Control program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method

Abstract

To improve productivity of an apparatus such as an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The present invention is a control program for causing a computer of an information processing device 40 to function as an analysis unit 903 that analyzes operation log data of a device, and an analysis result output unit 904 that outputs an analysis result of the analysis unit. The analysis unit 903 obtains difference information between first result information when first setting information that is setting information before the change of the device is set and second result information when second setting information that is setting information after the change of the device is set, the first setting information and the second setting information include information set for the device to perform printing processing, and the first result information and the second result information include observable information indicating an execution result of the printing processing of the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control program, an information processing device, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been active development of technologies to improve the productivity of image forming devices (such as the number of printed sheets per specified period). For example, there is known a technology that identifies factors that reduce productivity from the operation log data of an image forming device and proposes specific improvement measures to improve productivity to a productivity manager. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that improves convenience by giving priority to displaying initial setting items whose settings are frequently changed. Furthermore, according to the image forming device of Patent Document 1, by switching to an energy-saving mode after changing an initial setting item, energy efficiency can be improved by changing the settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-256235 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the past, there was no way to confirm whether the proposed improvement measures were implemented on-site, whether the implementation of the improvement measures actually had an effect, and how effective they were. As a result, there was a problem that productivity management managers were not motivated to implement the improvement measures, the improvement measures were not continued, and the productivity of equipment such as image forming apparatuses could not be improved. Even with the technology of Patent Document 1, there was a problem that the effects of setting changes could not be confirmed, setting changes were not continued, and energy efficiency could not be improved.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to improve the productivity of equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means. (1) A control program for causing a computer to function as an analysis unit that analyzes operation log data of a device and an output unit that outputs an analysis result of the analysis unit, the analysis unit obtains first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that is comparable to the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, the first setting information and the second setting information include information for setting the device to perform printing processing; The control program, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information indicating execution results of the printing process of the device.

[0007] (2) 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change related to an automatic switching setting of a paper feed tray of the device.

[0008] (3) 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change related to an automatic quality optimization function.

[0009] (4) 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change due to maintenance of the device.

[0010] (5) 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change in accordance with a manual for operating the device.

[0011] (6) 6. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit obtains difference information between the first performance information and the second performance information.

[0012] (7) 7. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit is caused to calculate an introduction rate of the device to which the change from the first setting information to the second setting information has been introduced.

[0013] (8) 8. The control program according to claim 7, wherein the analysis unit is caused to obtain difference information when the introduction rate is changed from a first introduction rate to a second introduction rate.

[0014] (9) 7. The control program according to claim 6, wherein the analysis unit is caused to predict the difference information when the setting information is changed to third setting information.

[0015] (10) 9. The control program according to claim 1, for functioning as a designation unit that designates the first period during which the first performance information is acquired and the second period during which the second performance information is acquired.

[0016] (11) 7. The control program according to claim 6, wherein the control program causes the output unit to output a priority according to a degree of effect indicated by the difference information.

[0017] (12) 11. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is caused to output an option indicating a change to the setting information.

[0018] (13) causing the output unit to output an option indicating a change to the setting information; 11. The control program according to claim 10, wherein the designation unit is caused to designate one or more of the output options.

[0019] (14) 7. The control program according to claim 6, wherein the output unit is caused to output the difference information resulting from a latest change to the setting information.

[0020] (15) 15. A control program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information are at least one of the number of errors that occurred in the print job, the time that the print job was interrupted due to the errors, the number of prints with poor quality, and the number of reprints.

[0021] (16) An information processing device comprising an analysis unit that analyzes operation log data of a device, and an output unit that outputs an analysis result of the analysis unit, the analysis unit obtains first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that is comparable to the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, the first setting information and the second setting information include information for setting the device to perform printing processing; The information processing apparatus, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information indicating execution results of the printing process of the device.

[0022] (17) An information processing method including an analysis step of causing an information processing device to analyze operation log data of a device, and an output step of outputting an analysis result of the analysis step, In the analysis step, first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that can be compared with the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, is obtained; the first setting information and the second setting information include information for setting the device to perform printing processing; An information processing method, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information that indicates execution results of the printing process of the device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, the productivity of the device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration of a productivity management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a print server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the productivity management terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a print server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a productivity management terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen for operation log data of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a legend of symbols displayed on the analysis result screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a mapping table. [Figure 13]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for productivity management processing of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a screenshot of a specific example of improvement action (1). [Figure 15] This is a screenshot of a specific example of improvement action (2). [Figure 16] This is a screenshot of a specific example of improvement action (3). [Figure 17] This is a screenshot (1) of a specific example of improvement action (4). [Figure 18] This is a screenshot (2) of a specific example of improvement action (4). [Figure 19] This is a screenshot (3) of a specific example of improvement action (4). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0026] First, a productivity management system for managing the productivity of one or more image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] [Productivity Management System] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a productivity management system. The productivity management system 1 includes image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C, a print server 20, a productivity management terminal 30, and an information processing apparatus 40, and these apparatuses are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] Image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C execute a process (also referred to as a printing process) to form an image on a recording material based on input print instructions. Image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C output operation log data to network 50 based on their operation history. While FIG. 1 illustrates three image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C, the number of image forming apparatuses may be one or more, and may be four or more. Hereinafter, when image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C are not distinguished from one another or when common functions are described, image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C may be referred to as "image forming apparatus 10." Note that image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C may be multifunction peripherals equipped with other functions in addition to printing functions. For example, such other functions may include a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and an automatic quality optimization function. Examples of automatic quality optimization functions include, but are not limited to, automatic adjustment functions before printing (front and back register adjustment, output density adjustment, density balance adjustment, gamma adjustment, etc.), real-time correction functions during printing (real-time gradation correction, real-time front and back register adjustment, etc.), and in-line automatic inspection functions (detection of paper stains and missing images, ejection of defective pages, automatic recovery printing, creation of inspection reports after printing, etc.).

[0029] The print server 20 is connected to each of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C so that they can communicate with each other. The print server 20 relays communications between the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C and other apparatuses. For example, the print server 20 receives a print job from a user terminal (not shown) via the network 50 and instructs the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C to print.

[0030] The productivity management terminal 30 displays information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C, which is provided from the information processing apparatus 40 via the networks 50 and 60. A personal computer, a mobile terminal, or the like can be used as the productivity management terminal 30. The productivity management manager checks the information relating to productivity displayed on the productivity management terminal 30, and manages the productivity of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C or operates the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C.

[0031] The information processing device 40 acquires and analyzes operation log data from the image forming device 10A-10C via the networks 50 and 60, and manages the productivity of the image forming device 10A-10C based on the analysis results. For example, the information processing device 40 manages the multiple image forming device 10 connected to the network 50 by customer based on a table linking the image forming device with the customer. The information processing device 40 transmits the results of analyzing the operation log data (including improvement measures) to the productivity management terminal 30 as information related to the productivity of the image forming device 10A-10C. The information processing device 40 is configured as a Web server. In this case, the productivity management terminal 30 operates as a Web client (Web browser).

[0032] Network 50 is an in-house network such as a LAN, and network 60 is a wide area network such as the Internet, which corresponds to a so-called cloud. Network 50 and network 60 are communicably connected via a relay device such as a router (not shown). Note that network 50 and network 60 may be a single network.

