the prescribed period when the use history is stored. The usage amount indicates the usage amount of the use history (item 1) within the date and time or the prescribed period given as the date and time of use. The usage amount may be the number of times the function or application executes the prescribed processing, the number of times the execution is accepted, or the number and capacity of the processed media, documents, and data. The management device 3 may arbitrarily set the timing of acquiring the use history information (number of uses or usage amount) related to the use history from the user device 5. The timing of acquisition may be, for example, every day, every three days, or every ten days. Thus, for example, when the management device 3 acquires the prescribed use history information (number of uses or usage amount) every ten days, the use history information (total number of uses or total usage amount) for ten days is extracted.

[0159] The contents of the usage history (item 1) managed in the usage history information management table may include, for example, copying and printing, scanning, fax transmission and reception, and authentication when the device type is an MFP. When the device type is an electronic whiteboard (IWB), for example, projection, writing, collaboration between sites, and sharing of results may be included. When the device type is a projector, for example, projection and writing may be included. The above are the devices when the management device 3 sends information to each user device.

[0160] As the content of the usage history (item 1) managed in the usage history information management table, in the case where the device type is a smartphone, for example, it may include retrieval, shaking, information sharing (social network service (SNS)), calling or email, viewing and listening of videos, still images or music, and navigation (location, action history). In this case, the management device 3 sends information to the smartphone (PC) instead of the user device, and in this embodiment, the usage history information management table (usage history information management DB 3003) is used as an example of a usage history information management device.

[0161] Transaction history information management table

[0162] Fig.12 3 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.12Transaction record information management DB 3004 of the transaction record information management table shown. In the transaction record information management table, at least one of the customer identification information or the customer name is used as a label, and the record type, transaction record (item 2), transaction date and time, and transaction number (transaction volume) are stored and managed in association with each other according to the user identification information divided by each label. The record type is the type of transaction performed by the user. Examples of the record type include "purchase", "investigation", "contract", etc. The transaction record (item 2) is an example of the second record information representing the transaction record of the user's transaction. Examples of the transaction record (item 2) include "business card holder purchase", "subpoena purchase", "seal purchase", "classification printing operation status", "video editing", etc. The transaction date and time indicates the date and time or the specified period when the transaction record is stored. The transaction number (transaction volume) indicates the number of transactions of the transaction record (item 2) within the date and time or the specified period given as the transaction date and time. As described above, the transaction history information includes purchase history information related to the purchase history of parts, etc., contract history information related to the contract history of any of various services or licenses, and survey history information related to the survey history of the results of surveys or monitoring results of user environments. Since the history management server 6 does not manage customer identification information, each transaction information collected by the management device 3 is associated with the customer identification information to generate the transaction history information management DB 3004.

[0163] In the case where the resume type is purchase and the purchase object is office supplies, examples of transaction resumes (item 2) managed in the transaction resume information management table include business card holders, paper, ink, toner, peripherals, office furniture, office appliances, and other office supplies. In the case where the resume type is purchase and the purchase object is nursing supplies, examples of transaction resumes (item 2) managed in the transaction resume information management table include nursing supplies. In the case where the resume type is purchase and the purchase object is construction or engineering, examples of transaction resumes (item 2) managed in the transaction resume information management table include blackboards, tools, transportation, polishing, and measuring instruments. In the case where the resume type is purchase and the purchase object is a safety sign, examples of transaction resumes (item 2) managed in the transaction resume information management table include safety signs and safety supplies. In the case where the resume type is purchase and the purchase object is crime and disaster prevention, examples of transaction resumes (item 2) managed in the transaction resume information management table include crime prevention supplies and disaster prevention supplies. In the case where the record type is purchase and the purchase object is store supplies, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include cash registers, sealers, and flags. In the case where the record type is purchase and the purchase object is packaging supplies, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include boxes, cushioning materials, and tapes. The above contents are record types that are included in the transaction records as purchase records and are managed by the management device 3.

[0164] In the case where the record type is seminar, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include online video seminar applications, etc. In the case where the record type is electricity sales, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include electricity sales services. In the case where the record type is call, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include telephone services. In the case where the record type is material, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include illustrations and templates. In the case where the record type is column, examples of transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include know-how, etiquette, and trends. The above content is a record type that is managed by the management device 3 and is contained in the transaction record as a contract record (contract date and time, contract content, etc.).

[0165] In the case where the record information is customer information, examples of the transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include the number of company equipment, the number of other company equipment, customer attributes, interests / troubles, and contract period. In the case where the record type is survey, examples of the transaction records (item 2) managed in the transaction record information management table include monitoring information on network traffic. The above content is the record type that is a survey record (questionnaire answer result, hearing result, monitoring result, etc.) included in the transaction record and managed by the management device 3.

[0166] The transaction number (transaction volume) indicates the number of goods purchased or the number of purchases when the purchase record type is a purchase record type, indicates the survey result when the survey record type is a survey record, and indicates the contract content or the number of people or devices of the contract object when the record type is a contract. In this embodiment, the transaction record information management table (transaction record information management DB 3004) functions as an example of a transaction record information management device.

[0167] Recommendation Condition Management Table

[0168] Fig.13 3 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation condition management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.133005 of the recommendation condition management table shown in FIG. In the recommendation condition management table, items including a usage item name (usage history), a recommendation condition 1, a transaction item name (transaction history), and a recommendation condition 2 are stored and managed in association with the recommendation condition identification information. The recommendation condition identification information is identification information for identifying a recommendation condition when recommending an import object such as an application. Examples of the recommendation condition identification information include "RC0001", "RC0002", etc. The usage item name (usage history) indicates the name of the item used in the user device 5. Examples of the usage item name include "business card copy" and "subpoena scanning". The recommendation condition 1 is a threshold value when recommending the item given by the usage item name. The transaction item name (transaction history) indicates the name of the item as a transaction history different from the usage history of the user device 5. Examples of the transaction item name include item names such as "business card holder purchase" or "subpoena purchase". The recommendation condition 2 is a threshold value when recommending the item given by the usage transaction item name. The recommendation condition shown in "RC0001" is described below. In this case, as indicated by the usage item name, when the function "business card copy" of the user device 5 is used for more than 700 cards within the period indicated by the period α, and the number of "business card holder purchase" is more than 200 cards within the period indicated by the period α, it is determined that the recommendation condition indicated by "RC0001" is satisfied. Thus, when the usage history and transaction history of the import object satisfy the above-mentioned prescribed recommendation conditions, the import is recommended to the prescribed customer. In this embodiment, the recommendation condition management table (recommendation condition management DB3005) functions as an example of the recommendation condition management device.

[0169] Import object management table

[0170] Fig.14 3 is a diagram showing an example of an import object management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.14The import object management DB 3006 of the import object management table shown in FIG. In the import object management table, items including recommendation condition identification information, import object identification information, import object, and import object storage destination (purchase destination) are stored and managed in association with the recommendation condition identification information. Among these information, the import object identification information is identification information for identifying the import object of the application, etc. As the import object identification information, for example, there are "RS0001", "RS0002", etc. The import object represents an entity such as an application recommended to the user device 5. Examples of import objects include "business card management application" or "bill management software". The import object storage destination (purchase destination) represents the location where the import object is stored, and a uniform resource locator (URL), company name, etc. are given. In this embodiment, the import object management table (import object management DB 3006) functions as an example of the import object management device. In addition, the import object management table may include information indicating whether each import object is charged. For example, in the case where the import object is an application, the application may be charged or not. Tag information indicating whether the application is charged may be stored in association with the import object identification information.

[0171] Import information management table

[0172] Fig.15 3 is a diagram showing an example of an import information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.15 The import information management table is shown in the import information management DB 3007. In the import information management table, at least one of the customer identification information or the customer name is used as a label, and items including the import date and time, the user identification information, and the import user name are stored and managed in association with each other according to the import object identification information divided by each label.

[0173] The import date and time indicates the date and time when the import object is imported, or the date and time when the import object is purchased or contracted. The user identification information is identification information for identifying the user who imported the import object. The import user name indicates the name of the user who imported the import object recommended to the user device 5. In addition, the import information management table can store information indicating the contract form of the import object. For example, in the case where the import object is an application, since there is a free contract type such as a trial license, in the case of a paid contract, flag information indicating that the contract is paid can be stored in association with the import object identification information.

[0174] In this embodiment, the import information management table (import information management DB 3007) functions as an example of an import information management device. The import information management table stores all import objects installed by the user. The import information management table can store the flag information indicating the import object imported by the user based on the recommendation of the management device 3 in association with the import object identification information. However, the import information management table can only store the import objects imported by the user based on the recommendation of the management device 3, and can exclude the import objects actively imported by the user regardless of the recommendation.

[0175] Functional configuration of communication terminal

[0176] Below, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the functional configuration of the communication terminal 4 is described. Figure 7 As shown, the communication terminal 4 includes a data exchange unit 41, an operation receiving unit 42, an acquisition unit 43, a display control unit 44, and a storage and reading unit 49. These functional units are operated by responding to commands from the CPU 401 according to a program for the communication terminal 4 developed in the RAM 403 from at least one of the ROM 402, the EEPROM 404, or the recording medium 414. Figure 5 The communication terminal 4 also includes a device that realizes the function or makes it work by any hardware resource represented by the hardware resource. Figure 5 The storage unit 4000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 402, EEPROM 404, or recording medium 414 shown. The storage unit 4000 stores a communication program (communication application) for communicating with each device and each terminal via the communication network 100, a browser application, a usage status management application for displaying the usage status of the imported object, and the like.

[0177] 《Functional configuration of communication terminal》

[0178] Hereinafter, the configuration of each function of the communication terminal 4 will be described in detail. Figure 7 The data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 shown is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 401 on the network I / F 411 and the short-distance communication I / F 408, and sends various data (or information) to each terminal or each device or receives various data (or information) from each terminal or each device through the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the data exchange unit 41 functions as an example of at least one of a sending device and a receiving device.

