Information processing system, program product, and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing system, a program product, and an information processing method, the information processing system including a processor that performs processing that outputs printer resource-related information used in printing of an original corresponding to a new input information including new print job-related information of a print original by inputting the new input information to a learned model that outputs the printer resource-related information based on the print job when input information including print job-related information of a print original is input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a program artifact, and an information processing method. The present invention is also applicable to programs and program artifacts. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus, comprising: a job input unit for inputting print jobs; a storage unit for storing multiple print jobs; an input unit for receiving a linked duplex printing setting that connects multiple print jobs and performs duplex printing; a configuration processing unit for configuring the pages in the linked duplex printing when the linked duplex printing setting is performed, so that the pages of at least one of the linked print jobs are arranged and printed on one side of the paper; an image forming unit for printing according to the page configuration performed by the configuration processing unit; and a duplex printing mechanism for feeding paper that has already been printed on one side back into the image forming unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-95162

[0004] When printing original documents using a printer, in order to achieve automation or improve productivity, the printing business is usually standardized according to the content of the printing business. In the workflow software or printer settings, the printing is automated or the business is streamlined by using workflow or template job settings (printer resources) according to the business content.

[0005] However, printers have many settings. If subtle differences in these settings lead to a large number of workflows or templates, the management of these workflows or templates becomes complex, resulting in different operators creating similar workflows or templates. Consequently, it becomes impossible to select appropriate job settings for workflows or templates, and to effectively utilize carefully crafted workflows or templates.

[0006] In particular, while business printers are equipped with various specialized functions, even experienced operators may find it difficult to grasp what functions are available, what results will be obtained when setting them up, and where to access those settings. For example, there is a desire to automate settings based on the content of the print job. Furthermore, with various printers and workflow software from different manufacturers available during print jobs, it is difficult to determine which workflow job settings should be used for the printer template. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an information processing system, program artifact, and information processing method that can output appropriate printer resources using a pre-learned, fully learned model, compared to the case where a fully learned model is not used.

[0008] The information processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a processor that performs the following processing: by inputting a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document based on the input information including print job information related to the original document, inputting new input information including new print job information related to the original document, and outputting printer resource information related to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

[0009] In the information processing system of the second aspect of the present invention, as in the information processing system of the first aspect, the printer resource-related information includes the printing process flow, i.e., the workflow, in the printing device or the printing settings, i.e., the template, for the printed matter in the printing device.

[0010] In the information processing system of the third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first or second aspect, the processor causes the learned model to learn the original document information and the printer resource information, which are related information of the print job, as learning data.

[0011] In the information processing system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the third aspect, the processor enables the learned model to learn the print job name and the application name that generates the original document as learning data.

[0012] In the information processing system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, which is the same as that of the third or fourth aspect, the processor enables the learned model to learn the printing business content of the original document, which is related to the printing job, as learning data.

[0013] In the information processing system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing systems according to the first to fifth aspects, the processor automatically applies the printer resource-related information corresponding to the new input information to the printing device.

[0014] In the information processing system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing systems according to the first to sixth aspects, the processor performs the following processing: if the printer resource information related to the output new input information does not exist in the printing device, but exists in other printing devices, then the printer resource information related to the new input information existing in the other printing devices is applied to the printing device.

[0015] The program artifact according to the eighth aspect of the present invention records an information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: by inputting new input information including information related to a new print job of the original document, the computer outputs information related to printer resources used in printing the original document based on the input information, which is pre-learned to output such information when inputting input information including information related to a print job of the original document; inputting new input information including information related to a new print job of the original document; and outputting information related to printer resources corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device that prints the original document.

[0016] The information processing method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: by inputting a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document based on the input information including print job information related to the original document, inputting new input information including new print job information related to the original document, and outputting printer resource information related to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to methods 1, 8, and 9, appropriate printer resource information can be output.

[0019] According to method 2, appropriate workflows or templates can be output.

[0020] According to the third method, a learned model that has been trained based on information about the original manuscript and information about printer resources can be used to output appropriate information about printer resources.

[0021] According to method 4, a learned model that learns from the print job name and the name of the application that generates the original can be used to output appropriate printer resource information.

[0022] According to method 5, a learned model that learns from the printing business content of the original can be used to output appropriate printer resource information.

