Data utilization system, data utilization device, data utilization method and program

Abstract

To properly determine a printer to be introduced to a printing organization.SOLUTION: A data utilization system for utilizing data acquired from a printer comprises a computer for utilizing the data acquired from the printer. The computer executes: history data acquisition processing for acquiring printing history data of a printer during use which is used in a printing organization; printing capability derivation processing for deriving printing capability of the printing organization on the basis of the printing history data; utilization prediction derivation processing for deriving utilization prediction which is printing capability in the printing organization when an introduction candidate printer whose model is different from that of the printer during use is introduced in the printing organization; and introduction printer determination processing for determining an introduction printer which is a printer suitable for introduction into the printing organization. In the utilization prediction derivation processing, the utilization prediction is derived with respect to multiple models of introduction candidate printers, and in the introduction printer determination processing, on the basis of the utilization prediction, the introduction printer is determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, printing devices with various performance capabilities have come into widespread use. Therefore, when a user wishes to introduce a printing device, it is usually necessary to select a printing device suited to the intended use, etc., from among printing devices with various performance capabilities. In addition, in the past, a method for allowing a user to easily select a product in product sales on the Internet has been known in which a plurality of intended use items related to the product are displayed, a product is searched for based on at least one intended use selected from the items, and information on a product having specifications corresponding to the selected intended use is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-350791 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When introducing a printing device by purchasing a new one or replacing it, the user decides on the model of the printing device to be introduced, for example, based on empirical rules related to printing performed in the past. For example, when introducing a printing device for business use, the user refers to the results of comparing the features, performance, and cost of candidate printing devices and mainly decides on the printing device to be introduced based on empirical rules. In this case, the purpose of use of the printing device may also be decided, for example, based on empirical rules. However, when deciding on a printing device to be introduced in this way, it is usually difficult to judge whether the printing device is suitable for the expected printing contents and utilization situation. More specifically, for example, even if the operating status of the printing device is simply referred to, it is usually difficult to know whether the printing device is being utilized to its maximum. In addition, for example, when an over-specified printing device that has higher performance than the required performance is introduced, it is usually difficult to notice that it is over-specified. In addition, when the same printing contents are executed on a printing device of a different model (other model) from the actually introduced printing device, it is usually difficult to obtain data for comparison. Furthermore, even if other implementation examples are used as reference, the printing contents are usually different in the other implementation examples, so that a decision based only on operational rules of thumb is not necessarily a decision that can be expected to improve productivity (efficiency). Therefore, in the past, it has been desired to determine the printing device to be introduced in a more appropriate manner. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a data utilization system, a data utilization device, a data utilization method, and a program that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into a method for determining which printing device to introduce into a printing organization, which is an organization that performs printing using printing devices. They have come up with the idea of ​​determining which printing device to introduce by referring to the history of printing performed by printing devices already used in the printing organization. In this case, rather than simply referring to the printing history, they have come up with the idea of ​​deriving an operational prediction regarding the printing capacity of the printing organization when a candidate printing device is introduced into the printing device, and deciding which printing device to introduce based on the operational prediction. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine which printing device to introduce into the printing organization.

[0006] Furthermore, the inventor of the present application has further studied diligently and found the features necessary to obtain such effects, and has arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a data utilization system that utilizes data acquired from a printing device in a printing organization that executes printing using a printing device, the system comprising a computer that utilizes data acquired from the printing device, the computer including a history data acquisition process that acquires print history data indicating a history of printing previously performed on a busy printing device that is the printing device used by the printing organization, and a process that derives a printing capability that can be operated in the printing organization, and a printing capability derivation process that derives the printing capability based on the print history data acquired in the history data acquisition process. the printing organization when a candidate printing device for introduction, which is a printing device of a model different from the printing device in use, is introduced into the printing organization; and an introduction printing device determination process for determining an introduction printing device, which is a printing device suitable for introduction into the printing organization, are performed; in the operation prediction derivation process, the operation predictions are derived for a plurality of models of the candidate printing device for introduction, and in the introduction printing device determination process, the introduction printing device is determined from among the plurality of models of printing devices including the candidate printing device for introduction based on the operation prediction.

[0007] When configured in this way, for example, in the printing capacity derivation process, the printing capacity that can be operated in the printing organization can be appropriately derived based on the printing history data. Then, in the operation prediction derivation process, an operation prediction corresponding to the printing capacity when a candidate printing device of a model different from the printing device in use is introduced is derived, and in the introduction printing device determination process, a printing device to be introduced is determined from among multiple models of candidate printing devices based on the operation prediction, so that, for example, a printing device to be introduced in the printing organization can be more appropriately determined. In the operation prediction derivation process, for example, the operation prediction is derived based on the printing capacity derived in the printing capacity derivation process. In this case, in the operation prediction derivation process, for example, the operation prediction is derived using the same printing conditions as those used to derive the printing capacity in the printing capacity derivation process. By configuring in this way, for example, the operation prediction can be more appropriately derived.

[0008] In this configuration, the printing history data can be considered to be, for example, data related to the past operation of the printing device. As the printing history data, for example, data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, printing length, printing time, printing data, printing mode, ink purchase history, media purchase history, ink ejection amount, printing area, resolution, printing media, error content, maintenance count, and printing cost can be used. By using such printing history data, for example, in the printing capability derivation process, the printing capability can be more appropriately derived. Furthermore, the printing capability indicates, for example, at least one of the printing area per unit time, printing length per unit time, time required for a specific print, printing speed, ink ejection amount used for a specific print, printing media, productivity, image quality, and color. By considering such printing capabilities, for example, in the introduction printing device determination process, the introduction printing device can be more appropriately determined.

[0009] In addition, in the introduced printing device determination process, for example, it is considered that the introduced printing device is determined by further considering the planned printing contents, which are the contents of printing planned to be performed in the printing organization. With this configuration, for example, in the introduced printing device determination process, it is possible to more appropriately determine the introduced printing device. As the planned printing contents, for example, it is possible to consider at least one of the desired delivery date, the number of prints, and other requests. As the other requests, for example, it is possible to consider at least one of the color tone, various comments, and special circumstances and requests. In addition, in the operation prediction derivation process, for example, it is possible to perform a simulation using the reference print data. In this case, in the operation prediction derivation process, it is possible to predict, as the operation prediction, at least one of the print area per unit time, the print length per unit time, the time required for a specific print, the print speed, and the ink ejection amount used for a specific print by this simulation. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately derive an operation prediction that is useful in the introduced printing device determination process.

