System, display system, method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience when selecting an image formation apparatus with high productivity from multiple image formation apparatuses.SOLUTION: In a system, each of multiple image formation apparatuses 106 includes: printing means that executes printing on the basis of print data; measurement means that measures switching time required for switching print operations by the printing means caused by changes in print settings; and transmission means that transmits the switching time measured correspondingly to the changes in the print settings and information on the image formation apparatus to an information processing device 105. The information processing device includes: reception means that receives the switching time measured by the measurement means correspondingly to the changes in the print settings and the information on the image formation apparatus from each of the multiple image formation apparatuses; generation means that generates data representing the switching time corresponding to the changes in the print settings for each model of the image formation apparatus on the basis of the received switching time measured correspondingly to the changes in the print settings and the information on the image formation apparatus; and display means that displays the generated data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a display system, a method and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An operation record collection system is a system or software that allows a user to grasp the operation status and performance of an image forming device. The operation record collection system has a function of collecting the operation status and operation record of multiple image forming devices owned by a user and displaying them in a centralized manner. Such a system allows a user to grasp the operation status and operation record of multiple image forming devices, and to select a device to be used for printing from multiple image forming devices based on the operation status and operation record. Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for selecting a device taking into consideration differences in functions and prevention of deterioration in image quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-289725 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The time it takes for an image forming apparatus to print may differ depending on the model of the image forming apparatus, and there is a demand for improving the convenience of selecting an image forming apparatus with high productivity from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a system, a display system, a method, and a program that can improve the convenience when selecting an image forming apparatus with high productivity from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming devices and an information processing device, each of the plurality of image forming devices having a printing means for executing printing based on print data, a measurement means for measuring a switching time required for switching a printing operation by the printing means that occurs in response to a change in print settings, and a transmission means for transmitting the switching time measured by the measurement means in response to the change in print settings and information about the image forming device to the information processing device, and the information processing device is characterized in that the information processing device is characterized in that the system includes a receiving means for receiving the switching time measured by the measurement means in response to the change in print settings and information about the image forming device from each of the plurality of image forming devices, a generation means for generating data representing the switching time corresponding to the change in print settings for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time measured by the measurement means in response to the change in print settings received by the receiving means and the information about the image forming device, and a display means for displaying the data generated by the generation means. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience when selecting an image forming apparatus with high productivity from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an operation record server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an external information processing device. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a data table. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an adjustment result table. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining adjustment information. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining adjustment information. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in an operation history server. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in an operation history server. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of adjustment results. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of adjustment results. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a registration screen. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in an operation history server. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in an operation history server. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of adjustment results. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of adjustment results. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an operation record server. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in an operation history server. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 illustrates an execution screen for a print job. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment <System configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. The system in this embodiment includes an image forming system 102, an operation history collection system 103 arranged in the cloud, other information processing devices 105, and the like. The image forming system 102 may be, for example, a system on the printing company side. The operation history collection system 103 may be, for example, a system on the provider side that provides an image forming device and the like. The image forming system 102, the operation history collection system 103, and the information processing device 105 are connected to each other via the Internet 101.

[0011] An example of the configuration of the image forming system 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of devices are connected to each other via a network 112. The image forming system 102 in this embodiment is a system including at least two or more image forming devices. That is, the image forming device system 102 is a system including a plurality of image forming devices. The image forming system 102 includes an image forming device 106, an image forming device 109, an image forming device 110, an image forming device 113, an external information processing device 108, an external information processing device 112, and the like. The image forming device 109 is connected to the external information processing device 108. It is also an image forming system 107 including the image forming device 109 and the external information processing device 108. In addition, the image forming device 113 is connected to the external information processing device 112. It is also an image forming system 111 including the image forming device 113 and the external information processing device 112. In the following description, the image forming device 106 is used as an example, but other image forming devices may be used. In the following description, the image forming system 102 is used as an example, but other image forming systems (not shown) may be used.

[0012] The information processing device 104 is a part of the operation history collection system 103. The information processing device 104 also belongs to the network 112 of the image forming system 102. The information processing device 104 has a function of acquiring operation history data from the image forming system 102 and transmitting the operation history data to the operation history collection system 103. The operation history data is, for example, data such as adjustment information described below. Note that the information processing device 104 is not limited to these functions, and appropriately has functions that can be executed by a device applied as the information processing device 104.

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the operation record collection system 103 will be described. The operation record collection system 103 includes an operation record server 114, which is an information processing device, and an operation record database 115, which is data storage. In this embodiment, the system also includes an information processing device 104 that acquires operation record data from the image forming system 102.

[0014] The operation record server 114 receives the operation record data transmitted from the information processing device 104. Upon receiving a request to display data related to adjustment records from the information processing device 105 described later, the operation record server 114 transmits data related to adjustment records described later in a format displayable by the information processing device 105. The data format may be a format displayable by a standard browser. The data format may be a format such as HTML. In addition, when the information processing device 105 uses specific software or an application to display data related to adjustment records, the data format may be a unique format.

[0015] The information processing device 105 is connected to the network 101. The information processing device 105 in this embodiment has a display function for displaying data related to adjustment results provided from the operation result collection system 103 on a screen. In the description of this embodiment, the information processing device 105 is located outside the image forming system 102, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 105 may be located inside the image forming system 102 and connected to the network 112.

[0016] In addition, in this example, an example has been described in which the operation record collection system 103 including the operation record server 114 and the information processing device 104 is separated from the information processing device 105, but this is not limiting. For example, a display system may include an operation record server 114 that receives operation record data from the image forming system 102, creates data related to adjustment record, and displays the data related to adjustment record. The display system may also include an operation record server 114 that receives operation record data from the image forming system 102 and creates data related to adjustment record, and a terminal device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet terminal that displays the data related to adjustment record.

[0017] <Hardware configuration of information processing device> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each information processing device in Fig. 1. In the following description, the information processing device 104 in Fig. 1 will be described, but the other information processing devices have the same configuration and description will be omitted. That is, the information processing device 105, the external information processing device 108, the external information processing device 112, and the operation record server 114, which is an information processing device, have the same hardware configuration as described below.

[0018] The information processing device 104 will be described below as a PC, but may be a general-purpose information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The information processing device 104 has a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a bus 204, an operation control unit 205, a display control unit 206, a storage control unit 207, an operation unit 209, a display unit 210, a storage unit 211, a NIC 212, etc. The CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, the operation control unit 205, the display control unit 206, the storage control unit 207, the operation unit 209, the display unit 210, the storage unit 211, and the NIC 212 are connected to each other via the bus 204 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0019] The CPU 201 is a system control unit, and controls the entire information processing device 104. The CPU 201 reads out programs such as an OS and applications stored in a storage medium such as a storage unit 211 or a ROM 203 into a RAM 202 as a work area, and executes the programs to execute various processes.

[0020] The ROM 203 is, for example, a non-volatile storage, and stores fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU 102 and built-in operating system (hereinafter, referred to as OS) programs. The ROM 106 also has a font ROM, a data ROM, and the like. The font ROM stores, for example, font data available in the image forming system. The data ROM stores, for example, data related to printing executed by each image forming device of the image forming system 102. The RAM 202 is, for example, a volatile storage, and is used as a main memory, a work memory, and the like when executing various programs stored in the memory unit 211.

[0021] The operation control unit 205 is connected to the operation unit 209. The operation control unit 205 acquires information on a user operation accepted via the operation unit 209, and transmits the information to the CPU 201. The operation unit 209 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0022] The display control unit 206 is connected to the display unit 210. The display control unit 206 controls the display on the display unit 210. The display unit 210 may be, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 210 may also be, for example, a touch panel capable of receiving operations from a user.

[0023] The storage control unit 207 executes control for storing programs and data for operating the information processing device 104 in the storage unit 211 and for reading them from the storage unit 211. The storage unit 211 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, and various other data. The storage unit 211 is, for example, a storage device such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The storage unit 211 may also include a large-capacity storage device instead of the HDD or SSD.

[0024] The network controller (NIC) 212 is connected to a network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network. The bus 204 connects the CPU 201 to the RAM 202, the ROM 203, various controllers, etc., and transfers data signals and control signals. The network controller (NIC) 212 has a different internal configuration depending on whether the device is equipped with a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, these differences due to the internal configuration are hidden inside the network controller (NIC) 212, and the other modules shown in the figure are configured to be equivalent so as to be able to control the system. There may be multiple network controllers (NIC) 212.

[0025] The configuration of the information processing device 104 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and the device applied as the information processing device 104 may have an appropriate hardware configuration according to the functions that can be executed.

[0026] <Software configuration of information processing device> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 104. The boot loader 301 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the information processing device 104. These programs include a program for executing various start-up sequences required for starting the system.

[0027] The operating system 302 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the information processing device 104. This provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the information processing device, i.e., the ROM 203, the RAM 202, the storage unit 211, etc.

[0028] The network control program 303 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. In other words, it is software used to control the NIC 212 and transmit and receive data and files to and from external devices via the network 112 and the network 101.

[0029] The acquisition program 304 is a program for acquiring the operation status and operation record data of the image forming apparatus 106, and for performing processes related to the acquisition of the operation record data.

[0030] The sending program 305 is a program for converting the operation history data acquired by the acquisition program 304 into data in a specified format and sending it to the operation history server 114. The data that the sending program 305 sends to the operation history server 114 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0031] The device management program 306 manages the external devices to be managed in operation. The external devices are, for example, a plurality of image forming devices included in the image forming system 102. For example, the network control program 303 receives a request to display a registration screen of the external device, which will be described later, from another information processing device connected to the information processing device 104 via a network. Based on the network control program 303 receiving this request, the device management program 306 creates data for displaying the registration screen of the external device. In addition, the device management program 306 performs processing based on a user operation on the registration screen of the external device. For example, based on the selection of an external device to be registered by the user, the device management program 306 determines the external device selected by the user as a management target. The device management program 306 saves information on the determined external device to be managed in the storage unit 211 and the RAM 202. The information on the external device is, for example, a device identifier, a model identifier, and an IP address of the image forming device, which will be described later. The registration screen of the external device and the user operation on the screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 20.