[0023] According to method 6, the output printer resources can be automatically applied to the printing device.

[0024] According to method 7, printer resource information existing in other printing devices can be automatically applied to the printing device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of an information processing system involved in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical system of the printing device in the information processing system according to this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical system of the management device and the client computer in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional structure of a client computer;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a graph that estimates printer resource-related information corresponding to the input information through a neural network;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart representing the learning process based on the client computer;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart representing the estimation process based on the client computer;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the estimation process based on the client computer;

[0039] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on the client computer;

[0040] Figure 15 This is an example diagram showing the screen displayed on the client computer.

[0041] Symbol Explanation

[0042] 10-Information processing system, 11-Management device, 12-Printing device, 14-Client computer, 101-Collection unit, 102-Learning data storage unit, 103-Learning unit, 104-Model storage unit, 105-Receiving unit, 106-Estimation unit, 107-Output unit. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or equivalent constituent elements and parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Also, for ease of explanation, the scale of the drawings is exaggerated and sometimes differs from the actual scale.

[0044] In this embodiment, as an example, an information processing system in which a printing device and a client computer are connected via various communication lines such as networks will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 10 involved in this embodiment includes a management device 11, a printing device 12, and a client computer 14. The management device 11, the printing device 12, and the client computer 14 are respectively connected via communication lines 18 such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Internet, and intranet. Moreover, the management device 11, the printing device 12, and the client computer 14 can send and receive various types of data with each other via the communication lines 18. In this embodiment, by instructing the printing device 12 to print via the management device 11 from the client computer 14, an image corresponding to the printing instruction is formed in the printing device 12.

[0046] In addition, Figure 1 In the diagram, one of each of the management device 11, the printing device 12, and the client computer 14 is shown, but there may be multiple of each, or any one of them may be multiple.

[0047] The printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment has multiple functions, including a printing function for performing printing processing and a post-processing function for post-processing paper on which an image has been formed. These multiple functions may include a reading function to obtain image information representing the original document, a copying function to copy an image recorded in the original document onto paper, a faxing function to send and receive various data via a telephone line (not shown), a transmission function to transmit original document information such as image information read through the reading function, and an accumulation function to accumulate original document information such as read image information.

[0048] Additionally, in the following descriptions, the fax function may sometimes be referred to as fax, the read function as scan, the print function as print, and the copy function as copy.

[0049] The settings for printing using the printing device 12 in the information processing system 10 can vary depending on the object being printed or the client undertaking the business. For example, in the case of imposition, the settings are not unique; imposition settings are specialized and require various considerations. Specifically, there are various imposition settings such as binding method, paper size and orientation, finished product size and orientation, binding direction or configuration, alignment marks, color codes, barcodes or cutting marks, markings to be printed such as job information, margins during printing, and page layout. As mentioned above, there are many settings in the printing device 12. If the number of workflows or templates increases due to minor differences in settings, the management of workflows or templates becomes complex. Therefore, it leads to different operators creating similar workflows or templates, making it impossible to select appropriate workflow or template job settings, and making it impossible to effectively utilize carefully created workflows or templates.

[0050] For example, there are various types of original file sizes. In PDFs, in addition to paper size, you can also define and use trim size, bleed (cutting allowance) size, and finished size. You need to consider whether these dimensions are specified in the original file, which size to use as the original file size, whether this size matches the finished size, the degree of difference if they don't match, whether this size is vertical or horizontal, and how to set the orientation of the finished product.

[0051] Furthermore, the configuration of each page needs to consider how to handle reverse side printing and other issues in the final product. When post-processing includes trimming, to ensure consistency in the printed product, depending on the content of the original artwork, sometimes the pages are aligned vertically, inverted, or only one side of the page is rotated 180 degrees. In offset printing, techniques such as flipping / reversing and staggering are known to reduce the number of printing plates or simplify color adjustments.

[0052] Furthermore, alignment marks come in various types, including trimming alignment marks, layout copying alignment marks, folding alignment marks, and positioning alignment marks, depending on their purpose. It's necessary to consider whether folding or trimming is required for post-processing, and which type of alignment mark (Japanese or Western style, size, shape) should be used. Setting trimming alignment marks requires consideration of whether trimming is needed and which type to use, as well as the need to set them according to the display size, overall layout, and margin. Additionally, the setting of job information, color codes, barcodes, and trimming marks needs to be adjusted in position or size based on their necessity in post-processing or printing, their relationship to alignment marks and other displays, and margin. Furthermore, it's necessary to consider that the display range varies depending on the printable area of ​​the printing device or the paper size, and what information needs to be assigned for printing process management.