[0010] In addition, in the printing organization, for example, it is also conceivable to further execute a pre-process or post-process of the printing process executed by the printing device. In this case, the pre-process and post-process can be considered as, for example, a pre-process or post-process executed before or after the printing process executed by the printing device. In this case, it is preferable to determine the printing device to be introduced in the introduction printing device determination process by further considering at least one of the capabilities of the pre-process or post-process device that is the device used in the pre-process or post-process and the connectivity between the pre-process or post-process device and the printing device. In this configuration, for example, the introduction printing device can be more appropriately determined in the introduction printing device determination process. In addition, in this configuration, the printing organization uses the printing device in relation to, for example, business. In this case, it is conceivable to determine the introduction printing device in the introduction printing device determination process by further considering at least one of the number of employees belonging to the printing organization and the working hours of the employees. In this configuration, for example, the introduction printing device can be more appropriately determined in the introduction printing device determination process. In addition, in the introduction printing device determination process, it is conceivable to determine the introduction printing device by further considering, for example, the installation location where the introduction candidate printing device is installed and the size of the introduction candidate printing device. With this configuration, for example, the printing device to be introduced can be more appropriately determined in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced.

[0011] Also, the history data acquisition process may be, for example, a process of acquiring the print history data by a management organization that manages the printing organization. With this configuration, for example, the print history data can be appropriately used and managed. Also, with this, for example, the print history data acquired can be appropriately used to derive the printing capacity. More specifically, in this configuration, the printing organization is, for example, a franchisee in a franchise organization that provides a print output service. Also, the management organization is, for example, a franchisor in a franchise organization. In this case, for example, the print history data in the franchisee that is the printing organization is acquired by the franchisor that is the management organization. With this configuration, for example, the print history data can be appropriately used to derive the printing capacity of the franchisee. Also, the history data acquisition process may be a process of acquiring the print history data by a person other than the management organization for the printing organization. For example, the history data acquisition process may be a process of acquiring the print history data by a seller that sells a printing device to the printing organization. Even with this configuration, for example, the introduced printing device can be more appropriately determined in the introduced printing device determination process. In this case, for example, it is also possible that the seller of the printing device proposes candidate printing devices to the printing organization. With this configuration, for example, when the printing organization introduces a new printing device or replaces it, the results of the decision made in the process to decide on the printing device to be introduced can be effectively used.

[0012] Depending on the results of the operation prediction derived in the operation prediction derivation process, it may be optimal to introduce again or additionally a printing device of the same model as the printing device currently in use. In such a case, in the introduced printing device determination process, for example, a printing device of the same model as the printing device currently in use may be determined as the printing device to be introduced. In addition, in this case, in the introduced printing device determination process, for example, the introduced printing device is determined from among multiple models of candidate printing devices and a printing device of the same model as the printing device currently in use. By configuring in this way, for example, in the introduced printing device determination process, the introduced printing device can be more appropriately determined. In addition, as the configuration of the present invention, for example, a data utilization device, a data utilization method, a program, etc. having the same characteristics as those described above can also be considered. In these cases, for example, the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to appropriately determine the printing device to be introduced into a printing organization. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14. Fig. 2A shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12. Fig. 2B shows an example of the configuration of the printing organization 14. [Diagram 3] 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation that uses data acquired from the printing device 124. Fig. 3A is a flowchart showing an example of an operation that uses data acquired from the printing device 124. Fig. 3B shows a modified example of the configuration of the printing base 112. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using a printing device (printer), and includes a management organization 12 and multiple printing organizations 14. The management organization 12 can be considered, for example, as an organization that manages the printing organizations 14. The printing organizations 14 can be considered, for example, as an organization that performs printing using the printing devices. Except for the points described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems. In addition, in this example, the printing system 10 is a franchise organization in which the management organization 12 is the franchisor (headquarters) and the printing organizations 14 are the franchisees (affiliated stores), and the printing organizations 14 provide print output services. In addition, the printing system 10 is an example of a data utilization system that utilizes data acquired from the printing devices in the printing organizations 14.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the management organization 12. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the printing organization 14. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) can be considered to show, for example, the main parts of the configuration of the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 related to the use of data described below. The management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 may further have various configurations necessary for providing print output services in a franchise organization, for example. In addition, the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 can be considered to have personnel such as employees and managers necessary for the operation of the organizations.

[0017] In this example, the management organization 12 has a PC 102, a DB 104, and a server 106. The PC 102 is a computer used by a user belonging to the management organization 12. The PC 102 can be considered as, for example, a computer for inputting and outputting information to and from the user. In this example, the PC 102 controls, for example, the DB 104 and the server 106 in response to the user's operation. In this case, the PC 102 displays information stored in the DB 104 to the user in response to, for example, the user's operation. In addition, the PC 102 causes the server 106 to perform information processing using information stored in the DB 104 in response to, for example, the user's operation. The DB 104 is a database that stores data related to the business of the franchise organization, and stores, for example, various data acquired from a plurality of printing organizations 14 via the server 106. More specifically, the DB 104 stores, for example, printer information, which is information indicating the status of a printing device in the printing organization 14. In this example, the DB 104 also stores print history data indicating the history of printing operations previously performed by printing devices in the printing organization 14 .

[0018] The server 106 is a server that executes information processing related to the business of the franchise organization. In this example, the server 106 is an example of a computer that uses data acquired from a printing device, and by communicating with the printing organization 14 via a wide area network such as the Internet, the server 106 acquires printer information and the like from the printing device in the printing organization 14 and stores the printer information and the like in the DB 104 as necessary. In addition, the server 106 causes the PC 102 or the like to perform display based on the information stored in the DB 104 in response to an instruction from a user who operates a computer other than the server 106, such as the PC 102. In addition, in this example, the server 106 acquires print history data from the printing device in the printing organization 14. In this case, the print history data can be considered to be, for example, data included in the printer information. In addition, the server 106 may acquire the print history data via a computer or the like in the printing organization 14, rather than acquiring the print history data directly from the printing device. In this case, the print history data can also be considered to be data acquired from the printing device in the printing organization 14. Furthermore, with regard to the printing history data, the server 106 may, for example, perform a predetermined process on data acquired from a printing device in the printing organization 14 or a computer, etc., and store the generated data in the DB 104. In such a case, too, the server 106 can be considered to acquire the printing history data from, for example, a printing device in the printing organization 14.

[0019] For convenience of illustration and explanation, FIG. 2(a) illustrates one PC 102, one DB 104, and one server 106 as the configuration of the management organization 12. However, the management organization 12 may have, for example, a plurality of PCs 102, a plurality of DBs 104, and a plurality of servers 106. In this case, the configuration of the plurality of DBs 104 can be considered as one virtual database. The configuration of the plurality of servers 106 can be considered as one virtual server. In addition, in the management organization 12, for example, at least a part of the functions of the DB 104 and the server 106 can be realized using a server provided by a cloud server business. In this case, too, the operation realized by the cooperation between the configuration directly provided by the management organization 12, such as the PC 102, and the cloud server can be considered as the operation of the management organization 12. In addition, in the management organization 12, for example, a single computer serving both the DB 104 and the server 106 can be used.

