Information processing system and output method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and an output method capable of outputting a recommended installation position of an image processing system determined in consideration of a movement speed of each user.SOLUTION: An image formation system 100 includes: an acquisition processing unit that acquires a frequency of use of an image processing system 10 by each user; a determination processing unit that determines, on the basis of a result obtained by the acquisition processing unit, map data indicating a position of an information processor 20 corresponding to each user, and a movement speed preset for each user, one of a plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data as a recommended installation position for the image processing system 10; and an output processing unit that outputs the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an output method. [Background technology]

[0002] A related technology is an information processing system that determines one of a plurality of pre-set candidate installation locations in map data as a recommended installation location for an image processing device based on the frequency of use of each user's image processing device and map data showing the location of each user, and outputs the determined recommended installation location (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-53847 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the information processing system according to the above-mentioned related art cannot output the recommended installation position determined in consideration of the movement speed of each of the users.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an output method that can output a recommended installation position for an image processing device that is determined taking into consideration the movement speed of each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system includes an acquisition processing unit, a determination processing unit, and an output processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires a usage frequency of an image processing device for each user. The determination processing unit determines one of a plurality of preset candidate installation locations in the map data as a recommended installation location for the image processing device based on the acquisition result by the acquisition processing unit, map data indicating the positions of the information processing devices corresponding to each user, and a movement speed preset for each user. The output processing unit outputs the recommended installation location determined by the determination processing unit.

[0007] An output method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by one or more processors included in an information processing system, and includes an acquisition step, a determination step, and an output step. In the acquisition step, the frequency of use of an image processing device by each user is acquired. In the determination step, one of a plurality of preset candidate installation locations in the map data is determined as a recommended installation location for the image processing device based on the results acquired in the acquisition step, map data indicating the positions of the information processing devices corresponding to each user, and a movement speed preset for each user. In the output step, the recommended installation location determined in the determination step is output. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to output a recommended installation position for an image processing device that is determined taking into consideration the movement speed of each user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a server included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of map data stored in the server of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a print job execution process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a recommended installation position output process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an installation location update process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Image forming system 100] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of image processing devices 10, a plurality of information processing devices 20, and a server 30. In the image forming system 100, each image processing device 10 is connected to each information processing device 20 and the server 30 via a communication network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the communication network 40 is the Internet or a LAN (local area network). In the image forming system 100, each information processing device 20 is connected to the server 30 via the communication network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The number of image processing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 does not have to be limited to two (see FIG. 1). The number of information processing devices 20 included in the image forming system 100 does not have to be limited to three (see FIG. 1). The image forming system 100 is an example of an information processing system of the present invention.

[0012] [Image processing device 10] The image processing device 10 has a print function for forming an image on a sheet. For example, the image processing device 10 is a multifunction device having multiple functions including the print function. The image processing device of the present invention may be a printer, scanner, fax machine, copier, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, an ADF 12, an image reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an operation display unit 16, a communication unit 17, a memory unit 18, and an acceleration sensor 19.

[0014] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the image processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes a CPU 11A, a ROM 11B, and a RAM 11C. The CPU 11A is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 11B is a non-volatile storage device that pre-stores information such as control programs for causing the CPU 11A to execute various types of processing. The RAM 11C is a volatile or non-volatile storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU 11A. The CPU 11A executes the various control programs pre-stored in the ROM 11B. This comprehensively controls the image processing device 10.

[0015] The ADF 12 transports a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 13. The ADF 12 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, a document holder, and a paper discharge unit.

[0016] The image reading unit 13 has a scanning function for reading an image of a document, and includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD.

[0017] Image forming unit 14 realizes the print function. For example, image forming unit 14 forms an image on a sheet supplied by paper feed unit 15 using an electrophotographic method. For example, image forming unit 14 includes a plurality of image forming units, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and a paper output tray. Note that image forming unit 14 may also form an image on a sheet supplied by paper feed unit 15 using another image forming method, such as an inkjet method.

[0018] The paper feed unit 15 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 14. The paper feed unit 15 includes a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of transport rollers.