[0179] The operation accepting unit 42 is mainly realized by the CPU 401 processing signals generated by various operations received by at least one of the touch panel 412 and the pointing device 413. In the present embodiment, the operation accepting unit 42 functions as an example of a receiving device.

[0180] The acquisition unit 43 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 401, and acquires various types of information sent by the management device 3. The acquisition unit 43 acquires, for example, recommended information included in a recommended information notification response sent by the management device 3. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 43 functions as an example of acquisition means.

[0181] The display control unit 44 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 401 on the display 407, and controls the display of various screens and information (data) in the communication terminal 4. The display control unit 44 displays a display screen generated in HTML or the like on the display 407 (hereinafter referred to as the display 407) of the communication terminal 4 using, for example, a browser. The display control unit 44 controls the display 407, for example, so that it displays the acquired recommendation information. In this embodiment, the display control unit 44 functions as an example of a display control device.

[0182] The storage and reading unit 49 is mainly implemented by the CPU 401 processing at least one of the ROM 402, the EEPROM 404, or the recording medium 414, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 4000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 4000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 49 functions as an example of a storage and reading device.

[0183] Functional configuration of user device

[0184] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , describes the functional configuration of the user device. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 5 , the user device 5 includes a data exchange unit 51, an operation receiving unit 52, an acquisition unit 53, a display control unit 54, a control unit 55, an execution unit 56, a generation unit 57, and a storage and reading unit 59. These functional units are operated by responding to commands from the CPU 501 according to a program for the user device 5 that is expanded from at least one of the ROM 502a or the HD 508 in the RAM 508b. Figure 6 The user device 5 includes a device that realizes a function or makes it work by any hardware resource represented by the hardware resource. Figure 6 The storage unit 5000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 502a or the HD 508 shown in FIG.

[0185] 《Functional configuration of user devices》

[0186] The following describes in detail the configuration of each functional unit of the user device 5. Figure 7The data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 shown is mainly realized by the processing of the network I / F 550 and the short-distance communication circuit 520 by the CPU 501, and performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with each terminal or each device via the communication network 100. The data exchange unit 51 transmits first history information indicating the use history related to the function of the user device providing the history information to the management device 3. In this embodiment, the data exchange unit 51 functions as an example of at least one of a transmitting device and a receiving device.

[0187] The operation accepting unit 52 is mainly realized by the CPU 501 processing signals generated by various operations received by at least one of the display panel 540a and the operation panel 540b of the control panel 540. In the present embodiment, the operation accepting unit 52 functions as an example of a receiving device.

[0188] The acquisition unit 53 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 501, and acquires various types of information sent by the management device 3. The acquisition unit 53 acquires, for example, the recommended information included in the recommended information notification response sent by the management device 3, and application data (programs, etc.) related to any of various applications as examples of import objects. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 53 functions as an example of acquisition means.

[0189] The display control unit 54 is mainly realized by the CPU 501 processing the display panel 540a of the control panel 540, and controls the display of various screens and information (data) in the user device 5. The display control unit 54 uses, for example, a browser to display a display screen created in HTML or the like on the control panel 540. In this embodiment, an MFP is shown as an example of the user device 5, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. Thus, the hardware resources of each functional unit of the user device 5 can be appropriately changed according to the hardware resources possessed by each user device 5. In this embodiment, the display control unit 54 functions as an example of a display control device.

[0190] The control unit 55 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and performs various controls in the user device 5. In the present embodiment, the control unit 55 functions as an example of a control device.

[0191] The execution unit 56 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and executes activation of various applications, activation of the print engine, printing processing, and projection processing in the user device 5. In the present embodiment, the execution unit 56 functions as an example of an execution device.

[0192] The generation unit 57 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and generates various notifications to be transmitted and displayed to the user device 5. In the present embodiment, the generation unit 57 functions as an example of a generation device.

[0193] The storage and reading unit 59 is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 processing at least one of the ROM 502a and the HD 508, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 59 functions as an example of a storage and reading device.

[0194] Use history information management table

[0195] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage history information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.16 5. The usage history information management table shown in FIG. 50 is a usage history information management DB 5001. The usage history information management DB 5001 includes the same items as the items forming the usage history information management table of the usage history information management DB 3003 described above. Therefore, the description of each item is omitted here. Each user device 5 stores the usage history information management table in the storage unit 5000 of the corresponding user device 5. In the present embodiment, the usage history information management table (usage history information management DB 5001) functions as an example of a usage history information management device.

[0196] Functional configuration of the history management server

[0197] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the functional configuration of the history management server is described. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the history management server 6 includes a data exchange unit 61, an acquisition unit 63, a registration unit 68, and a storage and reading unit 69. These functional units are operated by responding to commands from a CPU 601 according to a program for the history management server 6 that is expanded from at least one of a ROM 602, an EEPROM 604, or an HD 605 to a RAM 603. Figure 4 The history management server 6 includes a device that realizes the function or makes it work by any hardware resource represented by the hardware resource. Figure 4The storage unit 6000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 602, EEPROM 604, or HD 605 shown. In addition, the storage unit 6000 stores a communication program (communication application) for performing communication with each device or each terminal through the communication network 100, a browser application, a history management application for managing transaction history information sent by the user device, and the like.

[0198] 《Configuration of various functions of the history management server》

[0199] Next, the functional configuration of the history management server 6 will be described in detail. Figure 7 The data exchange unit 61 of the history management server 6 shown is mainly implemented by the CPU 601 processing the network I / F 611 and the short-distance communication I / F 608, and sends various data (or information) to each terminal or each device through the communication network 100, or receives various data (or information) from each terminal or each device. In this embodiment, the data exchange unit 61 functions as an example of at least one of a sending device and a receiving device.

[0200] The acquisition unit 63 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and acquires the transaction history information transmitted from the user device 5, the communication terminal 4, the computer of the sales person, etc. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 63 functions as an example of an acquisition device.

[0201] The registration unit 68 is implemented by the processing of the CPU 601, and registers the transaction history information sent from the user device 5, the communication terminal 4, the computer of the sales representative, etc., in the transaction history information management DB 6001. In this embodiment, the registration unit 68 functions as an example of a registration device.

[0202] The storage and reading unit 69 is mainly implemented by the CPU 601 processing at least one of the ROM 602, the EEPROM 604, or the HD 605, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 6000, or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 6000. In this embodiment, the storage and reading unit 69 functions as an example of a storage and reading device.

[0203] Transaction history information management table

[0204] Fig.17 6 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this example. Fig.17Transaction history information management DB 6001 of the transaction history information management table shown. In the transaction history information management table, items including the history type, transaction history (item 2), transaction date and time, and number of transactions (transaction volume) are stored and managed in association with each other according to user identification information. These items correspond to the items of the transaction history information management table managed by the management device 3. That is, the content of each item of the transaction history information management table related to a specific customer, which is sent by the history management server 6 that manages transaction history information by customer, is reflected in the corresponding item of the transaction history information management table managed by the management device 3. In this embodiment, the transaction history information management table (transaction history information management DB 6001) functions as an example of a transaction history information management device.

[0205] Functional configuration of application publishing server

[0206] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 , which describes the functional configuration of the application publishing server. Figure 8 As shown, the application publishing server 7 includes a data exchange unit 71, an acquisition unit 73, an execution unit 76, and a storage and reading unit 79. These functional units are operated by responding to commands from the CPU 701 according to a program for the application publishing server 7 that is expanded from at least one of the ROM 702, the EEPROM 704, or the HD 705 to the RAM 703. Figure 4 The application publishing server 7 includes a device that realizes the function or makes it work by any hardware resource represented by the hardware resource. Figure 4 702, EEPROM 704, or HD 705 shown in the figure. In addition, the storage unit 7000 stores a communication program (communication application) for performing communication with each device or each terminal through the communication network 100, a browser application, various data constituting an application group, a function execution application for executing a predetermined function sent by the user device 5, an application as an import object to be installed in the user device 5, and the like. As described above, the application publishing server 7 can use a commonly used external server connected through the communication network 100. The functional configuration in this case can correspond to the hardware specifications of the external server.

[0207] 《Functional Configuration of Application Publishing Server》

[0208] The following describes in detail the configuration of each functional unit of the application distribution server 7. Figure 8The data exchange unit 71 of the application publishing server 7 shown is mainly implemented by the CPU 701 processing the network I / F 711 and the short-distance communication I / F 708, and performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with each terminal or each device via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the data exchange unit 71 functions as an example of at least one of a sending device and a receiving device. For example, the data exchange unit 71 receives a request for an application of an import object from the user device 5, and distributes the application of the import object to the user device 5.

[0209] The acquisition unit 73 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and acquires an application distribution request sent by the user device 5, a processing request related to the user device 5 and sent by the management device 3, etc. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 73 functions as an example of acquisition means.

[0210] The execution unit 76 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 701. In the present embodiment, the execution unit 76 functions as an example of an execution device. For example, in response to a request for executing a predetermined function received from the user device 5, the execution unit 76 provides the user device 5 with the predetermined function.

[0211] The storage and reading unit 79 is mainly realized by the CPU 701 processing at least one of the ROM 702, the EEPROM 704, or the HD 705, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 7000, or reads various data (or information) constituting the application group from the storage unit 7000. In the present embodiment, the storage and reading unit 79 functions as an example of a storage and reading device.

[0212] Various application data

[0213] The various application data managed by the application distribution server 7 or by an external server capable of communicating with the application distribution server 7 may comply with the management method and specifications of the server managing the various application data. In addition, the data structure of the various application data is not particularly limited.

[0214] [Processing or Actions of Embodiment]

[0215] Below, refer to Figure 18 to Figure 28 , the processing or action of the information processing system of this embodiment is explained.

[0216] <Authentication Process>

[0217] A user authentication process and a device login process in the information processing system 1 are described. Fig.181 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a user authentication process and a device login process. In step S11, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 controls the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 to display an authentication screen.