[0033] The print controller 200 (FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 10 may be configured to apply WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). WebDAV is a distributed file system that has the function of directly copying or deleting files to a web server and obtaining and setting file information such as the file owner and update date and time, and is implemented using a protocol that is an extension of HTTP1.1. Furthermore, if the print server 20 is configured to relay communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the network 50, WebDAV may be applied to the print server 20.

[0034] Alternatively, a storage server (not shown) that stores operation log data output by the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to the network 60 (cloud), and the information processing apparatus 40 may acquire the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 from the storage server. In this case, message queuing (Web service) that enables asynchronous transmission and reception of data between the storage server and the information processing apparatus 40 may be introduced on the network 60 (cloud). Alternatively, message queuing middleware may be implemented in the information processing apparatus 40.

[0035] Next, the hardware configuration of each device that constitutes the productivity management system 1 will be described.

[0036] [Hardware configuration of image forming device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a print controller 200, a print engine 210, and an operation display unit 220.

[0037] The print controller 200 receives a print document file from a user terminal (not shown), generates image data, and transfers the data to a print engine 210. The print controller 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk (HDD) 204, a printer I / F 206, an operation unit I / F 207, an audio input / output I / F 208, and a network I / F 209. These devices are connected via a system bus 205.

[0038] The CPU 201 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to a system bus 205 based on a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204. The ROM 202 stores control programs executable by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 functions primarily as the CPU 201's main memory, work area, etc., and its memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD 204 stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, editing files, etc. Although the HDD 204 is used in this embodiment, an external storage device such as an SD card or flash memory may also be used instead of the HDD 204.

[0039] Printer I / F 206 controls the output of image data to print engine 210, which is a mechanism that executes printing processing. Print engine 210 executes printing processing (transfer of color materials such as toner and ink to a recording material) based on input image data using an electrophotographic method, inkjet recording method, or the like. Print engine 210 includes multiple sensors 211 that detect the status of drive devices, actuators, and the like (not shown) within image forming apparatus 10 and output the detected data to printer I / F 206.

[0040] The sensor 211 is an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a voltmeter, an ammeter, an acceleration sensor, an encoder, an image sensor, etc. The printer I / F 206 may include an A / D converter that converts an analog signal input from the sensor 211 into a digital signal.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a door open / close detection sensor (not shown) that detects the opening and closing of a door attached to the image forming apparatus 10, a tray drawer detection sensor that detects the drawing / closing of a paper feed tray, and the like. For example, when the door open / close detection sensor detects that the door is open or the tray drawer detection sensor detects that the tray is drawn out, the print engine 210 does not execute printing. Such sensors that affect the operation of the print engine 210, such as the door open / close detection sensor and the tray drawer detection sensor, are included in the sensor 211.

[0042] The operation unit I / F 207 controls display of the display unit 222 included in the operation display unit 220, and controls input of various setting information set by the input unit 221. For example, the operation display unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display panel as the display unit 222, and a touch sensor as the input unit 221. The audio input / output I / F 208 controls audio input / output with audio input / output devices such as a microphone, speaker, and headset (not shown).

[0043] The network I / F 209 receives image data to be output to the print engine 210 and information (print settings) required for print control from the print server 20 via the network 50.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 10 and the print server 20 may be connected by a dedicated line, and when the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the network 50, the communication may be relayed through the print server 20. When a dedicated line is used, the image forming apparatus 10 and the print server 20 may each include a control system I / F (not shown) for communicating information necessary for print control, and an image data system I / F (not shown) for communicating image data to be printed.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 201 acquires detection data from a plurality of sensors 211 via the printer I / F 206 and stores the data as operation log data in the HDD 204. Then, the CPU 201 transmits the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 to the information processing apparatus 40 via the network I / F 209 and the network 50.

[0046] [Print server hardware configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the print server 20. As shown in FIG. The print server 20 performs processes necessary for executing print processing, such as analyzing submitted print jobs and converting them into image data. The print server 20 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk (HDD) 304, and a network I / F 306. Each device is connected via a system bus 305.

[0047] The CPU 301 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to the system bus 305 based on a control program stored in the ROM 302 or the HDD 304. The ROM 302 stores control programs executable by the CPU 301. The RAM 303 functions primarily as the CPU 301's main memory, work area, etc., and its memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD 304 stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, edit files, print job data, etc. Note that although the HDD 304 is used in this embodiment, an external storage device such as an SD card or flash memory may also be used instead of the HDD 304.

[0048] The network I / F 306 performs data communication with the network 50 via a network cable. The network I / F 306 transmits information (print settings) necessary for print control and image data output from the print server 20 to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0049] As described above, the print server 20 may relay communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the network 50. In this case, in the print server 20, data communication with the image forming apparatus 10 is performed by a control system I / F, and data communication with the network 50 is performed by a network I / F.

[0050] [Productivity management terminal hardware configuration] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the productivity management terminal 30. As shown in FIG. The productivity management terminal 30 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a hard disk (HDD) 404, a keyboard I / F 406, a display I / F 407, an image input I / F 408, an audio input / output I / F 409, and a network I / F 410. Each device is connected via a system bus 405.

[0051] The functions of the CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, and HDD 404 are similar to the functions of the corresponding devices in the print server 20, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] A keyboard I / F 406 controls key input from a keyboard 420 or a pointing device (not shown). A display I / F 407 controls display on a display 430. An image input I / F 408 controls image input from an image input device 440 such as a camera. An audio input / output I / F 409 controls audio input / output from audio input / output devices such as a microphone, speaker, and headset (not shown).

[0053] The network I / F 410 performs data communication with the network 50 via a network cable. As described above, the productivity management terminal 30 may be configured to communicate with the image forming apparatus 10 via the print server 20.

[0054] [Hardware configuration of information processing device] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 40. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 40 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a hard disk (HDD) 504, and a network I / F 506. Each device is connected via a system bus 505.

[0055] The functions of the CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, and HDD 504 are similar to the functions of the corresponding devices in the print server 20, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The network I / F 506 performs data communication with the network 60 via a network cable. As described above, the networks 50 and 60 may be a single network. The information processing device 40 may be configured to communicate with the image forming device 10 via the print server 20.

[0057] [Functional configuration of image forming device] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. The print controller 200 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a print image generation unit 601, a print instruction unit 602, a display control unit 603, an input control unit 604, an operation log data collection unit 605, and an operation log data output unit 606. These functions are realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 202.

[0058] A print image generation unit 601 generates image data necessary for the print processing operation of the print engine 210 based on the print document file and print settings. A print instruction unit 602 outputs print settings and image data to the print engine 210 and instructs it to execute printing.

[0059] A display control unit 603 controls the display unit 222 to display the status of the image forming apparatus 10 (printing possible / impossible, color adjustment processing in progress, remaining amount of consumables, etc.), the status of the paper feed tray, etc. The input control unit 604 receives an input signal corresponding to a user's operation on the input unit 221, and issues instructions such as changing print settings, executing color adjustment, canceling printing, and restarting printing.

[0060] The operation log data collection unit 605 collects detection data from sensors in the image forming apparatus 10, including the multiple sensors 211, operation data from actuators, and the like, and stores the collected data as operation log data in the RAM 203 or HDD 204 of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation log data includes not only one-off error data during job execution based on sensors or image quality abnormality data, but also the operation history of the image forming apparatus 10 (power on / off, operation history, user operation history) and all related information. For example, the operation log data collection unit 605 collects, as the operation history and related information, log data of panel operations on the operation display unit 220, log data of pulling out / putting back in the paper feed tray, information about the recording materials stored in the paper feed tray, log data when printing starts / stops / ends, and log data when the doors of the image forming apparatus 10 main body or the doors of a post-processing device (not shown) are opened and closed.