[0032] The model acquisition program 307 is a program for acquiring model information of each image forming device. The model acquisition program 307 acquires model information registered in a storage unit of each image forming device via the network control program 303. Each image forming device is, for example, an image forming device included in the image forming system 102. The model information is information indicating the model of the image forming device (for example, a model identifier, etc.). In this embodiment, the description will be given on the assumption that the image forming device 106 and the image forming device 109 have the same model.

[0033] <Software configuration of operational servers> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the operation record server 114. The boot loader 401 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the operation history server 114. These programs include programs for executing various start-up sequences required for starting the system.

[0034] The operating system 402 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the operation record server 114. This provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the information processing device, i.e., the ROM 203, the RAM 202, the storage unit 211, etc.

[0035] The network control program 403 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. In other words, it is software used to control the NIC 212 and transmit and receive data and files to and from external devices via the network 112 and the network 101.

[0036] The reception program 404 is a program for receiving data transmitted from the information processing device 104 .

[0037] The adjustment information management program 405 is a program for converting the operation result data acquired by the receiving program 404 into data in a specified format, and storing the data in the operation result database 115 or a storage unit of the operation result server 114. The processing executed by the adjustment information management program 405 will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 etc.

[0038] <Hardware configuration of image forming device> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 106 will be described as an example, but other image forming apparatuses may have the same configuration. That is, the image forming apparatus 109, the image forming apparatus 110, and the image forming apparatus 113 may have the same hardware and software configuration. The image forming apparatus 106 is, for example, an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a recording material based on the expanded image data. In this example, the image forming apparatus will be described as a printing apparatus that executes printing based on print data. The image forming apparatus 106 has a scanner unit 501, an external I / F 502, a printer unit 503, an operation unit 504, a control unit 505, a compression expansion unit 506, a ROM 507, a RAM 508, a storage unit 509, a sheet processing unit 510, and the like. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 106 will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration as the information processing apparatus of FIG. 2 described above may be omitted.

[0039] The scanner unit 501 can, for example, read an original document, etc. Image data resulting from the reading is stored in a memory such as a ROM 507 or a storage unit 509.

[0040] The external I / F 502 executes data communication with external devices. For example, the external I / F 502 controls transmission and reception of various data such as image data with a facsimile (not shown), a network-connected device, or an external device via the network 112 or the like. The external I / F 502 may also control transmission of operation performance data (to be described later) to the information processing device 104 via the network 112 or the like.

[0041] The printer unit 503 forms an image on a recording medium fed from a paper feed unit (not shown) using a recording material based on image data. The recording medium may be, for example, paper, film, or sheet. The recording material is, for example, toner. The printer unit 503 reads print data and the like received via the scanner unit 509 from the storage unit 509 and prints it. The printer unit 503 also reads print data received from an external device via an external I / F 502 unit, which is an example of a communication unit, from the storage unit 509 and prints it. An example of the configuration and operation of the printer unit 503 will be described below.

[0042] The printer unit 503 reflects a light beam, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror, etc.) and irradiates the photosensitive drum as a scanning light. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to the transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on the sheet by sequentially executing this series of image formation processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. In addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which toners called special colors and transparent toners can be transferred. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed in this way is transported to the fixing unit. The fixing unit includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure, and fixes it to the sheet.

[0043] When the image forming apparatus 106 performs printing as described above based on print data, the image forming apparatus 106 may switch the print operation in response to a change in the print settings included in the print data. For example, the print operation when printing is performed by the printer unit 503 described above may be appropriately selected based on a change in the settings of the recording medium used for printing. Specifically, the applicable print speed may differ depending on the type and basis weight of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus 106 switches the print speed in response to the type and basis weight of the recording medium. For example, the type and basis weight of the recording medium may change during the execution of one print job, or when switching to a different print job after one print job is executed. That is, the image forming apparatus 106 switches the print speed in response to a change in the type and basis weight of the recording medium. In other words, the image forming apparatus 106 makes an adjustment in response to a change in the type and basis weight of the recording medium. That is, an adjustment time is required for the adjustment in response to a change in the type and basis weight of the recording medium. The adjustment time caused by such a change in the print speed differs depending on the type and basis weight of the recording medium.

[0044] Depending on the type of recording medium used for printing by the image forming apparatus 106, the temperature of the fixing unit applied by the printer unit 503 described above during printing may be selected appropriately. Specifically, the applicable fixing temperature may differ depending on the type and basis weight of the recording medium. The fixing temperature is the temperature at which the recording material is fixed to the recording medium. The image forming apparatus 106 switches the fixing temperature when the type and basis weight of the recording medium change. Hereinafter, the switching of the fixing temperature by the image forming apparatus 106 may be referred to as switching of the fixing temperature adjustment. When the fixing temperature adjustment is switched, an adjustment time occurs. The adjustment time caused by the image forming apparatus 106 switching the fixing temperature differs depending on the type and basis weight of the recording medium.

[0045] As described above, the image forming apparatus 106 performs various adjustments such as switching the print speed and the fixing temperature control in response to changes in the type and basis weight of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus 106 requires adjustment time. Switching the print speed and the fixing temperature control occurs due to changes in the type and basis weight of the recording medium, and therefore can also be considered as switching processes caused by changes in the recording medium. In this embodiment, paper will be used as an example of the recording medium. An adjustment that causes the above-mentioned switching process caused by a change in the paper may be called an adjustment caused by a paper factor.

[0046] The image forming apparatus 106 may also appropriately select a color mode for printing by the printer unit 503 based on the setting of color information included in the print data. There are two color modes: a color mode in which yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toners are used, and a monochrome mode in which black (K) toner is used. A switching process is required to switch the color mode. For example, the color mode may not be changed immediately even if the color information of the print page changes, but may be switched when a predetermined number of sheets of color information are printed. The color mode may be switched during the execution of one print job, or when one print job is executed and then switched to a different print job. The image forming apparatus 106 performs an adjustment when switching the color mode. That is, an adjustment time occurs due to the change in color mode. In this embodiment, the above switching may be called a switching process caused by a change in color mode. Also, an adjustment caused by a switching process caused by a change in color mode may be called an adjustment of color factors.

[0047] The adjustment time caused by the switching process caused by the change in the recording medium or the change in the color mode may differ for each model of the image forming apparatus. The adjustment time may also vary depending on the environment in which the image forming apparatus is installed. Specifically, even if the same adjustment operation is performed, the adjustment time may vary depending on the temperature of the place where the image forming apparatus is installed. Such a variation in adjustment time may also cause the operating efficiency (productivity) of the image forming apparatus to vary. Here, a configuration is assumed in which a user can select an image forming apparatus to execute printing from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. In this embodiment, information on the adjustment time corresponding to the adjustment factor is displayed based on the actual occurrence of adjustment time due to adjustment of each image forming apparatus. Such a configuration can improve the convenience of selecting an apparatus capable of efficiently printing from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0048] In the system of this embodiment, adjustment information relating to adjustments measured by a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system 102 is collected in the operation history server 114 via the information processing device 104 as described below. The operation history server 114 collects the adjustment information measured by the plurality of image forming apparatuses and creates adjustment history data for each model of the image forming apparatus. The adjustment history data for each model created by the operation history server 114 is displayed on the information processing device 105. This can improve the convenience for the user when selecting an apparatus capable of efficient printing from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0049] The operation unit 504 is a portion corresponding to a user interface unit, and has a display unit. The operation unit 504 provides various interfaces when an operator performs various settings and operations of the image forming apparatus 106, for example.

[0050] The control unit 505 reads out the programs in the ROM 407 into the RAM 508 and executes them to cause the image forming apparatus 106 to execute various operations described below. The ROM 507 also stores programs and the like for interpreting code data forming print data such as PDF received from an external device (not shown) via the external I / F 502 and expanding the code data into raster image data. The print data may include, for example, a page description language, image data, and the like. The raster image data may be, for example, bitmap image data, and the like. The ROM 507 also stores programs and the like for interpreting and processing a print job received from an external device (not shown) via the external I / F 502. These are mainly processed by software.

[0051] The control unit 505 controls the data of a job to be processed, inputted via various input units such as the scanner unit 501 and the external I / F 502, so that the data can be printed by the printer unit 503 via the storage unit 509. The control unit 505 also controls the data to be sent to an external device via the external I / F 502. In this way, the control unit 505 controls various output processes of the print data of the print job to be processed stored in the storage unit 509 so that the data can be executed. Furthermore, the control unit 505 is configured to read out and execute a program from the ROM 507 so that the file system constructed in the storage unit 509 can realize functions such as file sharing, transmission and reception, etc., for an external device. The control unit 505 may be, for example, a CPU.

[0052] A compression / expansion unit 506 compresses and expands image data stored in a RAM 508 and a storage unit 509 using various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG. With the above-mentioned configuration, a control unit 505, which is an example of a control unit provided in this printing system, also controls the operation of each sheet processing device 510.

[0053] The ROM 507 is a memory that stores various programs. The various programs stored in the ROM 507 will be described in detail later.

[0054] The storage unit 509 stores data of a plurality of jobs to be processed, various management information, etc. The storage unit 509 is also a large-capacity storage device that stores image data compressed by the compression / expansion unit 506. The storage unit 509 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data, such as print data of a print job to be processed.

[0055] The sheet processing apparatus 510 is an apparatus for obtaining a product by performing various processes on the recording medium on which an image has been formed by the printer unit 503 .

[0056] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 106 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and the device applied as the image forming apparatus 106 may have an appropriate hardware configuration according to the functions that can be executed.

[0057] <Software configuration of image forming device> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 106. Description of the same configuration as in Fig. 4 will be omitted.

[0058] The operating system 602 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 106. This mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the image forming apparatus, i.e., the ROM 507, RAM 508, HDD 509, etc., and basic input / output control of each of the other units shown in FIG.

[0059] The network control program 603 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. This program is used for receiving files to be printed, transmitting data from external devices, and transmitting and receiving commands. The network control program also includes a driver program for controlling the external I / F 502.