[0218] Screen display example

[0219] Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in order to perform user authentication in a communication terminal. Fig.19 As shown, the display control unit 44 controls the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 to display a login authentication screen 4001. The login authentication screen 4001 displays input areas for inputting user identification information and passwords and a login button. The user can input user identification information and passwords in these input areas and operate the login button.

[0220] return Fig.18 In step S12, the operation accepting unit 42 receives the authentication operation.

[0221] In step S13, the data exchange unit 41 sends a user authentication request to the management device 3. Thus, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the user authentication request sent by the communication terminal 4. The user authentication request includes user identification information and a password.

[0222] In step S14, the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 performs user authentication processing. Specifically, the login management unit 38 uses the user identification information and password received in step S13 as search keywords to retrieve the user information management DB 3001 (refer to Fig. 9 ), read the corresponding login information. Then, the login management unit 38 confirms whether the received user identification information and password are consistent with the read user identification information and password. When the confirmation is consistent, it is considered that the input user identification information and password are correct.

[0223] In step S15, the data exchange unit 31 transmits a user authentication response to the user authentication request received in step S13 to the communication terminal 4. Thus, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the user authentication response transmitted by the management device 3. The user authentication response includes information indicating a user authentication result (e.g., authentication OK).

[0224] Through the above-mentioned processing, the communication terminal 4 and the management device 3 successfully perform the login authentication processing and the session establishment processing for establishing a session that are normally performed, and are in a state where they can communicate with each other.

[0225] In step S21, the display control unit 54 of the user device 5 displays the device login screen on the display panel 540a. The user device 5 and the management device 3 are assumed to be able to communicate with each other after the predetermined login authentication process and the session establishment process for establishing a session are successful.

[0226] Screen display example

[0227] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during device login in a user device. Fig. 20 As shown, the display control unit 54 displays a device login screen 5011 on the display panel 540a of the user device 5. The device login screen 5011 displays an input area 5012 for inputting a device type and a device name, and a login button 5051. The user inputs the device type and the device name in the input area 5012, and operates the login button 5051. The device login process may also be replaced by Fig. 20 The input by the user shown is performed through the device login screen, but through the communication between the user device 5 and the management device 3, it can be performed without the input of the user.

[0228] Return to reference Fig.18 In step S22, the operation accepting unit 52 receives the device login operation.

[0229] In step S23, the data exchange unit 51 sends a device registration request to the management apparatus 3. Thus, the data exchange unit 31 of the management apparatus 3 receives the device registration request sent by the user device 5. The device registration request includes device identification information, device type information, and address information indicating the destination of the user device 5.

[0230] In step S24 , the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 performs an apparatus login process.

[0231] Specifically, the login management unit 38 registers the device identification information, device type information, address information indicating the destination of the user device 5, and customer identification information indicating the customer to which the user belongs, contained in the device login request received in step S23 in advance in a corresponding manner to the device information management DB 3002 (see Fig.10 ). Therefore, the management device 3 corresponds to the user apparatus 5 in the information processing system 1 (management system 2).

[0232] In step S25, the data exchange unit 31 transmits a device login response as a response to the device login request received in step S23 to the user device 5. Thus, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the device login response transmitted by the management apparatus 3. The device login response may include a message indicating that the device login is completed, a login completion flag, and the like.

[0233] As described above, the user device 5 may perform a login process for the management device 3 before the process of step S21. In the login process, the user device 5 sends a login request including a user name and a password to the management device 3, and the management device 3 authenticates the user based on the information included in the login request and the information stored in the user information management DB 3001 (refer to Fig. 9 ). Therefore, the management device 3 can identify the user identification information or the customer identification information corresponding to the user.

[0234] Furthermore, the processes of steps S11 to S15 and the processes of steps S21 to S25 described above may be performed asynchronously with each other.

[0235] In the information processing system 1 , the history management server 6 and the application distribution server 7 , which are connected to each other via the communication network 100 , can also communicate with the management device 3 and the user device 5 .

[0236] In the management system according to the present embodiment, for example, in the process of executing the above-mentioned steps S13 and S15, another device or the like may be located between the communication terminal 4 and the management apparatus 3. In other words, information (data) transmitted or received between the communication terminal 4 and the management apparatus 3 may be transmitted or received through another device or the like. Even when there is another processing step between the communication terminal 4 and the management apparatus 3, the above-mentioned configuration may be applicable.

[0237] Furthermore, in the management system according to the present embodiment, for example, in the process of executing the above-mentioned steps S23 and S25, another device or the like may be located between the management apparatus 3 and the user device 5. In other words, each information (data) transmitted or received between the management apparatus 3 and the user device 5 may be transmitted or received through another device or the like. Even when there is another processing step between the user device 5 and the management apparatus 3, the above-mentioned configuration may be applied.

[0238] Login process of history information

[0239] Next, the registration process of the history information will be described. Fig.213 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the history information acquisition process. In step S31, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 sends a usage history information acquisition request to the user device 5. Therefore, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the usage history information acquisition request sent by the management device 3. At this time, the usage history information acquisition request includes device identification information for identifying the user device 5.

[0240] The user device 5 may periodically transmit the history information to the management device 3. In this case, the management device 3 may omit the process of step S31.

[0241] exist Fig.21 In the example shown, the management device 3 obtains the usage history information of each customer identified by the customer identification information. At this time, the management device 3 determines at least one user device 5 corresponding to the customer identification information based on the customer's management information (e.g., customer identification information), and sends a usage history information acquisition request to each of the determined user devices 5 in sequence or in batches. Therefore, the management device 3 sends the usage history information acquisition request to each of the multiple user devices 5 owned by the customer. In this way, the management device 3 can compare the acquired usage history information with the usage history information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig.11 ) are managed in correspondence with the customer identification information managed in ).

[0242] In step S32, the storage and reading unit 59 of the user device 5 reads the usage history information. Specifically, the storage and reading unit 59 uses the device identification information received in step S31 as a search key to search the usage history information management DB 5001 (refer to Fig.16 ) to read the usage history information related to the corresponding usage history. The usage history information read at this time is an example of the first history information.

[0243] In step S33, the data exchange unit 51 sends a usage history information acquisition response to the management device 3 as a response to the usage history information acquisition request received in step S31. Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the usage history information acquisition response sent by the user device 5, and the acquisition unit 33 acquires the usage history information acquisition response. At this time, the usage history information acquisition response includes device identification information for identifying the user device 5 and the read usage history information. The usage history information also includes the device type, information corresponding to the usage history (item 1), the date and time of use (or period), and the usage amount. That is, the acquisition unit 33 obtains the information corresponding to the usage history (item 1), the information including the date and time of use (or period), and the usage amount as the first history information representing the usage history related to the function of the user device 5. The processing of step S32 can be performed by each user device 5 that receives the usage history information acquisition request.

[0244] In step S34, the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 registers the usage history information received in step S33. Specifically, the login management unit 38 registers the information items including the device identification information, device type, usage history (item 1), usage date and time, and usage count (usage amount) received in step S33 in the usage history information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig.11 ) in the corresponding items managed in the login management unit 38. The login management unit 38 performs the login so that the usage history is not repeated. The management device 3 identifies the customer identification information corresponding to the device identification information based on the received device identification information. As a result, the management device 3 can manage the usage history information of each user device 5 in association with the customer identification information.

[0245] In step S35, the data exchange unit 31 sends a transaction history information acquisition request to the history management server 6. Therefore, the data exchange unit 61 of the history management server 6 receives the transaction history information acquisition request sent by the management device 3. At this time, the transaction history information acquisition request includes user identification information for identifying the user. In the case where the history management server 6 manages the transaction history information in association with the customer identification information, the customer identification information may be included in the transaction history information acquisition request instead of the user identification information.

[0246] In step S36, the storage and reading unit 69 of the history management server 6 reads the transaction history information. Specifically, the storage and reading unit 69 uses the user identification information received in step S35 as a search keyword to search the transaction history information management DB 6001 (refer to Fig.17 ) to read transaction history information related to a transaction history which is an example of corresponding second history information.

[0247] In step S37 , the data exchange unit 61 transmits a transaction history information acquisition response to the management device 3 as a response to the transaction history information acquisition request received in step S35 .

[0248] Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the transaction history information acquisition response sent by the history management server 6, and the acquisition unit 33 acquires the transaction history information acquisition response. At this time, the transaction history information acquisition response includes the user identification information and the read transaction history information.

[0249] The transaction history information also includes the history type, information corresponding to the transaction history (item 2), transaction date and time (or period), and number of transactions (transaction volume). That is, the acquisition unit 33 acquires information such as the history type, transaction date and time (or period), and number of transactions (transaction volume) related to the transaction history (item 2), and the above-mentioned transaction history (item 2) indicates a history different from the usage history (item 1) managed by the user device 5.

[0250] In step S38, the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 logs the transaction history information included in the transaction history information acquisition response received in step S37 of logging the transaction history information. Specifically, the login management unit 38 logs the transaction history information corresponding to the user identification information received in step S37 into the transaction history information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.12 ) in the transaction history (item 2) and the record type item. The login management unit 38 logs the transaction history information sent by the record management server 6 with the user identification information "U0001", such as the record type, transaction history (item 2), transaction date and time, and number of transactions (transaction amount), etc., into the corresponding item. In this case, the extraction determination unit 32 of the management device 3 uses the received user identification information as a search keyword to search the transaction history information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.12 ) to determine the corresponding customer identification information. Therefore, the management device 3 can manage the transaction history information of each user in association with the customer identification information.

[0251] In the use history information received in step S33, the device type and the device identification information may be registered in advance in each data table by the management device 3. In this case, the use history information transmitted by the user device 5 does not need to include the device type.

[0252] As described above, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 can send a procedure request regarding a website purchase or contract signing to the record management server 6. The user makes a procedure request after performing a login process. In the login process, the user enters a user name, password, etc., and refers to an attached map (user management information) to authenticate the user. As a result, the record management server can recognize the user identification information and customer identification information of the user, and can manage the procedure request and record information in association with the user identification information or the customer identification information. In this case, the record management server 6 can log the transaction record information corresponding to the procedure request in the transaction record information management DB 6001 (refer to Fig.17 ), the data exchange unit 61 can send a response to the communication terminal 4.

