Information management device, information management method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information management device, an information management method, and a program that enable efficient improvement of how to use an image forming apparatus by referring to information on image forming apparatuses with similar usage patterns. [Solution] An information management device 10 that can cooperate with a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20, including a first image forming apparatus, comprises: an acquisition unit (control unit 11) that acquires information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20; and a presentation unit (control unit 11) that, based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 acquired by the acquisition unit, presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management device, an information management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Users who use image forming devices need to improve the operating rate of the image forming devices in order to recover the funds invested in the equipment of the image forming devices. Users who use image forming devices are, for example, print shops. Therefore, users are taking measures to increase the operating rate of image forming devices. For example, users are improving work efficiency such as job settings and color management (color verification, color adjustment, color parameter creation) in order to shorten the interval between print jobs. In addition, users replenish consumables (paper, toner, etc.) at appropriate times and perform component replacements at appropriate times so that troubles do not occur.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that collects the non-operating time of an image forming device and discriminates between the working time and the non-working time during the non-operating time. According to the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the non-operating time of the image forming device can be accurately managed, so that the productivity of the image forming device can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, generally, users do not have information on how other users (other print shops) are using image forming machines. Therefore, users do not know whether their current efforts are the best or if there is room for improvement. Consequently, there is a problem in that they do not take steps to improve. Furthermore, even if users were to obtain information on how other users are using image forming machines, they would not know which information to refer to or how to use that information to solve their problems. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently improve the situation. It should be noted that this problem is not limited to relationships with other users, but can also occur for single users (print shops). For example, the same problem arises when a single print shop has multiple locations and does not know how other locations are using the machines. The same problem also arises when a single print shop has multiple image forming machines within the same location and does not know how other machines are being used. Moreover, companies that sell image forming machines also face the same problem when proposing measures to improve the utilization rate of a particular customer (user).

[0006] Furthermore, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 above makes it possible to visualize the downtime of an image forming apparatus. However, even if a user obtains the downtime of an image forming apparatus used by other users, they face the challenge of not knowing how to use the information to solve problems because their usage patterns of the image forming apparatus differ from those of other users.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an information management device, an information management method, and a program that enable efficient improvement of how to use an image forming apparatus by referring to information on image forming apparatuses with similar usage patterns. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 was made to achieve the above objective, An information management device that can cooperate with multiple image forming apparatuses, including a first image forming apparatus, An acquisition unit that acquires information about each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, Based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired by the acquisition unit, a presentation unit presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is an information management device described in claim 1, The system is characterized by having a designation unit that designates one of the image forming apparatuses as the first image forming apparatus.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is an information management device described in claim 1, The information relating to the image forming apparatus is characterized by including at least one of the following: information relating to the operating status of the image forming apparatus and information relating to the intended use of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is an information management device described in claim 3, Information regarding the operating status of the image forming apparatus is, This includes at least one of the following: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, and information regarding the type of paper used for printing. The display unit is characterized by determining whether the usage patterns are similar based on at least one of the following: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, information regarding the type of paper used for printing, and information regarding the intended use of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is an information management device described in claim 4, The display unit sets weight coefficients in association with at least two of the following pieces of information: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, information regarding the type of paper used for printing, and information regarding the intended use of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus. The display unit determines whether the usage patterns are similar based on the at least two pieces of information and the weight coefficients corresponding to those at least two pieces of information.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is an information management device described in claim 5, It is characterized by having an input unit for inputting the setting of the weight coefficients.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is an information management device described in claim 5, The display unit is characterized in that it determines the weight coefficients using a statistical method or a machine learning method based on the weight coefficient generation data which includes the at least two pieces of information.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is an information management device described in claim 1, The display unit is characterized by displaying information relating to a plurality of image forming apparatuses as information relating to the second image forming apparatus.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is an information management device described in claim 8, The display unit is characterized in that, when displaying information about a plurality of image forming apparatuses as information about the second image forming apparatus, it displays the information according to its similarity to the first image forming apparatus.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is an information management device described in claim 1, The display unit is characterized by displaying at least one of the following as information relating to the second image forming apparatus: information relating to operating time, information relating to the cumulative number of printed surfaces or sheets, and information relating to downtime.

[0018] The invention according to claim 11 is the information management apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the presentation unit highlights information regarding the downtime that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0019] The invention according to claim 12 is the information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the image forming apparatus from at least one of the image forming apparatus, a homepage of a customer who has ordered a printed matter by the image forming apparatus, and a MIS that manages the order of the printed matter by the image forming apparatus.