[0060] The print control program 604 is a program for processing the accepted print jobs. The basic operation of this program is as follows: The job data received from the external I / F 502 is stored in the HDD 509, and the order of reception is maintained. An instruction is given to the controller unit to execute the print processing based on the order of reception. Also, an instruction to operate or stop the queue itself in order to stop or resume the execution of a print job is received from the operation unit 504, and the program executes the job based on the received instruction. Also, this program performs a response process of the job queue status in response to an inquiry from an external device. The job queue status is the stopped or execution status of the job queue, and the presence or absence of a job, etc., which are sent to the external device via the external I / F 502.

[0061] When the image forming apparatus receives print data via the external I / F 502 and the print control program 604 instructs the image forming apparatus to analyze the print data, the print data analysis program 605 executes a print data decompression process executed by the control unit 505. After the decompression process is completed, the control unit 505 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in the processing order managed by the print control program 604. As a result, the PDL print process is finally executed. These devices include the sheet processing apparatus 510, the printer unit 503, the storage unit 509, the compression / decompression unit 506, the RAM 508, etc.

[0062] The print setting analysis program 606 is a program for analyzing print settings. The print settings are transmitted together with image data in a format such as JDF. Based on the analyzed print settings, the control unit 505 sequentially instructs the operation of each device. As a result, control is performed so that printing is executed with the final specified print settings.

[0063] The image creation program 607 is a program for analyzing image data to create intermediate image data, and for creating a print image to be used for printing using print settings analyzed and acquired by the print setting analysis program 605. The print settings include specifications such as image processing and imposition. The image creation program 607 performs imposition and creates an image by performing color conversion and other operations specified in the image processing.

[0064] The media management program 608 is a program for executing a management function related to sheets that can be used by the image forming apparatus. Sheet-related information managed by this program is stored in the storage unit 509.

[0065] The adjustment information acquisition program 609 is a program for acquiring adjustment information, the details of which will be described with reference to Figs.

[0066] The transmission program 610 is a program for converting the adjustment results acquired by the adjustment information acquisition program 609 into data in a prescribed format and transmitting the data to the information processing device 104. The data to be transmitted will be described with reference to FIG.

[0067] <Software configuration of external information processing device> Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the external information processing device 108 and the external information processing device 112. Below, the external information processing device 108 will be described as an example, but the external information processing device 112 has a similar configuration. Note that a description of the same configuration as that described in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 will be omitted.

[0068] The external information processing device 108 performs the analysis of print settings, management of print jobs, analysis of print data, image creation, and the like, which are performed by the connected image forming device 109, on behalf of the image forming device 108. The external information processing device 108 is capable of more detailed settings related to printing than the image forming device 108, and is capable of more precise image processing.

[0069] The network control program 703 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from a device connected via a network. The external information processing device 108 transmits and receives information to and from the image forming device 109, and processes a connection request to the image forming device 109. For example, when a connection request received from an external device (not shown) is a specific communication method, includes a specific instruction, or a specific port number is specified, the network control program 703 passes the connection request and causes the image forming device 109 to receive it. Similarly, the network control program 703 passes information transmitted from the image forming device 109 and causes the external device (not shown) to receive it. For example, the network control program 703 passes these communications and controls so that the image forming device 109 and the information processing device 104 can directly communicate with each other.

[0070] <Processing associated with changing paper in image forming device> Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of processing associated with a change in paper in the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, a case where the processing in Fig. 8 is executed by the image forming apparatus 106 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, another image forming apparatus in the image forming system 102 in Fig. 1 may execute the processing in Fig. 8. The processing in Fig. 8 is realized, for example, by the control unit 505 of the image forming apparatus 106 expanding the adjustment information acquisition program 609 stored in a memory such as the ROM 507 into the RAM 508 and executing it. That is, it can be said that the processing in Fig. 8 is executed by the adjustment information acquisition program 609.

[0071] 8 is started, for example, when the image forming apparatus 106 receives a notification of a paper change event during execution of a print job consisting of multiple pages. A paper change event is an event that occurs when the print setting analysis program 606 of the image forming apparatus 106 instructs the printer unit 503 to change the paper to be used for printing.

[0072] In S801, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a paper change event notification has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a paper change event notification has been received, the process proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a paper change event notification has not been received, the process in Fig. 8 ends. For example, the control unit 505 can make the above-mentioned determination based on an event identifier included in the paper change event notification.

[0073] In S802, the control unit 505 stores the paper before the change and the paper after the change. Specifically, the control unit 505 acquires the paper information before and after the change from the print setting analysis program 606, and stores it in a memory such as the ROM 507 as a cause of the occurrence of the adjustment time. The paper information is information regarding the type of paper used by the image forming apparatus 106 for printing when a paper change event occurred, and the type of paper to be used for the next print. The paper information acquired here will be described later with reference to FIG. 12.

[0074] In S803, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a notification of a print speed switching start event has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a print speed switching start event has been received, the process proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a print speed switching start event has not been received, the process proceeds to S806. A print speed switching start event is an event that occurs when the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 changes the print speed. The print speed switching start event is notified from the print control program 604. In the process of S803, for example, the control unit 505 can determine whether or not a notification of a print speed switching start event has been received based on an event identifier included in this notification.

[0075] In S804, the control unit 505 turns on a print speed switching timer. That is, in S804, the control unit 505 starts measuring the switching time required to switch the print speed. In other words, the switching time required to switch the print speed is also the adjustment time.

[0076] In S805, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a notification of a fixing temperature control switching start event has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a fixing temperature control switching start event has been received, the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a fixing temperature control switching start event has not been received, the process proceeds to S809. A fixing temperature control switching start event is an event that occurs when the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 changes the temperature of the fixing unit. The fixing temperature control switching start event is notified from the print control program 604. Whether or not the notification is a fixing temperature control switching start event can be determined by an event identifier included in this notification.

[0077] S806 is the same as S805, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In S806, if the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a fixing temperature control switching start event has been received, the process proceeds to S807, and if the control unit 505 determines that a notification has not been received, the process proceeds to S808.

[0078] In S807, the control unit 505 turns on a fixing temperature control switching timer. That is, in S807, the control unit 505 starts measuring the switching time required for switching the fixing temperature control. In other words, the switching time required for switching the fixing temperature control is also an adjustment time.

[0079] In S808, the control unit 505 stores the adjustment time as 0 seconds. After the process of S808, the control unit 505 ends the process of FIG.

[0080] In S809, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a notification of a print speed switching end event has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a print speed switching end event has been received, the process proceeds to S810. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a notification of a print speed switching end event has not been received, the process proceeds to S811. A print speed switching end event is an event that occurs when the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 ends various adjustments associated with a change in print speed. The print speed switching end event is notified from the print control program 604. Whether or not the notification is a print speed switching end event can be determined from an event identifier included in this notification.

[0081] In S810, the control unit 505 turns off the print speed switching timer, i.e., the control unit 505 ends the measurement of the switching time required to switch the print speed.

[0082] In S811, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a notification of an end event of switching of the fixing temperature control has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a notification of an end event of switching of the fixing temperature control has been received, the process proceeds to S812. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a notification of an end event of switching of the fixing temperature control has not been received, the process proceeds to S813. The end event of switching of the fixing temperature control is an event that occurs when a change in the fixing temperature control is completed by the fixing unit of the printer unit of the image forming apparatus 106. The notification of the end event of switching of the fixing temperature control is notified from the print control program 604. Whether or not the notification is a notification of an end event of switching of the fixing temperature control can be determined by an event identifier included in this notification.

[0083] In step S812, the adjustment information acquisition program 609 turns off the fixing temperature adjustment switching timer, that is, the control unit 505 ends the measurement of the switching time required for switching the fixing temperature adjustment.

[0084] In S813, the control unit 505 determines whether or not there is a timer that is not stopped. In other words, a timer that is not stopped is a timer that is not turned OFF. If it is determined in S813 that there is a timer that is not stopped, the process proceeds to S809. On the other hand, if it is determined in S813 that there is no timer that is not stopped, the process proceeds to S814.

[0085] In S814, the control unit 505 compares the measured time of the printing speed switching timer and the fixing temperature adjustment switching timer, and stores the longer measured time as the adjustment time in a memory such as the ROM 507. In S814, the control unit 505 stores the adjustment time in association with the adjustment factor. An example of the adjustment control unit 505 storing the adjustment time and the like will be described below with reference to the adjustment result table in FIG.

[0086] In S815, the control unit 505 resets the measurement times of the printing speed switching timer and the fixing temperature adjustment switching timer.

[0087] In S816, the control unit 505 determines whether the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is off. If the control unit 505 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is off, the control unit 505 ends the flow of Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is not off, the control unit 505 proceeds to S801.

[0088] <Processing associated with changing color mode in image forming device> Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing accompanying a change in color mode of image forming apparatus 106. Below, a case where image forming apparatus 106 executes the processing of Fig. 9 will be described as an example, but is not limited to this. That is, another image forming apparatus in image forming system 102 of Fig. 1 may execute the processing of Fig. 9. The processing of Fig. 9 is realized, for example, by control unit 505 of image forming apparatus 106 expanding adjustment information acquisition program 609 stored in a memory such as ROM 507 into RAM 508 and executing it. That is, it can be said that the processing of Fig. 9 is executed by adjustment information acquisition program 609.

[0089] 9 is started, for example, when the image forming apparatus 106 receives a notification of a color switching start event during execution of a print job consisting of multiple pages. The color switching start event is an event that occurs when the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 starts adjustment accompanying a change in color mode when executing printing.

[0090] In S901, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a color switch start event notification has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a color switch start event notification has been received, the process proceeds to S902. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a color switch start event notification has not been received, the process of Fig. 9 ends. The color switch start event notification is notified from the print control program 604. Whether or not it is a color switch start event notification can be determined from the event identifier included in this notification.

[0091] In S902, the control unit 505 turns on the color switching timer. That is, in S902, the control unit 505 starts measuring the switching time required for color switching. The time required for color switching is, in other words, the adjustment time.

