Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system which presents a production result relating to a function concerning a user's inquiry, to the user using a production device.SOLUTION: An information processing system 10 comprises a CPU 24A. When receiving an inquiry about a function concerning a printer 20 from a user UR using the printer 20, the CPU 24A presents a printing result usable by the printer 20 concerning the function to the user UR.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server for a document creation support system that includes a GUI unit that provides a screen on a user's terminal, a maintenance unit that registers documents as case information in a database based on user operations on the screen and manages information on items related to the product configuration of the project, a case search unit that searches the database for case information by inputting conditions including customer product requirements and important matters, extracts case information that meets the conditions, and displays search result information, and a document management unit that makes it possible to edit documents of selected case information as draft documents.The important matters include at least one of cost, order history, and quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-184723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing system that presents production results related to functions related to user inquiries to users who use production equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system of the first aspect includes a processor, and when the processor receives an inquiry from a user of a production device about a function related to the production device, the processor presents the user with production results that can be used with the production device for the function.

[0006] In a second aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor presents the production results in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the production device relating to the function.

[0007] An information processing system of a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor determines an order of similarity with the setting conditions of the production devices based on the frequency of use of functions of the production devices.

[0008] An information processing system of a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the third aspect, wherein the processor weights the frequency of use based on a classification of functions possessed by the production device.

[0009] An information processing system of a fifth aspect is an information processing system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the production results presented by the processor include production results performed by other production devices provided via a network.

[0010] An information processing system of a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor further presents the number of times a process related to the production performance provided via the network has been executed.

[0011] An information processing system of a seventh aspect is an information processing system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the processor presents a sign to the user to consent to the user providing information about the production results performed by the production device via the network.

[0012] The program of the eighth aspect causes the processor to, when receiving an inquiry from a user of a production device about a function related to the production device, present to the user the production results that can be used with the production device for the function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, it is possible to present to a user who uses a production device production results relating to a function related to an inquiry from the user.

[0014] According to the information processing system according to the second aspect, user convenience can be improved compared to when production results are presented randomly.

[0015] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, it is possible to present production results to a user in order of the likelihood of being adopted by the user.

[0016] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to present production results that are more likely to be adopted by the user than when the weights for each category are the same.

[0017] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the options available to the user are increased compared to when only the production results of the same device are presented.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to provide the user with the adoption trend of production results.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to prompt the user to provide the production results executed by the production device.

[0020] According to the program of the eighth aspect, it is possible to present the user of a production device with production results that can be used with the production device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a consent confirmation screen on which the printer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure asks whether or not the user consents to the transmission of print results to the server. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of transmitting print performance data in the processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of searching for a print record in the processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure from when a server receives an inquiry from a printer until when the server responds in a processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating how similar results are searched for in the processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and are diagrams illustrating the results of comparing functions used by other users. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining how similar results are searched for in the processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and are diagrams showing the distance to other users. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how similar results are searched for in a processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram illustrating the results of comparing functions used by other users with weights assigned to each function. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how print results are provided to a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram illustrating a search result display screen on which a plurality of print results are displayed. [Figure 12] 11 , and is a diagram showing how the print results according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are provided to the user, and is a diagram showing a print results display screen that displays selected print result setting items and a preview. FIG. [Figure 13] Continuing from FIG. 12, this figure shows how print results are provided to the user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing a print results application screen that applies a job based on the selected print results and executes printing processing. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing system according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing system according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0023] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a plurality of printers 20 connected to a network 14 and a server 40 connected to the network 14. In this embodiment, the users UR who use the printers 20 include people who do not know each other. Each printer 20 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a "production device" in this embodiment.

[0024] Next, each component of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 as needed.

[0025] (Printer 20) As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 20 includes a control unit 24, a communication unit 32, an input / output unit 30, and an image forming unit 34. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 24 also includes a CPU 24A, a RAM 24B, a ROM 24C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 24E. These components are connected to one another via a control bus 24D.

[0026] The CPU 24A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. The RAM 24B serves as a working area and temporarily stores the program 26 or data. The ROM 24C stores the program 26 that executes the processing of the image forming apparatus and various data including consent information 28.