[0020] The invention according to claim 13 is an information management method for an information management apparatus capable of cooperating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; a presentation step of presenting information regarding a second image forming apparatus whose usage mode is similar to that of the first image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the information regarding each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired in the acquisition step; and

[0021] The invention according to claim 14 is a program for causing a computer of an information management apparatus capable of cooperating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a presentation unit that presents information regarding a second image forming apparatus whose usage mode is similar to that of the first image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the information regarding each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired by the acquisition unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to this disclosure, the way in which an image forming apparatus is used can be efficiently improved by referring to information on image forming apparatuses with similar usage patterns. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing the control structure of an information management device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the control structure of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of control of the information management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of information regarding an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how the information display screen, which displays information related to the second image forming apparatus, is displayed on the display unit 13. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of a control system that determines similar usage patterns based on at least two pieces of information and corresponding weighting coefficients. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows another example of a control that determines similar usage patterns based on at least two pieces of information and corresponding weighting coefficients. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the information management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an information management device 10 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20. Each device constituting the information management system 1 is connected to a communication network N. Specifically, the communication network N is the Internet, a telephone network of a telecommunications carrier, a mobile phone network, etc. The information management system 1 cooperates with one or more operators and manages the usage status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 owned by each operator.

[0026] The information management device 10 is a device that can cooperate with multiple image forming apparatuses 20 that constitute the information management system 1. The information management device 10 is a computer device such as a personal computer or a server. As shown in Figure 2, the information management device 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the information management device 10 through cooperation between the CPU and program data deployed in the RAM's working area. The program data is stored in the ROM and the storage unit 14.

[0028] The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a keyboard with character input keys, numeric input keys, etc., a pointing device such as a mouse, etc. The operation unit 12 receives operation input from the user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 11. The operation unit 12 also functions as a designation unit to specify one image forming apparatus 20 as the first image forming apparatus. The operation unit 12 also functions as an input unit for inputting the setting of weight coefficients.

[0029] The display unit 13 includes, for example, a display such as an LCD, and displays an image on the display screen based on the display control signal output from the control unit 11.

[0030] The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, an HDD or semiconductor memory. The storage unit 14 stores data such as program data and various setting data so that it can be read and written by the control unit 11.

[0031] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface that includes a communication IC and a communication connector. Under the control of the control unit 11, the communication unit 15 performs data communication via the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 20 is a device capable of forming an image on a sheet of paper P. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the image forming apparatus 20 comprises a paper feeding unit 30, a paper information detection unit 40, a main unit 50, and an image reading unit 60.

[0033] The paper feeding unit 30 comprises a plurality of paper trays 31 and a paper feeding mechanism (not shown), and feeds the paper P stored in the paper trays 31 to the paper information detection unit 40. The paper feeding mechanism consists of, for example, a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a feed roller, etc. Each paper tray 31 stores paper P according to its type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.). The paper feeding unit 30 transports the paper P one sheet at a time from the top of each paper tray 31 to the paper information detection unit 40.

[0034] The paper information detection unit 40 is connected downstream of the paper feeding unit 30. The paper information detection unit 40 includes a transport unit 41 and a media sensor 42.

[0035] The transport unit 41 is composed of multiple roller pairs. The transport unit 41 transports the paper P transported from the paper feed unit 30 to the main unit 50 or the purge tray T40. The transport unit 41 is composed of a transport path R42 that branches off from a transport path R41 that leads to the main unit 50 and leads to the purge tray T40.

[0036] The media sensor 42 detects the physical properties of the paper P. The media sensor 42 includes a paper thickness sensor 421, a moisture content sensor 422, a basis weight sensor 423, a stiffness sensor 424, and a surface quality sensor 425. The paper thickness sensor 421 detects the paper thickness of the paper P. The moisture content sensor 422 detects the moisture content of the paper P. The basis weight sensor 423 detects the basis weight of the paper P. The stiffness sensor 424 detects the stiffness of the paper P. The surface quality sensor 425 detects the surface quality of the paper P.