[0061] The operation log data output unit 606 outputs the operation log data stored by the operation log data collection unit 605 to the information processing device 40 via the networks 50 and 60 .

[0062] [Print server functional configuration] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the print server 20. As shown in FIG. The print server 20 includes a print document file storage unit 701, a print setting storage unit 702, a print job management unit 703, and a data relay unit 704. These functions are realized by the CPU 301 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 302.

[0063] A print document file storage unit 701 stores in the HDD 304 a print document file transmitted from a user terminal (not shown) by a job management application (print driver).

[0064] A print setting storage unit 702 associates the print document stored by the print document file storage unit 701 with print settings required for image data generation and print processing, and stores them in the HDD 304 .

[0065] A print job management unit 703 manages print job data received from a user terminal. Specifically, it performs processes such as retrieving print job data stored in the HDD 304, reflecting changes to print job settings made by the user terminal, and managing the history of printed jobs.

[0066] The data relay unit 704 analyzes the data received by the network I / F 306. If the data relay unit 704 determines that there is data to be relayed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the network 50, it controls the relay of the data.

[0067] [Productivity management terminal function configuration] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the productivity management terminal 30. As shown in FIG. A productivity management application 800 is installed in the productivity management terminal 30. The productivity management application 800 is a browser for viewing information related to productivity management, and includes an input reception unit 801, an information acquisition unit 802, and an information display unit 803. These functions are realized by the CPU 401 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 402.

[0068] The input receiving unit 801 has an interface that receives operations from the productivity control manager on the keyboard 420 or the like. For example, the input receiving unit 801 receives a display request for information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. The information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, information on the productivity monitoring status (such as the analysis results of operation log data) and productivity improvement information (such as the analysis results of operation log data and improvement measures), but is not limited to these.

[0069] The information acquisition unit 802 acquires information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 from the information processing device 40 based on the user operation or the like accepted by the input acceptance unit 801 .

[0070] The information display unit 803 displays the requested information on the display 430 based on the information relating to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 acquired by the information acquisition unit 802 from the information processing apparatus 40 .

[0071] [Functional configuration of information processing device] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes an operation log data acquisition unit 901, a setting unit 902, an analysis unit 903, an analysis result output unit 904 (output unit), and a designation unit 905. These functions are realized by the CPU 501 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 502. The information processing device 40 also stores a mapping table 910.

[0072] The operation log data acquisition unit 901 acquires operation log data from the image forming apparatus 10 and stores it in the HDD 504. The operation log data acquisition unit 901 collects operation log data from one or more image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the network 50 at predetermined time intervals, such as several msec.

[0073] The setting unit 902 sets setting information for the image forming apparatus 10. The setting information is information that is set so that the image forming apparatus 10 can perform printing processing in accordance with a print job. Examples of the setting information include, but are not limited to, setting values ​​for settings related to paper feed trays (e.g., identifiers of paper feed trays used for printing), setting values ​​for settings related to paper (e.g., type of recording material, paper size), and setting values ​​for settings related to automatic quality optimization (e.g., setting values ​​for automatic adjustment before printing, setting values ​​for a real-time correction device during printing, and setting values ​​for inline automatic inspection). Furthermore, the setting unit 902 can change the setting information in accordance with, for example, a request (input) from the productivity management terminal 30. Changing the setting information can be an option for changing the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, changing the setting information to improve the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be an improvement measure. Furthermore, the setting information is a collection of multiple types of setting values ​​(setting items) as described above, and options can be prepared by changing one or multiple types of setting values.

[0074] The analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10. The analysis unit 903 can execute an analysis process of the operation log data stored in the HDD 504 in the background of the operation log data acquisition unit 901. The analysis unit 903 can also analyze the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10 and obtain performance information when predetermined setting information is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The performance information is observable information that indicates the results of the print processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10, and can be a parameter for evaluating the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of performance information include, but are not limited to, the number of print job errors, the time the print job was interrupted due to an error, the number of prints with poor quality, and the number of reprints. The analysis unit 903 can acquire the performance information by aggregating the operation log data.

[0075] The performance information is observed due to the setting information being set. When the setting unit 902 changes the setting information, the performance information changes even for the same print process. When the setting unit 902 changes the setting information from first setting information (setting information before the change) to second setting information (setting information after the change), the analysis unit 903 can obtain the performance information when the first setting information is set as the first performance information, and can obtain the performance information when the second setting information is set as the second performance information. The analysis unit 903 can obtain difference information between the first performance information and the second performance information. The difference information is the change in the performance information caused by the change in the setting information, and is observable information.

[0076] The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the analysis results of the analysis unit 903 in response to a request from the productivity management terminal 30 (a request for information related to the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10). For example, the analysis result output unit 904 can output performance information, transmit it to the productivity management terminal 30, and present it to the productivity management manager. Furthermore, when the setting unit 902 changes the setting information in response to a request from the productivity management terminal 30, the analysis result output unit 904 can output difference information as a change in the performance information resulting from the change in the setting information, transmit it to the productivity management terminal 30, and present it to the productivity management manager. Furthermore, the analysis result output unit 904 can output the change content of the change in the setting information as an option for changing the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 (such as the analysis result screen in FIG. 10 ), transmit it to the productivity management terminal 30, and present it to the productivity management manager (details will be described later).

[0077] The designation unit 905 accepts designation of predetermined conditions from the productivity management terminal 30 in response to the analysis results of the analysis unit 903. For example, the designation unit 905 can perform processing such that the productivity management terminal 30 can designate, as the first period, a period in which first setting information (setting information before the change) is set and first performance information is acquired. The designation unit 905 can also perform processing such that the productivity management terminal 30 can designate, as the second period, a period in which second setting information (setting information after the change) is set and second performance information is acquired. The analysis unit 903 can obtain the first performance information when the first setting information is set within the first period. The analysis unit 903 can also obtain the second performance information when the second setting information is set within the second period.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the designation unit 905 can perform processing so that the productivity control manager can designate the option actually selected (the improvement measure actually implemented) from among the options displayed as the analysis results of the analysis unit 903. The designation unit 905 can output the analysis results provided with an input field for designating the option, and can transmit the analysis results to the productivity management terminal 30.

[0079] The mapping table 910 is a table showing the correspondence between the setting items of the setting information and the performance items of the performance information. Performance information is a collection of multiple types of performance items, and each performance item is an observable performance value. As described above, performance information is observed based on the setting information being set, and therefore serves as a parameter that can confirm the effect of changing the setting information. Here, the correspondence between which performance item changes when which setting item is changed is determined and registered in the mapping table 910. Details of the mapping table 910 will be described later.

[0080] [Operation log data analysis results screen] Next, an analysis result screen for the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10, which is displayed on the productivity management terminal 30, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] 10 shows an example of a screen that displays the analysis results for the operation log data of the image forming apparatus 10, which is displayed on the productivity management terminal 30. When the productivity management manager starts the productivity management application (browser) and logs in, the productivity management terminal 30 accesses the information processing device 40, and an analysis result screen 1000 is displayed on the top screen. The analysis result screen 1000 is the analysis result of the analysis unit 903.