[0053] Furthermore, when setting the bleed width, it's necessary to determine its necessity, taking into account whether there is white space or color extending to the four corners of the original artwork. Also, assuming the finished size matches the used size, it's necessary to consider whether there is sufficient bleed area in the original artwork and whether offset caused by trimming can be tolerated. In addition to considering the presence or absence of white space or bleed area in the original artwork, the gap width setting also needs to consider the required width in both the horizontal and vertical directions during post-processing.

[0054] The information processing system 10 involved in this embodiment is characterized by constructing a neural network model through machine learning and outputting printer resource-related information corresponding to the print job from the neural network model, thereby realizing the efficiency of printing operations.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical system of the printing device 12 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0057] On the other hand, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes an HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data, applications, etc. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 12 includes a display control unit 28, which is connected to the user interface 22 and controls the display of various operation screens on the display of the user interface 22. The printing apparatus 12 also includes an operation input detection unit 30, which is connected to the user interface 22 and detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. Then, in the printing apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to the system bus 42. In addition, while the HDD 26 is used as a storage unit in the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment, it is not limited to this; non-volatile storage units such as flash memory can also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user interface 22 uses a touch panel capable of display and operation input, but it is not limited to this; a user interface with a separate display and operation unit can also be used.

[0058] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a printing control unit 34, which controls the printing process based on the printing unit 24, the transfer of paper from the transport unit 25 to the printing unit 24, the post-processing based on the post-processing unit 46, the reading process of the printed matter based on the inspection unit 47, and the maintenance based on the maintenance unit 48. The printing unit 24 performs printing using a droplet ejector. The maintenance unit 48 performs maintenance on the droplet ejector. The printing apparatus 12 may include a reading control unit that controls the reading operation of the optical image based on the original document reading unit and the original document transfer operation based on the original document transport unit. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 12 includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36, which is connected to the communication line 18 and transmits and receives communication data with other external devices such as the client computer 14 connected to the communication line 18. Furthermore, the printing device 12 includes a fax I / F (interface) unit, which is connected to a telephone line (not shown) and transmits and receives fax data with a fax device connected to the telephone line. The printing device 12 may also include a transmit / receive control unit that controls the transmission and reception of fax data via the fax I / F unit 38. Then, in the printing device 12, the printing control unit 34 and the communication line I / F unit 36 ​​are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0059] With the above structure, the printing device 12 according to this embodiment is controlled by the control unit 20 to display operation screens, various messages, and other information on the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28. Furthermore, the printing device 12 is controlled by the control unit 20 to control the operation of the printing unit 24, the transmission unit 25, the post-processing unit 46, the inspection unit 47, and the maintenance unit 48 via the printing control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36. Moreover, the printing device 12 is controlled by the control unit 20 to understand the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 30, and to perform various controls based on that operation content.

[0060] In addition, as an example of an application stored in HDD26, this embodiment includes an application that performs functions such as printing.

[0061] Next, the main structural components of the electrical systems of the management device 11 and the client computer 14 involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical systems of the management device 11 and the client computer 14 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Since the management device 11 and the client computer 14 are general computer structures, the following description will use the management device 11 as an example.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the management device 11 according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a CPU 11A, a ROM 11B, a RAM 11C, a storage device 11D, an operation unit 11E, a display unit 11F, and a communication line I / F (interface) unit 11G. The CPU 11A is responsible for the overall operation of the management device 11. The ROM 11B pre-stores various control programs, various parameters, etc. The RAM 11C serves as a working area when the CPU 11A executes various programs. The storage device 11D stores various data, application programs, etc. The operation unit 11E is used to input various information. The display unit 11F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 11G is connected to a communication line 18 and performs various data transmission and reception with other devices connected to the communication line 18. Furthermore, the communication line I / F unit 11G can be configured to communicate directly with each device using various known wireless communications. All the components of the management device 11 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 11I. In addition, in the management device 11 according to this embodiment, the storage device 11D is used as a storage unit, but as an example of a storage device, a non-volatile storage unit such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory is used.