[0019] The operation display unit 16 is a user interface of the image processing device 10. The operation display unit 16 includes a first display unit and a first operation unit. The first display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 11. For example, the first display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The first operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 11 in response to user operations. For example, the first operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0020] The communication unit 17 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication via a communication network 40 between the information processing device 20 and external communication devices such as the server 30.

[0021] The storage unit 18 is a nonvolatile storage device, such as a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0022] The storage unit 18 pre-stores authentication information corresponding to each user of the image processing device 10. The authentication information is used to authenticate the user of the image processing device 10. For example, the authentication information is a user name and a password.

[0023] In the image forming system 100, a user of the image processing device 10 is associated with one of the information processing devices 20. For example, the authentication information is associated with the identification information of one of the information processing devices 20.

[0024] The acceleration sensor 19 is used to detect the movement of the image processing device 10. For example, the acceleration sensor 19 is a three-axis acceleration sensor.

[0025] 2. Specifically, a first operation control program for causing the control unit 11 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the storage unit 18. The CPU 11A of the control unit 11 executes the first operation control program to function as each of the processing units shown in FIG.

[0026] Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured with electronic circuits. Also, the first operation control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the processing units shown in FIG.

[0027] The authentication processing unit 41 uses the authentication information stored in the storage unit 18 to authenticate the user of the image processing device 10 .

[0028] For example, the authentication processing unit 41 displays an authentication screen used for a predetermined authentication operation on the operation / display unit 16 in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation / display unit 16. Then, the authentication processing unit 41 accepts the authentication operation on the authentication screen. For example, the authentication operation is an operation of inputting a user name and a password. Thereafter, the authentication processing unit 41 authenticates the user if the information input from the operation / display unit 16 matches any of the authentication information stored in the storage unit 18. In other words, the authentication processing unit 41 logs the user in to the image processing device 10. Note that the authentication processing unit 41 executes logout processing to log out the currently logged-in user when a predetermined logout operation is performed on the operation / display unit 16, when a preset time has elapsed, or when another user is logged in.

[0029] The record processing unit 42 records the number of times each user of the image processing device 10 uses the image processing device 10 during a predetermined counting period.

[0030] For example, the aggregation period is one month from the beginning to the end of the month, but the aggregation period may also be one week, six months, or one year.

[0031] For example, the storage unit 18 is provided with a usage count recording area corresponding to each user of the image processing device 10. The usage count recording area stores a numerical value indicating the number of times the user has used the image processing device 10.

[0032] For example, when a user logs in to the image processing device 10, the recording processing unit 42 counts up the value in the number-of-uses recording area corresponding to the user.

[0033] Furthermore, when a print job output from an information processing device 20 is input to the image processing device 10, the recording processing unit 42 counts up the value in the number-of-use recording area corresponding to the user associated with the information processing device 20. The print job is a job for printing data to be printed.

[0034] For example, when the counting period ends, the recording processing unit 42 transmits the recording results for that counting period to the server 30. Then, the recording processing unit 42 resets the values ​​in each of the use count recording areas and starts recording for the next counting period.

[0035] The record processing unit 42 may record only the number of times each user has input a print job.

[0036] The detection processing unit 43 detects the movement of the image processing device 10 .

[0037] For example, the detection processing unit 43 uses the acceleration sensor 19 to detect the movement of the image processing device 10 .

[0038] For example, when the movement of the image processing device 10 is detected, the detection processing unit 43 notifies the server 30 to that effect.

[0039] [Information processing device 20] The information processing device 20 is used by a user of the image processing device 10. For example, the information processing device 20 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0041] The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the information processing device 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 21 includes a CPU 21A, a ROM 21B, and a RAM 21C. The CPU 21A, the ROM 21B, and the RAM 21C have the same functions as the CPU 11A, the ROM 11B, and the RAM 11C of the image processing device 10.

[0042] The operation display unit 22 is a user interface of the information processing device 20. The operation display unit 22 includes a second display unit and a second operation unit. The second display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 21. For example, the second display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The second operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 21 in response to user operations. For example, the second operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The operation display unit 22 is an example of a display unit of the present invention.

[0043] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication between the image processing device 10 and external communication devices such as the server 30 via the communication network 40.

[0044] The storage unit 24 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 18 of the image processing device 10 .