[0082] The analysis result screen 1000 displays analysis result reports 1010, 1020, and 1030 for one week. Each of the analysis result reports 1010, 1020, and 1030 has one or more analysis results (records) 1011, 1021, and 1031. The analysis result report can include a first analysis result (option) for one week (e.g., last week) when the first setting information (setting information before the change) is set, and a second analysis result (option) for one week (e.g., this week) when the second setting information (after the change) is set. The designation unit 905 can process the first analysis result and the second analysis result so that the productivity management terminal 30 can designate them. In other words, the productivity management manager can designate from the productivity management terminal 30 that the analysis results for last week and this week that he or she wishes to view are output.

[0083] In the example of Figure 10, the analysis results are composed of the fields "Implementation confirmation," "Proposal," "Proposal type," "Analysis classification," "Expected effect," and "Proposal summary." "Implementation confirmation" indicates whether or not the options (improvement measures) shown in the corresponding analysis results have been implemented. If they have been implemented, a check mark is placed in the check box field in FIG. 10. The designation unit 905 can provide an "Implementation confirmation" field and check boxes that can designate each option on the analysis result screen 1000. The productivity control manager can check the check box of the option that has been implemented on the analysis result screen 1000 that is sent to and displayed on the productivity management terminal 30. "Proposals" are shown with pictograms or other symbols (symbols 1101-1102 in Figure 11) so that the proposal content can be understood at a glance. Proposals are broadly divided into two types of proposals (reports): improvement measures for improving productivity (improvement actions), and analysis and discovery. "Proposal type" indicates the type of proposal content (symbols 1103 to 1106 in FIG. 11) shown in the "Proposal" column. "Analysis classification" indicates the classification of factors causing productivity decline identified through analysis (symbols 1107 to 1109 in FIG. 11).

[0084] The "expected effect" indicates the expected effect of implementing the improvement measures. The expected effect is expressed as "xx minutes / day" or "xx minutes / week," and indicates how many minutes of productivity is expected to be improved per day or per week. "xx minutes / day" or "xx minutes / week" varies depending on the operational performance of the image forming apparatus 10. "Proposal Summary" shows an outline of the improvement measures and analysis / discovery proposal (report). For example, "Proposal Summary" shows the operational performance of a specific machine (such as an image forming device) (e.g., print interruption time, print preparation time, print time), improvement measures (changes to setting information) to improve the operational performance, and the effects obtained by implementing the improvement measures (e.g., the amount of time print interruption time is reduced).

[0085] Here, the legend of the symbols displayed on the analysis result screen will be explained with reference to FIG. Figure 11 shows the legend for the symbols displayed on the analysis results screen. These symbols are also used on other screens besides the analysis results screen. (suggestion) A graphic symbol 1101 is a picture of a miniature light bulb, and indicates a proposal or report for an improvement action (improvement measure). Graphic symbol 1102 is a picture of a magnifying glass and indicates a proposal or report of analysis and findings.

[0086] (Proposal type) Graphic symbol 1103 is a picture of a person and indicates a proposal or report regarding operations. Graphic symbol 1104 is a picture of a printing press and shows a proposal or report about the machine. Graphic symbol 1105 is a picture of a cardboard box and indicates a proposal or report on materials. The graphic symbol 1106 is a picture showing the management cycle, and indicates a proposal or report on a method or process. Graphic symbols 1103 to 1106 represent the resources used in carrying out the work, that is, the four elements of production (Man, Machine, Material, and Method).

[0087] (Analysis classification) Graphical symbol 1107 is a picture of a printing press and an hourglass, and indicates a proposal or report regarding printing downtime. Graphical symbol 1108 is a picture of a power standby and an hourglass, which indicates a run time suggestion or report. Graphic symbol 1109 is a picture of a manual feed tray and an hourglass, and indicates a suggestion or report regarding print preparation time.

[0088] [Details of change of setting information] Next, details of when the setting unit 902 changes the setting information will be described. Fig. 12 is an example of a data structure diagram of a mapping table 910. As shown in Fig. 12, the mapping table 910 shows the correspondence between the setting items of the setting information and the performance items of the performance information. In other words, the mapping table 910 shows the correspondence between which performance items are observed as changes when which setting items are changed. Furthermore, the setting items can be classified into multiple types, and although Fig. 12 shows setting items related to "paper settings" and "automatic quality optimization settings," the types of setting items are not limited to these.

[0089] "Paper settings" include, but are not limited to, "automatic paper feed tray switching settings" and "paper-related settings such as paper profile settings." "Automatic paper feed tray switching settings" are settings for selecting the paper feed tray used in the print process. "Paper-related settings such as paper profile settings" are settings for selecting the recording material used in the print process.

[0090] The performance items corresponding to the settings "Automatic paper feed tray switching settings" and "Paper-related settings such as paper profile settings" are "Corresponding setting on panel: ON / OFF," "Paper detection in paper feed tray," "Processing job list," "Calculation of improvement adoption rate," "Number of errors occurred," and "Suspension time due to error occurrence." "Corresponding setting on panel: ON / OFF" is an actual item for the paper feed tray and paper that is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10. The actual value of "Corresponding setting on panel: ON / OFF" is one of two values: ON (enabled) and OFF (disabled). "Paper detection in paper feed tray" is a performance item for detecting paper stored in the paper feed tray. The "processed job list" is a list of results for jobs that are the subject of print processing, specifically, a job log and a job history. "Calculation of improvement adoption rate" is a performance item for the improvement adoption rate (adoption rate), which is the percentage of machines (such as image forming apparatuses 10) that have implemented an improvement measure by changing the setting information. The improvement adoption rate can be calculated, for example, as the number of implemented machines (5 / 7 (units)), which indicates the number of image forming apparatuses 10 (e.g., 5) that have implemented an improvement measure (ON) out of the total number of image forming apparatuses 10 (e.g., 7). The improvement adoption rate can also be calculated as the number of times (e.g., 20 times) that an improvement measure has been implemented within a predetermined period (e.g., 1 week). "Number of errors" is a record item for the number of errors that occurred during printing processing. "Time interrupted due to error occurrence" is a performance item for the time during which the printing process was interrupted due to an error in the printing process.

[0091] "Automatic quality optimization settings" include, but are not limited to, setting items related to "automatic front and back adjustment" and "automatic adjustment of maximum density adjustment and density balance adjustment." "Automatic front and back adjustment" is a setting for selecting the automatic front and back adjustment function, which is one of the automatic quality optimization functions. "Automatic adjustment of maximum density adjustment and density balance adjustment" is a setting for selecting the density adjustment function, which is one of the automatic quality optimization functions.

[0092] The performance items corresponding to the setting item "Automatic front and back adjustment" are "Panel automatic front and back adjustment setting: ON / OFF," "Number of manual adjustments," "Number of automatic front and back adjustments," "Adjustment time for front and back adjustment," "Number of sample prints," and "Number of quality defects due to front and back adjustment errors." "Automatic front and back adjustment setting on panel: ON / OFF" is an actual item for automatic front and back adjustment that is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10. The actual value of "Automatic front and back adjustment setting on panel: ON / OFF" has two values: ON (enabled) and OFF (disabled). The "number of manual adjustments" is a performance item for the number of times that the front and back adjustments corresponding to the automatic front and back adjustment function have been manually performed. "Number of automatic front and back adjustments" is a performance item for the number of times the automatic front and back adjustment function has been executed. "Adjustment time for front and back adjustment" is a performance item for the time required for front and back adjustment (the time required from the start of adjustment to the final printing). The "number of sample prints" is a performance item for the number of sample prints used for front and back adjustment. "Number of quality-defective sheets due to front-to-back adjustment errors" is a performance item for the number of sheets of recording material printed due to defects in front-to-back adjustment.