[0037] The paper thickness sensor 421, moisture content sensor 422, and basis weight sensor 423 are positioned on the transport path R41 that leads to the main unit 50. The stiffness sensor 424 and surface quality sensor 425 are positioned on the transport path R42 that leads to the purge tray T40. The stiffness sensor 424 is located on the transport path R42, near the branching point from the transport path R41. The stiffness sensor 424 detects the stiffness of the paper P by reading the force acting on the paper P when it is bent at the branching point. Paper P whose stiffness has been detected by the stiffness sensor 424 is discharged into the purge tray T40.

[0038] The main unit 50 is connected downstream of the paper information detection unit 40. The main unit 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, an image forming unit 53, an operation display unit 54, a transport unit 55, and a communication unit 56. The main unit 50 forms an image on the paper P transported from the paper information detection unit 40.

[0039] The control unit 51 includes a CPU and memory, and controls the entire main unit 50. The CPU is a control circuit consisting of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each of the above-mentioned parts and various calculation processes according to a program. Each function of the main unit 50 is performed by the CPU executing the corresponding program. The memory is a high-speed accessible main memory that temporarily stores programs and data as a working area. For example, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, etc., are used for the memory.

[0040] The memory unit 52 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. Examples of storage devices include hard disks, solid-state drives, flash memory, and ROM.

[0041] The image forming unit 53 forms an image on the paper P transported from the paper information detection unit 40. The image forming unit 53 forms an image on the paper P using a well-known electrophotographic image formation process, for example, which includes the steps of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0042] The operation display unit 54 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 541 and an operation unit 542. The display unit 541 displays various operation screens, image status displays, and the operating status of each function, etc., in accordance with the display control signals input from the control unit 51. The operation unit 542 has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations from the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 51.

[0043] The transport unit 55 is equipped with multiple transport rollers and the like arranged on the transport path. First, the transport unit 55 transports the paper P transported from the paper information detection unit 40 to the image forming unit 53. Next, the transport unit 55 discharges the paper P, on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 53, to the image reading unit 60.

[0044] The communication unit 56 transmits and receives various types of data to and from external devices (e.g., PCs) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN. These data include, for example, various setting values ​​and information necessary for controlling operating timing. The communication unit 56 is composed of, for example, a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0045] The image reading unit 60 is connected downstream of the main unit 50. The image reading unit 60 scans both sides of the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 53 and optically reads the images on both sides of the paper P. The read image obtained by the image reading unit 60 is output to the control unit 51 of the main unit 50. The paper P read by the image reading unit 60 is discharged into the output tray T60.

[0046] The image reading unit 60 comprises a back-side image reading unit 61 and a front-side image reading unit 62. The reverse side image reading unit 61 is located below the transport path R60 and reads the image formed on the reverse side of the paper P. The front side image reading unit 62 is located above the transport path R60 and reads the image formed on the front side of the paper P. The front side image reading unit 62 is located downstream of the reverse side image reading unit 61 in the transport direction of the paper P. The reverse side image reading unit 61 and the front side image reading unit 62 are located at different positions with a distance between them in the transport direction of the paper P. This allows both sides of the paper P to be read in a single pass. Therefore, the control unit 51 of the main unit 50 can adjust the image formation positions on the front and back sides of the paper P.

[0047] Next, the control of the information management system 1 (information management device 10) according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0048] First, the control unit 11 acquires information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 that constitute the information management system 1 (step S101). That is, the control unit 11 functions as the acquisition unit of this disclosure. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 include a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus is one image forming apparatus 20 from the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 designated by the operation unit 12. The second image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus 20 from the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 whose usage is similar to that of the first image forming apparatus.

[0049] Figure 6 shows an example of information regarding the image forming apparatus 20. Information regarding the image forming apparatus 20 includes printer information and web information. Printer information includes the name of the sales company, customer name, model number, event information, and paper information. Event information includes the start / end date and time of printing, the start / end date and time of errors, the type of errors, the start / end date and time of maintenance, the start / end date and time of standby, and the start / end date and time of power off. Paper information includes the job ID, number of pages printed, print side, paper name, paper size, paper thickness, paper type, and ink usage. Web information is structured to include its intended use in print.

[0050] Information relating to the image forming apparatus 20 includes at least one of the following: information relating to the operating status of the image forming apparatus 20 and information relating to the intended use of the printed materials produced by the image forming apparatus 20. Information regarding the operating status of the image forming apparatus 20 includes at least one of the following: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus 20, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus 20, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, and information regarding the type of paper used for printing.