[0020] The printing organization 14 also has, for example, a plurality of printing bases 112 and a management unit 114. The printing base 112 can be considered, for example, as a base that performs printing in the printing organization 14. In this example, the printing base 112 also has a PC 122 and a plurality of printing devices 124. The PC 122 is a computer used by a user who belongs to the printing organization 14. The PC 122 can be considered, for example, as a computer for inputting and outputting information to and from the user. In this example, the PC 122 controls, for example, the printing device 124 that is disposed in the same printing base 112 as the PC 122 in response to the user's operation. In this case, the PC 122 controls the operation of the printing device 124 by, for example, supplying the printing device 124 with print data indicating an image to be printed in the printing device 124. The PC 122 can also input and output information to and from the management organization 12 by, for example, communicating with the server 106 or DB 104 in the management organization 12. In this case, it is conceivable that the PC 122 may perform display based on the printer information stored in the DB 104, for example. With this configuration, the printing organization 14 may manage the printing device 124 in cooperation with the management organization 12, for example. The printing device 124 is a printer that performs printing in the printing organization 14. As the printing device 124, for example, an inkjet printer for color printing that prints using ink of multiple colors can be suitably used.

[0021] In this example, the printing base 112 can be considered as a base where the printing device 124 is installed, from which the server 106 in the management organization 12 acquires printer information and print history data. In the printing base 112, the printing device 124 transmits printer information and the like to the server 106 in response to a request from the server 106. In the printing base 112, the transmission of information to the server 106 may be performed via a computer such as the PC 102. In this case, the PC 122 acquires information from the printing device 124 in response to a request from the server 106, and provides the information to the server 106. With this configuration, the server 106 can appropriately acquire, for example, printer information related to the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. The specific configuration of the printing base 112 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may be variously different. For example, the number of printing devices 124 controlled by the PC 122 may be one or three or more. Furthermore, the number of PCs 122 at one printing base 112 may be more than one. Furthermore, the number of PCs 122 and printing devices 124, and the number of printing devices 124 controlled by one PC 122, may differ for each printing base 112. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the printing device 124 also has the functions of the PC 122. In this case, for example, the PC 122 and the printing device 124 can be considered to be integrated. Furthermore, the number of printing bases 112 is not limited to the number shown in the figure and can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] As described above, in this example, the printing organization 14 further includes a management unit 114 in addition to the multiple printing bases 112. The management unit 114 is configured to manage the multiple printing bases 112, and includes a PC 126. The PC 126 can also be considered, for example, as a computer used by a user belonging to the printing organization 14. More specifically, the PC 126 can also be considered, for example, as a computer for an administrator of the entire printing organization 14. Similarly to the PC 122 in the printing base 112, the PC 126 can also be considered to communicate with the server 106 or DB 104 in the management organization 12 to input and output information to and from the management organization 12. Also in this case, the PC 126 can be considered to display information based on printer information stored in the DB 104, for example. The specific configuration of the printing organization 14 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and can be variously different. As described above, in this example, the printing system 10 (see FIG. 1) includes multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, the specific configuration of the printing organization 14 may be different for each printing organization 14. For example, the number of printing bases 112 in the printing organization 14 may be different for each printing organization 14. In this case, for example, the number of printing bases 112 may be one in at least some of the printing organizations 14. It is also possible to omit the management unit 114 in at least some of the printing organizations 14. In this case, it is also possible to consider that any of the printing bases 112 in the printing organization 14 doubles as the management unit 114. According to this example, for example, in multiple printing organizations 14, a print output service using the printing device 124 can be appropriately executed. In this case, for example, printer information and the like related to the printing device 124 can be appropriately used in the server 106 in the management organization 12.

[0023] Next, the use of data acquired from the printing device 124 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation that uses data acquired from the printing device 124. FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart showing an example of an operation that uses data acquired from the printing device 124. More specifically, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3(a) shows an operation of determining the printing device 124 to be introduced in the printing organization 14 using print history data as an example of an operation that uses data acquired from the printing device 124. In this case, the printing device 124 to be introduced in the printing organization 14 can be considered to be, for example, a printing device 124 introduced in the printing organization 14 by purchase for replacement or addition. In this example, the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) is an operation of the server 106 in the management organization 12. In this case, the server 106 executes the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) according to a predetermined program. In addition, in a modified example of the operation of each part of the printing system 10, it is also possible to execute at least a part of the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) on another computer in the management organization 12 or the printing organization 14. In this case, it can be considered that any of the computers in the printing system 10 executes the operation shown in Fig. 3(a) in accordance with a predetermined program. In addition, in this case, the server 106, etc. can be considered as an example of a data utilization device that utilizes predetermined data in the printing system 10. And the operation of the server 106, etc. can be considered as, for example, an example of the operation of a data utilization method.

[0024] More specifically, the operation shown in FIG. 3(a) is an example of an operation for determining an introduced printing device that is a printing device 124 suitable for introduction to any printing organization 14 in the printing system 10. In this case, the server 106, for example, selects any printing organization 14 in response to a user's instruction and performs the operation shown in FIG. 3(a). Therefore, the operation described below can be considered, for example, as an operation for determining an introduced printing device to be introduced to any one printing organization 14 in the printing system 10. In addition, in this operation, the server 106 first acquires printing history data related to the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 (S102). In this example, the operation of step S102 is an example of the operation of a history data acquisition process. In addition, in step S102 of this example, the server 106 acquires printing history data stored in advance in the DB 104 from the DB 104 by, for example, communicating with the DB 104. In this case, the printing history data stored in the DB 104 can be considered, for example, as data acquired from the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. Therefore, the operation of the server 106 to acquire the print history data from the DB 104 can be considered to be, for example, acquired from the printing device 124 via the DB 104. Therefore, the operation of step S102 can be considered to correspond to, for example, the operation of the server 106 to acquire the print history data from the printing device 124. Also, the operation of the server 106 to acquire the print history data can be considered to be, for example, a process of acquiring the print history data by the management organization 12. In this example, the print history data can be considered to be, for example, a history of printing performed in the past by the printing device in use, which is the printing device 124 used by the printing organization 14. Also, the print history data can be considered to be, for example, data related to the past operation of the printing device 124. In step S102, the server 106 may acquire the print history data directly from the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. Also, the server 106 may acquire the print history from the printing organization 14 via, for example, the PC 122 in the printing base 112 of the printing organization 14.