[0027] In the control unit 24, the CPU 24A reads various programs including the program 26 from the ROM 24C and executes the program 26 using the RAM 24B as a work area. By executing the program 26, the CPU 24A realizes various functions for controlling each part of the printer 20.

[0028] The input / output unit 30 is a device that receives instructions from the user UR and notifies the CPU 24A of the control unit 24 of the received instructions, and also presents information to the user UR according to the instructions of the CPU 24A. As the input / output unit 30, for example, a device that performs input and display, such as a touch panel, is used.

[0029] The communication unit 32 is a component for communicating with other devices via the network 14. Specifically, the communication unit 32 communicates with other devices by using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, and public lines such as telephone lines.

[0030] The image forming section 34 has components (not shown) such as an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper, a color tone adjustment section that adjusts the color tone of the image to be formed, a storage section that stores recording paper, and a transport section that transports recording paper. The image forming section 34 forms an image on recording paper under the control of the control section 24. In this embodiment, the image forming section 34 may have any configuration, but the control section 24 is capable of setting values ​​for various setting items on software.

[0031] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 34 has setting values ​​that are set by direct manual operation by the user UR. More specifically, in the image forming unit 34, the results of setting items prepared manually by the user UR in preparation for printing work, such as the type of recording paper, paper quality, color tone, etc., correspond to the setting values ​​related to the setting items set by manual operation.

[0032] In this embodiment, the printer 20 allows the user UR to arbitrarily set the setting values ​​of the above-mentioned setting items to determine the image to be formed on the recording paper. In other words, the printer 20 forms a printout by executing a print job based on the setting values ​​of the setting items set in the above-mentioned software and the setting values ​​of the setting items set manually by the user UR. In other words, the user UR uses the functions of the printer 20 by setting the setting values ​​of various setting items that can be set in the printer 20 to desired values.

[0033] Each printer 20 in this embodiment is used by a user UR who records images on recording paper as a business. In other words, each printer 20 in this embodiment is an example of production equipment for each user UR.

[0034] 1 have the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 2, but there are no particular limitations on the specific model numbers or product numbers. In other words, the printers 20 shown in Fig. 1 may have different functions.

[0035] (Server 40) As shown in Fig. 3, the server 40 includes a control unit 44 and a communication unit 52. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 44 also includes a CPU 44A, a RAM 44B, a ROM 44C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 44E. These components are connected to one another via a control bus 44D.

[0036] The CPU 44A is a central processing unit, an example of a "processor," that executes various programs and controls each part. The RAM 44B serves as a working area and temporarily stores the program 46 or data. The ROM 44C stores the program 46, an example of a "program" according to the present disclosure, and various data including print performance data 48, an example of "production performance."

[0037] In the control unit 44, the CPU 44A reads various programs including a processing program 46 from the ROM 44C and executes the program 46 using the RAM 44B as a work area. By executing the processing program 46, the CPU 44A realizes various functions for controlling each part of the server 40.

[0038] In addition, the print performance data 48 records various setting values, including the setting values ​​for the print jobs executed by each printer 20 connected via the network 14 and the setting values ​​for the image forming unit 34 of the printer 20 that executed the job, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The communication unit 52 is a component for communicating with other devices via the network 14. Specifically, the communication unit 52 communicates with other devices by using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, and public lines such as telephone lines.

[0040] As described above, each printer 20 in this embodiment forms a set image on recording paper by controlling multiple components according to instructions from the control unit 24. However, printers 20 with multiple functions have many functions with configurable setting values, and the user UR may not even be aware of the specific operating functions.

[0041] 1, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, a user UR who uses one of the printers 20 (the printer 20 on the right side in FIG. 1) inquires about the functions of the printer 20 to the server 40 via the network 14. The server 40 then responds to the inquiry by referencing the print performance data 48, thereby presenting the functions of the printer 20 to the inquiring user UR.