[0253] In addition, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 may send a procedure request regarding a website purchase or a contract to the record management server 6 through a purchase site provided separately in the information processing system 1. In this case, the record management server 6 may obtain transaction information corresponding to the procedure request from an external server providing the purchase site. After that, the data exchange unit 61 of the record management server 6 may send a procedure response regarding the website purchase or the contract to the communication terminal 4.

[0254] For purchase or contract-related procedure requests through the website, access can be made using a telephone or fax. In this case, the operator of the record management server 6 can manually input information to the record management server 6 using a PC or the like provided separately for the information processing system 1. In this case, the operator also inputs user identification information or customer identification information. Then, the record management server 6 can store the information in the transaction record information management DB 6001 (refer to Fig.17 ) and the corresponding transaction information is logged in, the data exchange unit 61 can send a response to the PC.

[0255] In the management system according to the present embodiment, for example, when the processing of the above-mentioned steps S35 and S37 is performed, another device or the like may exist between the management device 3 and the history management server 6. In other words, each information (data) transmitted or received between the management device 3 and the history management server 6 may be transmitted or received through another device or the like. Even when another processing step exists between the management device 3 and the history management server 6, the above-mentioned configuration may be applied.

[0256] Fig.21 Each process described in the above may be executed periodically or in response to the management device 3 receiving a notification request for an import object from the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5.

[0257] <Recommendation determination processing in management device>

[0258] Next, the recommendation determination process executed by the management device 3 will be described. Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of recommendation determination processing. Fig. 22 As shown, each functional unit including the judgment processing unit 35 of the management device 3 performs recommendation determination processing in step S41. The management device 3 may perform the recommendation determination processing in response to a request from the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, or may perform the recommendation determination processing periodically. Specifically, the management device 3 performs various judgments related to the recommendation of the import object, which is an example of the import object to be recommended to the user device 5.

[0259] 《Detailed description of the recommended determination process》

[0260] The details of the recommendation determination process are described below. Fig.23 1 is a flowchart showing an example of recommendation determination processing. The flowchart described below is an example of the present embodiment, and the present embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0261] In step S41-1, the extraction determination unit 32 of the management device 3 determines the customer identification information. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 determines the customer identification information based on the customer identification information stored in the user information management DB 3001 or the device information management DB 3002. When the recommendation determination process is performed in response to the recommendation information notification request sent by the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, the device identification information included in the recommendation information notification request is used as a search key to search the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Fig.10 ), or use the user identification information included in the recommended information notification request as a search keyword to search the user information management DB 3001 (refer to Fig. 9 ) to determine the corresponding customer identification information.

[0262] In step S41-2, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the usage history information corresponding to the customer identification information. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 uses the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 as a search keyword to search the usage history information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig.11 ) to extract the corresponding usage history information. The usage history information management DB 3003 stores the history information of one or more devices according to each customer identification information. Even in the case where the usage history information in the usage history information management DB 3003 does not correspond to the customer identification information, the extraction determination unit 32 can extract the history information corresponding to the customer identification information. At this time, the extraction determination unit 32 determines all the device identification information corresponding to the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 based on the device management information of the usage history information management DB 3003. For example, in the case where the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 is "C0001", the extraction determination unit 32 extracts "D0001", "D0002", "D0003", and "D0004" as device identification information. Next, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the history information corresponding to each extracted device identification information. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the history information corresponding to the determined device identification information from the usage history information management DB 3003. The history information to be extracted is, for example, the use history information corresponding to the device identification information “D0001”, “D0002”, “D0003”, and “D0004” among the plurality of use history information stored in the use history information management DB 3003.

[0263] In step S41-3, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the transaction history information corresponding to the customer identification information. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 uses the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 as a search keyword to search the transaction history information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.12 ) to extract the corresponding transaction history information. The transaction history information management DB 3004 stores one or more transaction history information according to each customer identification information. In the transaction history information management DB 3004, even if the transaction history information is not associated with the customer identification information, the extraction determination unit 32 can extract the history information corresponding to the customer identification information. At this time, the extraction determination unit 32 determines the user identification information corresponding to the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 based on the user identification information of the transaction history information management DB 3004. For example, when the customer identification information determined in step S41-1 is "C0001", the user identification information "U0001" and "U0002" are extracted. Next, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the history information corresponding to each extracted user identification information. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the history information corresponding to all the determined user identification information from the transaction history information management DB 3004. The extracted history information may be, for example, transaction history information corresponding to the user identification information “U0001” and “U0002” among the transaction history information stored in the transaction history information management DB 3004.

[0264] In step S41-4, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts the recommendation condition. Specifically, by searching the recommendation condition management DB 3005 (refer to Fig.13 ), extracting a recommendation condition (recommendation condition 1, recommendation condition 2) corresponding to any one of the recommendation condition identification information from the plurality of recommendation conditions. For example, the extraction determination unit 32 extracts "business card copy" as the usage item name corresponding to the recommendation condition identification information "RC0001", extracts "700 pieces ≥ period α" as the recommendation condition 1, extracts "business card holder purchase" as the transaction item name, and extracts "200 pieces ≥ period α" as the recommendation condition 2.

[0265] In step S41-5, the judgment processing unit 35 judges whether the extracted history information satisfies the recommendation condition. Specifically, the judgment processing unit 35 and the calculation unit 36 ​​collect the history information corresponding to the usage item name specified by the recommendation condition 1 within the period specified by the recommendation condition 1. For example, the judgment processing unit 35 and the calculation unit 36 ​​determine the history information whose usage item name is "business card copy" and whose usage date and time are included in the period α among the history information managed in the usage history information management DB 3003, and calculate the total value of the usage amount. Here, the starting point or the end point of the period α can be set according to the recommendation condition or determined according to the date and time of executing the recommendation determination processing. In addition, the judgment processing unit 35 and the calculation unit 36 ​​add up the history information corresponding to the transaction item name specified by the recommendation condition 2 within the period specified by the recommendation condition 2. For example, the judgment processing unit 35 and the calculation unit 36 ​​together extract the transaction item name "business card holder purchase" and the transaction date and time included in the period α from the history information stored in the transaction history information management DB 3004, and calculate the total value of its transaction times (transaction volume).

[0266] Then, the determination processing unit 35 determines whether the calculated total value satisfies the recommendation condition.

[0267] For example, when the total value calculated based on the use history information management DB 3003 is 700 or more, the determination processing unit 35 determines that the recommendation condition 1 is satisfied. Also, when the total value calculated based on the transaction history information management DB 3004 is 200 or more, the determination processing unit 35 determines that the recommendation condition 2 is satisfied.

[0268] The extraction determination unit 32 extracts the import object corresponding to the recommendation condition determined to be consistent with the recommendation condition 1 and the recommendation condition 2 based on the determination that the extracted history information is consistent with both the recommendation condition 1 and the recommendation condition 2 (step S41-5: Yes). Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 uses the recommendation condition identification information corresponding to the recommendation condition determined to be consistent with the recommendation condition in step S41-5 as a search keyword to search the import object management DB 3006 (refer to Fig.14 ) to extract the corresponding import object.

[0269] In step S41-7, the determination processing unit 35 determines whether all the recommendation conditions have been confirmed. If it is determined that all the recommendation conditions have been confirmed (step S41-7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41-8.

[0270] On the other hand, when the determination processing unit 35 determines that all recommendation conditions have not been confirmed (step S41-7: No), it extracts other recommendation conditions (step S41-9) and returns to the process of step S41-5.

[0271] In step S41-8, the judgment processing unit 35 determines whether the historical information of all customer identification information has been confirmed. If the judgment processing unit 35 determines that the historical information of all customer identification information has been confirmed (step S41-8: Yes), this workflow ends.

[0272] When the determination processing unit 35 determines that the historical information of all customer identification information has not been confirmed (step S41-8: No), it determines other customer identification information (step S41-10) and returns to the process of step S41-2.

[0273] The management device 3 repeats the above-described processing from steps S41-1 to S41-5 by the number of extracted client identification information. In the recommendation determination processing performed in response to the recommendation information notification request sent by the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, since the management device 3 checks the resume information of the user corresponding to the device identification information or the client identification information included in the request, the processing described in steps S41-8 and S41-10 is omitted.

[0274] <Generation of recommended information notification screen data>

[0275] Return to reference Fig. 22 In step S42, the generation unit 37 of the management device 3 generates recommended information notification screen data. Specifically, the generation unit 37 generates recommended information notification screen data for the recommended import object (for example, the "business card management application" determined in step S41) recommended to the user device 5. The management device 3 may store the recommended information notification screen generated in step S42 or the information of the import object determined in step S41 in association with the customer identification information. Therefore, when the management device 3 receives a request to send a recommended information notification from the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, the recommended information notification screen is sent based on the information of the recommended information notification screen or the import object generated in advance.

[0276] In step S43, the data exchange unit 31 sends a recommendation information notification to the communication terminal 4. For example, when the recommendation determination process is performed in response to the recommendation information notification request sent by the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, the recommendation information notification is sent to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 that sent the recommendation information notification request. The data exchange unit 31 can send the recommendation information notification based on the address information stored in the device information management DB 3002 or the email address stored in the user information management DB 3001. In this case, the data exchange unit 31 can send the recommendation information notification to the email address of the management user among the multiple email addresses stored in the user information management DB 3001, or to the user device 5 or the communication terminal 4 managed by the management user among the multiple address information stored in the device information management DB 3002. Therefore, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the recommendation information notification sent by the management device 3. In addition, the communication terminal can obtain the recommendation information notification from an external server such as a mail server. The recommendation information notification includes the recommendation information notification screen data, the import object (application name) as the recommendation information, the annotation, the link information (for example, the URL of the web page) in which the import object is stored, and the like.