[0092] In S903, the control unit 505 stores the color modes before and after the change. In the process of S903, the control unit 505 acquires color mode information from the print setting analysis program 606 and stores it in a memory such as the ROM 507 as a cause of the occurrence of the adjustment time. The color mode information is information about the color mode used for printing by the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 when a color switching start event occurs and the color mode to be set for next printing.

[0093] In S904, the control unit 505 determines whether or not a color switching end event notification has been received. If the control unit 505 determines that a color switching end event notification has been received, the process proceeds to S905. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that a color switching end event notification has not been received, the process proceeds to S907. The color switching end event is an event that occurs when a change adjustment of the color mode when the printer unit 503 of the image forming apparatus 106 prints is completed. The color switching end event notification is an event notified by the print control program 604. Whether or not the notification is a color switching end event can be determined by the event identifier included in this notification.

[0094] In S905, the control unit 505 turns off the color switching timer, i.e., the control unit 505 ends the measurement of the switching time required for changing the color mode.

[0095] In S906, the control unit 505 stores the time measured by the color switching timer as an adjustment time in a memory such as the ROM 507. In S906, the color mode information stored in S903 and the time measured by the color switching timer are stored in association with each other.

[0096] In S907, the control unit 505 resets the measurement time of the color switching timer.

[0097] In S908, the control unit 505 determines whether the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is off. If the control unit 505 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is off, the control unit 505 ends the processing in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the control unit 505 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 106 is not off, the control unit 505 proceeds to S901.

[0098] <Processing by the image forming apparatus to transmit adjustment information to the information processing apparatus> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a process when the image forming apparatus 106 transmits information on adjustment acquired in the process of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 to the information processing apparatus 104. Hereinafter, a case where the image forming apparatus 106 executes the process of FIG. 10 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, another image forming apparatus in the image forming system 102 of FIG. 1 may execute the process of FIG. 10. The process of FIG. 10 is realized, for example, by the control unit 505 of the image forming apparatus 106 expanding the transmission program 610 stored in a memory such as the ROM 507 into the RAM 508 and executing it. That is, it can be said that the process of FIG. 10 is executed by the transmission program 610. The process of FIG. 10 is executed at regular intervals. For example, the control unit 505 may execute the process of FIG. 10 every minute using a timer managed by the operating system 302.

[0099] In S1001, the control unit 501 transmits all adjustment information stored in a memory such as the ROM 507 to the information processing device 104. All adjustment information 1300 includes information in which all paper names 1221 and adjustment times 1222 stored in an adjustment result table 1220 described later are associated with device identifiers. All adjustment information also includes information in which all color modes 1231 and adjustment times 1232 stored in an adjustment result data table 1230 described later are associated with device identifiers. That is, S1001 can be said to be a process in which the transmission program 610 transmits switching times corresponding to changes in print settings and information on the image forming device to the information processing device 104. The adjustment information 1300 will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0100] In S1002, the control unit 505 deletes all of the adjustment information 1300. Since there is no need to store all of the adjustment information transmitted to the information processing device 104 in the image forming apparatus 106, the control unit 505 deletes the adjustment information 1300 in S1002 and ends the processing in FIG.

[0101] <Processing by which the information processing device transmits adjustment information to the operation record server> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a process performed when the information processing device 104 transmits adjustment information received from the image forming device 106 or the like to the operation record server 114. The process in Fig. 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 expanding a transmission program 305 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. The process in Fig. 11 is performed at regular time intervals. For example, the CPU 201 may execute the process in Fig. 11 every 15 minutes using a timer managed by the operating system 302.

[0102] In S1101, the CPU 201 transmits all adjustment information stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 to the operation history server 114. All adjustment information 1400 is the adjustment information 1300 received from each image forming apparatus included in the image forming system 102. The adjustment history data 1400 transmitted by the information processing apparatus 104 to the operation history server 114 in S1101 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0103] In S1102, the CPU 201 deletes all the stored adjustment information. Since there is no need to store all the adjustment information 1400 transmitted to the operation history server 114 in the information processing device 104, the CPU 102 deletes the adjustment information 1400 in S1102.

[0104] <Data table description> 12(a)-(d) and 13(a)-(d) are diagrams showing an example of a data table. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a device data table. The device data table 1200 is a data table for managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses included in the image forming system 102. The device data table 1200 includes at least a device identifier 1201 and an IP address 1202. The device identifier 1201 is an identifier of each image forming apparatus included in the image forming system 102. In this example, the identifier of each image forming apparatus is stored in the device data table 1200 as a Device ID. The IP address 1202 is an IP address of each image forming apparatus included in the image forming system 102. The device identifiers 1203-1206 and each IP address stored in the device data table 1200 are registered via a registration screen 1900 of the information processing apparatus 105 in FIG. 20 described later. The device data table 1200 is stored in, for example, the operation history server 114 or the storage unit 211 of the information processing device 104 .

[0105] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of the model data table. The model data table 1210 is a data table for managing model information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses included in the image forming system 102. The model data table 1210 includes at least a device identifier 1211 and a model identifier 1212. The device identifier 1211 is the same as that in FIG. 12A, and therefore will not be described. The model identifier 1212 is model information of the image forming apparatus. The model data table 1210 may be stored in, for example, the operation history server 114 or the storage unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 104. The model data table 1210 is created by the operation history server 114 in S1503 in FIG. 16, which will be described later. The model data table 1210 stores the device identifier 1211 acquired by the operation history server 114 in S1503 in FIG. 16, which will be described later, and the corresponding model identifier 1212.

[0106] Fig. 12(c) and Fig. 12(d) are diagrams showing examples of the adjustment result table. The adjustment result table in Fig. 12(c) and Fig. 12(d) is a data table stored in a memory such as ROM 507 by the control unit 505 of the image forming apparatus 106 in the process of Fig. 8 and the process of Fig. 9 described above.

[0107] The adjustment result table 1220 in FIG. 12(c) stores paper information 1221 and adjustment time 1222. The paper information 1222 is information including a paper name 1223 before the change and a paper name 1224 after the change. In other words, the paper information 1221 can also be said to be paper change information. The paper name 1223 before the change and the paper name 1224 after the change are also paper identifiers. The paper information 1222 is stored by the control unit 505 in S802 in FIG. 8. The adjustment time 1222 is the time required to switch each piece of paper information 1222. The adjustment time 1222 is stored by the control unit 505 in S815 in FIG. 8. The information in the adjustment result table 1220 is not limited to the information shown in the figure. For example, the paper information 1221 in the adjustment result table 1220 may be the type of paper or basis weight.

[0108] 12(d) stores color mode information 1231 and adjustment time 1232. The color mode information 1231 includes a color mode before change 1233 and a color mode after change 1234. The color mode information can also be said to be color mode change information. The color mode information 1231 is stored by the control unit 505 of the image forming apparatus 106 in S903 of FIG. 9. The adjustment time 1232 is the time required to switch between each color mode 1222. The adjustment time 1232 is stored by the control unit 505 in S906 of FIG. 9.

[0109] FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b) show an example of an adjustment result table for each device identifier. The adjustment result table for each device identifier is created and managed by the operation result server 114 in the flow of FIG. 16 described later. The adjustment result table 1240 in FIG. 13(a) is a schematic diagram of a data table regarding the adjustment result in which the adjustment factor is paper switching. The adjustment result table 1240 stores paper information 1241, total adjustment time 1242, number of occurrences 1243, average adjustment time 1244, device identifier 1245, and the like. The device identifier 1245 is an identifier indicating an image forming apparatus. In this example, the device identifier 1245 is a Device ID. The paper information 1241 is paper information included in the adjustment information 1400 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 104 in S1101. The total adjustment time 1242 is the total of the adjustment time added in S1506 described later. The number of occurrences 1243 is counted in S1507. The average adjustment time 1244 is the average of the adjustment times. The adjustment result table 1240 may also include the type and basis weight of paper.

[0110] The adjustment result table 1250 in Fig. 13(b) is a schematic diagram of an adjustment result table for color factors. The adjustment result table 1250 includes a device identifier 1255 which is an identifier of the image forming apparatus 106, color mode information 1251 transmitted from the operating information processing apparatus 104 in S1101, a total adjustment time 1252 added in S1506 described later, a number of occurrences 1253 counted in S1507, and an average adjustment time 1254. The adjustment result tables in Figs. 13(a) and (b) are generated for each device identifier.

[0111] Figures 13(c) and 13(d) show examples of adjustment result tables for each model. The adjustment result table 1260 in Figure 13(c) is a data table in which the adjustment result table for paper factors for each device identifier 1245 is compiled for each model identifier 1265. The adjustment result table 1270 in Figure 13(d) is a data table in which the adjustment result table for color factors for each device identifier 1255 is compiled for each model identifier 1275.

[0112] <Schematic diagram of adjustment result data of image forming device> Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of adjustment information transmitted to the information processing device 104 by the transmission program 610 of the image forming device 106 in S1001 of Fig. 10 described above. In S1001, the transmission program 610 converts the adjustment information 1300 into a common data format such as XML or JSON and transmits it to the information processing device 104. The adjustment information 1300 includes a creation date and time 1301, a device identifier 1302, and adjustment results 1303 to 1308. In other words, the adjustment information 1300 is information including the adjustment time measured by the processing of Fig. 8 or 9 in response to a change in print settings, and information about the image forming device.

[0113] The creation date and time 1301 is data indicating the date and time when the adjustment information 1300 was created. For example, in S1001 of Fig. 10, the transmission program 610 acquires the system time managed by the operating system 302 of the image forming apparatus 106, converts the format, and creates the creation date and time 1301.