[0051] The control unit 11 obtains information about the image forming apparatus 20 from at least one of the following: the image forming apparatus 20, the homepage of a customer who has ordered printed materials from the image forming apparatus 20, or the MIS that manages orders for printed materials from the image forming apparatus 20.

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 determines the second image forming apparatus based on the information about each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 20 acquired in step S101 (step S102). The second image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus 20 among the multiple image forming apparatuses 20 whose usage is similar to that of the first image forming apparatus. The control unit 11 determines that the usage is similar based on at least one of the following: information about the operating time of the image forming apparatus 20, information about the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus 20, information about the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, information about the type of paper used for printing, and information about the intended use of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus 20.

[0053] Next, the control unit 11 presents the information regarding the second image forming apparatus determined in step S102 via the display unit 13 (step S103). In other words, the control unit 11 functions as the display unit of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an example of how the information display screen, which displays information related to the second image forming apparatus, is displayed on the display unit 13.

[0055] The upper part of the information display screen includes the First Image Forming Apparatus Designation Area E1, the Similarity Calculation Item Selection Area E2, and the Table Display Item Selection Area E3. The First Image Forming Apparatus Designation Area E1 is the area for specifying the First Image Forming Apparatus. In the First Image Forming Apparatus Designation Area E1, the sales company, customer name, machine number, target year and month, etc., are selected to specify the First Image Forming Apparatus. The Similarity Calculation Item Selection Area E2 is the area for selecting the items to be used when calculating the similarity with the First Image Forming Apparatus. The Table Display Item Selection Area E3 is the area for selecting the items to be displayed in the table at the bottom of the information display screen.

[0056] The lower section of the information display screen includes the second image forming apparatus display area E4, the similarity display area E5, the productivity display area E6, and the downtime display area E7. The second image forming apparatus display area E4 is for displaying a second image forming apparatus that is used in a similar manner to the first image forming apparatus. The similarity display area E5 is for displaying the items used to calculate similarity and the similarity score. The items used to calculate similarity include the number of pages per job (JobLot), the number of paper types per day (PaperTypeCount), the working days (WorkingDays), and the operating time (OperatingTime). The productivity display area E6 is for displaying information related to productivity. The productivity information includes information on the cumulative number of printed pages (TotalPages). The downtime display area E7 is for displaying information related to downtime. The downtime information includes information on print readiness (PrintReady), jam time (PaperTrouble), print delay time (PrintDelay), and error time (Error).

[0057] In this case, the control unit 11 may present information about multiple image forming apparatuses 20 as information about the second image forming apparatus. That is, the second image forming apparatus is not limited to one image forming apparatus 20, but may be multiple image forming apparatuses 20. Referring to the second image forming apparatus display area E4 in Figure 7, it can be seen that multiple image forming apparatuses 20 are presented.

[0058] When the control unit 11 presents information about multiple image forming apparatuses 20 as information about the second image forming apparatus, it presents the information according to its similarity to the first image forming apparatus. Referring to the similarity display area E5 in Figure 7, it can be seen that the second image forming apparatuses are presented in order of decreasing similarity.

[0059] The control unit 11 presents at least one of the following as information about the second image forming apparatus: information about operating time, information about the cumulative number of printed faces or sheets, and information about downtime. Referring to the similarity display area E5 in Figure 7, it can be seen that information about operating time is presented. Referring to the productivity display area E6 in Figure 7, it can be seen that information about the cumulative number of printed faces is presented. Referring to the downtime display area E7 in Figure 7, it can be seen that information about downtime is presented.

[0060] The control unit 11 highlights downtime information that meets predetermined conditions. Referring to the downtime display area E7 in Figure 7, it can be seen that areas of downtime information that require improvement are highlighted. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, downtime information is highlighted in a way that the color becomes darker as the need for improvement increases.

[0061] As described above, the information management device 10 according to this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit (control unit 11) and a presentation unit (control unit 11). The acquisition unit acquires information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20. Based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 acquired by the acquisition unit, the presentation unit presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus. Therefore, the information management device 10 according to this embodiment can present the user with information on image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns. Thus, the user can efficiently improve how they use the image forming apparatus 20 by referring to information on image forming apparatuses with similar usage patterns.

[0062] Furthermore, it includes a designation unit (operation unit 12) for designating one image forming apparatus 20 as the first image forming apparatus. Therefore, users can easily select the image forming apparatus 20 that has similar usage patterns and displays information about it. Thus, the way users use the image forming apparatus 20 can be efficiently improved.