[0277] In step S44, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 causes the display 407 to display the recommended information notification screen included in the recommended information notification received in step S43. The communication terminal 4 may display the recommended information notification screen by accessing a web page provided by the management device 3. For example, the management device 3 performs a user authentication process in response to a user authentication request received from the communication terminal 4, and identifies the client identification information to which the authenticated user belongs. Then, the recommended information notification screen associated with the identified client identification information is provided to the communication terminal 4. In this case, step S43 may be omitted.

[0278] Screen display example

[0279] Fig.24 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a recommendation information notification. Fig.24 As shown, the display control unit 44 controls the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 to display the recommended information notification screen 4011. The recommended information notification screen 4011 displays: the name of the import object extracted by the management device 3 corresponding to the user device 5 (for example, "business card management application"), a comment on the recommendation, and a link display box 4012 indicating the URL of the storage destination of the import object. The URL of the storage destination of the import object is in the import object management DB 3006 (refer to Fig.14) and managed in the import object storage destination (purchase destination) corresponding to the import object identification information. Thus, the user confirms the recommended information notification screen 4011, and can import the import object (in this case, the "business card management application") by accessing the storage destination URL of the import object in the link display column 4012 and other operations. This is also the case when the management device 3 sends a recommended information notification to each user device 5. The storage destination URL of the import object can be the URL of the application publishing server 7, or it can be the URL of the application login dedicated server that is connected to the application publishing server 7 and logs in to the application. When the user confirms the recommended information notification screen 4011 and operates the confirmation button 4051, the screen can be changed to another screen. Since such a screen is displayed on the communication terminal 4, the user using the communication terminal 4 can understand what kind of import object exists for the desired user device 5. Furthermore, the user can obtain information related to the import object by accessing the management device 3 or an external server, etc. based on the link information contained in the recommended information notification.

[0280] <Procedure registration processing>

[0281] The purchase or contract of the import object by the user based on the recommended information is described. As described in step S41, the recommended information included in the recommended information notification includes, for example, the storage destination of the import object or the URL of the web page for purchasing or contracting the import object. Return Fig. 22 , explaining the processing including procedure registration processing.

[0282] In step S45, the operation receiving unit 42 receives an operation on the link. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 42 receives an operation on the link. Fig.24 The link display field 4012 shown in the figure provides access to a URL or the like of a web page indicated by predetermined link information.

[0283] In step S46 , the data exchange unit 41 sends a procedure request to the management device 3 .

[0284] For example, in the case where the user confirms the recommendation information and wishes to install the import object, the user accesses the web page and sends a procedure request for purchasing or signing a contract for the import object. Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the procedure request sent by the communication terminal 4. At this time, in step S45, as the link information to be accessed, in addition to the URL information of the web page, the user identification information, the customer identification information, and the import object identification information are also included.

[0285] In step S47, the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 performs procedure login. Specifically, the login management unit 38 performs processing related to the procedure login for importing the import object, such as the purchase or contract of the import object, based on the procedure request received in step S46. The processing involved in the procedure login includes storing the procedure request and notifying the specified person in charge to make the purchase or contract according to the procedure request. In addition, the processing related to the procedure login includes the processing of logging in association with customer identification information, import object identification information of the import object related to the purchase or contract, and date and time information indicating the date and time of receipt of the procedure request or the date and time of execution of the procedure login. At this time, the management device 3 determines the customer identification information related to the user identification information included in the procedure request. Thereby, the generation unit 37 is able to generate the import information management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.15 ). As a result, the management device 3 can manage import objects recommended by the management device 3 to a specified user and purchased or contracted by the specified user, rather than import objects purchased or contracted regardless of the recommendation of the management device 3. In the case where the generation unit 37 generates import information through the recommendation information notification screen, flag information indicating that the import object has been imported by the user due to the recommendation of the management device 3 may be stored in association with the import object identification information.

[0286] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the import target is a native application (an application installed in the user device 5). In the case where the import target is a native application, the management device 3 performs a license granting process on the user device 5 or the user who is a customer of the application in the procedure registration. At this time, the application distribution server 7 can perform processes such as serial number confirmation and license granting.

[0287] In step S48, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 sends the application serial number to the management device 3. Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the serial number of the application sent by the user device 5. At this time, the data exchange unit 51 can send the device identification information of the user device 5. Thus, the management device 3 stores the device identification information of the user device 5 into which the application has been imported in correspondence with the import object identification information in the import information management DB 3007.

[0288] In step S49 , the management device 3 confirms the application serial number received in step S48 .

[0289] In step S50, the data exchange unit 31 transmits an application serial number input response as a response to the application serial number received in step S48. Thus, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the application serial number input response transmitted by the management apparatus 3.

[0290] In step S51, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 transmits a procedure response as a response to the procedure request received in step S46 to the communication terminal 4. Thus, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the procedure response transmitted by the management device 3.

[0291] In step S52, the execution unit 56 of the user device 5 that receives the application serial number input response of step S50 installs the application indicated by the application serial number into the specified area of ​​the storage unit 5000. The application can be downloaded to the user device 5 via the network, or the application can be downloaded to the user device 5 by installing the recording medium storing the application to the user device 5. In addition, the user device 5 can also send the import object identification information and the device identification information indicating the installed application after the installation of the application is completed. Thus, the management device 3 updates the import information management DB 3007. The processing of the above-mentioned steps S46 to S51 and the processing of steps S48 to S52 can be performed asynchronously with each other, and therefore, the processing order is not limited.

[0292] exist Fig. 22 In another embodiment of the process shown, as described above, a recommendation information notification request may be sent from the communication terminal 4 to the management device 3 .

[0293] The installation of an application is an example of an import process for enabling the user device 5 to use the application. For example, in the case of a native application that becomes available by being installed on the user device 5, the user device 5 installs the application as an import process. On the other hand, in the case of a web application that provides functions in cooperation with an external server such as the application publishing server 7, the following process is performed as an import process. That is, the user device 5 displays a shortcut to the browser application on the home screen displayed on the display panel 540a of the user device 5 as an import process, and performs settings for accessing the external server when the browser application is started.

[0294] When the import object is an application, the management device 3 processes the registration through the procedure so that the user or user device 5 belonging to the customer who has completed the registration can use the application. For example, in the case where the application is a Web application, the user device 5 accesses the external server of the application distribution server 7 in order to use the application function. Therefore, the management device 3 can directly or indirectly send the permission information through the user device 5, etc., which permits the application distribution server 7 to provide the application function to the user device 5 belonging to the customer who has completed the registration.

[0295] In the above description, as a process of the user device 5 importing the import object, the user device 5 sends the application serial number, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the communication terminal 4 can access the management device to specify the import destination or object of the import object from the communication terminal 4. For example, by receiving the designation of an application that becomes available to the customer through a procedure login among a plurality of applications, and the designation of a user device 5 that is desired as the import destination of the application among a plurality of user devices 5 belonging to the customer, the designated application can be installed in the designated user device 5. Thus, the management device 3 stores the import identification information as the import object and the device identification information of the user device 5 as the import destination in the import information management DB 3007 in association.

[0296] <Acquisition and installation of recommended information on user devices>

[0297] Next, the process of acquiring recommended information in the user device 5 will be described. Fig.25 is a sequence diagram showing examples of various application acquisition processes. Fig.25 In the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 1 , the recommended information notification sent by the management device 3 is displayed using the operation unit or the like provided in the user device 5, and then the acquisition and installation processing of the application as an example of the import object is performed. The processing from step S61 to step S65 corresponds to Fig. 22 The processing from step S41 to step S45 shown in is not described, and therefore, description is omitted. When the user device 5 receives the recommendation information notification, a title display or a pop-up display may be performed on the screen of the operation unit as a display indicating that the recommendation information notification has been received. Then, by the user operating the title display or the pop-up display, the recommended information notification screen is displayed on the user device 5. It is also possible to display a display indicating that the recommendation information notification has been received or a recommended information notification screen only when the user logged in to the user device 5 is a management user. In this case, a management user who manages each user device 5 may be pre-set for each user device 5.

[0298] In step S66, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 sends an application publishing request to the application publishing server 7 according to the recommendation information received in step S63. Thus, the data exchange unit 71 of the application publishing server 7 receives the application distribution request sent by the user device 5. At this time, the application distribution request includes, for example, the URL information on the web page on which the operation is received in step S65, and the import object identification information for identifying the application as the import object (i.e., the application to be installed). In step S66, the user can purchase the application as the import object or sign a contract with the application based on the received recommendation information. The application distribution request may include the device identification information.

[0299] In step S67, the storage and reading unit 79 of the application publishing server 7 reads the application data. Specifically, the storage and reading unit 79 reads out the application corresponding to the import object identification information from the various applications stored in the prescribed area of ​​the storage unit 7000. The application publishing server 7 registers the import object identification information in association with the application in advance. The application publishing server 7 can inquire the management device 3 about the application corresponding to the import object identification information. Together with this process, the acquisition unit 73 acquires the application data read from the storage unit 7000.

[0300] In step S68, the data exchange unit 71 sends an application distribution response as a response to the application distribution request received in step S66 to the user device 5. Thus, the data exchange unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the application distribution response sent by the application publishing server 7. At this time, the application distribution response includes the application identification information and the application data read in step S67 (in the case of multiple application distribution responses, the respective application identification information and various corresponding application data).

[0301] In step S69, the execution unit 56 of the user device 5 installs the application received in step S68 in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 5000. Therefore, the user device 5 can use the specified application that has been imported by the user in conjunction with the recommendation information notification sent by the management device 3. The installation of the application is an example of an import process that can be used in the user device 5. For example, in the case where the application is a native application that can be used by being installed in the user device 5, the user device 5 installs the application as an import process. On the other hand, in the case of a Web application that provides functions in cooperation with an external server such as the application publishing server 7, the following process is performed as an import process. That is, the user device 5 displays a shortcut to the browser application on the home page screen displayed on the display panel 540a of the user device 5 as an import process, and makes settings for accessing the external server when the browser application is started.