[0025] Following the operation of step S102, the server 106 performs a process of deriving (calculating) the printing capacity that can be operated by the printing organization 14 (S104). In this example, the operation of step S104 is an example of a printing capacity derivation process. In step S104 of this example, the server 106 derives the printing capacity based on the printing history data acquired in step S102. With this configuration, for example, the printing capacity that can be operated by the printing organization 14 can be appropriately derived based on the past performance of the printing organization 14. As the printing capacity, for example, the printing speed (speed) per unit time (for example, per hour) or the printing area can be derived. The derivation of the printing capacity of the printing organization 14 can be considered, for example, to generate data that quantifies the printing performance of the printing organization 14. In addition, the server 106 derives the printing capacity by, for example, a method using a data table prepared in advance or a method using artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning. In this way, for example, printing capability can be derived accurately and easily.

[0026] In addition, following the operation of step S104, the server 106 further derives an operation prediction, which is the printing capacity that can be realized when the candidate printing device is introduced, assuming that the candidate printing device is a printing device 124 that is a candidate for introduction to the printing organization 14 (S106). In this example, the operation of step S106 is an example of an operation prediction derivation process. The candidate printing device can be considered, for example, as a printing device 124 of a different model from the printing device in use. The operation prediction can be considered, for example, as the printing capacity of the printing organization 14 when the candidate printing device is introduced in the printing organization 14. In addition, in step S106 of this example, the server 106 derives an operation prediction based on the printing capacity derived in step S104. In this case, it can be considered that the operation prediction is derived for the server 106, for example, by referring to the current printing capacity. In this case, the server 106 derives the operation forecast based on, for example, the current printing capacity realized by using the printing device in use and the performance difference between the printing device in use and the candidate printing device. More specifically, in step S106 of this example, the server 106 derives the operation forecast for multiple different models of the candidate printing devices. The server 106 derives the operation forecast using, for example, the same printing conditions as those used in deriving the printing capacity in step S104. Making the printing conditions the same can be considered to be, for example, using conditions for printing the same contents. Printing the same contents can be considered to be, for example, printing something that can be considered to be the same as the print result depending on the required print quality. In this example, as the candidate printing devices, for example, multiple printing devices 124 including successor models of the printing devices in use in the printing organization 14 are selected. In this case, the operation prediction introduced in step S106 can be considered as, for example, a prediction of the printing capacity when the printing device in use is changed to a candidate printing device for introduction such as a successor model. Also, in this case, the printing capacity derived in step S104 prior to the operation of step S106 can be considered as corresponding to the printing capacity that can be obtained when the same model (conventional model) as the printing device in use is introduced without changing to a new candidate printing device for introduction.The server 106 derives an operation prediction under the same printing conditions, for example, based on performance data indicating the performance of each model of the printing device in use and the candidate printing device. The server 106 also derives the operation prediction, for example, by using a data table prepared in advance or by using artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning. In this way, for example, the operation prediction can be derived accurately and easily.

[0027] Also, following the operation of step S106, the server 106 determines an introduction printing device from among multiple models of printing devices 124 including the introduction candidate printing device based on the operation prediction derived in step S106 (S108). In this example, the operation of step S108 is an example of an introduction printing device determination process. Also, as described above, in this example, the introduction printing device determination process can be considered to be, for example, a printing device 124 suitable for introduction to the printing organization 14. In this case, the determination of the introduction printing device in step S108 can be considered to be, for example, determining a printing device 124 suitable for the printing organization 14, rather than determining the printing device 124 that will ultimately be actually introduced. Also, in this example, the introduction printing device determined in step S108 can be considered to be, for example, a printing device 124 of a model proposed for introduction to the printing organization 14. Also, the server 106 determines the introduction printing device by, for example, a method using a data table prepared in advance, a method using artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning, or the like. In this way, for example, the printing device to be installed can be determined accurately and easily.

[0028] In this example, the server 106 proposes to the printing organization 14 the introduced printing device determined in step S108, for example. In this case, it is possible to propose the introduction of the printing device 124 by notifying the person in charge at the printing organization 14 of the result of the determination of the introduced printing device. It is also possible to execute the operation of the server 106 described above, for example, in response to an instruction from the printing organization 14. More specifically, in this case, it is possible to execute the above operation in the server 106 by displaying a screen for communicating with the server 106 using a web browser or a dedicated application program on a computer in the printing organization 14, such as the PC 122 in the printing base 112 of the printing organization 14 or the PC 126 in the management department 114, and accepting an instruction from a user, such as a person in charge at the printing organization 14. In this case, the server 106 proposes to the printing organization 14 by displaying the introduced printing device determined in step S108 on a screen of a computer in the printing organization 14. It is also conceivable that the server 106 performs the above operations in response to instructions from a person in charge within the management organization 12. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that a proposal for a printing device to be introduced to the printing organization 14 is made via a person in charge within the management organization 12. According to this example, for example, the printing device 124 to be introduced to the printing organization 14 can be more appropriately determined.

[0029] Next, the above-described operation will be described in more detail. In this example, the printing history data may be data indicating at least one of the remaining ink amount, printing length, printing time, printing data, printing mode, ink purchase history, media purchase history, ink ejection amount, printing area, resolution, printing media, error content, maintenance count, and printing cost. By using such printing history data, for example, printing capacity can be appropriately derived in step S104. In this case, the printing history data can be considered to be information that is easy to obtain and allows accurate estimation. Of the above items, the remaining ink amount can be considered to be, for example, a history of the remaining ink amount during past printing. The printing length and printing time can be considered to be, for example, a history of the length of the range printed during past printing and the time required for printing. The printing data and printing mode can be considered to be, for example, a history of the settings of the printing data and printing mode used during past printing. The ink purchase history and media purchase history can be considered to be, for example, a history of the purchase of ink and media (medium) in the printing organization 14. The ink ejection amount, printing area, resolution, printing media, and error details can be considered as, for example, the ink ejection amount during past printing, the area of ​​the printed range, the resolution during printing, the media used, and a history of the details of errors that occurred during printing. The number of maintenance times can be considered as, for example, a history of maintenance performed in the past on the printing device 124. The printing cost can be considered as, for example, a history of costs incurred during printing. Furthermore, as the printing cost, it is possible to consider, for example, at least the cost according to the amount of media and ink consumed by printing. Furthermore, as the printing cost, for example, the cost of power consumed by the printing device 124 may be further considered.