[0063] Furthermore, the information relating to the image forming apparatus 20 includes at least one of the following: information relating to the operating status of the image forming apparatus 20 and information relating to the intended use of the printed materials produced by the image forming apparatus 20. The information relating to the operating status of the image forming apparatus 20 includes at least one of the following: information relating to the operating time period of the image forming apparatus 20, information relating to the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus 20, information relating to the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, and information relating to the type of paper used for printing. The display unit determines that the usage patterns are similar based on at least one of the following: information relating to the operating time period of the image forming apparatus 20, information relating to the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus 20, information relating to the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, information relating to the type of paper used for printing, and information relating to the intended use of the printed materials produced by the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, information that contributes to improving usage can be presented to the user. Thus, the user can efficiently improve how they use the image forming apparatus 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the display unit displays information about multiple image forming apparatuses 20 as information about the second image forming apparatus. Therefore, information on multiple image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns can be presented to the user. Thus, the user's desired way of using the image forming apparatus 20 can be improved more reliably and efficiently.

[0065] Furthermore, when the display unit presents information about multiple image forming apparatuses 20 as information about the second image forming apparatus, it presents the information according to its degree of similarity with the first image forming apparatus. Therefore, users can grasp information about multiple image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns according to their degree of similarity. Thus, users can more reliably and efficiently improve how they use the image forming apparatus 20 as desired.

[0066] Furthermore, the display unit presents at least one of the following as information related to the second image forming apparatus: information regarding operating time, information regarding the cumulative number of printed surfaces or sheets, and information regarding downtime. In addition, the display unit highlights the downtime information that meets predetermined conditions. Therefore, information that contributes to improving usage can be presented to the user. Thus, the user can efficiently improve how they use the image forming apparatus 20.

[0067] Furthermore, the acquisition unit acquires information about the image forming apparatus 20 from at least one of the following: the image forming apparatus 20, the homepage of a customer who has ordered printed materials from the image forming apparatus 20, or the MIS that manages orders for printed materials from the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, information on image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns can be easily obtained. Thus, the way the image forming apparatus 20 is used can be easily improved.

[0068] Although the embodiments described above have been specifically explained based on the embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified without departing from its essence.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, the similarity of usage patterns is determined based on at least one piece of information regarding the image forming apparatus 20, but the invention is not limited to this. The information regarding the image forming apparatus 20 includes information regarding the operating hours of the image forming apparatus 20, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus 20, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, information regarding the type of paper used for printing, and information regarding the intended use of the printed materials produced by the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the control unit 11 may set weighting coefficients in association with at least two pieces of information regarding the image forming apparatus 20, and determine whether the usage patterns are similar based on at least two pieces of information and the weighting coefficients corresponding to those at least two pieces of information.

[0070] Next, an example of a control method that determines whether usage patterns are similar based on at least two pieces of information and corresponding weight coefficients will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0071] First, the control unit 11 acquires data for generating weight coefficients, which includes at least two pieces of information about the image forming apparatus 20 (step S201).

[0072] Next, the control unit 11 determines (sets) the weight coefficients based on the weight coefficient generation data acquired in step S201 (step S202). That is, the control unit 11 determines the weight coefficients in association with at least two pieces of information acquired in step S201. At this time, the control unit 11 determines the weight coefficients based on the weight coefficient generation data using a statistical method or a machine learning method.

[0073] Next, the control unit 11 registers the weight coefficients determined in step S202 in the storage unit 14 (step S203).

[0074] The control unit 11 then determines whether the usage patterns are similar based on at least two pieces of information and weight coefficients corresponding to those at least two pieces of information. This allows for accurate determination and presentation of information on image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns to the user. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably and efficiently improve the user's desired way of using the image forming apparatus 20.

[0075] As described above, the presentation unit determines the weight coefficients using statistical or machine learning methods based on weight coefficient generation data that includes at least two pieces of information. Therefore, information on image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns can be automatically and accurately determined and presented to the user. Thus, the user's desired way of using the image forming apparatus 20 can be improved more reliably and efficiently.

[0076] Next, another example of a control that determines similar usage patterns based on at least two pieces of information and corresponding weighting coefficients will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0077] First, the control unit 11 receives the setting of weight coefficients input by the operation unit 542 (step S301). The weight coefficients are set in association with at least two pieces of information regarding the image forming apparatus 20.