[0042] In the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a consent confirmation screen 60 is displayed when the printer 20 is started up. The consent confirmation screen 60 asks the user UR who uses the printer 20 whether or not they agree to sending the print history to the server 40. When the user UR selects the consent button 62 on the consent confirmation screen 60 to register their consent to sending the print history to the server 40, "agree" is registered in the consent information 28 in the ROM 24C. On the other hand, when the user UR selects the reject button 64 on the consent confirmation screen 60 to register their rejection of sending the print history to the server 40, "rejection" is registered in the consent information 28 in the ROM 24C. The consent confirmation screen 60 is an example of a "signature for getting the user to agree to provision via the network 14" in this embodiment.

[0043] 5 to 10, the procedure for recording the printing results performed by the user UR in the printing result data 48 in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, and the procedure for receiving a presentation of functions when the user UR inquires about functions from the server 40, will be described. Note that although not specifically shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is assumed that all configurable setting values ​​of the printer 20 used by the user UR have been set by the user UR.

[0044] (Procedure for recording print performance data 48) FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for recording print record data 48 by the user UR transmitting print record information to the server 40. In FIG.

[0045] In sequence F202, the user UR inputs a print job to the printer 20. More specifically, the user UR inputs the print job from a PC or by operating the input / output unit 30 of the printer 20.

[0046] In sequence F204, the printer 20 executes the print job input in sequence F202. More specifically, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 executes the print job input in sequence F202 based on the setting values.

[0047] Next, in sequence F206, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 references the consent information 28 recorded in the ROM 24C of the printer 20 and determines whether or not to permit transmission of the print settings. More specifically, the CPU 24A determines whether or not the consent information 28 is set to "Agree." If the CPU 24A determines that the consent information 28 is set to "Agree," it executes sequence F208.

[0048] Next, in sequence F208, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 collects setting information on the printing results executed in sequence F204. More specifically, the CPU 24A creates collected data that collects setting information for the image forming units, color tone adjustment units, recording paper, conveyance units, etc. included in the print job, as well as information on the type of printed material created by the print job and the frequency of use of functions used in the printer 20. Note that in this embodiment, the collected data does not include the name of the user UR who executed the print job or image data printed by the print job.

[0049] Next, in sequence F210, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 controls the communication unit 32 to transmit the collected data to the server 40.

[0050] Next, in sequence F212, the CPU 44A of the server 40 obtains the setting values ​​of the printer 20 based on the collected data transmitted from the printer 20. More specifically, in sequence F212, the CPU 44A of the server 40 references the setting information of the printer 20 and the type of printed material executed as the setting values ​​included in the print job from the collected data transmitted in sequence F210. The CPU 44A of the server 40 then records the referenced setting values ​​as print performance data 48.

[0051] (Procedure for receiving information about printer 20's functions) FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure in which the user UR inquires of the server 40 about the functions of the printer 20 and is presented with functions that are included in the print performance data 48 and that can be used by the printer 20. In FIG.

[0052] In sequence F302, the user UR inputs a keyword to the input / output unit 30 of the printer 20 to inquire about a function of the server 40. More specifically, the user UR operates the input / output unit 30 of the printer 20 to input the keyword to be used for the inquiry.

[0053] Next, in sequence F304, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 creates query data with keywords attached. More specifically, the CPU 24A references setting information for the image forming units, color tone adjustment units, recording paper, and conveyance units, the history of use of functions of the printer 20, and consent information 28 recorded in the ROM 24C of the printer 20, and creates the query data with keywords attached.

[0054] Next, in sequence F306, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 controls the communication unit 32 to send inquiry data to the server 40.

[0055] Next, in sequence F308, the CPU 44A of the server 40 determines whether or not to respond based on the inquiry data transmitted from the printer 20. More specifically, the CPU 44A of the server 40 references the value of the consent information 28 included in the inquiry data transmitted in sequence F306. If the value of the consent information 28 included in the inquiry data is set to "Agree," the CPU 44A of the server 40 executes sequence F310.

[0056] Next, in sequence F310, the CPU 44A of the server 40 searches for printing records performed by printers 20 that have the corresponding functions, based on the functions of the printers 20 included in the inquiry data. More specifically, the CPU 44A of the server 40 extracts printing records applicable to the printer 20 that sent the inquiry data sent in sequence F306 from the printing record data 48. Then, if at least one printing record is found in sequence F310, the CPU 44A of the server 40 executes sequence F312.