[0030] In step S104, the server 106 derives printing capabilities that indicate at least one of the following: print area per unit time, print length per unit time, time required for a specific print, print speed, ink ejection amount used for a specific print, print media, productivity, image quality, and color. By deriving such printing capabilities, for example, the capabilities of the printing organization 14 can be evaluated using easy-to-understand indicators. These printing capabilities can also be considered as capabilities that can be appropriately derived based on print history data. In addition, by considering such printing capabilities, for example, the printing device to be introduced can be appropriately determined in the operation of step S108 that is performed thereafter. Of the above items, the print area and print length per unit time can be considered as the print area and print length that can be performed per unit time in the printing organization 14. The time required for a specific print can be considered as the time required to perform a predetermined print in the printing organization 14. The print speed can be considered as the maximum print speed that can be performed in the printing organization 14. The ink ejection amount used for a specific print can be considered, for example, as the amount of ink ejected when a predetermined print is executed in the printing organization 14. The print media can be considered, for example, as the type of media that can be used in the printing organization 14. The productivity can be considered, for example, as the printing efficiency in the printing organization 14. The image quality and color can be considered, for example, as the image quality and color that can be expressed by printing executed in the printing organization 14.

[0031] In step S106, the server 106 derives an operation prediction by, for example, performing a simulation using the reference print data. In this case, the server 106 can be considered to function as, for example, a simulator that derives an operation prediction. In this case, the server 106 performs a simulation on what kind of printing can be performed using the reference print data. The server 106 also performs a simulation to predict, as an operation prediction, at least one of, for example, the print area per unit time, the print length per unit time, the time required for a specific print, the print speed, and the ink ejection amount used for a specific print. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately perform predictions regarding indices that are closely related to the performance of the printing device 124. In addition, this allows, for example, an operation prediction that is useful in the operation of step S108 to be performed later to be appropriately derived.

[0032] Also, as described above, in step S108 of this example, the server 106 determines the printing device to be introduced based on the operation prediction. In this case, the determination of the printing device to be introduced based on the operation prediction can be considered to correspond to, for example, determining the printing device to be introduced based on the operation status of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14. Also, in step S108, the server 106 may determine the printing device to be introduced based on conditions other than the operation prediction. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine the printing device to be introduced that is suitable for the printing organization 14. More specifically, in this case, the server 106 determines the printing device to be introduced by further considering the planned printing content, which is the content of printing to be performed in the printing organization 14. As the planned printing content, for example, at least one of the desired delivery date, the number of prints, and other requests can be considered. As the other requests, for example, at least one of the color tone, various comments, and special circumstances or requests can be considered. As described above, in this example, the printing organization 14 is a franchisee of a franchise organization that provides print output services. In this case, the printing organization 14 can be considered to use the printing device 124 in relation to its business, for example, and to execute printing in response to orders from customers, etc. In this case, the planned printing contents can be considered to be, for example, the contents indicated by the order data related to printing received by the printing organization 14. The contents indicated by the order data can be considered to correspond to, for example, the volume of work received. In addition, the number of prints and other requests among the planned printing contents can be considered to be, for example, items indicating the contents of printing. It is more preferable to consider the planned printing contents, for example, not only the printing contents corresponding to the work already received, but also the printing contents including the results of predicting the future order volume. In this case, the server 106 predicts the future order volume based on, for example, the past order volume. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to determine a printing device to be introduced that is more suitable for the printing organization 14.More specifically, for example, when the current order volume or the predicted future order volume in the printing organization 14 is low, the requirement for the printing speed that can be executed in the printing organization 14 can be considered to be small. Therefore, by determining the printing device to be introduced taking the order volume into consideration, for example, regarding the production volume, which is the amount of printing that can be executed per unit time in the printing organization 14, it is possible to more appropriately determine the printing device to be introduced that is suited to the required production volume.

[0033] In addition, the production volume in the printing organization 14 may be affected by factors other than the capacity of the printing device 124. More specifically, there are models of the printing device 124 that can be automatically operated when the user is not present, and models that cannot be automatically operated. Therefore, depending on the model of the printing device 124, for example, the printing device 124 may not be able to be operated unless there is a user (worker, operator) who operates the printing device 124. As a result, for example, even if the printing device 124 has a surplus in its operating status in the printing organization 14, the production volume may not be increased due to a shortage of personnel in the printing organization 14. Even if the model is capable of automatic operation, in order to realize continuous operation, for example, user work may be required for preparing print data. Therefore, in order to operate the printing device 124 continuously, for example, it is necessary to increase the probability that the next printing operation can be prepared during the working hours of the employees in the printing organization 14. In this case, for example, when the printing device 124 is stopped on a holiday or the like in the printing organization 14, the printing device 124 may have a surplus capacity in its operation status. Therefore, in step S108, the server 106 may determine the printing device to be introduced by further considering at least one of the number of employees belonging to the printing organization 14 and the working hours of the employees. In this case, the number of employees and the working hours may be, for example, the number of employees and the working hours of those who operate the printing device 124 to provide the print output service among the employees belonging to the printing organization 14. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine the printing device to be introduced that is suited to the situation of the user at the site where printing is performed using the printing device 124. In this case, for example, when the printing organization 14 has a surplus capacity in its operation status, it is also possible to determine the printing device to be introduced that has higher performance than the printing device currently in use. More specifically, for example, by determining a model of the printing device to be introduced that can be automatically operated at night or on holidays, the printing capacity of the printing organization 14 may be increased. In this case, by changing the printing device 124 used in the printing organization 14, it is possible to increase the productivity of the printing organization 14, for example, without increasing the number of employees.

[0034] In addition, in the printing organization 14, for example, the available printing device 124 may be limited depending on the relationship with the installation location where the printing device 124 is installed in the printing base 112. Therefore, in step S108, the server 106 may further consider, for example, the relationship with the installation location where the printing device 124 is installed. More specifically, in this case, the server 106 determines the printing device to be introduced by further considering, for example, the installation location where the candidate printing device is installed and the size of the candidate printing device. With this configuration, for example, the printing device to be introduced can be more appropriately determined. In addition, with respect to the relationship with the installation location, the server 106 may further consider matters other than those mentioned above. For example, in the relationship between the printing device 124 and the installation location, in addition to direct matters such as the width (narrowness) and area of ​​the installation location, the strength and levelness of the floor of the installation location are also important. Therefore, it is preferable that the server 106 considers the strength and levelness of the floor of the installation location with respect to the relationship with the installation location. In addition, with respect to the relationship with the installation location, the server 106 may further take into consideration, for example, the route by which the printing device 124 is brought to the installation location at the printing base 112. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately determine a candidate printing device that can be installed at the installation location.