[0114] The device identifier 1302 is an identifier of the image forming apparatus 106. How to obtain the device identifier 1302 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0115] The adjustment results 1303 to 1305 are data on adjustment results in which the adjustment factor is a change in paper of the image forming apparatus 106. The adjustment results 1303 to 1305 store paper information and an adjustment time corresponding to the paper information. For example, the adjustment result 1303 is data indicating that an adjustment time of 5 seconds was required when switching from paper B to paper A. The adjustment results 1306 to 1308 are data on adjustment results in which an adjustment factor is a color change in the image forming apparatus 106. The adjustment results 1306 to 1308 store color mode information and an adjustment time corresponding to the color mode information. For example, the adjustment result 1306 is data indicating that an adjustment time of 5 seconds was required when the color mode was switched from color to monochrome. Moreover, the adjustment results 1303 to 1308 are subordinate elements of the device identifier 1302 in order to indicate that the adjustment was performed by the image forming apparatus 106. Moreover, if there is no adjustment result, no adjustment result is stored under the device identifier.

[0116] <Schematic diagram of adjustment result data of operation status collection information processing device> Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of adjustment information transmitted to the operation history server 114 by the transmission program 305 of the information processing device 104 in S1101 of the above-mentioned Fig. 11. In S1101, the transmission program 305 of the information processing device 104 converts the adjustment information 1400 into a general data format such as XML or JSON and transmits it to the operation history server 114.

[0117] The adjustment information 1400 transmitted from the information processing device 104 to the operation record server 114 is also information that summarizes the adjustment information 1300 acquired from each image forming device included in the image forming system 102. The adjustment information 1400 includes a creation date and time 1401, a device identifier, adjustment record, etc. Description of the same configuration as in FIG. 14 will be omitted. In this example, the adjustment information 1400 includes adjustment records 1403-1408 related to a device identifier 1402 and an adjustment record 1410 related to a device identifier 1409. Furthermore, no adjustment record is set below device identifiers 1411-1412 for which no adjustment information is registered. The device identifiers of devices for which no adjustment record is set may not be included in the adjustment record data 1400, for example.

[0118] <Processing on the operation record server> Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed based on the operation record server 114 in this embodiment receiving adjustment information 1400 transmitted from the information processing device 104. The processing in Fig. 16 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading the adjustment information management program 405 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. In other words, it can be said that the processing in Fig. 16 is executed by the adjustment information management program 405.

[0119] In S1501, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an existing adjustment result table including a device identifier that matches the device identifier of the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104. If the CPU 201 determines in S1501 that there is an existing adjustment result table, the process proceeds to S1504. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no existing adjustment result table, the process proceeds to S1502. The existing adjustment result table is the adjustment result table 1240 for each device identifier shown in FIG. 13(a) or the adjustment result table 1250 for each device identifier shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0120] In S1502, the CPU 201 creates a new adjustment result table. As the device identifier of the new adjustment result table, the device identifier of the adjustment result table 1400 received from the information processing device 104 is registered. In S1502, an adjustment result table is created for each new device identifier.

[0121] In S1503, the CPU 201 acquires and stores the model information. That is, S1503 can also be called a model information acquisition process. For example, the CPU 201 requests model information from the information processing device 104. The model information corresponding to the device identifier is acquired via the model acquisition program 307 of the information processing device 104. The CPU 201 registers the acquired model information in the model data table 1210. The process of S1503 may be realized, for example, by the CPU 201 expanding the model acquisition program 307 in the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0122] In S 1504 , the CPU 201 extracts one adjustment result from the adjustment information 1400 .

[0123] In S1505, CPU 201 determines whether there is an adjustment record with the same adjustment factor in the existing adjustment result table. If CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment record with the same adjustment factor, the process proceeds to S1506. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment record with the same adjustment factor, the process proceeds to S1508. In the process of S1505, CPU 201 determines whether there is an adjustment factor in adjustment result table 1240 that is the same as the adjustment factor of the adjustment result extracted from adjustment information 1400 in S1504. For example, if CPU 201 extracts adjustment result 1403 from adjustment information 1400, it searches for data in adjustment result table 1240 in which the adjustment factor is switching from paper B to paper A.

[0124] In S1506, CPU 201 adds the adjustment time. In the process of S1506, specifically, CPU 201 adds the adjustment time included in the adjustment result extracted in S1504 to the adjustment time of the adjustment result determined in S1505 to have the same adjustment factor. By the process of S1506, the total adjustment time in the adjustment result table for each device identifier shown in FIG. 13(a) or 13(b) is calculated.

[0125] In S1507, the CPU 201 increments the occurrence count by 1. In the process of S1507, specifically, the CPU 201 increments the occurrence count of adjustment results determined in S1505 to have the same adjustment result with the same adjustment factor by 1. By the process of S1507, the occurrence count of the adjustment result table for each device identifier shown in FIG. 13(a) or FIG. 13(b) is calculated.

[0126] In S1508, CPU 201 adds the adjustment result with the occurrence count set to 1. Specifically, CPU 201 adds a new column to the bottom of adjustment result data table 1240. This column stores adjustment factors such as paper information and color mode information, and the total adjustment time. Also, this column stores the occurrence count set to 1.

[0127] In S1509, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is any uncompared adjustment information in the received adjustment information 1400. If the CPU 201 determines that there is any uncompared adjustment information, the process proceeds to S1504. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no uncompared adjustment information, the process ends the process in Fig. 16. In the process of S1509, for example, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is any adjustment result that has not been registered in the existing adjustment result data table 1240, among the adjustment results included in the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104.

[0128] <Creating display data for adjustment results> Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the operation record server 114 creates data related to adjustment records to be displayed on the operation record display screens of Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 described below. The processing of Fig. 17 is started when the operation record server 114 receives a request to display data related to adjustment records from the information processing device 105. The processing of Fig. 17 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 expanding the adjustment information management program 405 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. In other words, it can be said that the processing of Fig. 17 is executed by the adjustment information management program 405.

[0129] In S1601, the CPU 201 acquires model information of a display device. The display device is an image forming device requested by the information processing device 105. In S1601, for example, the CPU 201 refers to a model data table 1210 stored in the database 115 or the like, and acquires a model identifier corresponding to the device identifier of the requested image forming device.

[0130] In S1602, the CPU 201 copies the adjustment result table of the display device to the adjustment result table for each model. In S1602, for example, the CPU 201 copies each of the data 1241 to 1244 of the adjustment result table 1240 for each device identifier of the requested image forming apparatus to the adjustment result table 1260 for each model.

[0131] In S1603, CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment result table for the same model as the display device. If CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment result table for the same model as the display device, the process proceeds to S1604. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment result table for the same model as the display device, the process proceeds to S1611. In the process of S1603, for example, CPU 201 refers to model data table 1210 and identifies a model identifier based on the device identifier of the requested image forming apparatus. CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment result table in which a device identifier matching the identified model identifier is stored.

[0132] In S1604, the CPU 201 selects an adjustment result table for the same model. In S1604, the CPU 201 selects an adjustment result table for each device identifier of the other image forming apparatus for other image forming apparatuses having the same model identifier as the model identifier of the requested image forming apparatus.

[0133] In S1605, the CPU 201 extracts one adjustment result from the adjustment result table selected in S1604.

[0134] In S1606, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record with the same adjustment factor in the adjustment record table for each model. If the CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment record with the same adjustment factor in the adjustment record table for each model, the process proceeds to S1607. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment record with the same adjustment factor in the adjustment record table for each model, the process proceeds to S1608. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment factor in the adjustment record table for each model 1260 that matches the adjustment factor included in the adjustment record extracted in S1605.

[0135] In S1607, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment time and the occurrence count. Specifically, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment time and the occurrence count of the adjustment factor determined to match the adjustment factor in S1606 to the adjustment result table for each model. This calculates the total adjustment time and the occurrence count in the adjustment result table for each model shown in FIG. 13(c) and FIG. 13(d).

[0136] In S1608, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment results to the adjustment results table for each model. For example, the CPU 201 adds a column to the bottom of the adjustment results table 1260, and adds adjustment factors such as paper information and color mode information, the total adjustment time, and the number of occurrences.

[0137] In S1609, the CPU 201 determines whether there is an uncompared adjustment result in the adjustment result table of the same model. If the CPU 201 determines that there is an uncompared adjustment result, the process proceeds to S1605. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no uncompared adjustment result, the process proceeds to S1610.

[0138] S1610 is the same as the process of S1603, so the description will be omitted. If the CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment result table for the same model as the display device, the process proceeds to S1604. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment result table for the same model as the display device, the process proceeds to S1611.

[0139] In S1611, CPU 201 extracts one adjustment result from adjustment result table for each model 1260. In S1611, one adjustment result is extracted from adjustment result table for each model 1260 in which all adjustment results of the same model identifier are reflected by the processes of S1601 to S1610. The process of S1611 extracts one adjustment result from adjustment result table 1260 in order to calculate an average adjustment time to be displayed on a display screen for data related to operation results in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, which will be described later.

[0140] In S1612, the CPU 201 calculates the average adjustment time. Specifically, the CPU 201 divides the total adjustment time 1262 of the adjustment results extracted in S1611 by the occurrence count 1263 to calculate the average adjustment time 1264. By the process of S1612, the average adjustment time of the adjustment result table for each model shown in Fig. 13(c) or (d) is calculated.

[0141] In S1613, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record for which the average adjustment time has not been calculated. If the CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment record for which the average adjustment time has not been calculated, the process proceeds to S1611. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment record for which the average adjustment time has not been calculated, the process proceeds to S1614. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record for which the average adjustment time 1264 has not been calculated in the adjustment record table 1260 for each model.

[0142] In S1614, the CPU 201 creates data for the information processing device 105 to display the adjustment factors in the adjustment result table 1260 for each model, and the adjustment times and average adjustment times corresponding to the adjustment factors. The CPU 201 transmits the created data to the information processing device 105. The data displayed on the information processing device 105 will be described later with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.

[0143] In S1615, the CPU 201 resets the contents of the adjustment result table 1260 for each model. Specifically, the CPU 201 deletes the data of the adjustment result table 1260 stored in the storage unit 211 or the like. After that, the CPU 201 ends the processing of FIG.