[0045] The storage unit 24 stores performance information indicating the performance of each image processing device 10 in advance.

[0046] 3, the control unit 21 includes a third reception processing unit 51, a second reception processing unit 52, a display processing unit 53, and an execution processing unit 54. Specifically, a second operation control program for causing the control unit 21 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the storage unit 24. The CPU 21A of the control unit 21 executes the second operation control program to function as each of the processing units shown in FIG.

[0047] Note that some or all of the processing units included in control unit 21 may be configured with electronic circuits. Also, the second operation control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the processing units shown in FIG.

[0048] The third reception processing unit 51 receives a setting operation for setting the execution conditions of the print job.

[0049] For example, the third reception processing unit 51 displays an execution condition setting screen used for the setting operation on the operation display unit 22 in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 22. The setting operation is accepted on the execution condition setting screen. For example, the execution conditions include the number of copies to be printed, the print color, and the print layout of the data to be printed.

[0050] When the execution conditions of the print job are set, the second reception processing unit 52 displays map data 34A (see Figures 4 and 5) on the operation display unit 22 and receives a selection operation to select one of the image processing devices 10 included in the map data 34A.

[0051] Here, the map data 34A is data indicating the position of the information processing device 20 corresponding to each user of the image processing device 10. The map data 34A is also data indicating the position of each image processing device 10. The map data 34A is stored in the storage unit 34 of the server 30 (see FIG. 4).

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an example of map data 34A. For example, the map data 34A is data that indicates, using squares, the position of the information processing device 20, the position of the image processing device 10, the positions of obstacles such as walls and desks, and candidate installation positions for the image processing device 10. In FIG. 5, squares indicated by "Y1," "Y2," and "Y3" are squares that indicate the positions of the information processing device 20, respectively. In FIG. 5, squares indicated by "M1" and "M2" are squares that indicate the positions of the image processing device 10, respectively. In FIG. 5, hatched squares are squares that indicate obstacles (desks). In FIG. 5, squares with dashed rectangles inside are squares that indicate the candidate installation positions. Note that the map data 34A may not include squares that indicate the candidate installation positions. In this case, among the squares included in the map data 34A, positions corresponding to squares other than the square that indicates the position of the information processing device 20 and the square that indicates the obstacle may be treated as the candidate installation positions.

[0053] For example, when the setting operation is accepted on the execution condition setting screen, the second acceptance processing unit 52 acquires map data 34A from the storage unit 34 of the server 30, and displays a selection operation acceptance screen including the acquired map data 34A on the operation display unit 22. The selection operation acceptance screen accepts the selection operation. That is, on the selection operation acceptance screen, a square indicating (the position of) the image processing device 10 is displayed in a selectable manner.

[0054] The display processing unit 53 identifiably displays the image processing device 10 that is capable of executing the print job and is closest to the image processing device 10 itself, among the multiple image processing devices 10 included in the map data 34A displayed by the second reception processing unit 52.

[0055] For example, the display processing unit 53 identifies, from among the multiple image processing devices 10 included in the map data 34A, an image processing device 10 that can execute the print job under the execution conditions set in the setting operation, based on the execution conditions set in the setting operation and the performance information stored in the memory unit 24.

[0056] Furthermore, the display processing unit 53 uses the map data 34A to identify the image processing device 10 that is closest to the own device among the image processing devices 10 that can execute the print job. Note that the distance from the own device to each image processing device 10 in the map data 34A may be obtained using a conventionally known algorithm that can obtain the shortest distance between two points on a map.

[0057] For example, the display processing unit 53 blinks the square indicating the image processing device 10 (position) that is closest to the own device and capable of executing the print job, among the multiple image processing devices 10 in the map data 34A included in the selection operation reception screen.

[0058] The execution processing unit 54 causes the image processing device 10 selected by the selection operation to execute the print job.

[0059] Specifically, the execution processing unit 54 inputs (transmits) the print job, for which the execution conditions have been set by the setting operation, to the image processing device 10 selected by the selection operation.

[0060] [Server 30] As shown in FIG. 4, the server 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation display unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a storage unit .