[0302] In step S70, the data exchange unit 51 sends the installation completion notification to the management device 3. Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the installation completion notification sent by the user device 5. The installation completion notification may include a comment indicating that the installation is completed, flag information indicating that the installation is completed, device identification information, and import target identification information.

[0303] In step S71, the login management unit 38 of the management device 3 performs procedure login. In this procedure login processing, the client identification information, the import object identification information for identifying the import object installed in the user device 5, the import date and time indicating the installation completion date and time, and the device identification information indicating the user device 5 where the application is installed are associated and logged. At this time, the extraction determination unit 32 uses the device identification information included in the installation completion notification received in step S70 as a search key to search the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Fig.10 ) to determine the corresponding customer identification information. Thus, the login management unit 38 logs the import management information (import date and time, etc.) associated with the determined customer identification information into the import information management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.15 ) in the corresponding project.

[0304] Through the above processing, the management device 3 can manage the imported objects purchased or contracted according to the recommendation of the management device 3, rather than the objects purchased or contracted regardless of the recommendation of the management device 3. The time for executing the procedure login processing is not limited to this example. For example, the user device 5 can request the management device 3 to execute the procedure login processing at the time of sending the application distribution request. In addition, the application publishing server 7 can also request the management device 3 to execute the procedure login processing when receiving the application distribution request.

[0305] In the management system according to the present embodiment, for example, when the processing of the above-mentioned steps S66 and S68 is performed, another device or the like may be located between the user device 5 and the application publishing server 7. That is, the information (data) transmitted and received between the user device 5 and the application publishing server 7 may also be transmitted and received via another device or the like. Even in the case where another processing step exists between the user device 5 and the application publishing server 7, the above-mentioned structure can be applied.

[0306] <Notification of unused functions>

[0307] Next, the notification process of the unused function will be described. Fig.26 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing according to the usage amount. Fig.26 As shown, in step S81, the extraction determination unit 32 of the management device 3 determines the application that has passed a prescribed time since the import. Specifically, the extraction determination unit 32 uses the current date and time information as a search keyword to retrieve the application stored in the import information management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.15) in the import date and time, and determines the import object identification information corresponding to the application that has passed a specified period (for example, 1 month) since the import. At this time, the extraction determination unit 32 can also determine the import object that is imported to the user device 5 for a fee. For example, the extraction determination unit 32 can determine whether the import object is charged by retrieving the import object management DB 3006 based on the import object identification information. In addition, the extraction determination unit 32 can determine whether it is an import object based on a charge contract by retrieving the import information management DB 3007 based on the import object identification information. In this way, the extraction determination unit 32 can determine the import object imported for a fee and exclude the import object imported for free. As a result, the management user can determine the import object that is not used by the user although it is installed for a fee, and can confirm the impact of the import cost. At this time, the application that is not installed after the recommendation of the customer X, that is, the application that is initially installed to the user device 5 or the application that is automatically installed can be excluded from the identification object. For example, the import object identification information having the flag information indicating the import object imported by the user based on the recommendation of the management device 3 can be determined from the import objects stored in the import information management DB 3007. Therefore, the application recommended by the management device 3 can be determined. However, instead of the process of the above step S81, all applications imported by the client X may be determined. When a plurality of applications are determined in step S81, the following process may be performed for each of the determined plurality of applications.

[0308] In step S82, the acquisition unit 33 acquires the usage history information related to the determined application. Specifically, the acquisition unit 33 searches the usage history information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig.11 ), and obtains the usage history information related to the corresponding import object. In this case, the usage history information includes the usage history (item 1), the setting item, and the usage amount of the function executed by the setting item. The acquisition unit 33 uses the user identification information corresponding to the import object identification information as a search keyword to search the transaction history information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.12 ) to obtain the transaction history information (item 2) containing the corresponding transaction history.

[0309] In step S82, for example, when there are one or more user devices managed by the same customer, based on the usage history information of one or more user devices 5A and user devices 5B belonging to the customer, a usage history information acquisition process combining two usage history information may be performed. For example, the usage history information table of the user device 5A and the usage history information table of the user device 5B may be combined to generate one usage history information table.

[0310] In step S83, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the usage amount. Specifically, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the usage amount from the user information management DB 3001 (see Fig. 9 ) is used in the user identification information managed by the “general user”. In other words, the calculation unit 36 ​​does not calculate the usage related to the application used by the “management user”. As a result, in all user devices 5 corresponding to the client identification information of the management user who imported the import object, the total value of the number of times or the amount of use of the specified application by all general users corresponding to the client identification information of the management user who imported the import object is calculated as the usage.

[0311] In addition, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the usage of each application. For example, in the case where multiple applications are installed, for each application, the total value of the number of times or the amount of use of the application by a general user is calculated as the usage. The calculation unit 36 ​​may calculate the number of times the application is activated as the usage. In this case, Fig.11 One entry in the usage history information management table shown can be counted as one time the application is activated.

[0312] In addition, the calculation unit 36 ​​can calculate the usage of each function of the application. For example, in the case where an application has multiple functions, for each function of the application, the usage is calculated as the number of times or the total value of the usage of the specific function of the application utilized by general users. As an example, for a printer application, multiple functions such as a printing function and a scanning function are included. In this case, the number of times the printing function is used or the number of printed sheets and the number of times the scanning function is used or the number of scanned sheets can be calculated as the usage. Therefore, in the case where some functions of the application are paid functions, the management user can determine whether to continue using the paid functions by confirming whether the paid functions are being used by general users.

[0313] In addition, the calculation unit 36 ​​can calculate the usage of each setting item or setting value set when the application is used. For example, when the user can arbitrarily set the setting value for the function when using the function of the application, the usage can be calculated as the total value of the number of times or the amount that the general user sets the specific setting value of the application for each setting item or setting value of the application. As an example, in the case where the application is a scanning application, as the save destination setting of the scanned data, the internal storage or cloud storage of the user device 5 can be set. In this case, the number of times the save destination is set to the internal storage and the number of times it is set to the cloud storage can be calculated as the usage, respectively. Thus, in the case where the management user imports the application in anticipation that the general user will use a certain setting of the application, the management user can determine whether to continue using the application by confirming whether the setting is set by the general user.

[0314] In addition, as described above, in step S83, the case where the usage related to the application (function) being used by the management user with management authority is not calculated has been described. Not limited to this case, the application usage of the management user who imported the application can be excluded. In other words, even if the management user has management authority, as long as the user who imported the application is not the user, the use of the application by the user can be calculated as the usage. The reason for excluding only the application usage of the management user who imported the application is that, for example, in customer X, even if the management user with management authority imports a prescribed application into the user device 5 according to the recommendation information, the general user sometimes does not notice that the application has been imported. That is, only the management user with management authority who decided to import knows the existence of the application. In this case, the management user with management authority can actively use the application after importing, but the general user who does not know that the application has been imported cannot actively use the application. As a result, the usage of the application may not increase. Therefore, from the perspective of fairness, the management device 3 calculates the usage of the general user instead of the management user with management authority, and considers the utilization status of the imported application based on the calculation result. In this case, the management device 3 may obtain the purchase information, contract information, etc. of the customer X from an external server, etc., and obtain the user identification information and user name of the user who imported each application imported by the customer X.

[0315] Then, the calculation unit 36 ​​compares the calculated usage with a predetermined threshold. That is, the calculation unit 36 ​​determines whether the usage status based on the usage history information satisfies the specified conditions. The comparison object can be the usage of the application, the usage of a specific function in the application, or the usage of a specific setting item or setting value in the function of the application. The usage of any one of the application, function, setting item, and setting value can be set as the comparison object. In addition, the threshold can be set arbitrarily. In step S84, when the usage matches the predetermined condition, that is, when the calculated usage is lower than the predetermined threshold, the generation unit 37 generates a notification related to the determined application. In other words, the so-called predetermined condition is that the usage of the application, the usage of a specific function in the application, and the usage of any one of the specific setting items or setting values ​​in the function of the application is lower than the predetermined threshold.

[0316] In addition, the generation unit 37, together with the extraction determination unit 32, retrieves and determines an application that satisfies either or both of an application related to the determined application and having a more specialized function than the determined application, or an application that is cheaper than the determined application, from the applications managed by the application publishing server 7 or a dedicated external server, and generates a notification containing information related to the application. However, the notification generated by the generation unit 37 is not limited to this. For example, the generation unit 37 may also generate a notification consisting of a fixed text, in which case the information related to the application may also be omitted.

[0317] In step S85, the data exchange unit 31 sends the generated notification to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5. The data exchange unit 31 identifies the user identification information of the management user who imports the identified application based on the import information management DB 3007, identifies the email address linked to the identified user identification information based on the user information management DB 3001, and sends the notification to the identified email address. Alternatively, the data exchange unit 31 identifies the customer identification information corresponding to the identified user identification information based on the user information management DB 3001, identifies the address information linked to the identified customer identification information based on the device information management DB 3002, and sends the notification to the identified address information. Therefore, the data exchange unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the notification sent by the management device 3.

[0318] In the notification, various notification information may be included. In step S85, as an example of notification information, a notification including information indicating that an application or a specific function and setting within an application are not used by a general user may be sent to a management user with management authority. The notification information may include the date and time of the import of the corresponding application (or the number of days that have passed since the import), the usage of the general user, and the alternative application information. The usage included in the notification may be the usage of the application, the usage of a specific function in the application, or the usage of a specific setting item or setting value in the function of the application. The alternative application information may be, for example, an application that is similar to the application in function but different from the application. For example, an application that is cheaper than the application is recommended as an alternative application. The alternative application information also includes alternative import object information indicating alternative import object information that becomes an alternative import object. The data exchange unit 31 may send a notification in response to a request from the communication terminal 4. For example, the data exchange unit 31 may send a notification in response to receiving an access from the communication terminal 4, and display the notification through the browser of the communication terminal 4. In the case where multiple applications are identified in step S81, a notification including the import date and time (or the number of days that have passed since the import), the usage amount of general users, and the replacement application information of each of the multiple applications identified can be generated. In addition, in the notification, the import date and time (or the number of days that have passed since the import), the usage amount of general users, and the replacement application information can also be included for applications that are not identified in step S81 or applications that are identified in step S81 but are determined to not match the predetermined conditions in the usage status.