[0144] <Operation record display screen> 18 and 19 show an example of a display screen of data relating to adjustment results displayed on the display unit 210 of the information processing device 105. FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen on which data relating to adjustment results in which paper switching is an adjustment factor is displayed. FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen on which data relating to adjustment results in which color switching is an adjustment factor is displayed. These screens can be displayed, for example, by accessing a specified address with a web browser of the information processing device 105. Furthermore, these screens can display data relating to adjustment results collected by the operation result server 114. In other words, these screens can also be said to be screens displaying the operation results of the image forming device. Hereinafter, the screen displaying data relating to adjustment results will be referred to as an operation result display screen.

[0145] The operation record display screen 1700 is a screen that makes it possible to centrally display operation records such as data relating to adjustment records of multiple image forming devices included in the image forming system 102 that are registered from the information processing device 105. A method for registering multiple image forming devices from the information processing device 105 will be described later with reference to Fig. 20. The operation record display screen 1700 displays device selection buttons 1701-1704, adjustment factor selection buttons 1705-1706, a data display section 1707, etc.

[0146] The device selection buttons 1701 to 1704 are interfaces that accept the selection of an image forming device registered in the information processing device 105. Upon accepting that one of the device selection buttons 1701 to 1704 has been selected by a user operation, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 105 requests data on adjustment records of the selected image forming device from the server 114. Upon receiving this request, the operation record server 114 creates data on adjustment records by the process shown in FIG. 17 described above, and transmits the data to the information processing device 105.

[0147] Adjustment factor buttons 1705-1706 are interfaces for switching between the display of operation record display screen 1700 in FIG. 18 and the display of operation record display screen 1800 in FIG. 19. Furthermore, these buttons are highlighted when a selection is accepted by a user operation. In this example, it is shown that device selection button 1701 and adjustment factor selection button 1705 have been selected. Furthermore, in this example, adjustment factor selection button 1705 relating to paper switching has been selected by the user. As a result, for the image forming device selected by device selection button 1701 and image forming devices with the same model identifier, data relating to the adjustment record in which paper switching in these image forming devices is used as an adjustment factor is displayed in data display section 1707.

[0148] The data display section 1707 is an area for displaying data that is a compilation of the adjustment results of the image forming device selected using the device selection buttons 1701 to 1704 and the adjustment results of image forming devices of the same model as the image forming device that has received the selection. The data display section 1707 displays a pre-change paper name 1708, a post-change paper name 1709, a total adjustment time 1710, an average adjustment time 1711, and the like. The data displayed in the data display section 1707 corresponds to the values ​​in the adjustment results table 1260 for each model created by the processing in FIG. 17.

[0149] Fig. 19 shows an example of a screen displaying data on the adjustment results with color switching as the adjustment factor as described above. The same configuration as in Fig. 18 will not be described. In Fig. 19, an adjustment factor selection button 1806 is selected. As a result, data display section 1807 displays data that is a compilation of the adjustment results of the image forming device selected by device selection button 1801 and the adjustment results of image forming devices of the same model as the image forming device selected by device selection button 1801. In addition, each value of pre-change color mode 1808, post-change color mode 1809, total adjustment time 1810, and average adjustment time 1811 of adjustment results 1707, which are data displayed in data display section 1807, corresponds to the values ​​of adjustment results table 1270 for each model created by the process of Fig. 17.

[0150] <Registration screen for image forming devices to be managed> 20 shows an apparatus registration screen for registering an image forming apparatus to be managed by the information processing apparatus 104 for its operation record. The apparatus registration screen 1900 may be displayed, for example, on the information processing apparatus 104 or on the information processing apparatus 105. The apparatus registration screen 1900 may be displayed, for example, by accessing a specified address with a web browser.

[0151] A device management screen display button 1901 is displayed on the device registration screen 1900. The device management screen display button 1901 is a button for displaying a screen for registering an image forming device included in the image forming system 102 to be managed. When the device management screen display button 1901 is selected by a user operation, a screen for selecting an image forming device to be managed is displayed on the device management display unit 1902. Other buttons for displaying various setting screens may also be displayed.

[0152] A search button 1903 is a button for executing a search for an image forming device. An IP address range designation area 1904 is an interface for designating a search range for an image forming device. The search button 1903 becomes selectable when an IP address is input in the IP address range designation area 1904. When the search button 1903 is pressed by a user, a process is executed for searching for image forming devices that can be registered in the range of IPs designated in the IP address range designation area 1904.

[0153] The search result display area 1905 is an area for displaying image forming devices that can be registered. Information 1906-1907 of the image forming devices displayed as search results are buttons that can accept user operations. The selected device detail display area 1908 is an area for displaying information of the image forming device corresponding to the button 1906-1907 selected by the user. The selected device detail display area 1908 has a register button 1909. The user can register the image forming device as a management target by pressing the register button 1909. When the user presses the register button 1909, the device identifier and IP of the image forming device are registered in the device data table 1200 described above.

[0154] As a method of searching for an image forming apparatus, for example, CPU 201 acquires information on image forming system 102 using SNMP or the like, and judges whether or not the image forming apparatus is supported by operation record collection system 103. If the image forming apparatus is not a supported model or if the information cannot be acquired, information on the image forming apparatus corresponding to buttons 1906-1907 selected by the user is not displayed in search result display area 1905.

[0155] As described above, according to this embodiment, each of the multiple image forming apparatuses measures the adjustment time when an adjustment occurs with a change in print settings such as paper and color mode. The operation history server 114 collects the switching time corresponding to the change in print settings from each of the multiple image forming apparatuses via the information processing device 104, and accumulates it as data for each image forming apparatus. The operation history server 114 receives a request for displaying data related to the adjustment history of the image forming apparatus from the information processing device 105. The operation history server 114 creates adjustment history data for each model by aggregating the adjustment history of the image forming apparatus that received the request and the adjustment history of image forming apparatuses of the same model as the image forming apparatus. The user can check this data related to the adjustment history for each model from the information processing device 105. The data related to the adjustment history for each model displays the adjustment time corresponding to the change in print settings such as paper and color mode. With this configuration, the user can grasp which model of image forming apparatus to use in order to efficiently print the data he or she wants to print. In other words, the user can select an apparatus that can print efficiently from multiple image forming apparatuses. In addition, even if a specific image forming apparatus does not have a history of adjustment, an image forming apparatus of the same model as the image forming apparatus may have a history of adjustment. If an image forming apparatus of the same model has a history of adjustment, the user can know before printing whether or not an adjustment time will be required. Therefore, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0156] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a device selection button for each image forming device is displayed on the screen displaying data related to the adjustment results. Upon receiving a request for displaying data related to the adjustment results from the information processing device 105, the operation result server 114 tallies the adjustment results of the requested image forming device and the adjustment results of the same model identifier as that image forming device, and displays the adjustment factors and the total and average adjustment times corresponding to the adjustment factors.

[0157] In the second embodiment, the screen displaying data on adjustment results has an interface for selecting all image forming devices and an interface for selecting a model for displaying data on operation results. In this embodiment, a process for displaying adjustment factors for each model and the total and average adjustment times corresponding to the adjustment factors when these interfaces are selected is described. Also, in this embodiment, the operation results server 114 does not store adjustment results for each image forming device, but stores adjustment results for each model.

[0158] <Process of registering adjustment information acquired by the operation record server from the information processing device> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed based on the operation record server 114 receiving the adjustment information 1400 from the information processing device 104 in this embodiment. The process of FIG. 21 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 expanding the adjustment information management program 405 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. That is, the process of FIG. 21 can be said to be executed by the adjustment information management program 405. Note that the processes of S2002, S2006, and S2011 in FIG. 21 are similar to the processes of S1503, S1504, and S1509 in FIG. 16, so their description will be omitted. In the following description, the adjustment record with the change of paper as the adjustment factor and the adjustment record table 1260 for each model may be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the same applies to the adjustment record with the change of color mode as the adjustment factor and the adjustment record table 1270 for each model.

[0159] In S2001, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the device identifier included in the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104 is known. If the CPU 201 determines that the device identifier is known, the process proceeds to S2003. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the device identifier is unknown, the process proceeds to S2002. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the device identifier included in the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104 is registered in the model data table 1210.

[0160] In S2003, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record table for each model that matches the model of the device identifier included in the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104. If the CPU 201 determines that there is a matching adjustment record table for each model, the process proceeds to S2004. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is no matching adjustment record table for each model, the process proceeds to S2005. Specifically, the CPU 201 acquires a model identifier corresponding to the device identifier included in the adjustment information 1400 received from the information processing device 104 from the model data table 1210. Furthermore, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the adjustment record table for each model 1260 in which a model identifier matching the acquired model identifier is registered is stored in the storage unit 211 of the operation record server 114.

[0161] In S2004, the CPU 201 initializes the average adjustment time stored in the adjustment result table 1260. Specifically, the CPU 201 sets the average adjustment time stored in the adjustment result table 1260 to 0 seconds.

[0162] In S2005, CPU 201 creates a new adjustment result table for each model. CPU 201 registers the model identifier used in the determination in S2003 as the model identifier of the newly created adjustment result table for each model. That is, CPU 201 registers the model identifier for which it is determined in the process of S2003 that there is no matching adjustment result table as the model identifier of the newly created adjustment result table for each model.

[0163] In S2007, the CPU 201 judges whether or not there is an adjustment record for the same adjustment factor in the existing result data table 1260. If the CPU 201 judges that there is an adjustment record for the same adjustment factor in the existing result data table 1260, the process proceeds to S2008. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 judges that there is no adjustment record for the same adjustment factor in the existing result data table 1260, the process proceeds to S2010. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to the adjustment record table 1260 for each model stored in the storage unit 211. The CPU 201 judges whether or not the adjustment record table for each model referred to includes the same adjustment factor as the adjustment record extracted in S2006. For example, the CPU 201 judges whether or not there is an adjustment record with a matching combination of the pre-change paper name and the post-change paper name.

[0164] In S2008, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment time. Specifically, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment time to the total adjustment time 1262 of the adjustment results in the existing adjustment result data table 1260, which is determined to have an adjustment result for the same adjustment factor in S2007. The adjustment time to be added is the adjustment time included in the adjustment result extracted in S2006.

[0165] In S2007, the CPU 201 increments the occurrence count by 1. For example, the CPU 201 increments the occurrence count 1263 of the existing adjustment result table 1260 in S2007.