[0035] In addition, in the printing organization 14, it is also possible to further execute pre-processing and post-processing of the printing process executed by the printing device 124. In this case, in step S108, the server 106 may determine the printing device to be introduced by further considering the relationship with the pre-processing and post-processing. More specifically, in this case, the printing base 112 in the printing organization 14 further has a pre-processing machine 132 and a post-processing machine 134, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3(b) shows a modified example of the configuration of the printing base 112. The pre-processing machine 132 is a device that executes a pre-processing. The pre-processing machine 132 performs, for example, pre-processing of media as a pre-processing. In addition, the post-processing machine 134 is a device that executes a post-processing. The post-processing machine 134 performs, for example, processing of media as a post-processing. In this case, the pre-processing and post-processing can be considered as pre- and post-processing executed before or after the printing process executed by the printing device 124, for example. Also, the pre-processing machine 132 and the post-processing machine 134 can be considered as, for example, pre- and post-processing devices that are devices used in the pre- and post-processing. In this case, in step S108, the server 106 determines the introduction printing device by further considering, for example, at least one of the capabilities of the pre- and post-processing devices and the connectivity between the pre- and post-processing devices and the printing device 124 with respect to the pre- and post-processing. With this configuration, for example, in a case where it is necessary to perform pre- and post-processing to complete the final printed product, the productivity (efficiency) regarding the production of the final product can be more accurately estimated. This also allows, for example, the introduction printing device to be more appropriately determined. The capabilities of the pre- and post-processing devices can be considered as, for example, the capability of the pre-processing machine 132 to perform the pre-processing process, and the capability of the post-processing machine 134 to perform the post-processing process. Also, the capabilities of the pre- and post-processing processes can be considered as, for example, the processing capacity per unit time. Also, the connectivity between the pre- and post-processing devices and the printing device 124 can be considered as, for example, the connectivity between the pre- and post-processing processes and the connectivity between the printing process and the post-processing processes. The connectivity between the pre- and post-processing devices and the printing device 124 can also be considered as, for example, a balance between the processing capacity of the printing device 124 and the capabilities of the pre-processing device 132 and post-processing device 134 .

[0036] As described above, in this example, the server 106 executes a process of determining an introduced printing device based on an instruction received from a user, such as a person in charge at the printing organization 14, via a computer in the printing organization 14. In this case, the server 106, for example, displays the determined introduced printing device on a screen of a computer in the printing organization 14. Such an operation of the server 106 can be considered as, for example, an operation of displaying the determined introduced printing device on a screen of the server 106 or another computer. In addition, in step S108, the server 106 may determine, for example, multiple models of introduced printing devices. In this case, for example, the server 106 preferably displays the multiple models of introduced printing devices to the user in an order on a display screen of the results. The order can be, for example, by displaying a ranking or a score. With this configuration, for example, the printing device 124 of a model recommended for introduction can be appropriately displayed to the user.

[0037] The server 106 may display the determined introduced printing device in a format that shows options for each of a plurality of conditions. In this case, it is possible to use at least some of the following conditions as the plurality of conditions: size of the printed matter, printing speed, quality (resolution) of the printed result, printable media, color, ink type, and greenhouse gas emissions. The server 106 may display, for example, a plurality of models of introduced printing devices for each condition. In this case, the server 106 displays a plurality of models of introduced printing devices that can be rearranged according to the priority order specified by the user among the plurality of conditions. With this configuration, for example, the user can select a model of the printing device 124 to be introduced to the printing organization 14 according to the priority order desired by the user. In this case, the server 106 displays the introduced printing devices as described above based on, for example, a data table that associates these plurality of conditions with the performance of each model of the printing device 124. More specifically, in this case, it is conceivable to store in DB104, for each model of printing device 124, a data table indicating the distributor, device size, printable size, print speed, resolution, printable media, color tone, ink type, greenhouse gas emissions, connection to other devices, options, power consumption, etc.

[0038] As described above, in this example, the candidate printing device for introduction can be, for example, a printing device 124 of a different model from the printing device currently in use in the printing organization 14. However, when considering introducing the optimal printing device 124 to the printing organization 14, depending on the results of the operation prediction derived in step S106, it is possible that it is optimal to introduce, for example, a printing device 124 of the same model as the currently in use printing device again or additionally. In such a case, in step S108, the server 106 may, for example, determine the printing device 124 of the same model as the currently in use printing device as the printing device to be introduced. In this case, the server 106 determines the printing device to be introduced from, for example, a plurality of models of candidate printing devices for introduction and the printing device 124 of the same model as the currently in use printing device. With this configuration, for example, the printing device to be introduced can be more appropriately determined.

[0039] Next, supplementary explanations regarding each of the configurations described above will be given. As described above, in this example, the server 106 determines an introduction printing device suitable for introduction to the printing organization 14. In this case, the introduction printing device suitable for introduction to the printing organization 14 can be considered from the perspective of, for example, increasing the printing speed in the printing process performed by the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14, or reducing the idling time when the printing device 124 is not operating. In this case, by increasing the printing speed, for example, it is possible to increase the amount of orders received by the printing organization 14 and execute more work. In addition, by reducing the idling time of the printing device 124, for example, it is possible to optimize the workload. In addition, when an inkjet printer is used as the printing device 124, by ensuring a certain level of operation, for example, it is possible to more appropriately prevent nozzle clogging. The introduction printing device suitable for introduction to the printing organization 14 can also be considered from the perspective of, for example, the balance between the amount of orders (sales), working hours, the load of the printing device 124, and the cost of maintenance. It is also possible to consider, for example, the suitability of an installed printing device for introduction into printing organization 14 from the perspective of maximizing profits or productivity in printing organization 14. It is also possible to consider, for example, the suitability of an installed printing device for introduction into printing organization 14 from the perspective of the suitability of an installed printing device for introduction into printing organization 14, focusing on factors that are likely to satisfy the needs of customers of printing organization 14.

[0040] As described above, in this example, the printing system 10 is a franchise organization that provides print output services. In the case of a conventional configuration of such a franchise organization, it is usually difficult for the management organization 12, which is the franchisor, to grasp whether the printing device 124 introduced by the printing organization 14, which is the franchisee, is a model of the printing device 124 that is suitable for the printing contents provided by the franchise organization. Even if the operating status of the printing device 124 in the printing organization 14 is grasped, it is difficult to judge whether the performance of the printing device 124 is being utilized to the maximum. In this case, the printing organization 14 may use, for example, a printing device 124 of an over-specified model. In addition, in a franchise organization with a conventional configuration, it is usually difficult to obtain data for comparing the printing of the same printing contents with other models of the printing device 124. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, when the management organization 12 proposes a printing device 124 to be introduced in the printing organization 14, the management organization 12, for example, compares the features, performance, and cost of various models of printing devices 124, and proposes the introduction of a new printing device 124 or a replacement printing device 124 that is suitable for the business purpose of the printing organization 14 based on empirical rules. In this case, the management organization 12 selects the printing device 124 to be proposed to the printing organization 14 based on, for example, product information and product comparison pages on the official website of the seller of the printing device 124, information obtained at showrooms and exhibitions, etc. However, in the case of such a method, for example, it is considered that the influence of differences in printing content between the printing organizations 14 will be large. Also, as a result, even if the printing organization 14 introduces the printing device 124 proposed by the management organization 12, there is a risk that productivity (efficiency) will not be improved. And, in the printing organization 14, it is usually not easy to consider replacing the printing device 124 that has been introduced once. In addition, there is also the disadvantage that replacement requires a lot of costs such as initial costs.