[0061] The control unit 31 performs overall control of the server 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 31A, a ROM 31B, and a RAM 31C. The CPU 31A, the ROM 31B, and the RAM 31C have the same functions as the CPU 11A, the ROM 11B, and the RAM 11C of the image processing device 10.

[0062] The operation display unit 32 is a user interface of the server 30. The operation display unit 32 includes a third display unit and a third operation unit. The third display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 31. For example, the third display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The third operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 31 in response to user operations. For example, the third operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0063] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface capable of performing wired or wireless data communication via a communication network 40 between the image processing device 10 and external communication devices such as the information processing device 20.

[0064] The storage unit 34 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 18 of the image processing device 10 .

[0065] The storage unit 34 stores in advance the performance information indicating the performance of each image processing device 10.

[0066] Furthermore, map data 34A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is stored in advance in the storage unit 34. The map data 34A may be arbitrarily edited in response to an operation on the operation display unit 32 by the user.

[0067] Incidentally, a related technology is known as an information processing system that determines one of a plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data 34A as a recommended installation position for the image processing device 10 based on the frequency of use of the image processing device 10 by each user and the map data 34A, and outputs the determined recommended installation position.

[0068] However, the information processing system according to the above-mentioned related art cannot output the recommended installation position determined in consideration of the movement speed of each user.

[0069] In contrast to this, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is capable of outputting a recommended installation position for an image processing device that is determined in consideration of the movement speed of each user, as will be described below.

[0070] Specifically, the storage unit 34 stores in advance movement speed data 34B (see FIG. 4) indicating the movement speed of each user of the image processing device 10.

[0071] 4, the control unit 31 includes an acquisition processing unit 61, a determination processing unit 62, an output processing unit 63, a first reception processing unit 64, and an update processing unit 65. Specifically, a third operation control program for causing the control unit 31 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the storage unit 34. The CPU 31A of the control unit 31 executes the third operation control program to function as each of the processing units shown in FIG.

[0072] Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be configured with electronic circuits. Also, the third operation control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the processing units shown in FIG.

[0073] The acquisition processing unit 61 acquires the frequency of use of the image processing device 10 by each user.

[0074] For example, when the acquisition processing unit 61 receives a recording result by the recording processing unit 42 transmitted from the image processing device 10, the acquisition processing unit 61 acquires the received recording result as the frequency of use of the image processing device 10 by each user.

[0075] The determination processing unit 62 determines one of the plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data 34A as the recommended installation position for the image processing device 10 based on the acquisition result by the acquisition processing unit 61, the map data 34A, and the movement speed preset for each user.

[0076] For example, the determination processing unit 62 determines the recommended installation location in descending order of performance of the image processing device 10 among the plurality of image processing devices 10. The level of performance of the image processing device 10 may be determined based on any determined criteria (for example, the faster the printing speed, the higher the performance). The order in which the recommended installation locations are determined may be determined any way.

[0077] For example, the determination processing unit 62 calculates an index value for each of the candidate installation locations. Here, the index value is calculated by adding up specific values ​​calculated for each user. The specific value is calculated by multiplying the travel time from the position of the information processing device 20 corresponding to the user to the candidate installation location by the number of times the user has used the image processing device 10 during the aggregation period. The travel time is calculated by dividing the distance from the position of the information processing device 20 in the map data 34A to the candidate installation location by the user's travel speed identified based on the travel speed data 34B.

[0078] Then, the determination processing unit 62 determines the installation candidate location with the smallest index value as the recommended installation location.

[0079] The output processing unit 63 outputs the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing unit 62 .

[0080] For example, when the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing section 62 differs from the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A, the output processing section 63 outputs the recommended installation position.

[0081] For example, the output processing unit 63 displays a notification screen including map data 34A in which the recommended installation location is highlighted on the operation display unit 22 of one of the multiple information processing devices 20 that is predetermined.

[0082] When the detection processing unit 43 of the image processing device 10 detects that the image processing device 10 has moved, the first reception processing unit 64 receives an update operation for updating the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A.

[0083] For example, when the first reception processing unit 64 is notified by the detection processing unit 43 of the image processing device 10 that movement of the image processing device 10 has been detected, the first reception processing unit 64 displays an update operation reception screen used for the update operation on the operation display unit 22 of a predetermined one of the multiple information processing devices 20. The update operation is received on the update operation reception screen.