[0093] The performance items corresponding to the setting item "Automatic adjustment of maximum density adjustment and density balance adjustment" are "Panel automatic adjustment setting: ON / OFF," "Number of manual adjustments," "Number of automatic adjustments," "Adjustment time," "Number of sample prints," "Number of image quality stabilization processes," "Number of color adjustment and measurement chart outputs," "Number of quality defects due to color unevenness and streaks," "Number of maintenances due to color unevenness and streaks," "Machine downtime due to color unevenness and streaks," "Number of reprints due to color unevenness and streaks," and "Reprint time due to color unevenness and streaks." "Panel automatic adjustment setting: ON / OFF" is an actual item for automatic density adjustment displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10. The actual value of "Panel automatic adjustment setting: ON / OFF" is one of two values: ON (enabled) and OFF (disabled). The "number of manual adjustments" is a performance item for the number of times that density adjustments equivalent to the automatic density adjustment function have been manually performed. "Number of automatic adjustments" is a performance item for the number of times the automatic density adjustment function has been executed. "Adjustment time" is a performance item for the time required for density adjustment. "Number of sample prints" is a performance item for the number of sample prints used for density adjustment. "Number of times of image quality stabilization processing" is a performance item for the number of times of image quality stabilization processing executed for density adjustment. "Number of color adjustment and measurement charts output" is a performance item for the number of color adjustment and measurement charts output after density adjustment. "Number of defective quality sheets due to color unevenness and streaks" is a performance item for the number of sheets of recording material printed with color unevenness and streaks. "Number of maintenances due to color unevenness and streaks" is a performance item for the number of maintenances performed to eliminate defects such as color unevenness and streaks. "Machine downtime due to color unevenness / streaks" is a performance item for the downtime of the image forming apparatus 10 due to defects such as color unevenness / streaks. "Number of reprints due to color unevenness / streaks" is a performance item for the number of reprints due to color unevenness / streaks. "Reprint time due to color unevenness / streaks" is a performance item for the time required to reprint due to color unevenness / streaks.

[0094] (Getting difference information (part 1)) Assume that the productivity control manager decides to implement one of the improvement measures for the nth week displayed on the analysis result screen 1000 (see FIG. 10 ) output by the analysis result output unit 904 to the productivity management terminal 30, and requests the information processing device 40 to implement the decided improvement measure. For example, assume that the decided improvement measure is an improvement measure that prompts a change in the setting item for "Automatic paper feed tray switching setting" shown in the mapping table 910. The operation log data acquisition unit 901 acquires the operation log data for the nth week for which the first setting information (for the nth week) is set, and the analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data for the nth week to obtain the analysis results for the nth week. The analysis results for the nth week include first performance information including performance items corresponding to the setting item of the "Automatic Paper Feed Tray Switching Setting" according to the mapping table 910 (performance items of "Corresponding Setting on Panel: ON / OFF," "Paper Detection in Paper Feed Tray," "Processing Job List," "Calculation of Improvement Implementation Rate," "Number of Errors Occurred," and "Suspension Time Due to Error Occurrence"). If the productivity management terminal 30 requests the information processing device 40, the productivity control manager can view the performance information.

[0095] The setting unit 902 changes the setting item of the "paper feed tray automatic switching setting" shown in the mapping table 910 in accordance with the improvement measure to be implemented, changing it from the first setting information (for the nth week) to the second setting information (for the n+1th week). When the image forming apparatus 10 executes a print process in the n+1th week, the operation log data acquisition unit 901 acquires the operation log data for the n+1th week, for which the second setting information (for the n+1th week) is set. The analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data for the n+1th week and obtains an analysis result for the n+1th week. The analysis result for the n+1th week includes second performance information, which includes performance items corresponding to the setting item of the "paper feed tray automatic switching setting" in the mapping table 910 (performance items of "Corresponding setting on panel: ON / OFF," "Paper detection in paper feed tray," "Processing job list," "Calculation of improvement adoption rate," "Number of errors occurred," and "Suspension time due to error occurrence"). The analysis unit 903 also obtains, as the analysis result, difference information between the first performance information for the nth week and the second performance information for the n+1th week. The difference information is the change in the performance values ​​of the performance items "Corresponding setting on panel: ON / OFF," "Paper detection in paper feed tray," "Processing job list," "Calculation of improvement introduction rate," "Number of errors occurred," and "Suspension time due to error occurrence."

[0096] The analysis result output unit 904 outputs an analysis result screen 1000 including the analysis results for the (n+1)th week and the difference information. When the productivity management terminal 30 requests the information processing device 40 to view the analysis result screen 1000, the productivity management manager can view the analysis result screen 1000 and learn the analysis results for the (n+1)th week and the difference information. The difference information allows the productivity management manager to confirm that the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 has improved as a result of the change in the setting information, as indicated by the performance information. This motivates the productivity management manager to implement improvement measures, allowing the productivity management manager to continue the improvement measures and improve the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0097] The designation unit 905 can designate the nth week when the first performance information is acquired and the n+1th week when the second performance information is acquired, in response to a request from the productivity management terminal 30. Furthermore, the designation unit 905 can check the “implementation confirmation” column on the analysis result screen 1000 for the improvement measures implemented by the productivity control manager in response to a request from the productivity management terminal 30 .

[0098] (Getting difference information (part 2)) As described above, the productivity control manager can cause the setting unit 902 to change the setting information in accordance with the improvement measures displayed on the analysis result screen 1000. However, the productivity control manager can also cause the setting unit 902 to change any setting item of the setting information (at his / her own discretion) regardless of the improvement measures displayed on the analysis result screen 1000. The analysis unit 903 can obtain an analysis result for the setting information after the change and obtain difference information resulting from the change in the setting information. The productivity control manager can view the analysis result screen 1000, obtain the difference information, and determine whether the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 has improved.

[0099] (Getting difference information (part 3)) The collection of analysis results by week displayed on the analysis result screen 1000 may include analysis results that reflect performance information before and after the setting information was changed by the setting unit 902 at a predetermined time in the past. When the productivity management terminal 30 requests the information processing device 40 to confirm the change of the setting information, the analysis unit 903 identifies the timing of the change of the setting information, acquires performance information (analysis results) before and after the change, and can determine difference information caused by the change of the setting information. The productivity management manager can view the analysis result screen 1000, which includes the analysis results before and after the change of the setting information, obtain the difference information, and determine whether the change of the setting information has improved the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10. The designation unit 905 can designate the period for acquiring performance information before and after the change of the setting information.

[0100] [process] Next, the productivity management process of the information processing device 40 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the productivity management process of the information processing device according to this embodiment. It is assumed that the operation log data acquisition unit 901 of the information processing device 40 periodically acquires operation log data from multiple image forming devices 10 (machines) throughout a factory (or a printing company, etc.) and stores the data in the HDD 504. The productivity management process starts, for example, when a request is made to the information processing device 40 from the productivity management terminal 30.