[0057] Next, in sequence F312, the CPU 44A of the server 40 calculates the distance, which is a value indicating the similarity between the printing history discovered in sequence F310 and the printer 20 that sent the inquiry data. More specifically, the CPU 44A of the server 40 calculates the distance indicating "more similar" among the printing history discovered in sequence F310. The method for calculating the distance between the printing history and the printer 20 will be described later.

[0058] Next, in sequence F314, the CPU 44A of the server 40 rearranges the order of the discovered print results based on the distance calculated in sequence F312.

[0059] Next, in sequence F316, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data to be sent to the printer 20. More specifically, if the determination in sequence F308 is negative, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data that includes a message indicating that the query function cannot be used. Furthermore, if no matching printing history was found in sequence F310, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data that includes a message indicating that no matching result was found. Furthermore, when sequences F312 and F314 are executed, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data that is created based on the rearranged order of the printing history.

[0060] Next, in sequence F318, the CPU 44A of the server 40 transmits the search result data to the printer 20. More specifically, the CPU 44A of the server 40 responds to the inquiry received from the printer by transmitting the search result data created in sequence F316 to the printer 20.

[0061] Next, in sequence F320, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 displays the search result data transmitted from the server 40 in sequence F318 on the input unit 30. In other words, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 presents to the user UR the functions of the printer 20 that the user UR inquired about by displaying the search result data received in sequence F318 to the user UR.

[0062] Note that a negative determination is made in sequence F308 when the value of the consent information 28 is not set to "agree," i.e., when the value of the consent information 28 is set to "reject." In other words, when the value of the consent information 28 is set to "reject," a negative determination is made in sequence F206, and the user UR has refused to provide the printing history. In other words, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the user UR is able to inquire about the functions of the printer 20 when he or she has agreed to transmitting the printing history to the server 40.

[0063] Further, a more specific operational procedure of the CPU 44A of the server 40 in the procedure for receiving the presentation of the functions possessed by the printer 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a response operation, which is the operation performed by the server 40 from receiving an inquiry from the printer 20 to responding to the printer 20.

[0064] 7, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 waits to receive inquiry data, and when the inquiry data is transmitted from the printer 20 in step S306, the CPU 24A receives the inquiry data. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S308.

[0065] Next, in step S308, the CPU 44A of the server 40 determines whether transmission of print settings in the printer 20 is permitted. That is, step S308 corresponds to sequence F308 in Fig. 6. If the CPU 44A of the server 40 makes a positive determination in step S308, the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the CPU 44A of the server 40 makes a negative determination in step S308, the process proceeds to step S316.

[0066] Next, in step S310, the CPU 44A of the server 40 refers to the print record data 48 to search for print records corresponding to the inquiry data received in step S310. That is, step S310 corresponds to sequence F310 in Fig. 6. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S311.

[0067] Next, in step S311, the CPU 44A of the server 40 determines whether at least one print record has been found as a result of the search attempted in step S310. If the CPU 44A of the server 40 makes a positive determination in step S311, the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the CPU 44A of the server 40 makes a negative determination in step S311, the process proceeds to step S316.

[0068] Next, in step S312, the CPU 44A of the server 40 calculates the distance, which is a value indicating the proximity of the printing record discovered in step S310 to the printer 20 that sent the inquiry data. That is, step S312 corresponds to sequence F312 in Figure 6. Then, the CPU 44A of the server 40 proceeds to step S314.

[0069] Next, in step S314, the CPU 44A of the server 40 rearranges the order of the discovered print results based on the distance calculated in step S312. That is, step S314 corresponds to sequence F314 in Fig. 6. Then, the CPU 44A of the server 40 proceeds to step S316.

[0070] Next, in step S316, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data. More specifically, if no matching printing records were found in step S310, the CPU 44A creates search result data including a message that no matching results were found. Furthermore, if steps S312 and S314 are executed, the CPU 44A of the server 40 creates search result data based on the rearranged order of the printing records. That is, step S316 corresponds to sequence F316 in FIG. 6. The CPU 44A of the server 40 then proceeds to step S318.

[0071] Next, in step S318, the CPU 44A of the server 40 transmits the search result data to the printer 20. More specifically, the CPU 44A of the server 40 transmits the search result data created in step S316 to the printer 20. That is, step S318 corresponds to sequence F316 in Fig. 6. Then, the CPU 44A of the server 40 ends the response operation.