[0063] Based on the above structure, the management device 11 in this embodiment uses CPU 11A to access ROM 11B, RAM 11C, and storage device 11D, acquire various data via operation unit 11E, and display various information on display unit 11F. Furthermore, the management device 11 uses CPU 11A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via communication line I / F unit 11G.

[0064] In the information processing system 10 configured as described above, the management device 11 manages a series of manufacturing processes. These manufacturing processes include, for example, fabrication, prepress, plate making, printing, finishing, and delivery.

[0065] Next, the functional structure of the client computer 14 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional structure of the client computer 14.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the client computer 14 is functionally configured to include a collection unit 101, a learning data storage unit 102, a learning unit 103, a model storage unit 104, a receiving unit 105, an estimation unit 106, and an output unit 107.

[0067] The collection unit 101 collects learning data, which includes input information related to the print job of printing the original in the printing device 12 and a pair of information related to printer resources used in the printing of the original in the printing device 12 based on the print job. The printer resource information includes the printing process flow, i.e., the workflow, or the template for the printing settings of the printed matter in the printing device 12.

[0068] Here, we will explain the relationship between the various information included in the input information and the printer resource information.

[0069] Input information includes original document information and printer resource information. Original document information includes the original document's data format, dimensions, drawing direction, object information within the original document, presence or absence of margins, presence or absence of imposition, and BOX information (in addition to the original (paper) size, it also includes trimming dimensions, bleed (cutting) dimensions, and finished product dimensions). Printer resource information includes workflow information and template information. Workflow information includes the workflow name, input method, and format; template information includes the template name and job settings within the template.

[0070] Templates are differentiated based on the processing required for different data formats, thus requiring the printing device 12 to be used logically and separately. Therefore, there is a correlation between the original's data format and printer resource information. The settings required for the printing device 12 vary depending on the original's size or object information. When the original size is set to the finished size, sometimes the BOX information recorded in the PostScript or PDF original is set to the finished size separately. Furthermore, the presence or absence of a specified finished size and bleed (trimming allowance) size in the original varies depending on the original and is highly correlated with the imposition layout or printing option settings in the printing device 12. When objects in the original are positioned at the edge of the page, if printing is done on paper of the same size, the image may sometimes be cut off due to areas that the printing device 12 cannot print. Therefore, there is a correlation between the original's object information, the presence or absence of margins, the presence or absence of imposition, and the imposition layout or printing option settings in the printing device 12.

[0071] In the information processing system 10, a fixed workflow is registered and applied according to the business content. Individual job settings are made, templates are saved, and applied in the business process, taking into account original document information, printing device 12 information, and collaboration with post-processing. Therefore, printer resource information is set according to the original document for each printing business, thus creating a correlation with the original document information.

[0072] Original document information can include the print job name, original document name, and the name of the application that generated the original document. In printing operations, printing is sometimes managed using higher-level applications such as workflow software, using inherent job names or original document names. Specifically, keywords such as catalog, brochure, and business card are used to distinguish between business and print jobs. Furthermore, during repeated data correction processes, there are sometimes test prints and final prints. Based on the original document name, it's not only possible to determine whether it's the correction stage or the final print stage, but sometimes partial consistency in the original document name can also differentiate them. When data is changed in the pre-press process, the application name that generated the original document is sometimes recorded as information within the original document. This allows for differentiation as follows: original documents output using a certain application have already undergone color management and therefore do not require color adjustment; original documents output using other applications have had or have not undergone imposition settings in the pre-press process. Therefore, there is a correlation between the print job name, original document name, the name of the application that generated the original document, and printer resource information.

[0073] Input information can include information related to the printing business content. This information includes categories such as business cards, catalogs, point-of-sale (POP) advertisements, labels, posters, magazines, photo albums, and brochures. Workflows or templates are adjusted based on the printing business content; therefore, knowing the printing business content information allows you to determine the appropriate workflow or template. Thus, there is a correlation between printing business content information and printer resource information. When managing printing processes through collaboration with order management systems for printing services, such as MIS (Management Information System) or Web Print, printing business content information can be obtained from these systems.