[0101] First, the analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data and determines whether or not the setting unit 902 has changed the setting information (step S1). If the setting information has not been changed (No in step S1), the productivity management process ends. On the other hand, if the setting information has been changed (Yes in step S1), the designation unit 905 designates a period for acquiring performance information (step S2). The designated period is a period that includes the timing of the change in the setting information, and can be, for example, one week before and after the timing of the change in the setting information, in other words, a total of two weeks. The designation unit 905 can also designate a period in response to a request from the productivity management terminal 30.

[0102] Next, the analysis unit 903 acquires performance information for the specified period in accordance with the mapping table 910 (step S3). The analysis unit 903 identifies which setting item of the setting information has been changed by the setting unit 902. The analysis unit 903 also identifies the performance item corresponding to the changed setting item by referring to the mapping table 910. The analysis unit 903 also acquires at least the performance value of the identified performance item from the performance information to be acquired.

[0103] Next, the analysis unit 903 obtains difference information from the acquired performance information (step S4). Specifically, the analysis unit 903 aggregates the performance information before the change in the setting information and the performance information after the change in the setting information, and obtains the difference between these aggregation results. Next, the analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information obtained by the analysis unit 903 (step S5). Specifically, the analysis result output unit 904 outputs information on the analysis result screen 1000, including the difference information, to the productivity management terminal 30. The productivity control manager can view the analysis result screen 1000 using the productivity management terminal 30 and obtain the difference information. This concludes the explanation of the productivity management process.

[0104] [Example of improvement actions (1)] Next, a specific example of the improvement action taken by the information processing device 40 of this embodiment, that is, the improvement action, will be described. A specific example (1) of an improvement action is an example of improving the frequency of paper feeding due to paper shortage. For example, an improvement action is taken of using multiple paper feed trays when executing printing processing for a large lot (5,000 pages or more) print job. The information processing device 40 receives a request to implement the improvement action from the productivity management terminal 30. The analysis unit 903 references the mapping table 910 and obtains the performance value of the performance item corresponding to the setting item of the "Automatic Paper Feed Tray Switching Setting." Specifically, the analysis unit 903 detects the timing when the automatic paper feed tray switching is turned ON in the settings on the operation panel of the image forming device 10 and the number of times it is switched ON / OFF. The analysis unit 903 also detects that the same recording material is loaded in multiple paper feed trays.

[0105] The analysis unit 903 also references the job list managed by the print server 20 to detect situations where large-lot print jobs are waiting or where multiple jobs using the same recording material are waiting. The analysis unit 903 links the detected jobs with the paper feed trays that are the target of the automatic switching setting, and uses this as the basis for implementing improvement actions. The analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data, and obtains and compares the number of errors and the interruption time due to paper shortage before and after implementing improvement actions to obtain difference information. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the number of errors and the interruption time due to paper shortage as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity control manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis results.

[0106] FIG. 14 shows an example screen of a specific example of improvement action (1). When executing a print job for a large lot on image forming apparatus 10, an improvement action was taken last week: turning on the "automatic paper feed tray switching setting." The time spent on paper outages two weeks ago, before the improvement action, was 182 minutes per week. On the other hand, the time spent on paper outages last week, after the improvement action, was 152 minutes per week. By implementing the improvement action, the time spent on paper outages was reduced by 30 minutes. Analysis result output unit 904 outputs the analysis results, summarizing the time spent on paper outages two weeks ago (182 minutes per week) and the time spent on paper outages last week (152 minutes per week), as well as the improvement effect (30 minutes equivalent to the difference information). The productivity management manager can view screen 1400 showing the analysis results via productivity management terminal 30 and confirm that a 30-minute improvement effect was achieved.

[0107] In the specific example (1), the analysis unit 903 acquires and aggregates two weeks' worth of data, one week's worth of data before the setting information is changed and one week's worth of data after the setting information is changed, in order to measure the effect. However, the data acquisition period is not limited to one week, and may be, for example, one month's worth (two months' worth, one month before the change and one month after the change).

[0108] The analysis unit 903 may also calculate the improvement implementation rate as a performance item to determine the improvement effect (difference information). The improvement implementation rate may be, for example, the percentage of image forming apparatuses 10 to which an improvement action has been implemented, the number of times an improvement action has been implemented for all image forming apparatuses 10, or the percentage of improvement implementation jobs (the percentage of the volume of jobs that cause an improvement to the volume of all jobs executed). The analysis unit 903 may also calculate the expected improvement effect when the improvement implementation rate is increased (when changing from a first implementation rate to a second implementation rate; for example, when adding one image forming apparatus 10 to which an improvement action has been implemented). By presenting such expected improvement effect to the productivity management manager, the improvement action can be further strengthened and continued. Furthermore, the data acquisition period may be set to three months, six months, one year, etc., and the productivity manager may be presented with the improvement effects when improvement actions are continued for a longer period of time.

[0109] [Example of improvement actions (2)] A specific example of improvement action (2) is an example of improvement by enabling the automatic quality optimization function. For example, an improvement action is taken in which manual front-to-back adjustment is switched to automatic front-to-back adjustment when executing a printing process. The information processing device 40 receives a request to implement the improvement action from the productivity management terminal 30. The analysis unit 903 refers to the mapping table 910 and obtains the performance value of the performance item corresponding to the setting item of "automatic front-to-back adjustment."

[0110] The analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data to determine the number of manual front and back adjustments and the manual front and back adjustment time (e.g., 202 minutes) during a period when manual front and back adjustments were performed (e.g., two weeks ago). The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data to determine the number of automatic front and back adjustments and the automatic front and back adjustment time (e.g., 121 minutes) during a period when automatic front and back adjustments were performed as an improvement action (e.g., last week). The analysis unit 903 determines difference information using the manual front and back adjustment time (e.g., 202 minutes) and the automatic front and back adjustment time (e.g., 121 minutes). The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the front and back adjustment time as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis result from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity control manager can check the analysis result by operating the productivity management terminal 30.

[0111] FIG. 15 is an example screen of a specific example of improvement action (2). By implementing the improvement action, the time required for front and back adjustment was reduced by 81 minutes. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the analysis results summarizing the time required for manual front and back adjustment two weeks ago: 202 minutes / week, the time required for manual front and back adjustment last week: 121 minutes / week, and the improvement effect, i.e., 81 minutes / week, which corresponds to the difference information. The productivity control manager can view the screen 1500 showing the analysis results via the productivity control terminal 30 and confirm that an improvement effect of 81 minutes has been achieved.

[0112] [Example of improvement actions (3)] A specific example of improvement action (3) is an example of improvement through periodic (short, about 20 minutes) maintenance. Maintenance includes, for example, cleaning of the image forming apparatus 10, part installation / replacement, paper settings, image quality adjustment, and specific trouble handling (SC (service call), JAM (paper jam), etc.), and can be a setting item in the mapping table 910. Performance items corresponding to these setting items include, but are not limited to, "CE maintenance report linkage," "panel settings," "part life parameter value," "number of part replacements," "number of long-term maintenance (3 hours or more)," "number of quality defects due to color unevenness," "number of JAMs," and "machine downtime."