[0072] Next, a procedure for the CPU 44A of the server 40 according to this embodiment to calculate the distance will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] (First example of distance calculation method and sorting method) 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a first example of a method for calculating distance in sequence F312 in this embodiment. In sequence F312, the CPU 44A of the server 40 acquires the print performance data 48 from the ROM 24C, and creates a used function comparison table 90 including the setting values ​​of the inquired printer 20 for the setting values ​​included in the print performance data 48.

[0074] As an example, the utilization function comparison table 90 shown in FIG. 8 is a table showing the results of the CPU 24A placing the setting value "setting value 0" of the printer 20 queried in the first row, and the setting values ​​(setting value 1, setting value 2, setting value 3, ..., setting value j where j is a positive integer) included in the printing results acquired in sequence F310 in the second row and thereafter.

[0075] 8, each column records a value indicating the frequency of use of each of i types of functions (function 1, function 2, function 3, ..., function i, where i is a positive integer) possessed by the inquired printer 20. The value indicating each frequency of use may be expressed in any way, but examples include the percentage of the functions possessed by each printer 20 that the function is used at, and the number of times the function is used.

[0076] Then, based on the utilization function comparison table 90 shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 24A creates a distance comparison result table 92, which is the result of calculating the distance, after scaling each value shown in the utilization function comparison table 90 to a range from 0 to 1, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0077] More specifically, the CPU 24A first scales each value shown in the utilization function comparison table 90 to a range from 0 to 1, as shown in the following equation (1).

[0078]

number

[0079] In addition, in equation (1), x i,j is the value of each function before scaling, and X i,j is the value of each function after scaling. Also, Min(x j ) is a function that indicates the minimum value of the set value j before scaling, and Max(x j ) is a function that indicates the maximum value of the setting value j before scaling.

[0080] Then, the CPU 24A calculates the distance between each of the scaled setting values ​​and the setting value "setting value 0" of the printer 20 that made the inquiry. Note that any distance may be calculated, but as an example, the Euclidean distance is used as shown in the following equation (2).

[0081]

number

[0082] In addition, D in equation (2) j is a value indicating the distance from the setting value "setting value 0" of the printer 20 that made the inquiry.

[0083] In this way, in sequence F312, the CPU 24A calculates the distance based on the above-described procedure shown in Fig. 9. Then, in sequence F314, the CPU 24A rearranges the setting values ​​so that the calculated distances are arranged in ascending order.

[0084] (Second example of distance calculation method and sorting method) 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for calculating distance in sequence F312 in this embodiment. In sequence F312, the CPU 44A of the server 40 obtains the print performance data 48 from the ROM 24C, and creates a weighted used function comparison table 94 including the setting values ​​of the inquired printer 20 for the setting values ​​included in the print performance data 48.

[0085] Similar to the used function comparison table 90 shown in Fig. 8, the weighted used function comparison table 94 shown in Fig. 10 records a value indicating the frequency of use for each function of the printer 20. Furthermore, the weighted used function comparison table 94 shown in Fig. 10 also has a weighting coefficient set for each function. Note that the weighting coefficient may be set in any manner, but as an example, the same weighting coefficient is set for each category of functions used.

[0086] 10, in this example of the calculation method, for functions that are considered to span multiple categories, a usage frequency value is calculated for each category. In the example shown in FIG. 10, "Function 1" is positioned in both the "POD (Print on Demand)-related function category" and the "Proof-related function category," and a weighting coefficient is set for each function category. This weighting coefficient is an example of weighting based on the classification of functions in this embodiment.

[0087] In this example of the calculation method, scaling and distance calculation are performed in the same manner as in the first example. Furthermore, the distance calculation method is not limited to the Euclidean distance described in the first and second examples, and other methods such as Manhattan distance and Mahalanobis distance may also be used.