[0074] Printer resource information may include workflow information and template information. Workflow and template information may include creator information, the duration of use of the printing device 12 with that workflow or template, and the number of print runs performed using that workflow or template from the printing device 12. Creator information may be a name or identification ID. Workflows or templates that are used frequently are considered reliable, and workflows or templates created by skilled operators are considered to be accurate and error-free. Therefore, there is a correlation between workflow and template information and printer resource information.

[0075] Input information may include application information used to create the original document, information about the connected printing device 12, and post-printing processing information. Application information may include the application name, application category, and version information. Information about the connected printing device 12 may include the model, supported paper types and sizes, service life, paper feed history (including basis weight, thickness, gloss, manufacturer, etc.), location information (including address, floor, and room information), controller or print in progress (RIP) server version, and information about the included settings. Post-printing processing information may include the model of the device used for post-processing, post-processing settings (cutting, folding, creasing, foil stamping, etc.), and location information (address, floor, and room). Knowing this information allows one to determine the appropriate workflow or template to select. Therefore, there is a correlation between the application information used in creating the original document, the information about the connected printing device 12, and the post-printing processing information, as well as printer resource-related information.

[0076] Input information can include print job information. Print job information can include paper type, type of printed material, printing speed, or information about the image being printed.

[0077] Specifically, paper types include coated paper, matte paper, 90kg high-quality paper, 110kg high-quality paper, long 3-inch envelopes (long size 3), long 4-inch envelopes (long size 4), foreign long 3-inch envelopes (foreign long size 3), corner 3-inch envelopes (corner size 3), corner 4-inch envelopes (corner size 4), money order paper, bill paper, ordinary postcards, return postcards, New Year's postcards, etc. Printed materials include photo albums, posters, magazines, flyers, envelopes, business cards, catalogs, newspapers, etc. Information related to the printed images includes, for example, the proportion of the printed area on the paper or the type of object being printed.

[0078] Furthermore, the input information is not limited to the information mentioned above. Any information that is relevant to printer resource information can naturally be used as input information.

[0079] The learning data storage unit 102 stores multiple learning data collected by the collection unit 101.

[0080] Learning Unit 103 constructs a neural network model based on multiple learning data to take input information as input and output information related to printer resources used in the original printing of the print job, corresponding to the input information.

[0081] Specifically, the learned neural network model receives input information including print job information related to the printed original, and estimates printer resource information corresponding to the input information (see reference). Figure 5 As an example of a learning algorithm, deep learning allows neural network models to be constructed to output printer resource information related to the learning data in response to input information.

[0082] More specifically, the input information of the learning data can be used as input and output of the model to estimate printer resource-related information. The estimated printer resource-related information is then compared with the printer resource-related information of the learning data to calculate the error of the printer resource-related information. The model parameters are then updated in a way that minimizes the error value.

[0083] The model storage unit 104 stores the learned neural network model.

[0084] The receiving unit 105 receives new print job-related input information that is being estimated. The input information may include print job-related information. For example, it receives the paper type "90kg high-quality paper", the type of printed matter "photo album", the printing speed "10ppm", the percentage of the printed area on the paper "30%", and the type of printed object "image" obtained from the management device 11.

[0085] The estimation unit 106 uses the learned neural network model stored in the model storage unit 104 to estimate printer resource-related information corresponding to the received input information.

[0086] Specifically, the various information included in the received input information is converted into data structures (e.g., scalar values, vectors, etc.) that can be input into the learned neural network model, and then input into the learned neural network model. Based on the output of the learned model, printer resource-related information is estimated.

[0087] The output unit 107 is controlled to output the estimated printer resource information to the display unit 14F. An example of the estimated printer resource information displayed on the display unit 14F under the control of the output unit 107 will be described later.

[0088] Next, the specific processing performed in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, as described above, will be explained.

[0089] First, in the client computer 14, the CPU 14A reads the learning program from the ROM 14B or storage device 14D and expands it into the RAM 14C for execution, thereby performing... Figure 6 The learning process is shown below.

[0090] In step S100, CPU14A, acting as a collection unit 101, collects learning data including print job-related input information and printer resource-related information corresponding to the input information, and stores it in the learning data storage unit 102.