[0113] "CE maintenance report collaboration" is a performance item that indicates whether detailed maintenance information was obtained in a report from a CE (service engineer). "Panel settings" is a performance item for the time from when the CE-dedicated terminal displays the operation screen (panel) for CEs until the screen is closed. The "part life parameter value" is a performance item for the life of parts of the image forming apparatus 10. The "number of parts replaced" is a performance item for the number of parts replaced in the image forming apparatus 10 before and after the implementation of the improvement action. "Number of long-term maintenance (over 3 hours)" is the performance item for the number of long-term maintenance before and after the implementation of improvement actions. "Number of quality defects due to color unevenness" is the performance item for the number of quality defects due to color unevenness, streaks, etc. before and after the implementation of improvement actions. "Number of JAMs" is a performance item for the number of JAMs before and after the implementation of improvement actions. "Machine downtime" is a performance item for the downtime of the image forming apparatus 10 before and after the implementation of the improvement action.

[0114] The information processing device 40 receives a request to implement an improvement action from the productivity management terminal 30. The analysis unit 903 refers to the mapping table 910 and acquires the performance values ​​of the performance items corresponding to the maintenance setting items. The operation log data acquisition unit 901 can acquire detailed maintenance information indicated in the maintenance report of the CE (service engineer) as operation log data.

[0115] The analysis unit 903 can analyze the operation log data to obtain the maintenance implementation time. Therefore, the analysis unit 903 can calculate the time from when the CE operation screen is displayed to when it is closed, based on the panel setting data (data related to the screen settings of the CE terminal) before and after the obtained maintenance implementation time (short-term maintenance of about 20 minutes). The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data to determine the part life parameter values ​​and the number of part replacements for a certain period before and after the time of maintenance (for example, if short-term maintenance started last week, then the two-week period consisting of the one week from the week before last to last week and the one week from last week to the present). The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data and calculates the number of long-term (3 hours or more) maintenance operations performed during a certain period before and after the maintenance operation, and the amount of time the machine was down for maintenance. If maintenance was performed for image quality problems such as color unevenness or streaks, the analysis unit 903 calculates the number of defective quality sheets due to color unevenness or streaks, and the number of reprints, during the certain period before and after the maintenance operation. The analysis unit 903 calculates difference information using the above-mentioned performance values ​​before and after the maintenance is performed. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the maintenance performance as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis result from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity control manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis result.

[0116] FIG. 16 is an example screen of a specific example (3) of improvement action. By implementing the improvement action, the maintenance time was reduced by 260 minutes. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the analysis result summarizing the time required for maintenance two weeks ago (3 hours of maintenance on two image forming apparatuses 10, machines A and B): 360 minutes, the time required for maintenance last week (20 minutes of short maintenance on five image forming apparatuses 10, machines A to E): 100 minutes, and the improvement effect, i.e., 260 minutes equivalent to the difference information. The productivity control manager can view the screen 1600 showing the analysis results via the productivity control terminal 30 and confirm that an improvement effect of 260 minutes has been achieved.

[0117] [Example of improvement actions (4)] (Patrol frequency correction) A specific example of improvement action (4) is an example of improvement using a manual for operating the image forming apparatus 10. The manual may be, for example, a correction to the frequency of patrols of the image forming apparatus 10, creation of a manual for new employees, a correction to the paper setting method, or a correction to the image quality adjustment method, and these may be setting items in the mapping table 910. Performance items corresponding to these setting items include, for example, "comparison of machine used by new employees and machine used by veterans," "comparison of number of mistakes," "number of errors occurred," and "interruption time due to error reflection," but are not limited to these.

[0118] "Comparison of machines used by newcomers and machines used by veterans" is a performance item regarding whether the person using the image forming apparatus 10 is a newcomer or a veteran. "Comparison of number of mistakes" is a performance item for the number of times the image forming apparatus 10 was not used according to the manual. "Number of errors" is a performance item for the number of times paper runs out before and after the improvement was implemented. "Time interrupted due to errors" is the performance item for the time interrupted due to paper shortage before and after the improvement was implemented.

[0119] The information processing device 40 receives a request to implement an improvement action from the productivity management terminal 30. The analysis unit 903 refers to the mapping table 910 and acquires the performance values ​​of the performance items corresponding to the setting items in the manual.

[0120] The analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data (the timing of updating the patrol frequency can be identified) to determine the number of errors (e.g., 25 times when paper ran out) and the interruption time due to errors (e.g., 450 minutes) during the period when the patrol frequency was every three hours (the week from the week before last to last week). The analysis unit 903 also determines the number of errors (e.g., 3 times when paper ran out) and the interruption time due to errors (e.g., 30 minutes) during the period when the patrol frequency was every ten minutes (the week from last week to the present). The analysis unit 903 calculates difference information using the interruption time due to errors. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs difference information related to the correction of the patrol frequency as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis result from the information processing device 40, allowing the productivity control manager to check the analysis result by operating the productivity management terminal 30.

[0121] FIG. 17 is a screen example (1) of a specific example of improvement action (4). By implementing the improvement action, the interruption time due to the occurrence of an error was reduced by 420 minutes. The analysis result output unit 904 output an analysis result summarizing the interruption time due to paper shortage two weeks ago (450 minutes), the interruption time due to paper shortage last week (30 minutes), and the improvement effect of increasing the frequency of patrols (every 10 minutes), that is, 420 minutes equivalent to the difference information. The productivity control manager was able to view the screen 1700 showing the analysis results via the productivity control terminal 30 and confirm that an improvement effect of 420 minutes had been achieved.

[0122] (Creating a manual for new employees) The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data (which can identify the timing of the creation of the new employee manual) to determine the number of errors that occurred and the amount of interruption time due to errors in the period before the new employee manual was created (the week from the week before last to last week). The analysis unit 903 also determines the number of errors that occurred and the amount of interruption time due to errors in the period after the new employee manual was created (the week from last week to the present). The analysis unit 903 determines difference information for the number of errors that occurred and the amount of interruption time due to errors. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the creation of the new employee manual as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity management manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis results.

[0123] Furthermore, when analyzing the operation log data, the analysis unit 903 analyzes the operation log data of the machine used by the rookie and the operation log data of the machine used by the veteran. The analysis unit 903 obtains the number of errors that occur on the machine used by the rookie in a predetermined period (e.g., 25 times) and the interruption time due to the error (e.g., 125 minutes) as analysis results. The analysis unit 903 also obtains the number of errors that occur on the machine used by the veteran in a predetermined period (e.g., 5 times) and the interruption time due to the error (e.g., 25 minutes) as analysis results. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the analysis results for the machine used by the rookie and the machine used by the veteran. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, allowing the productivity management manager to check the analysis results by operating the productivity management terminal 30.

[0124] FIG. 18 shows a screen example (2) of a specific example of improvement action (4). The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the number of errors (e.g., 25 times) and the interruption time (e.g., 125 minutes) of errors that occurred on a machine used by a new employee during a specified period, and the number of errors (e.g., 5 times) and the interruption time (e.g., 25 minutes) of errors that occurred on a machine used by a veteran employee during a specified period. The productivity control manager can view the screen 1800 showing the analysis results via the productivity control terminal 30 and confirm that an improvement has been achieved by using the image forming apparatus 10 in accordance with the manual. This can promote the familiarization of the manual and the continued use of the image forming apparatus 10 in accordance with the manual. Note that the screen 1800 in FIG. 18 may also display difference information regarding the number of errors that occurred during machine use and the interruption time due to the error occurrence between a novice and an experienced player. Furthermore, the above was an explanation of improvement actions that are made by creating a manual for new employees, but the same applies to improvement actions that are made by revising a manual for new employees.