[0088] Next, how the CPU 24A of the printer 20 according to this embodiment presents the print results to the user UR in sequence F320 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] (Presenting printing results) 11 is an example of a search result display screen 66 on which the CPU 24A of the printer 20 extracts multiple printing results in sequence F310 and displays the search results of the printing results on the input / output unit 30. As shown in FIG. 11, the search result display screen 66 displays printing result objects 68 indicating multiple printing results, an ease of implementation display icon 70 indicating the "ease of implementation" for each printing result, and a popularity display icon 72 indicating the "popularity" of each printing result. Furthermore, each printing result object 68 displays an operation result display icon 74 indicating the "number of times each printing result has been applied and executed," and a view count display icon 76 indicating the "number of times each printing result has been viewed."

[0090] 11, the ease of introduction display icon 70 displays the ease of introduction to the printer 20 for the user UR who uses the printer 20 that made the inquiry for each printing performance, using the number of star-shaped icons. Here, the ease of introduction to the printer 20 is calculated based on the distance to the printer 20 calculated in sequence F312. As an example, the number of star-shaped icons is set to the reciprocal of the distance to the printer 20 in the setting value for each printing performance.

[0091] 11, the more stars displayed on the ease of implementation icon for each printing history, the higher the position and display of the printing history object 68 on the search result display screen 66. In other words, the shorter the distance between the printer 20 and the setting value of each printing history object 68, the higher the position and display of the printing history object 68 on the search result display screen 66.

[0092] 11 is an example in which the CPU 24A presents the respective printing records to the user UR in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the printer 20. In other words, the search result display screen 66 shown in Fig. 11 is also an example in which the CPU 24A determines the order of similarity of the respective printing records based on the frequency of use of the printer 20.

[0093] The popularity display icon 72 displays the number of times printing was performed using each printing history during a predetermined period prior to the time the printer 20 made an inquiry, as described below, using the number of star-shaped icons. More specifically, the more times other users UR have applied the printing history, the more stars the popularity display icon 72 displays. The popularity display icon 72 also displays the number of times other users UR have applied the printing history in parentheses. In other words, the popularity display icon 72 is an example of the "number of times a process related to production history was performed" according to this embodiment.

[0094] The operation performance display icon 74 also displays the cumulative number of times that other users UR have applied the print performance. In other words, the operation performance display icon 74 displays the number of times that other users UR have applied the print performance in the past, regardless of the trend at the time when the printer 20 made an inquiry.

[0095] The view count display icon 76 also displays the number of times other users UR have viewed each print record as a number of star-shaped icons during a predetermined period prior to the time the printer 20 made an inquiry. More specifically, the more times other users UR have viewed the print record, the more stars are displayed on the view count display icon 76. The number of times other users UR have viewed the print record is also displayed in parentheses on the view count display icon 76.

[0096] When the user UR selects any of the print history objects 68, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 displays a print history display screen 78 shown in FIG.

[0097] 12, the print performance display screen 78 displays the setting values ​​80 of each setting item in the print performance that were recorded in the print performance, and a preview 82 of what the print performance will look like when applied. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the print performance display screen 78 displays a confirm button for deciding whether to apply the print performance.

[0098] The preview 82 displays an image that will be printed on recording paper when the print history is applied to sample data prepared by the server 40 or a print job that the user UR has previously registered in the printer 20. The user UR checks the image displayed in the preview 82 to determine whether or not to apply the selected print history.

[0099] Then, when the user UR decides to apply the printing results and selects the OK button, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 displays a printing results application screen 84 shown in FIG.

[0100] 13, the print job that the user UR has registered in advance in the printer 20 is displayed on the print history application screen 84. Then, the user UR selects a print job to which the print history is to be applied and print processing is to be executed, and executes the print processing.

[0101] Although not specifically shown, when the user UR displays the print history display screen 78 shown in Fig. 12, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 transmits data to the server 40 indicating that the user has viewed the print history. Furthermore, when the user UR executes a print process by applying the print history shown in Fig. 13, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 transmits data to the server 40 indicating that the print process was executed by applying the print history.

[0102] According to the information processing system 10 and the program 46 according to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0103] (Action and effect) In the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the CPU 44A receives an inquiry about functions related to the printer 20 from a user UR who uses the printer 20, the CPU 44A presents to the user UR print results related to functions available on the printer 20. Therefore, according to the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present to the user UR who uses the printer 20 print results related to functions available on the printer 20 in response to the inquiry from the user UR.