[0091] In step S102, CPU14A, acting as the learning unit 103, takes the input information as input based on multiple learning data, learns a neural network model for estimating printer resource-related information corresponding to the input information, stores it in the model storage unit 104, and ends the learning process.

[0092] Next, in the client computer 14, the CPU 14A reads the estimation program from the ROM 14B or the storage device 14D, expands it in the RAM 14C, and executes it, thereby performing estimation before a new print job that becomes the object of estimation is processed in the printing device 12. Figure 7 The estimation process is shown below. At this point, the input is assumed to contain various information included in the input information related to the new print job that becomes the object of estimation.

[0093] In step S110, CPU14A, acting as receiving unit 105, receives the import of new print job-related input information that is the object of estimation.

[0094] In step S112, CPU14A, acting as estimation unit 106, estimates printer resource-related information using the learned neural network model stored in model storage unit 104.

[0095] In step S114, CPU14A, acting as output unit 107, determines whether to set the automatic selection workflow of printing device 12.

[0096] If the printing device 12 is set to automatically select the workflow in the determination result of step S114 (step S114; "Yes"), then in step S116, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, displays the workflow estimated in step S112 on the display unit 14F.

[0097] In step S118, CPU14A receives the reselection of the workflow estimated in step S112 and displayed on display unit 14F in step S116.

[0098] Figure 8 This diagram shows an example of a receiving screen for workflow reselection displayed on the display unit 14F by the CPU 14A. Figure 9 This diagram shows an example of the result screen of the workflow reselection displayed by CPU 14A on display unit 14F. Figure 8 In the screen shown, when the user selects the "Yes" button, the CPU14A... Figure 9 The screen shown is displayed on the display unit 14F, notifying the user that the workflow has been changed.

[0099] If the printing device 12 is not set to automatically select the workflow in the judgment result of step S114 (step S114; "No"), then in step S120, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, determines whether the printing device 12 is set to automatically set the template.

[0100] If the printing device 12 is set to automatically set the template in step S120 (step S120; "Yes"), then in step S122, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, displays the template estimated in step S112 on the display unit 14F.

[0101] In step S124, CPU14A receives the reselection of the template estimated in step S112 and displayed on display unit 14F in step S122.

[0102] Figure 10 This diagram shows an example of a receiving screen with a reselected template displayed on the display unit 14F by the CPU 14A. Figure 11This diagram shows an example of the result screen of template reselection displayed by CPU 14A on display unit 14F. Figure 10 In the screen shown, when the user selects the "Yes" button, the CPU14A... Figure 11 The screen shown is displayed on the display unit 14F, notifying the user of the template change.

[0103] In the determination result of step S120, if the printing device 12 is not set to automatically set the template (step S120; "No"), then in step S126, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, determines whether the printing device 12 is set to pop up and display similar printer resources.

[0104] In the determination result of step S126, if the printing device 12 is set to display similar printer resources (step S126; "Yes"), then in step S128, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, displays the candidate printer resources estimated in step S112 that are similar to the printer resources corresponding to the input information on the display unit 14F. Printer resources similar to printer resources refer to printer resources with partially different settings.

[0105] In step S130, CPU14A receives the selection of similar printer resource candidates estimated in step S112 and displayed on display unit 14F.

[0106] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of a display screen showing similar printer resource candidates displayed by the CPU 14A on the display unit 14F. When one of the displayed printer resources is selected, and the user selects the "Reassign" button, the CPU 14A performs a process to apply the selected printer resource to the printing device 12.

[0107] Alternatively, the client computer 14 can read the print job and perform processing to estimate the printer resources corresponding to the print job. In the client computer 14, the CPU 14A reads the estimation program from the ROM 14B or storage device 14D, expands it in the RAM 14C, and executes it, thereby performing estimation before a new print job that becomes the target of estimation is processed in the printing device 12. Figure 13 The estimation process is shown below. At this point, the input is assumed to contain various information included in the input information related to the new print job that becomes the object of estimation.

[0108] In step S140, CPU14A, acting as receiving unit 105, receives the import of new print job-related input information that is the object of estimation.

[0109] In step S142, CPU14A, acting as estimation unit 106, estimates printer resource-related information that is optimal for the input information using the learned neural network model stored in model storage unit 104.

[0110] In step S144, CPU 14A, acting as output unit 107, displays the printer resources estimated in step S142 that are optimal for the input information on display unit 14F.