[0125] (Paper setting method corrected) The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data to determine the number of errors (number of times paper ran out (e.g., 25 times), number of jams (e.g., 15 times)) and the interruption time due to the number of errors (e.g., 525 minutes) during the period before the paper settings were changed according to the manual (the week from the week before last to last week). The analysis unit 903 also determines the number of errors (number of times paper ran out (e.g., 5 times), number of jams (3 times)) and the interruption time due to errors (e.g., 75 minutes) during the period after the paper settings were changed according to the manual (the week from last week to the present). The analysis unit 903 determines difference information for the number of errors and the interruption time due to errors. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information related to the paper setting method as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity control manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis results.

[0126] FIG. 19 is a screen example (3) of a specific example of improvement action (4). By implementing the improvement action, the interruption time due to the occurrence of an error was reduced by 450 minutes. The analysis result output unit 904 output an analysis result summarizing the interruption time due to paper shortage two weeks ago (525 minutes), the interruption time due to paper shortage last week (75 minutes), and the improvement effect of changing the paper settings according to the manual, that is, 450 minutes equivalent to the difference information. The productivity control manager was able to view the screen 1900 showing the analysis results via the productivity control terminal 30 and confirm that an improvement effect of 450 minutes was achieved.

[0127] (Image quality adjustment method corrected) The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data to determine the number of errors (number of times color unevenness or streaks occurred) and the downtime due to the number of errors during the period before the image quality adjustment was changed according to the manual. The analysis unit 903 also determines the number of errors (number of times color unevenness or streaks occurred) and the downtime due to the number of errors during the period after the image quality adjustment was changed according to the manual. The analysis unit 903 determines difference information for the number of errors and the downtime due to errors. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the image adjustment method as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity control manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis results.

[0128] The analysis unit 903 also analyzes the operation log data to determine the number of quality defects caused by color unevenness or streaks and the number of reprints during the period before the image quality adjustment was changed according to the manual. The analysis unit 903 also determines the number of quality defects caused by color unevenness or streaks and the number of reprints during the period after the image quality adjustment was changed according to the manual. The analysis unit 903 determines difference information for the number of quality defects and the number of reprints. The analysis result output unit 904 outputs the difference information regarding the image adjustment method as the analysis result. The productivity management terminal 30 receives the analysis results from the information processing device 40, so that the productivity management manager can operate the productivity management terminal 30 to check the analysis results.

[0129] [summary] According to this embodiment, by implementing an improvement measure by changing the setting information, it is possible to clearly show the improvement effect, i.e., the degree to which the productivity of the image forming apparatus has improved. Therefore, the productivity control manager can confirm the improvement effect, be motivated to implement the improvement measure, and continue the improvement measure. As a result, it is possible to improve the productivity of the image forming apparatus.

[0130] [Variations] (a) The control program of the present invention can be implemented not only in the information processing device 40 but also in devices such as image forming devices, image processing devices (scanners, etc.), and various servers. (b) The information processing device 40 may include a prediction unit that predicts difference information when the setting information is changed to temporary setting information (third setting information). The analysis unit 903 obtains current performance information from operation log data when the current setting information is set in a device such as an image forming device. The prediction unit also predicts and obtains temporary performance information that will be obtained when the current setting information is set to the temporary setting information using a predetermined algorithm. The prediction unit can obtain the difference between the temporary performance information and the current performance information as difference information. (c): When outputting the analysis result screen 1000, the analysis result output unit 904 can assign priorities to the improvement measures (options) displayed on the analysis result screen 1000. The priorities are preferably determined according to the degree of improvement effect obtained by implementing the corresponding improvement measures. By referring to the priorities, the productivity control manager can immediately determine which improvement measures are effective. (d) The analysis result output unit 904 can display, as difference information, the improvement measures (options) resulting from the most recent change in the setting information and the improvement effects resulting from implementing the improvement measures, among the improvement measures (options) displayed on the analysis result screen 1000. This display allows the productivity control manager to immediately grasp the setting information that caused the most recent change in the performance information of the device.

[0131] (e) It is also possible to realize a technology that appropriately combines the various technologies described in this embodiment. (f) The software described in this embodiment can be realized as hardware, and vice versa. (g) In addition, the components of the present invention may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1. Productivity Management System 10,10A,10B,10C Image forming device 20 Print Server 30 Productivity Management Terminals 40 Information processing equipment 800 Productivity Management Applications 801 Input reception section 802 Information acquisition department 803 Information display section 901 Operation log data acquisition unit 902 Settings 903 Analysis Department 904 Analysis result output unit (output unit) 905 Specified section 910 Mapping Table

Claims

1. A control program for causing a computer to function as an analysis unit that analyzes operation log data of a device and an output unit that outputs an analysis result of the analysis unit, the analysis unit obtains first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that is comparable to the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, the first setting information and the second setting information include information that is set so that the device performs printing processing; The control program, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information indicating execution results of the printing process of the device.

2. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change regarding an automatic switching setting of a paper feed tray of the device.

3. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change related to an automatic quality optimization function.

4. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change due to maintenance of the device.

5. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the change from the first setting information to the second setting information is a change in accordance with a manual for operating the device.

6. The control program according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit obtains difference information between the first performance information and the second performance information.

7. The control program according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit is caused to calculate an introduction rate of the device to which the change from the first setting information to the second setting information has been introduced.

8. 8. The control program according to claim 7, wherein the analysis unit is caused to obtain difference information when the introduction rate is changed from a first introduction rate to a second introduction rate.

9. The control program according to claim 6 , wherein the analysis unit is caused to predict the difference information when the setting information is changed to third setting information.

10. 9. The control program according to claim 1, which is adapted to function as a designation unit that designates the first period during which the first performance information is acquired and the second period during which the second performance information is acquired.

11. The control program according to claim 6 , which causes the output unit to output a priority according to a degree of effect indicated by the difference information.

12. The control program according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit is caused to output an option indicating a change to the setting information.

13. causing the output unit to output an option indicating a change to the setting information; The control program according to claim 10 , wherein the designation unit is caused to designate one or more of the output options.

14. The control program according to claim 6 , causing the output unit to output the difference information resulting from a latest change of the setting information.

15. 15. A control program according to claim 1, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information are at least one of the number of errors that occurred in the print job, the time that the print job was interrupted due to the errors, the number of prints with poor quality, and the number of reprints.

16. An information processing device comprising an analysis unit that analyzes operation log data of a device, and an output unit that outputs an analysis result of the analysis unit, the analysis unit obtains first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that is comparable to the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, the first setting information and the second setting information include information that is set so that the device performs printing processing; The information processing apparatus, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information indicating execution results of the printing process of the device.

17. An information processing method including an analysis step of causing an information processing device to analyze operation log data of a device, and an output step of outputting an analysis result of the analysis step, In the analysis step, first performance information for a first period when first setting information, which is setting information before the change of the device, is set, and second performance information for a second period that can be compared with the first period when second setting information, which is setting information after the change of the device, is set, are obtained; the first setting information and the second setting information include information that is set so that the device performs printing processing; An information processing method, wherein the first performance information and the second performance information include observable information indicating execution results of the printing process of the device.

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