[0104] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment presents print records in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the printer 20 used by the user UR. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment can improve convenience for the user UR compared to when print records are presented randomly.

[0105] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment determines the order of similarity in the printing history based on the frequency of use of the functions of the printer 20. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment can present the printing history to the user UR in the order of the likelihood of being adopted by the user UR.

[0106] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment weights the frequency of use based on the classification of functions possessed by the printer 20. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment can present printing results that are more likely to be adopted by the user UR than when the weights for each classification are the same.

[0107] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the printing history presented to the user UR includes printing history executed by other printers 20 and provided via the network 14. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment increases the options available to the user UR compared to when only printing history from the same device is presented.

[0108] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment further presents the number of times that processing related to the printing history provided via the network 14 has been executed. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment can provide the user UR with the adoption trend of the printing history.

[0109] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment presents the user UR with a consent confirmation screen 60 for making the user agree to provide the printing history performed by the printer 20 via the network 14. Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment can prompt the user UR to provide the printing history performed by the printer 20.

[0110] Furthermore, when the program 46 according to this embodiment receives an inquiry about print history from a user UR who uses the printer 20, it causes the CPU 24A to present to the user UR the print history available on the printer 20. Therefore, according to the program 46 according to this embodiment, it is possible to present to the user UR who uses the printer 20 the print history available on the printer 20.

[0111] (First Modification) Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In this modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0112] 14, in the information processing system 110 according to this modification, the developer MK of the server 40 or the printer 20 can send sample data of the printing results to the server 40. Then, the server 40 records the sample data sent from the developer MK in the printing results data 48, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0113] The other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment. In this modified example, even if there are few users UR who use the information processing system 110 and few users UR who use the printer 20 register printing results, the users UR can execute printing processing using the sample data sent by the developer MK.

[0114] In addition, in this modified example, the same actions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0115] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In this modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0116] 15, in an information processing system 210 according to this modification, a user UR has an independent server 240 that virtually executes functions equivalent to those of a server 40 located on the network 14. The independent server 240 periodically acquires print performance data 48 from the server 40, thereby storing print performance data 248. The independent server 240 is not connected to the network 14, and only specific users UR can connect to it.

[0117] The independent server 240 may use any method for importing the print performance data 48. For example, the user UR or a developer MK who responds to the user UR's request may download the print performance data 48 from the server 40 to a recording medium, and then have the recording medium read by the independent server 240.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 15, in the information processing system 210 according to this modified example, when the connection between the printer 20 and the network 14 is severed and the printer 20 is unable to connect to the server 40, the printer 20 connects to the independent server 240.

[0119] The other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment. In the information processing system 210 according to this modification, the printer 20 makes an inquiry to the independent server 240 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, so that the user UR can receive information about the printing results.

[0120] In addition, in this modified example, the same actions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0121] (Other variations) In the above description, the CPU 44A of the server 40 executes the program 46 to present the user UR with print history information related to functions available on the printer 20. However, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, instead of the server 40, a configuration such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) may store print history data 48 and return the print history data 48 when an inquiry is received from the printer 20. In other words, the control unit 24 of the printer 20 may perform the functions of the server 40 described above. In this case, the CPU 24A is another example of the "processor" in the present embodiment, and the program 26 recorded in the ROM 24C is another example of the "program" according to the present disclosure.

[0122] In the above description, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 displays the print history in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the printer 20, but the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. The CPU 24A of the printer 20 may display the print history regardless of the setting conditions of the printer 20, for example, by displaying the print history in order of most recent.

[0123] In the above description, the CPU 44A of the server 40 rearranges the print records based on the frequency of use of the functions of the printer 20, but the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 44A of the server 40 may display the print records regardless of the frequency of use.

[0124] In the above description, the CPU 24A of the printer 20 displays the popularity display icon 72 and the operation performance display icon 74 along with the printing performance, but the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. The CPU 24A of the printer 20 may not display the popularity display icon 72 or the operation performance display icon 74.