[0111] In step S146, CPU14A, acting as output unit 107, determines whether the printer resource estimated in step S142 that is optimal for the input information exists in the printing device 12 performing the printing.

[0112] If the printer resource that is optimal for the input information as estimated in step S142 exists in the printing device 12 that performs the printing (step S146; "Yes"), then in step S148, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, displays the template estimated in step S142 on the display unit 14F.

[0113] In step S150, CPU14A receives the reselection of the template estimated in step S142 and displayed on display unit 14F in step S148.

[0114] If the optimal printer resource estimated in step S142 for the input information does not exist in the printing device 12 performing the printing (step S146; "No"), then in step S152, the CPU 14A, acting as the output unit 107, applies the template estimated in step S142 to the printing device 12 performing the printing. Specifically, if the template with the estimated result does not exist in the printing device 12, the CPU 14A obtains the template information from another printing device 12, for example, via the management device 11, and registers it in the printing device 12.

[0115] In step S154, CPU14A, acting as output unit 107, determines whether to send a print job to the printing device 12 that is performing the printing.

[0116] When a print job is sent to the printing device 12 performing the printing (step S154; "Yes"), in step S156, the CPU 14A, as the output unit 107, sends the print job to the printing device 12 performing the printing. When no print job is sent to the printing device 12 performing the printing (step S154; "No"), the CPU 14A ends a series of processes.

[0117] Figure 14This diagram illustrates an example of a screen displayed by the CPU 14A on the display unit 14F for reading a print job. When a new print job is specified and the user selects the "Read" button, the CPU 14A estimates the optimal printer resource information for the new print job that is being estimated.

[0118] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates an example of a display screen showing the optimal printer resources for input information displayed by the CPU 14A on the display unit 14F. The CPU 14A... Figure 15 The screen shown is displayed on the display unit 14F and can notify the user whether there is an optimal printer resource for the input information in the printing device 12.

[0119] In this embodiment, user feedback can also be used to continuously update the neural network model. Specifically, the user's final selection or changes to the estimated printer resources are collected as user feedback and accumulated as additional learning data.

[0120] For example, if the user modifies or reselects the workflow or template estimated in step S116 or S122 above, the modified or reselected content (the printer resource ultimately selected by the user) and input information are grouped together and added to the learning data storage unit 102 as new learning data. Then, after a certain period or when a certain amount of added data has accumulated, the learning process in steps S100 and S102 above is executed again, causing the neural network model to periodically relearn. In this way, by implementing continuous model updates utilizing user feedback, the estimation accuracy of the information processing system of this embodiment improves over time, providing more accurate estimation results that better reflect the user's actual usage. Furthermore, through this continuous learning, it is also possible to flexibly respond to changes in the environment or business requirements.

[0121] The following is a specific example of the application of this embodiment, illustrating the operation of printing a large number of business cards in a commercial printing business.

[0122] For example, consider a company that urgently needs to print 1,000 sets of business cards for all its employees. Traditionally, the operator would need to visually review numerous past templates and workflow settings to select the optimal template or workflow for the printing equipment. This process is time-consuming, even for operators with printing expertise, and carries the risk of setting errors.

[0123] On the other hand, in the information processing system of this embodiment, firstly, as input information for the printing job, the original size (business card size), paper type (thick coated paper), application name, and post-processing information (cutting, packing), etc., are input. The information processing system of this embodiment uses a pre-learned neural network model to immediately estimate the optimal template or workflow implemented under the same or similar conditions in the past, and automatically suggests it to the operator. Because this estimation is performed immediately, the operator can quickly select the suggested template, thus significantly reducing the job setup time compared to situations where a neural network model is not used.

[0124] Furthermore, even if the suggested template is not present in the printing device 12, in this embodiment, the information processing system will automatically obtain template information from other printing devices on the same network and apply it to the printing device 12. In this way, the optimal template previously set in different printing devices can be reused, thus significantly improving the efficiency of printing operations and the consistency of settings compared to situations where conventional neural network models are not used.

[0125] As described above, according to this embodiment, compared with the case of not using the conventional neural network model, the setting and selection time can be shortened, human error can be prevented, and printing jobs can be quickly and stably performed even when business suddenly increases.