[0041] In contrast, in the server 106 of this example, for example, by using the printing history data acquired from the printing organization 14, the printing capacity of the printing organization 14 can be appropriately derived. In addition, in the server 106, by determining the printing device to be introduced based on the derived operation prediction, etc., it is possible to more appropriately determine, for example, the printing device to be introduced that is suitable for introduction to the printing organization 14. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the management organization 12 or the like can explicitly propose the introduction of the printing device 124 to the printing organization 14. In addition, in the printing organization 14, for example, by introducing the printing device 124 proposed by the management organization 12, it is possible to appropriately increase productivity (efficiency). In addition, in this case, the proposal of the printing device 124 to be introduced from the management organization 12 to the printing organization 14 can be considered to be, for example, a recommendation of an appropriate printing device 124 at a franchise affiliated store. In addition, in this case, it is also considered that, for example, by recommending an appropriate printing device 124, it becomes easier for the management organization 12 to manage and supervise the franchise organization. As can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, the management organization 12 acquires print history data from multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, in the process of determining a printing device to be introduced for a certain printing organization 14, the print history data acquired from the other printing organizations 14 can also be used. In this case, the operation of the server 106 can be considered to use print history data from multiple printing organizations 14 in the process of determining a printing device to be introduced for one printing organization 14, for example. Furthermore, such a process can be considered to be a process of determining a printing device to be introduced with reference to the operating records of the other printing organizations 14, for example. With this configuration, the printing device to be introduced can be more appropriately determined, for example.

[0042] As described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, the management organization 12 acquires printer information from the multiple printing organizations 14. In this case, the management organization 12 may further acquire data other than print history data as printer information. More specifically, in this case, in the management organization 12, the server 106 acquires printing device related information, which is various information related to the printing devices 124, from the printing devices 124 in the multiple printing organizations 14, for example, and stores it in the DB 104. In addition, the server 106 transmits the printing device related information stored in the DB 104 to the information display devices, such as computers and tablet terminals in the management organization 12 and the printing organizations 14, in response to requests from these information display devices. In addition, the server 106 thereby causes the information display device to display information based on the printing device related information, for example. The configuration for displaying information based on the printing device related information in this way can be considered to be, for example, a dashboard system that visualizes information related to the printing device 124. In this case, the printing history data used in the server 106 can be considered to be, for example, printing data acquired by a dashboard system or data based on operation results. Such a dashboard system can also be considered to be, for example, a system that visualizes various operation data and history data acquired from the printing device 124. The printing system 10 of this example can also be considered to be, for example, an example of a management system for franchise organizations using such a dashboard system. In this case, regarding the use of the data stored in the DB 104, it is preferable to configure the management organization 12 to be able to view the dashboard of the printing organization 14. The dashboard of the printing organization 14 can be considered to be, for example, a display screen based on printing device-related information regarding the printing device 124 used in the printing organization 14. In this example, the server 106, for example, uses the function of such a dashboard system to display the determined introduced printing device on an information display device in the printing organization 14.In this case, the server 106 may, for example, display on the information display device the operation forecast derived for the introduced printing device and the actual operation record of the printing device in use in the printing organization 14 in association with the result of the decision on the introduced printing device. With this configuration, for example, the user can easily and appropriately understand the results obtained by introducing the introduced printing device. In addition, regarding the comparison between the operation forecast and the operation record, it is preferable that the server 106 displays the comparison contents and comparison results on the information display device using graphs or the like. In addition, in this case, regarding the efficiency, for example, it is considered to use a graph showing the operation schedule of the printing device 124.

[0043] In addition, in this example, the dashboard system can be realized by executing a data collection program (software, application) provided by the seller of the printing device 124 on a computer such as the server 106. In this case, the seller of the printing device 124 can be considered to be, for example, a manufacturer that manufactures and sells the printing device 124, or a seller closely related to the manufacturer of the printing device 124, such as a sales store directly managed by the manufacturer, rather than a retailer that sells various home appliances. In addition, it is also possible to use an in-house program created by the management organization 12 as the data collection program. With this configuration, for example, management and supervision regarding data collection can be more appropriately performed in the printing system 10. In addition, this can appropriately reduce the possibility of information leakage, for example. Furthermore, in this case, for example, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of inquiring about data collection to the manufacturer or sales store of the printing device 124.

[0044] As can be understood from the above description, in this example, the decision of the printing device to be introduced can be considered to be, for example, a match between a printing person who performs printing in the printing system 10 and the printing device 124 to be introduced in a franchise organization. Furthermore, the collection of printing history data related to the printing organization 14 by the management organization 12 can be considered to be, for example, collection of printing history data of the person managed by the manager in the franchise organization. On the other hand, the matching between the printing person and the printing device 124 can be considered to be, for example, performed in a printing system 10 in a form other than a franchise organization. In this case, the printing system 10 can be considered to be configured to include a management organization 12 that manages the printing organization 14 and a printing organization 14 that performs printing in a form other than a franchise organization. Furthermore, the relationship between such a management organization 12 and the printing organization 14 can be, for example, a relationship between a parent company and a subsidiary, or a relationship between a head office and a factory in a company organization. Furthermore, regarding the management organization 12, for example, an organization that simply manages data such as printing history data, rather than an organization that manages the printing organization 14, can be considered to be an inter-organizational relationship. In this case, the multiple printing organizations 14 in the printing system 10 may be, for example, organizations in various associations, unions, etc. In these cases, the printing system 10 may also collect data such as print history data by using, for example, the functions of a dashboard system.

[0045] In the above, the process of acquiring data such as print history data from the printing device 124 has been described mainly by using the server 106 in the management organization 12. In this case, the process of acquiring data such as print history data can be considered to be performed by, for example, the management organization 12 in the printing system 10. In contrast, in a modified example of the operation of the printing system 10, the process of acquiring data such as print history data can be performed by a person other than the management organization 12. In this case, for example, the printing history data can be acquired by a seller who sells the printing device 124 to the printing organization 14. Even in this configuration, for example, the person who acquired the data can manage the printing history data so that it is accessible from the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14, and the printing history data can be appropriately used by the management organization 12 and the printing organization 14. In addition, this allows the introduction printing device to be appropriately determined, for example, in the same manner as the operation described above.