[0084] The update processing unit 65 updates the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A in response to the update operation.

[0085] [Print job execution process] 6, an example of the procedure of the print job execution process executed by the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 in the image forming system 100 will be described. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 21. The print job execution process is executed when an instruction to display the execution condition setting screen is input in the information processing device 20.

[0086] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 21 displays the execution condition setting screen on the operation display unit 22. The process of step S11 is executed by the third reception processing unit 51 of the control unit 21.

[0087] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the setting operation has been accepted on the execution condition setting screen.

[0088] Here, if the control unit 21 determines that the setting operation has been accepted (Yes in S12), it shifts the process to step S13. On the other hand, if the setting operation has not been accepted (No in S12), the control unit 21 waits for acceptance of the setting operation in step S12.

[0089] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 21 displays the selection operation reception screen on the operation display unit 22. The process of step S13 is executed by the second reception processing unit 52 of the control unit 21.

[0090] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 21 identifiably displays, among the plurality of image processing devices 10 in the map data 34A included in the selection operation acceptance screen, a square indicating (the position of) the image processing device 10 that can execute the print job under the execution conditions set by the setting operation and is closest to the control unit 21. The processing of step S14 is executed by the display processing unit 53 of the control unit 21.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 21 blinks the square in the map data 34A included in the selection operation reception screen that indicates the image processing device 10 (or its position) that is closest to the device and that can execute the print job under the execution conditions set by the setting operation.

[0092] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the selection operation has been accepted on the selection operation acceptance screen.

[0093] Here, if the control unit 21 determines that the selection operation has been accepted (Yes in S15), it shifts the process to step S16. On the other hand, if the selection operation has not been accepted (No in S15), the control unit 21 waits for acceptance of the selection operation in step S15.

[0094] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 21 causes the image processing device 10 selected by the selection operation to execute the print job. The process of step S16 is executed by the execution processing unit 54 of the control unit 21.

[0095] Specifically, the control unit 21 inputs (transmits) the print job, for which the execution conditions have been set by the setting operation, to the image processing device 10 selected by the selection operation.

[0096] [Recommended installation position output processing] 7, an example of the output method of the present invention will be described together with an example of the procedure of the recommended installation position output process executed by the control unit 31 of the server 30 in the image forming system 100. The recommended installation position output process is executed when the recording result by the recording processing unit 42 transmitted from each image processing device 10 is received.

[0097] The recommended installation position output process is executed for each image processing device 10. The recommended installation position output process is executed in order starting from the image processing device 10 with the highest performance. The following describes the recommended installation position output process corresponding to the image processing device 10 with the highest performance among the multiple image processing devices 10.

[0098] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 31 acquires the frequency of use of each user of the image processing device 10. The process of step S21 is an example of an acquisition step of the present invention, and is executed by the acquisition processing unit 61 of the control unit 31.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the recording result by the recording processing unit 42 transmitted from the image processing device 10 as the frequency of use of the image processing device 10 by each user.

[0100] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 31 acquires the moving speed of each user.

[0101] Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the movement speed of each user from the movement speed data 34B stored in the storage unit 34.

[0102] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 31 calculates the index value for each of the installation candidate positions (see the squares with dashed-line rectangles inside in FIG. 5) included in the map data 34A.

[0103] Specifically, the control unit 31 calculates, for each user, the travel time from the position of the information processing device 20 corresponding to the user (see the squares indicating "Y1," "Y2," and "Y3" in FIG. 5) to the candidate installation position. The travel time is calculated by dividing the distance from the position of the information processing device 20 in the map data 34A to the candidate installation position by the travel speed of the user identified based on the travel speed data 34B.

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 31 calculates the specific value for each user by multiplying the user's travel time by the number of times the user has used the image processing device 10 during the aggregation period.

[0105] Then, the control unit 31 calculates the index value by adding up the specific values ​​calculated for each user.

[0106] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 31 determines the installation candidate position having the smallest index value as the recommended installation position. The processes of steps S22 to S24 are an example of a determination step of the present invention, and are executed by the determination processing unit 62 of the control unit 31.