[0126] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example. Anyone skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and these modifications or alterations are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0127] Furthermore, the effects described in the above embodiments are illustrative or exemplary and are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. That is, the technology involved in this invention can achieve or replace the effects described in the above embodiments, as well as other effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art from the descriptions in the above embodiments.

[0128] In this embodiment, each process is executed by any computer. Furthermore, any computer can execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program in executing the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means within this embodiment. Moreover, the execution order of the processes processed by the processor is not limited to the order described and can be appropriately modified. Any computer can be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0129] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, different types of hardware can be combined. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a single processor, these multiple hardware components can reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Moreover, in any embodiment, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately varied. Additionally, the hardware is composed of circuits, such as those combining semiconductor elements.

[0130] Furthermore, the program can be software such as firmware or microcode. The program can also be, for example, a group of program modules, each of whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to perform those functions. The program can be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program can be divided and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media existing in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent any combination of steps, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or commands, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments can be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory. Furthermore, the program of this application can be provided as a program article.

[0131] The following notes are also disclosed regarding the above implementation methods. (1)

[0133] An information processing system, comprising a processor,

[0134] The processor performs the following processing:

[0135] By feeding a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document when inputting input information including information related to a print job, the model is given new input information including information related to a new print job, and outputs printer resource information corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document. (2)

[0137] According to the information processing system described in (1), wherein,

[0138] The printer resource-related information includes the printing process (workflow) in the printing device or the printing settings (templates) for printed materials in the printing device. (3)

[0140] According to the information processing system described in (1) or (2), wherein,

[0141] The processor enables the learned model to learn from the original document information and the printer resource information, which are related to the print job, as learning data. (4)

[0143] According to the information processing system described in (3), wherein,

[0144] The processor enables the learned model to learn from the print job name and the application name that generated the original document, which are related to the print job. (5)

[0146] According to the information processing system described in (3) or (4), wherein,

[0147] The processor enables the learned model to learn from the printing business content of the original document, which is related to the printing job, as learning data. (6)

[0149] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0150] The processor automatically applies the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information to the printing device. (7)

[0152] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0153] The processor performs the following process: if the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information is not present in the printing device, but exists in other printing devices, then the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information present in the other printing devices is applied to the printing device. (8)

[0155] An information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processing:

[0156] By feeding a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document when inputting input information including information related to a print job, the model is given new input information including information related to a new print job, and outputs printer resource information corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

[0157] Based on the information processing system involved in (1) and the information processing program involved in (8), appropriate printer resource information can be output.

[0158] Based on the information processing system involved in (2), appropriate workflows or templates can be output.

[0159] According to the information processing system involved in (3), the learned model, which learns from the original manuscript information and the printer resource information, can output appropriate printer resource information.

[0160] According to the information processing system involved in (4), the learned model, which learns from the name of the print job and the name of the application that generates the original, can output appropriate printer resource information.

[0161] According to the information processing system involved in (5), the learned model can be used to output appropriate printer resource information by learning from the printing business content of the original.

[0162] According to the information processing system involved in (6), the output printer resources can be automatically applied to the printing device.

[0163] According to the information processing system involved in (7), printer resource information existing in other printing devices can be automatically applied to the printing device.

[0164] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: By feeding a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document when inputting input information including information related to a print job, the model outputs printer resource information corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The printer resource-related information includes the printing process (workflow) in the printing device or the printing settings (templates) for printed materials in the printing device.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor enables the learned model to learn from the original document information and the printer resource information, which are related to the print job, as learning data.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein, The processor enables the learned model to learn from the print job name and the application name that generated the original document, which are related to the print job.

5. The information processing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The processor enables the learned model to learn from the printing business content of the original document, which is related to the printing job, as learning data.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The processor automatically applies the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information to the printing device.

7. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The processor performs the following process: if the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information is not present in the printing device, but exists in other printing devices, then the printer resource information corresponding to the new input information present in the other printing devices is applied to the printing device.

8. A program article containing an information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: By feeding a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document when inputting input information including information related to a print job, the model outputs printer resource information corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

9. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: By feeding a pre-learned model that outputs printer resource information used in printing the original document when inputting input information including information related to a print job, the model outputs printer resource information corresponding to the new input information used in the printing device printing the original document.

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