[0319] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the processing of step S85 described above, the management device 3 may similarly send a notification to the general user. The notification method at this time may be displayed on the screen of the communication terminal 4 used by the general user, or may be sent by email to the email address of each general user. In other words, the data exchange unit 31 identifies the user identification information of the general user or another management user associated with the client identification information of the management user who imported the identified application, and sends the notification to the email address associated with the identified user identification information.

[0320] In step S86, the display control section 44 of the communication terminal 4 displays the notification. Specifically, the display control section 44 displays a screen such as an example of a notification screen described later on the display 407.

[0321] Screen display example

[0322] Fig. 27 is an example of a display screen for notifying the application usage status. Fig. 27As shown, the application usage status notification screen 4021 is displayed on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 by the display control unit 44. The application usage status notification screen 4021 is an example of a notification generated by the generation unit 37 and sent by the data exchange unit 31. In the application usage status notification screen 4021, a screen including the import date and time of the application (or the number of days that have passed since the import), the usage amount of general users, and recommended alternative application information is displayed. In the recommended alternative application information, the display control unit 44 also displays an alternative import object link display column 4022. The recommended alternative import object link (save destination URL) may include information such as the functions possessed by the alternative import object, contact information for the import contract for the alternative import object, and access information to the contract website. In addition, the link content may be newly stored in the import object management DB 3006 (refer to Fig.14 ). In this case, the recommended alternative import object is information newly managed in the item of the import object storage destination (purchaser destination) corresponding to the import object identification information. Therefore, after confirming the information on the recommended information notification screen 4011, the user can import the alternative import object (in this case, the low-priced business card management application) by clicking the storage destination URL of the import object in the alternative import object link display column 4022.

[0323] Return to reference Fig.26 , in the case where the calculated usage amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the management device 3 exits the notification process for the unused function in step S87 and performs other processes. The data exchange unit 31 notifies the management user with management authority that the application is being used by a general user by sending an application usage status notification screen to the management user who installed the application. In this case, the recommended alternative application information may be omitted from the application usage status notification screen. The management device 3 may terminate the process without sending the application status notification screen.

[0324] Furthermore, in the processing of steps S84 to S87, the management device 3 and the communication terminal 4 may perform the processing of steps S84 to S86 when the number of times of use is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and may perform the processing of step S87 when the number of times of use exceeds the predetermined threshold. That is, the conditional branch of the processing for the specified threshold is not limited to Fig.26 Example shown.

[0325] Regarding the above-mentioned steps S84 to S86, the management device 3 can notify the communication terminal 4 according to the application usage form. For example, the management user can import a scanning application for the purpose of saving the scanned data to the cloud storage. However, some applications include multiple functions. General users can use the application in a way different from the management user's intention. Therefore, the application usage history may include the functions and setting values ​​performed by the application. In this case, in the processing of step S83, the calculation unit 36 ​​can calculate the usage of each function or setting value of the application. In step S84, the judgment processing unit 35 can determine whether the usage of the function or setting value pre-set by the administrator is lower than a predetermined threshold value. In step S85, the generation unit 37 generates a notification related to the function or setting value, and the data exchange unit 31 sends the notification to the predetermined destination.

[0326] [Processing Using User Device According to Another Embodiment]

[0327] An example of a process using a user device according to another embodiment is described below. Fig.28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process using a user device according to another embodiment. Fig.28 In the example shown, a case is described in which the user device 5 uses an interactive voice operation device, such as a smart speaker or an artificial intelligence (AI) speaker (hereinafter referred to as a smart speaker). The import object in this case is, for example, an application for the smart speaker to perform a predetermined function. Applications include native applications that perform functions by being installed in a smart speaker, and web applications in which the smart speaker cooperates with the application publishing server 7 to perform functions. In addition, extended functions for extending the functions provided by the application publishing server 7, programs for extending the functions, etc. are sometimes referred to as applications. The import of an application as an import object includes an application for use of the application from the communication terminal 4 to the application publishing server 7.

[0328] exist Fig.28 In the case of, in step S101, the data exchange unit 51 of the smart speaker serving as an example of the user device 5 sends a processing request to the management device 3. Therefore, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the processing request sent by the smart speaker. The processing request includes device identification information for identifying the smart speaker and sound information input to the smart speaker.

[0329] In step S102, the judgment processing unit 35 of the management device 3 performs authentication processing. Specifically, the judgment processing unit 35 compares the device identification information included in the audio information received in step S101 with the device identification information pre-registered in the management device 3. Based on the matching of the device identification information included in the audio information received in step S101 with the device identification information registered in the management device 3, the management device 3 judges that the authentication is successful. At this time, the judgment processing unit 35 identifies the customer identification information corresponding to the device identification information.

[0330] In step S103, the judgment processing unit 35 performs voice recognition processing based on the voice information, and then performs usability determination processing in step S104. Specifically, the judgment processing unit 35 determines the available service based on the device authority DB associated with the device identification information or the customer authority DB corresponding to the customer identification information associated with the device identification information.

[0331] The management device 3 can determine the available service based on the contract identification information and service identification information corresponding to the individually specified tenant identification information and group identification information. The judgment processing unit 35 of the management device 3 compares the service identification information corresponding to the service information determined based on the voice information emitted by the user and the service identification information corresponding to the service determined as the available service. As a result of the comparison, the judgment processing unit 35 judges that the service is available if the service identification information is consistent, and judges that the service is not available if it is inconsistent.

[0332] When there is no available service (when the service is unavailable), the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 sends a processing response including unavailable information indicating that the service is unavailable to the smart speaker in step S105. Therefore, the data exchange unit 51 of the smart speaker receives the processing response sent by the management device 3.

[0333] In step S106, the display control unit 54 of the smart speaker causes the display of the smart speaker to display a notification indicating that the service is unavailable.

[0334] On the other hand, when there is an available service (when the service is available), the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 transmits (sends) the smart speaker processing request received in step S101 to the application publishing server 7 in step S107. Thus, the data exchange unit 71 of the application publishing server 7 receives the processing request sent from the management device 3. The processing request includes the job information to be processed and the parameter information about the job. According to the service information, the management device 3 can perform processing based on the job information and the parameter information. In this case, the identification of the application publishing server 7 and the sending of the processing request can be omitted.

[0335] In step S108, the execution unit 76 of the application issuing server 7 performs authentication processing according to the received processing request.

[0336] In step S109, the data exchange unit 71 transmits a processing response to the processing request received in step S107 to the management device 3. Thus, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 receives the processing response transmitted by the application issuing server 7. The processing response includes processing result information.

[0337] In step S110, the data exchange unit 31 of the management device 3 transmits a processing response including the processing result information performed by the application publishing server 7 to the smart speaker. Therefore, the data exchange unit 51 of the smart speaker receives the processing response transmitted by the management device 3.

[0338] In step S111, the display control unit 54 of the smart speaker displays the processing result. Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays the processing result information included in the received processing response on the display, or outputs the processing result information through the speaker. Through the above processing, the user using the smart speaker can make the application publishing server 7 perform the desired processing and confirm the result through display or voice.

[0339] In the case of the above-mentioned smart speaker, the functions provided by the application are implemented in the management device 3 or the external server 7. In order to import the application, the user accesses the management device 3 or the external server (application publishing server 7) from the user device 5 or other communication terminal and signs a contract for using the application. As a result, in the management device 3 or the external server 7, by setting the authority to provide the application function to the user who has signed the contract or the account or user device 5 corresponding to the user, the application function can be used from the user device 5.

[0340] In the management system according to the present embodiment, for example, when the processing of the above-mentioned steps S107 and S109 is performed, another device etc. may be located between the management device 3 and the application publishing server 7. That is, each information (data) transmitted and received between the management device 3 and the application publishing server 7 may also be transmitted and received via another device etc. Even in the case where there are other processing steps between the management device 3 and the application publishing server 7, the above-mentioned structure can be applied.

[0341] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the management device 3 acquires the history information of the imported object related to the general user (step S82), generates a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information matches the predetermined condition (step S84), and sends the generated notification to the management user (step S85). As a result, even if the user who manages the imported object such as an application and the user who uses the imported object are different, the management user who manages the imported object can grasp the usage status of other users of the imported object imported by the management user.

[0342] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a notification generated for a specific application is sent to a destination of a management user with management authority or a destination of a general user. As a result, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, the user can visually and objectively grasp the use status of the imported object, and also has the effect that the user can visually and objectively grasp the utilization status related to the imported object, and at the same time can study the import of an application that is more suitable for actual utilization than the imported object and is cheaper.

[0343] [Supplementary Implementation Methods]

[0344] Each function of the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. Here, the so-called processing circuit includes a device that is programmed by software to perform a function, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit. Here, the so-called device refers to, for example, a processor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) designed to perform the above-mentioned functions, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a SOC (system on chip), a GPU (graphics processing unit), and a conventional circuit module.

[0345] In the above-described embodiment, for example, a system may be provided in which the processing up to the above-described steps S81 to S83 is learned by machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, etc. In addition, the management system may provide a system that can notify the user of the annotation text when notifying the application usage status by using the learning result of machine learning, AI, deep learning, etc.

[0346] Above, the management device, management system, management method and recording medium of the embodiments of the present invention are described, but the above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, based on the above teachings, many additional modifications and changes are possible. For example, within the scope of the present invention, the elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined and / or replaced with each other. Any of the above operations can be performed in various other ways, such as in an order different from the above order.