[0107] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 31 determines whether the recommended installation location determined by the processing in step S24 differs from the location of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A (see the squares indicating "M1" or "M2" in Figure 5).

[0108] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the recommended installation position determined by the processing of step S24 is different from the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A (Yes in S25), it shifts the processing to step S26. On the other hand, when the recommended installation position determined by the processing of step S24 is the same as the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A (No in S25), the control unit 31 ends the recommended installation position output processing.

[0109] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 31 outputs the recommended installation position determined by the processing in step S24. The processing in step S26 is an example of an output step of the present invention, and is executed by the output processing unit 63 of the control unit 31.

[0110] For example, the control unit 31 causes the notification screen including the map data 34A in which the recommended installation location is highlighted to be displayed on the operation display unit 22 of one of the information processing devices 20 that is predetermined among the plurality of information processing devices 20.

[0111] [Installation location update process] Next, an example of the procedure of the installation location update process executed by the control unit 31 of the server 30 in the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] <Step S31> First, in step S31, the control unit 31 determines whether or not movement of any of the image processing devices 10 has been detected.

[0113] Specifically, when the control unit 31 is notified by the detection processing unit 43 of any of the image processing devices 10 that movement of the image processing device 10 has been detected, the control unit 31 determines whether movement of any of the image processing devices 10 has been detected.

[0114] Here, if the control unit 31 determines that movement of any of the image processing devices 10 has been detected (Yes in S31), it shifts the process to step S32. On the other hand, if movement of any of the image processing devices 10 has not been detected (No in S31), the control unit 31 waits for detection of movement of any of the image processing devices 10 in step S31.

[0115] <Step S32> In step S32, the control unit 31 displays the update operation reception screen on the operation display unit 22 of a predetermined one of the multiple information processing devices 20. The processing of step S32 is executed by the first reception processing unit 64 of the control unit 31.

[0116] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the update operation has been accepted on the update operation acceptance screen.

[0117] Here, if the control unit 31 determines that the update operation has been accepted (Yes in S33), it shifts the process to step S34. On the other hand, if the update operation has not been accepted (No in S33), the control unit 31 waits for acceptance of the update operation in step S33.

[0118] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 31 updates the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A in response to the update operation. The process of step S34 is executed by the update processing unit 65 of the control unit 31.

[0119] In this way, in the image forming system 100, based on the acquisition result by the acquisition processing unit 61, the map data 34A, and the moving speed set in advance for each user, one of the plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data 34A is determined as the recommended installation position for the image processing device 10. This makes it possible to output the recommended installation position for the image processing device 10 determined in consideration of the moving speed of each user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user with a slow moving speed from being disadvantaged (in a conventional configuration, when there are two users with the same frequency of use but different moving speeds, the recommended installation position is determined so that the moving time of the user with a slow moving speed is longer than the moving time of the user with a fast moving speed).

[0120] Furthermore, in the image forming system 100, when movement of the image processing device 10 is detected, the update operation for updating the position of the image processing device 10 in the map data 34A is accepted by any of the information processing devices 20. This makes it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the update operation after the image processing device 10 has moved.

[0121] In the image forming system 100, any one of the image processing devices 10 may have the functions of the server 30. Specifically, any one of the image processing devices 10 may have the acquisition processing unit 61, the determination processing unit 62, the output processing unit 63, the first reception processing unit 64, and the update processing unit 65. Also, any one of the image processing devices 10 may include the map data 34A and the movement speed data 34B. In this case, the image forming system 100 does not need to have the server 30.

[0122] In addition, in the image forming system 100, any one of the information processing devices 20 may have the functions of the server 30. Furthermore, any one of the information processing devices 20 may include the map data 34A and the movement speed data 34B. In this case, the image forming system 100 does not need to include the server 30. [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0123] <Appendix 1> An information processing system comprising: an acquisition processing unit that acquires the frequency of use of an image processing device for each user; a determination processing unit that determines one of a plurality of preset candidate installation locations in the map data as a recommended installation location for the image processing device based on the acquisition results by the acquisition processing unit, map data showing the position of the information processing device corresponding to each user, and a movement speed that has been preset for each user; and an output processing unit that outputs the recommended installation location determined by the determination processing unit.