[0166] In S2008, the CPU 201 adds the adjustment result with the occurrence count set to 1. For example, the CPU 201 adds a new column to the bottom of the adjustment result table 1260 for each model. In this column, adjustment factors such as paper information and the total adjustment time corresponding to the adjustment factor are stored, and the occurrence count is stored as 1.

[0167] <Calculation process of average adjustment time of adjustment result data> Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a process when the operation record server 114 calculates the average adjustment time 1264 of the adjustment record table 1260 stored in the storage unit 211. In Fig. 22, as described later in Fig. 23, the process is started based on the operation record server 114 receiving a request for calculating the average adjustment time from the information processing device 105. The process of Fig. 22 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading the adjustment information management program 405 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. That is, it can be said that the process of Fig. 22 is executed by the adjustment information management program 405. Note that the processes of S2102, S2103, and S2105 in Fig. 22 are similar to the processes of S1611, S1612, and S1614 in Fig. 17, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0168] In S2101, CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record table for a model for which calculation of the average adjustment time has been requested from information processing device 105. If CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment record table for the requested model, it proceeds to S2102. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment record table for the requested model, it ends the processing of Fig. 22. Specifically, CPU 201 determines whether or not an adjustment record table for each model in which the model identifier of the image forming device that accepted the request from information processing device 105 is registered is stored in storage unit 211 of operation record server 114.

[0169] In S2104, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is an adjustment record for which the average adjustment time 1264 has not been calculated in the adjustment record table for each model. If the CPU 201 determines that there is no adjustment record for which the average adjustment time has not been calculated, the process proceeds to S2105. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is an adjustment record for which the average adjustment time has not been calculated, the process proceeds to S2102.

[0170] <Adjustment results list display screen> By accessing a specified address with the web browser of the information processing device 105, the data collected by the operation record collecting server 114 can be displayed on the display unit. FIGS. 23 and 24 are schematic diagrams of a display screen of data related to adjustment records displayed on the display unit 210 of the information processing device 105 in this embodiment. In the following description, the description of the configuration overlapping with FIGS. 18 and 19 is omitted. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a display screen of data related to adjustment records in this embodiment, in which the adjustment factor is paper switching. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a display screen of data related to adjustment records in this embodiment, in which the adjustment factor is color mode switching. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in FIGS. 18 and 19 is omitted. In addition, the screen in FIG. 23 will be described as an example, and the description of FIG. 24 will be omitted for the configuration overlapping with FIG. 23.

[0171] The operation record list display screen 2200 in this embodiment is a screen that enables data on the operation records of all registered image forming devices to be centrally displayed. On the operation record list display screen 2200 in this embodiment, an interface for displaying data on the adjustment records of all registered image forming devices is displayed as an All Device button 2201.

[0172] In this embodiment, an interface for selecting a model of an image forming apparatus is displayed as a model selection button 2209. The model selection button 2209 allows the user to select a model identifier to be specified from a drop-down list, for example. For the image forming apparatus of the model selected by the user from the model selection button 2209, adjustment information in which paper switching is used as an adjustment factor is displayed in adjustment record 2208.

[0173] The adjustment result display section 2208 is an area for displaying data relating to the adjustment results of the image forming apparatus that matches the model 2209 selected by the user from the model selection button 2209. The adjustment result display section 2208 displays data such as a pre-change paper name 2210, a post-change paper name 2211, a total adjustment time 2212, and an average adjustment time 2213. These data correspond to values ​​in the adjustment result table for each model.

[0174] The information processing device 105 receives, for example, that the All Device button 2201 has been pressed by the user. Furthermore, when the information processing device 105 receives that a model identifier has been selected from the model selection button 2209, it requests data relating to adjustment results including the selected model identifier from the server 114. Based on receiving the request from the information processing device 105, the server 114 executes the process of Fig. 22 described above. The information processing device 105 receives the data created by the operation result server 114 in S2105 of Fig. 22, and displays the above-mentioned operation result data in the adjustment result display unit 2208.

[0175] As described above, in this embodiment, the screen displaying data on the adjustment results of the image forming devices includes an interface for selecting all image forming devices and an interface for selecting the model of the image forming device, so that the user can selectively check the data on the adjustment results of the image forming device of the model that he / she wants to display from among multiple image forming devices on the screen displaying data on the adjustment results of the image forming devices.

[0176] <Third embodiment> The following describes configurations different from the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, a screen that displays data related to adjustment results of an image forming device in an information processing device is described. In this embodiment, a screen that is displayed in an information processing device when a print job is executed is described.

[0177] <Software configuration of operational servers> FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the operation record server 114 in this embodiment. Note that explanations of the same configuration as in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 are omitted. The operation record server 114 in this embodiment has a workflow program 2406. The workflow program 2406 is, for example, a program that accepts a print job from an information processing device, sets a print job for outputting print data, etc., and instructs an image forming device to print the print job. The workflow program 2406 also has a function of selecting an image forming device to which a print job is to be instructed when setting a print job. Note that, in this example, the workflow program 2406 is a program of the operation record server 114, but is not limited to this. For example, another information processing device may have a function similar to that of the workflow program.

[0178] <Creating a change proposal message in an information processing device> FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the operation history server 114. The process of FIG. 26 is started, for example, when the user selects an image forming device that executes a print job on a screen shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later. The process of FIG. 26 is executed, for example, when the print job is reserved in the operation history server 114. The state in which the print job is reserved in the operation history server 114 is, in other words, a state in which the operation history server 114 is waiting for the print job. The process of FIG. 26 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the operation history server 114 expanding the workflow program 2406 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. That is, it can be said that the process of FIG. 26 is executed by the workflow program 2406.

[0179] In S2501, the CPU 201 judges whether or not there is an adjustment result table in which all the average adjustment times are initialized. If the CPU 201 judges that there is an adjustment result table in which all the average adjustment times are initialized, the process proceeds to S2502. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 judges that there is no adjustment result table in which all the average adjustment times are initialized, the process proceeds to S2503. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to an adjustment result table for each model stored in the storage unit 211 of the operation result server 114. The CPU 201 refers to an adjustment result table for each model that matches the model information of the image forming apparatus selected on the print job execution screen of FIG. 27, which will be described later. The adjustment result table for each model referred to here is, for example, an adjustment result table for each model created by the process of FIG. 21. The CPU 201 judges whether or not the average adjustment time of the adjustment result table for each model has been calculated.

[0180] The process of S2502 is similar to the process of S2103 in FIG. 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0181] In S2503, CPU 201 extracts the combination of paper changes and the number of occurrences from the print data. Note that in S2503, CPU 201 may also extract the combination of color changes and the number of occurrences from the print data. Specifically, CPU 201 acquires print data of a print job selected by a user on a print job execution screen in FIG. 27, which will be described later, from information processing device 105. CPU 201 extracts the combination of paper changes and the number of occurrences from the acquired print data.

[0182] In S2504, CPU 201 calculates a predicted adjustment time using the average adjustment time. Specifically, CPU 201 calculates a predicted adjustment time for each model of image forming device using the average adjustment time in the adjustment result table for each model and the combination and occurrence count of paper changes extracted from the print data in S2503. The predicted adjustment time is, in other words, a predicted switching time required to switch print operations.

[0183] In S2505, CPU 201 determines whether there is an image forming apparatus of a model having a shorter predicted adjustment time than the image forming apparatus selected by the user. If CPU 201 determines that there is an image forming apparatus of a model having a shorter predicted adjustment time, the process proceeds to S2506. On the other hand, if CPU 201 determines that there is no model having a shorter predicted adjustment time, the process ends in FIG. 26. CPU 201, for example, also refers to the adjustment result table for each other model and performs the same process as S2503 to S2504. That is, CPU 201 calculates the predicted adjustment time based on the adjustment result table for each other model and the print data. CPU 201 compares the predicted adjustment time in the adjustment result table for each model of the selected image forming apparatus with the predicted adjustment time in the adjustment result table for each other model, and performs the above-mentioned determination.

[0184] In S2506, the CPU 201 creates a message to be displayed as a proposal to change the image forming apparatus that executes the print job. The message will be described later with reference to Fig. 27. The CPU 201 also transmits data of the created message to the information processing apparatus 105.

[0185] <Print job execution screen> By accessing a specified address using a web browser on the information processing device 105, job information registered in the workflow program 2406 can be displayed on the display unit 210. Fig. 27 shows a schematic diagram of a job information display screen for issuing a print instruction for a job registered in the workflow program 2406.

[0186] A job information display screen 2600 is a screen that allows for the centralized display of all job information registered in the workflow program 2406. Furthermore, image forming devices registered as image forming devices capable of executing a print job are displayed in device display sections 2601 to 2604, respectively. For example, a user can select an image forming device from the device display sections 2601 to 2604 to choose a device that will execute a print job.

[0187] The job list section 2607 is an area for displaying information about print jobs for which a print instruction can be accepted. The job list section 2607 displays a list of print jobs. The job list section 2607 displays, for example, a job name 2608 which is an identifier of the print job, the number of copies of the job to be printed 2609, a device identifier 2610 of the image forming apparatus which executes the print job, and notification information 2611 which notifies the user that there is information about the job. The print job includes, for example, print data related to paper switching, color mode switching, and the number of times of switching. The user can select a print job displayed in the job list section 2607. That is, the job list section 2607 can be said to be a data selection section for selecting print data to be printed. The print job selected by the user here is highlighted, for example, as job 2612.

[0188] A print button 2605 is a button for issuing a print instruction to an image forming apparatus. For example, when a print job such as job 2612 is highlighted, the user can press the print button 2605 to instruct the image forming apparatus to execute the selected print job.

[0189] Edit button 2606 is a button for editing the settings of a print job. For example, when a print job such as job 2612 is highlighted, the user can press edit button 2606 to display a screen (not shown) on which the number of copies 2609 of the job, the image forming device 2610 for printing, and the like can be edited.