[0347] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows:

[0348] According to the first aspect, a management device 3 (an example of a management device) is used to manage information related to an imported object that has been imported into a user device 5 (an example of a user device), and the management device 3 includes: a login management unit 38 (an example of a management device) for managing management users and general users respectively related to the imported object; an acquisition unit 33 (an example of an acquisition device) for acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; a generation unit 37 (an example of a generation device) for generating a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; and a data exchange unit 31 (an example of a sending device) for sending the notification to the management user.

[0349] According to the first aspect, even when a user who manages an import object such as an application installed in a device is different from a user who uses the application, the management user who manages the import object can grasp the use status of other users of the import object imported by the management user.

[0350] According to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the extraction determination unit 32 (an example of a determination device) of the user device 5 determines an import object that has been imported into the user device 5 for a fee, and the generation unit 37 generates a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information of the import object determined by the extraction determination unit 32 matches the predetermined condition.

[0351] According to the second aspect, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, the management user can manage the import cost, maintenance cost, etc. of the import object.

[0352] According to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the extraction determination unit 32 of the management apparatus 3 determines the import object that has been imported into the user device 5 based on the notification sent by the management apparatus 3 .

[0353] According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the management user can grasp the import history of the import object. In addition, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the management device 3 can identify the import object that has been imported into the user device 5 in response to the notification.

[0354] According to the fourth aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the extraction determination unit 32 of the user device 5 obtains information combining usage history information of one or more of the user devices, each user device being associated with the same customer identification information, as usage history information associated with the imported object.

[0355] According to the fourth aspect, by acquiring various history information in the user device 5 used by the same customer through the management device 3, the management user can grasp the usage tendency of the imported object by the general users managed by the same customer identification information.

[0356] According to the fifth aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the extraction determination unit 32 of the user device 5 acquires the identification information of the imported import object, and the import date and time information.

[0357] According to the fifth aspect, by acquiring more detailed information related to the import object by the management device 3, the management user can receive more detailed notification.

[0358] According to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the data exchange unit 31 of the user device 5 sends the notification to the communication terminal 4 in response to an access from the communication terminal 4 used by the management user.

[0359] According to the sixth aspect, the administrative user can receive a notification in response to an inquiry, a request, or the like sent at a time desired by the user himself.

[0360] According to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the calculated usage of at least one of the functions or settings related to the imported object is equal to or less than the predetermined condition, the generation unit 37 of the user device 5 generates a notification including information of an alternative imported object that becomes a substitute for the imported object.

[0361] According to the seventh aspect, the management user can import a substitute import object more suitable for the user than the import object being used in the user device 5, and the substitute import object can be used by users including general users.

[0362] According to an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the data exchange unit 31 sends the generated notification to a destination associated with the customer identification information identifying the customer.

[0363] According to the eighth aspect, the management user who manages the import object and has the destination associated with the client identification information can grasp the use status of other users of the import object imported by the management user.

[0364] According to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the user device 5 includes at least one of a multifunction peripheral, a scanner, a fax machine, an electronic whiteboard, a projector, a personal computer, a smart phone, or an interactive voice operation device.

[0365] According to the ninth aspect, even when the user device 5 is various types of equipment, the managing user who manages the imported object can grasp the use status of the imported object imported by the managing user by other users as in the first aspect.

[0366] According to the tenth aspect, a management system 2 (an example of a management system) includes: a management device 3 for managing information related to an imported object that has been imported into a user device 5; and a communication terminal 4 for displaying information related to the imported object sent by the management device 3, the management device 3 including: a login management unit 38 (an example of a management device) for managing management users and general users respectively related to the imported object; an acquisition unit 33 (an example of an acquisition device) for acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; a generation unit 37 (an example of a generation device) for generating a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; a data exchange unit 31 (an example of a sending device) for sending the notification to the management user; and the communication terminal 4 includes a display control unit 44 (an example of a display control device) for displaying the notification generated by the management device 3 on the display.

[0367] According to the tenth aspect, similar to the first aspect, even if the user who manages the imported object such as an application installed in the device is different from the user who uses the application, the management user who manages the imported object can grasp the usage status of other users of the imported object imported by the management user.

[0368] According to the eleventh aspect, a management method is performed by a management device 3, wherein the management device 3 is configured to manage information related to an imported object that has been imported into a user device 5 (an example of a user device), and the method includes: a management step (steps S14, S34), managing management users and general users respectively related to the imported object; an acquisition step (step S82), acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; a generation step (step S84), generating a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; and a sending step (step S85), sending the notification to the management user.

[0369] According to the eleventh aspect, similar to the first aspect, even if the user who manages the imported object such as an application installed in the device is different from the user who uses the application, the management user who manages the imported object can grasp the usage status of other users of the imported object imported by the management user.

[0370] According to the twelfth aspect, a program is provided for controlling a management device 3, which manages information related to an imported object imported into a user device 5 (an example of a user device), wherein the program executes the following method, the method comprising: a management step (steps S14, S34), managing management users and general users respectively related to the imported object; an acquisition step (step S82), acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; a generation step (step S84), generating a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; and a sending step (step S85), sending the notification to the management user.

[0371] According to the twelfth aspect, similar to the first aspect, even when the user who manages the imported object such as an application installed in the device is different from the user who uses the application, the management user who manages the imported object can grasp the usage status of other users of the imported object imported by the management user.

[0372] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the present invention, the components and / or features of the different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and / or replaced with each other. Any of the above operations may be performed in various other ways, such as in an order different from the above order.

[0373] The present invention can be implemented in any convenient form, such as using dedicated hardware, or a mixture of dedicated hardware and software. The present invention can be implemented as computer software implemented by one or more networked processing devices. The processing device can be any appropriately programmed device, such as a general-purpose computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone (such as a WAP or 3G compatible phone), etc. Since the present invention can be implemented as software, each aspect of the present invention includes computer software that can be implemented on a programmable device. Any conventional carrier medium such as a recording medium can be used to provide the computer software to the programmable device. The carrier medium can be a transient carrier medium, such as an electrical, optical, microwave, acoustic, or radio frequency signal carrying a computer code. The example of this transient medium is a TCP / IP signal that carries a computer code on an IP network (such as the Internet). The carrier medium can also include a storage medium for storing a processor readable code, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CDROM, a magnetic tape device, or a solid-state storage device.

[0374] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuits or processing circuits, which include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. Processors are considered processing circuits or circuits because they include transistors and other circuits therein. In the present disclosure, a circuit, unit, or device is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions described. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the functions described. When the hardware is a processor, it can be considered to be a type of circuit, and the circuit, device, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0375] This patent application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-118758 filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 26, 2022, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0376] Reference numerals list

[0377] 1 Information Processing System

[0378] 2. Management System

[0379] 3. Manage Devices

[0380] 4Communication Terminal

[0381] 5 User Devices

[0382] 6Resume Management Server

[0383] 7Application Release Server

[0384] 31 Data exchange unit (example of transmitting device, example of receiving device)

[0385] 32 Extraction determination unit (example of extraction device, example of determination device)

[0386] 33 Acquisition unit (example of first acquisition device, example of second acquisition device, example of acquisition device)

[0387] 36 Computing unit (example of computing device)

[0388] 37 Generation unit (example of generation means)

[0389] 38 Login Management Unit (Example of Management Device)

[0390] 407 display (example of display device)

[0391] 540a Display panel (example of display device)

Claims

1. A management device for managing information related to an import object that has been imported into a user device, the management device comprising: A management device configured to manage management users and general users respectively associated with the imported object; an acquisition device configured to acquire usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; generating means configured to generate a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; as well as The sending device is configured to send the notification to the management user.

2. The management device according to claim 1, in, The import object includes a plurality of import objects, and the management device further includes a determining device configured to determine at least one import object that has been imported into the user device for a fee from the plurality of import objects, and The generating device is configured to generate a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information of the imported object determined by the determining device matches the predetermined condition.

3. The management device according to claim 2, in, The determining means is configured to determine the import object that has been imported into the user device further according to the recommendation information sent by the management device.

4. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The acquisition means is configured to acquire information including a combination of usage history information of one or more of the user devices, each of which is associated with the same client identification information, as usage history information associated with the import object.

5. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The acquisition means is further configured to acquire identification information of the imported object, and import date and time information.

6. The management device according to claim 1, in, The sending means is further configured to send the notification to the communication terminal in response to an access from the communication terminal used by the management user.

7. The management device according to claim 1, in, When the calculated usage amount of at least one of the functions or settings related to the import object is equal to or less than the predetermined condition, the generating means is further configured to generate a notification including information of a substitute import object that becomes a substitute for the import object.

8. The management device according to claim 7, The method further includes a sending device configured to send the generated notification to a destination associated with the customer identification information identifying the customer.

9. The management device according to claim 1, in, The user device includes at least one of a multifunction peripheral, a scanner, a fax machine, an electronic whiteboard, a projector, a personal computer, a smart phone, or an interactive voice operation device.

10. A management system comprising: Management device for managing information related to an import object that has been imported into a user device ； as well as a communication terminal, configured to display information related to the imported object sent by the management device, The management device comprises: A management device configured to manage management users and general users respectively associated with the imported object; an acquisition device configured to acquire usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; generating means configured to generate a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; as well as a sending device, configured to send the notification to the management user, The communication terminal includes a display control device configured to display a notification generated by the management device on a display device.

11. A management method, performed by a management device, the management device being configured to manage information related to an import object that has been imported into a user device, the method comprising: Managing management users and general users respectively related to the imported objects; Acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; generating a notification when a usage status based on the use of the history information matches a predetermined condition; as well as The notification is sent to the management user.

12. A recording medium carrying a computer readable code for controlling a computer system to execute a method, the method comprising: Managing administrative users and general users, each user being associated with an import object that has been imported into the user device; Acquiring usage history information related to the imported object used by the general user; generating a notification when the usage status based on the usage history information matches a predetermined condition; as well as The notification is sent to the administrative user.

13. The management device according to claim 1 in, The import target is a computer program installable in the user device.

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