[0124] <Appendix 2> The information processing system described in Appendix 1, wherein the map data indicates the position of the image processing device, and the output processing unit outputs the recommended installation position when the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing unit differs from the position of the image processing device in the map data.

[0125] <Appendix 3> An information processing system as described in Appendix 2, comprising: a detection processing unit that detects movement of the image processing device; a first reception processing unit that receives an update operation to update the position of the image processing device in the map data when movement of the image processing device is detected by the detection processing unit; and an update processing unit that updates the position of the image processing device in the map data in accordance with the update operation.

[0126] <Appendix 4> The information processing system described in any of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the map data indicates the locations of the multiple image processing devices, each of the image processing devices is capable of forming an image on a sheet, each of the information processing devices has a display unit, and the information processing system comprises: a second reception processing unit that, when execution conditions for a print job are set in the information processing device, displays the map data on the display unit of the information processing device and accepts a selection operation to select one of the image processing devices included in the map data; and an execution processing unit that causes the image processing device selected by the selection operation to execute the print job.

[0127] <Appendix 5> The information processing system according to claim 4, further comprising a display processing unit that identifiably displays, among the plurality of image processing devices included in the map data displayed by the second reception processing unit, the image processing device that is capable of executing the print job and is closest to the information processing device that displays the map data.

[0128] <Appendix 6> An output method executed by one or more processors included in an information processing system, the output method including: an acquisition step of acquiring the frequency of use of an image processing device for each user; a determination step of determining one of a plurality of preset candidate installation locations in the map data as a recommended installation location for the image processing device based on the results acquired by the acquisition step, map data showing the position of the information processing device corresponding to each user, and a movement speed preset for each user; and an output step of outputting the recommended installation location determined by the determination step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10 Image processing device 20 Information processing equipment 30 servers 34A Map Data 34B Movement speed data 41 Authentication processing section 42 Recording processing section 43 Detection processing section 51 Third Reception Processing Section 52 Second Reception Processing Section 53 Display processing section 54 Execution processing section 61 Acquisition processing unit 62 Decision Processing Unit 63 Output Processing Section 64 First Reception Processing Section 65 Update processing section 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. an acquisition processing unit that acquires the frequency of use of the image processing device by each user; a determination processing unit that determines one of a plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data as a recommended installation position for the image processing device, based on the acquisition result by the acquisition processing unit, map data indicating positions of information processing devices corresponding to each of the users, and a moving speed preset for each of the users; an output processing unit that outputs the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing unit; An information processing system comprising:

2. the map data indicates the location of the image processing device; the output processing unit outputs the recommended installation position when the recommended installation position determined by the determination processing unit differs from the position of the image processing device in the map data. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. a detection processing unit that detects movement of the image processing device; a first reception processing unit that receives an update operation for updating a position of the image processing device in the map data when movement of the image processing device is detected by the detection processing unit; an update processing unit that updates the position of the image processing device in the map data in response to the update operation; The information processing system according to claim 2 , comprising:

4. the map data indicates the locations of the plurality of image processing devices; Each of the image processing devices is capable of forming an image on a sheet, Each of the information processing devices includes a display unit, The information processing system includes: a second reception processing unit that, when an execution condition for a print job is set in the information processing device, displays the map data on the display unit of the information processing device and receives a selection operation for selecting one of the image processing devices included in the map data; an execution processing unit that causes the image processing device selected by the selection operation to execute the print job; 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, comprising:

5. a display processing unit that identifiably displays, among the plurality of image processing devices included in the map data displayed by the second reception processing unit, the image processing device that is capable of executing the print job and is closest to the information processing device that displays the map data; The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. 1. An output method executed by one or more processors included in an information processing system, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a frequency of use of the image processing device for each user; a determination step of determining, based on a result of the acquisition step, map data indicating a position of an information processing device corresponding to each of the users, and a moving speed previously set for each of the users, one of a plurality of preset candidate installation positions in the map data as a recommended installation position for the image processing device; an output step of outputting the recommended installation position determined in the determination step; Output methods including:

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