[0190] The information button 2614 is a button that is displayed when there is a proposal to change the settings of the print job. The information button 2614 is displayed based on the process of S2506 in FIG. 26 described above. When the information button 2614 is pressed by the user, a device change proposal dialog 2615 is displayed on the display screen 2600 of the job information. The device change proposal dialog 2615 displays a proposal message and the like. The proposal message is a message that informs the user that there is an image forming device that can shorten the adjustment time. The proposal message is also a message that asks the user whether to change the image forming device selected by the user from the device selection buttons 2601 to 2604 to an image forming device of a model that can shorten the adjustment time. When the user applies the image forming device that can shorten the adjustment time displayed in the proposal message to the job settings, the user can change the job settings by pressing an OK button 2617. In addition, the display of the image forming device 2610 in the job list 2607 is also changed based on the user pressing the OK button 2617. If the user does not want to apply the proposal in the device change proposal dialog 2615, the user can close the device change proposal dialog 2615 without changing the job settings by pressing a cancel button 2616. Note that the configuration displayed on the job information display screen 2600 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may include other configurations.

[0191] In the above, in this embodiment, the screen related to the print job has been described. When the image forming device used in the print job is selected by the user on the screen, the operation history server 114 executes calculation of the predicted adjustment time based on the adjustment result data collected by the operation history server 114 and the print data included in the print job. In addition, the operation history server 114 compares the predicted adjustment time of the image forming device selected by the user with the predicted adjustment time of other image forming devices. When there is an image forming device with a shorter predicted adjustment time than the predicted adjustment time of the image forming device selected by the user, the operation history server 114 creates a proposal message that proposes the image forming device with the shorter predicted adjustment time on the screen related to the print job. The proposal message created by the operation history server 114 is displayed on the screen related to the print job of the information processing device 105. By displaying the proposal message that proposes the image forming device with the shorter predicted adjustment time in this way, the convenience when the user selects an image forming device capable of efficient printing from multiple image forming devices can be further improved.

[0192] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0193] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following system, display system, method, and program. (Item 1) A system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus, Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: A printing means for executing printing based on the print data; a measuring means for measuring a switching time required for switching a printing operation by the printing means which occurs in response to a change in print settings, and a transmitting means for transmitting the switching time measured by the measuring means in response to the change in print settings and information on the image forming device to the information processing device, The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from each of the plurality of image forming devices, the switching time measured by the measuring unit in response to the change in the print setting and information about the image forming device; a generating means for generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time measured by the measuring means in response to the change in print setting received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device; A display means for displaying the data generated by the generation means. A system characterized by: (Item 2) The information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing model information corresponding to information of each of the plurality of image forming devices; and a model information acquisition means for acquiring model information of the image forming device corresponding to the image forming device from the storage means based on the information of the image forming device received by the receiving means when the switching time measured by the measurement means in response to the change in the print setting and information of the image forming device are received by the receiving means, 2. The system according to item 1, wherein the generating means generates the data based on the model information acquired by the model information acquiring means. (Item 3) The information processing device includes: a first calculation means for calculating, for each model of the image forming device, a number of occurrences of the print setting changes and a total of the switching times measured by the measurement means in response to the changes in the print settings, based on the switching times measured by the measurement means in response to the changes in the print settings received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device, and for calculating an average of the switching times, based on the number of occurrences of the print setting changes and the total of the switching times; The generating means includes: The system described in item 2, characterized in that the data is generated representing the sum of the switching times and the average of the switching times calculated by the first calculation means corresponding to changes in print settings for each model of the image forming device. (Item 4) the information on the image forming device is an identifier of the image forming device, 4. The system according to item 2 or 3, wherein the model information is an identifier for a model of the image forming device. (Item 5) The information processing device includes: A data selection means for selecting print data to be printed; an apparatus selection means for selecting, from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on the print data selected by the data selection means; The system described in item 3 further comprises a second calculation means for calculating a first predicted switching time required for switching the printing operation by the printing means selected by the device selection means that occurs in conjunction with a change in print settings when printing of the print data is executed, based on the print data selected by the data selection means and the result calculated by the first calculation means. (Item 6) a third calculation means for calculating a second predicted switching time for an image forming device other than the image forming device selected by said device selection means, based on a result calculated by said first calculation means for each model of the image forming device and a print setting corresponding to the print data selected by said data selection means; The system described in item 5, further comprising: a suggestion means for proposing a model of an image forming device corresponding to the second predicted switching time calculated by the third calculation means when the second predicted switching time calculated by the second calculation means is shorter than the first predicted switching time calculated by the second calculation means. (Item 7) 7. The system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the display means displays the data for each of the print settings. (Item 8) 8. The system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the print settings are settings related to a recording medium on which printing is performed based on the print data. (Item 9) 9. The system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the switching of the printing operation is a switching of a temperature at which a recording material is fixed to the recording medium. (Item 10) 10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the switching of the printing operation is switching of the printing speed. (Item 11) 11. The system according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the print settings are settings related to colors printed by the printing means. (Item 12) a receiving means for receiving, from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a switching time measured by the image forming apparatus in response to a change in print setting and information about the image forming apparatus; a generating means for generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time measured by the image forming device in response to the change in print setting received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device; A display means for displaying the data generated by the generation means. A display system comprising: (Item 13) Item 13. The display system according to item 12, wherein the display system is a server. (Item 14) The display system includes a server and a terminal device; The server includes the receiving means and the generating means, The terminal device includes the display means. 13. The display system according to item 12, (Item 15) A method executed in a system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus, comprising: Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: a printing process for executing printing based on the print data; a measuring step of measuring a switching time required for switching a printing operation by the printing step caused by a change in print setting; and a transmitting step of transmitting the switching time measured by the measuring step in response to the change in print setting and information on the image forming device to the information processing device; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a receiving step of receiving, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the switching time measured in the measuring step in response to the change in the print setting and information about the image forming apparatus; a generating step of generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time corresponding to the change in print setting received in the receiving step and measured in the measuring step and on information about the image forming device; A display step of displaying the data generated by the generation step. A method comprising: (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the display system described in item 12.

[0194] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 102 image forming system, 103 operation record collection system, 104 information processing device, 105 information processing device, 106 image forming device, 114 operation record server, 201 CPU, 202 RAM, 203 ROM, 505 control unit, 503 printer unit

Claims

1. A system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus, Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: A printing means for executing printing based on the print data; a measuring means for measuring a switching time required for switching a printing operation by the printing means which occurs in response to a change in print settings, and a transmitting means for transmitting the switching time measured by the measuring means in response to the change in print settings and information on the image forming device to the information processing device, The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the switching time measured by the measuring unit in response to the change in the print setting and information about the image forming apparatus; a generating means for generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time measured by the measuring means in response to the change in print setting received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device; A display means for displaying the data generated by the generation means. A system characterized by:

2. The information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing model information corresponding to information of each of the plurality of image forming devices; and a model information acquisition means for acquiring model information of the image forming device corresponding to the image forming device from the storage means based on the information of the image forming device received by the receiving means when the switching time measured by the measurement means in response to the change in the print setting and information of the image forming device are received by the receiving means, 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said generating means generates said data based on said model information acquired by said model information acquiring means.

3. The information processing device includes: a first calculation means for calculating, for each model of the image forming device, a number of occurrences of the print setting changes and a total of the switching times measured by the measurement means in response to the changes in the print settings, based on the switching times measured by the measurement means in response to the changes in the print settings received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device, and for calculating an average of the switching times, based on the number of occurrences of the print setting changes and the total switching times; The generating means includes: The system according to claim 2, further comprising: generating the data representing the sum of the switching times and the average of the switching times calculated by the first calculation means corresponding to changes in print settings for each model of the image forming device.

4. the information on the image forming device is an identifier of the image forming device, The system of claim 2 , wherein the model information is an identifier for a model of an imaging device.

5. The information processing device includes: A data selection means for selecting print data to be printed; an apparatus selection means for selecting, from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus that executes printing based on the print data selected by the data selection means; The system according to claim 3, further comprising: a second calculation means for calculating a first predicted switching time required for switching the printing operation by the printing means selected by the device selection means that occurs in conjunction with a change in print settings when printing of the print data is executed, based on the print data selected by the data selection means and the result calculated by the first calculation means.

6. a third calculation means for calculating a second predicted switching time for an image forming device other than the image forming device selected by the device selection means, based on a result calculated by the first calculation means for each model of the image forming device and a print setting corresponding to the print data selected by the data selection means; The system according to claim 5, further comprising: a suggestion means for proposing a model of an image forming device corresponding to the second predicted switching time calculated by the third calculation means when the second predicted switching time calculated by the second calculation means is shorter than the first predicted switching time calculated by the second calculation means.

7. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays said data for each of said print settings.

8. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the print settings are settings relating to a recording medium on which printing is performed based on the print data.

9. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the switching of the printing operation is a switching of a temperature at which a recording material is fixed to the recording medium.

10. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the switching of the printing operation is a switching of the printing speed.

11. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the print settings relate to colors printed by the printing means.

12. a receiving means for receiving, from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a switching time measured by the image forming apparatus in response to a change in print setting and information about the image forming apparatus; a generating means for generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time measured by the image forming device in response to the change in print setting received by the receiving means and information on the image forming device; A display means for displaying the data generated by the generation means. A display system comprising:

13. The display system of claim 12 , wherein the display system is a server.

14. The display system includes a server and a terminal device; The server includes the receiving means and the generating means, The terminal device includes the display means.

13. The display system of claim 12.

15. A method executed in a system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus, comprising: Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: a printing process for executing printing based on the print data; a measuring step of measuring a switching time required for switching a printing operation by the printing step caused by a change in print setting; and a transmitting step of transmitting the switching time measured by the measuring step in response to the change in print setting and information on the image forming device to the information processing device; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a receiving step of receiving, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the switching time measured in the measuring step in response to the change in the print setting and information about the image forming apparatus; a generating step of generating data representing a switching time corresponding to a change in print setting for each model of the image forming device based on the switching time corresponding to the change in print setting received in the receiving step and measured in the measuring step and on information about the image forming device; A display step of displaying the data generated by the generation step. A method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the display system according to claim 12.

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