[0125] In the above description, the CPU 44A of the server 40 is able to inquire about the functions of the printer 20 only when the user UR agrees to sending the printing history to the server 40, but the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 44A of the server 40 may be able to inquire about the functions of the printer 20 regardless of whether the user UR agrees to sending the printing history to the server 40. In other words, the consent confirmation screen 60 may not be displayed.

[0126] In these modified examples, the same functions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0127] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] Further preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0129] (((1))) a processor; When the processor receives an inquiry about a function related to the production device from a user who uses the production device, the processor presents to the user a production record related to the function that can be used by the production device. Information processing system.

[0130] (((2))) the processor presents the production results in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the production device for the function; (((1)))'s information processing system.

[0131] (((3))) the processor determines an order of similarity to the setting conditions of the production device based on the frequency of use of the functions of the production device; (((2)))'s information processing system.

[0132] (((4))) the processor weights the frequency of use based on the classification of functions of the production equipment. (((3)))'s information processing system.

[0133] (((5))) The production results presented by the processor include production results executed by other production devices provided via a network. An information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0134] (((6))) The processor further presents the number of times a process related to the production performance provided via the network has been executed. (((5)))'s information processing system.

[0135] (((7))) the processor presents a sign that allows the user to agree to provide, via the network, the production results that the user has executed with the production device; An information processing system according to (((5))) or (((6))).

[0136] (((8))) when receiving an inquiry about a function related to the production device from a user who uses the production device, causing the processor to present to the user production results related to the function that can be used by the production device; A program that executes.

[0137] According to the information processing system of (((1))), it is possible to present to a user who uses a production device production results relating to a function related to a user's inquiry. According to the information processing system of (((2))), user convenience can be improved compared to when production results are presented randomly. According to the information processing system of (((3))), it is possible to present production results to a user in order of the likelihood of being adopted by the user. According to the information processing system of (((4))), it is possible to present production results that are more likely to be adopted by the user than when the weights for each category are the same. According to the information processing system of (((5))), the user has more options to choose from compared to when only the production results of the same device are presented. According to the information processing system of (((6))), it is possible to provide users with the adoption trend of production results. According to the information processing system of (((7))), it is possible to prompt the user to provide the production results executed by the production device. According to the program (((8))), it is possible to present the user of a production device with production results that can be used with the production device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 Information processing system (an example of an information processing system) 14 Network 20 Printer (an example of production equipment) 24 Control Unit 24A CPU (an example of a processor) 24B RAM 24C ROM 24D Bus 24E I / O 26 Program (Example of a program) 28 Consent information 30 Input / output section 32 Communications Department 34 Image forming unit 40 servers 44 Control Unit 44A CPU (an example of a processor) 44B RAM 44C ROM 44D Bus 44E I / O 46 Program (Example of a program) 48 Printing performance data (example of production performance) 52 Communications Department 60 Consent confirmation screen (example of a sign to get the user to agree) 62 Agree button 64 Reject button UR User MK Developer 94 Weighted Usage Feature Comparison Table 66 Search result display screen 68 Printing record object 70 Ease of adoption icon 72 Popularity icon (example of the number of times a process related to production results has been executed) 74 Operational performance display icon 76 View count icon 78 Printing results display screen 80 Setting item setting value 82 Preview 84 Printing results application screen 90 Usage function comparison table 92 Distance comparison result table 110 Information Processing System (an example of an information processing system) 210 Information Processing System (an example of an information processing system) 240 independent servers 248 Printing performance data

Claims

1. a processor; When the processor receives an inquiry about a function related to the production device from a user who uses the production device, the processor presents to the user a production record related to the function that can be used by the production device. Information processing system.

2. the processor presents the production results in order of similarity to the setting conditions of the production device for the function; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the processor determines an order of similarity to the setting conditions of the production device based on the frequency of use of the functions of the production device; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. the processor weights the frequency of use based on the classification of functions of the production equipment. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The production results presented by the processor include production results executed by other production devices provided via a network. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processor further presents the number of times a process related to the production performance provided via the network has been executed. The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. the processor presents a sign that allows the user to agree to provide, via the network, the production results that the user has executed with the production device; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

8. when receiving an inquiry about a function related to the production device from a user who uses the production device, causing the processor to present to the user production results related to the function that can be used by the production device; A program that executes.

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