[0046] In this case, for example, the seller of the printing device 124 may utilize the collected data in sales activities of the printing device 124. More specifically, in this case, the manufacturer or retailer who sells the printing device 124 may use the data collected from the customer printing organization 14 to perform a process of determining the printing device to be introduced in the same or similar manner as the operation of the server 106 described above. In this case, the result of determining the printing device to be introduced may be used, for example, when the printing organization 14 introduces or replaces the printing device 124, to propose the printing device 124. With this configuration, for example, a printing device 124 suitable for the printing organization 14 can be more appropriately proposed to the printing organization 14. In this case, for example, the sales department of the seller of the printing device 124 may use the dashboard system. With this configuration, for example, in sales activities of the printing device 124, a result of comparing the actual operating status of the printing device 124 at the present time with an operating forecast when a new printing device 124 such as a successor model is introduced can be more appropriately used.

[0047] In the above, the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10 is described as being, for example, an inkjet printer. However, a printer other than an inkjet printer may be used as the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10. In addition, it is also possible to use, for example, a 3D printer as the printing device 124 used in the printing system 10. [Industrial Applicability]

[0048] The present invention can be suitably used in, for example, a data utilization system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 printing system, 102 PC, 104 DB, 106 server, 112 printing base, 114 management department, 12 management organization, 122 PC, 124 printing device, 126 PC, 132 pre-processing machine, 134 post-processing machine, 14 printing organization

Claims

1. A data utilization system that utilizes data acquired from a printing device in a printing organization that executes printing using the printing device, a computer that uses data acquired from the printing device; In the computer, a history data acquisition process for acquiring print history data indicating a history of printing performed in the past at a printing device currently in use, which is the printing device used by the printing organization; a printing capacity derivation process for deriving a printing capacity that can be operated in the printing organization, the printing capacity derivation process deriving the printing capacity based on the printing history data acquired in the history data acquisition process; an operation prediction deriving process for deriving an operation prediction, which is the printing capacity of the printing organization when an introduction candidate printing device, which is the printing device of a model different from the printing device in use, is introduced into the printing organization; and In the operation prediction derivation process, the operation prediction is derived for a plurality of models of the candidate printing devices for introduction.

2. A process for determining an introduction printing device that is suitable for introduction into the printing organization. Further, The data utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced, the printing device to be introduced is determined from among a plurality of models of printing devices, including the candidate printing device for introduction, based on the operation prediction.

3. The data utilization system described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing history data is data regarding the past operation of the printing device and indicates at least one of the remaining ink amount, printing length, printing time, printing data, printing mode, ink purchase history, media purchase history, ink ejection amount, printing area, resolution, printing media, error content, maintenance frequency, and printing cost.

4. The data utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing capacity indicates at least one of the printing area per unit time, printing length per unit time, time required for a specific print, printing speed, amount of ink ejected for a specific print, printing media, productivity, image quality, and color tone.

5. The data utilization system described in claim 1, characterized in that in the operation prediction derivation process, printing data is used to predict at least one of the following as the operation prediction: printing area per unit time, printing length per unit time, time required for a specific print, printing speed, and ink ejection amount used for a specific print.

6. The data utilization system described in claim 2, characterized in that in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced, the printing device to be introduced is determined by further taking into consideration at least one of the capabilities of the pre- or post-process devices used in the pre- or post-processes, which are processes performed before or after the printing process performed by the printing device, and the connectivity between the pre- or post-process devices and the printing device.

7. 3. The data utilization system according to claim 2, wherein in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced, the printing device to be introduced is determined from among the plurality of models of candidate printing devices to be introduced and the printing device of the same model as the printing device currently in use.

8. A data utilization device that utilizes data acquired from a printing device in a printing organization that executes printing using the printing device, a history data acquisition process for acquiring print history data indicating a history of printing performed in the past at a printing device currently in use, which is the printing device used by the printing organization; a printing capacity derivation process for deriving a printing capacity that can be operated in the printing organization, the printing capacity derivation process deriving the printing capacity based on the printing history data acquired in the history data acquisition process; an operation prediction deriving process for deriving an operation prediction, which is the printing capacity of the printing organization when an introduction candidate printing device, which is the printing device of a model different from the printing device in use, is introduced into the printing organization; An introduction printing device determination process for determining an introduction printing device that is the printing device suitable for introduction into the printing organization; and In the operation prediction deriving process, the operation prediction is derived for a plurality of models of the candidate printing devices for introduction; A data utilization device characterized in that, in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced, the printing device to be introduced is determined from among a plurality of models of printing devices including the candidate printing device for introduction based on the operation prediction.

9. A data utilization method for utilizing data acquired from a printing device in a printing organization that performs printing using the printing device, comprising: Using a computer, a history data acquisition process for acquiring print history data indicating a history of printing performed in the past at a printing device currently in use, which is the printing device used by the printing organization; a printing capacity derivation process for deriving a printing capacity that can be operated in the printing organization, the printing capacity derivation process deriving the printing capacity based on the printing history data acquired in the history data acquisition process; an operation prediction deriving process for deriving an operation prediction, which is the printing capacity of the printing organization when an introduction candidate printing device, which is the printing device of a model different from the printing device in use, is introduced into the printing organization; An introduction printing device determination process for determining an introduction printing device that is the printing device suitable for introduction into the printing organization; and In the operation prediction deriving process, the operation prediction is derived for a plurality of models of the candidate printing devices for introduction; A data utilization method characterized in that, in the process of determining the printing device to be introduced, the printing device to be introduced is determined from among a plurality of models of printing devices including the candidate printing device for introduction based on the operation prediction.

10. A program for utilizing data acquired from a printing device in a printing organization that executes printing using the printing device, On the computer, a history data acquisition process for acquiring print history data indicating a history of printing performed in the past at a printing device currently in use, which is the printing device used by the printing organization; a printing capacity derivation process for deriving a printing capacity that can be operated in the printing organization, the printing capacity derivation process deriving the printing capacity based on the printing history data acquired in the history data acquisition process; an operation prediction deriving process for deriving an operation prediction, which is the printing capacity of the printing organization when an introduction candidate printing device, which is the printing device of a model different from the printing device in use, is introduced into the printing organization; An introduction printing device determination process for determining an introduction printing device that is the printing device suitable for introduction into the printing organization; Let them do this, In the operation prediction deriving process, the operation prediction is derived for a plurality of models of the candidate printing devices for introduction; a program for causing the process of determining the printing device to be introduced to determine the printing device to be introduced from among a plurality of models of printing devices including the candidate printing device based on the operation prediction;

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