[0078] Next, the control unit 11 registers the weight coefficients received in step S301 in the storage unit 14 (step S302).

[0079] The control unit 11 then determines whether the usage patterns are similar based on at least two pieces of information and weight coefficients corresponding to those at least two pieces of information. This allows for accurate determination and presentation of information on image forming apparatuses 20 with similar usage patterns to the user. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably and efficiently improve the user's desired way of using the image forming apparatus 20.

[0080] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which information regarding the second image forming apparatus is presented in order of decreasing similarity to the first image forming apparatus, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, apparatuses with a similarity higher than a predetermined threshold may be presented in order of decreasing operating rate.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the media sensor 42 is described using examples such as a paper thickness sensor 421, a moisture content sensor 422, a basis weight sensor 423, a stiffness sensor 424, and a surface quality sensor 425, but is not limited to these. For example, in place of or in addition to the above sensors, other sensors that detect paper physical properties such as a size sensor or a resistance sensor may be provided. The size sensor detects the size (shape) of the paper P. The resistance sensor detects the electrical resistance of the paper P.

[0082] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the information management system may also be modified as appropriate, within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Information Management System 10 Information management device 11 Control Unit (Acquisition Unit, Presentation Unit) 12. Operation section (designation section, input section) 13 Display section 14 Storage section 15 Communications Department 20 Image forming apparatus 30 Paper feed section 31 Paper feed tray 40. Paper information detection unit 41 Conveying section 42 Media Sensors 421 Paper thickness sensor 422 Moisture content sensor 423 Basis weight sensor 424 Stiffness Sensor 425 Surface Sensor 50 Main body 51 Control Unit 52 Storage section 53 Image forming unit 54 Operation display section 541 Display section 542 Operation section 55 Conveying section 56 Communications Department 60 Image reading unit 61 Reverse side image reading unit 62 Surface image reading unit N Communication Network P paper T40 Purge Tray T60 Paper Output Tray R41, R42, R60 transport routes

Claims

1. An information management device that can cooperate with multiple image forming apparatuses, including a first image forming apparatus, An acquisition unit that acquires information about each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, Based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired by the acquisition unit, a presentation unit presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus, An information management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a designation unit for designating one of the image forming apparatuses as the first image forming apparatus.

3. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the image forming apparatus includes at least one of the following: information relating to the operating status of the image forming apparatus and information relating to the use of printed materials produced by the image forming apparatus.

4. Information regarding the operating status of the image forming apparatus is, This includes at least one of the following: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of sides or sheets printed in one job, and information regarding the type of paper used for printing. The information management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the display unit determines whether the usage patterns are similar based on at least one of the following: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of faces or sheets printed in one job, information regarding the type of paper used for printing, and information regarding the intended use of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus.

5. The information management device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display unit sets weight coefficients in association with at least two of the following pieces of information: information regarding the operating time of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of operating days of the image forming apparatus, information regarding the number of faces or sheets printed in one job, information regarding the type of paper used for printing, and information regarding the intended use of printed materials by the image forming apparatus, and determines whether the usage patterns are similar based on the at least two pieces of information and the weight coefficients corresponding to the at least two pieces of information.

6. The information management device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is provided with an input unit for inputting the setting of the weight coefficient.

7. The information management device according to claim 5, characterized in that the display unit determines the weight coefficients by a statistical method or a machine learning method based on the weight coefficient generation data including the at least two pieces of information.

8. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays information relating to a plurality of image forming apparatuses as information relating to the second image forming apparatus.

9. The information management device according to claim 8, characterized in that when the display unit displays information about a plurality of image forming apparatuses as information about the second image forming apparatus, it displays the information according to the degree of similarity with the first image forming apparatus.

10. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays at least one of the following as information relating to the second image forming apparatus: information relating to operating time, information relating to the cumulative number of printed surfaces or sheets, and information relating to downtime.

11. The information management device according to claim 10, characterized in that the display unit highlights information regarding downtime that satisfies predetermined conditions.

12. The information management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires information relating to the image forming apparatus from at least one of the following: the image forming apparatus, a homepage relating to a customer who has ordered printed materials from the image forming apparatus, and the MIS that manages orders for printed materials from the image forming apparatus.

13. An information management method for an information management device that can cooperate with multiple image forming devices, including a first image forming device, An acquisition step to acquire information about each of the aforementioned multiple image forming apparatuses, A presentation step, based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired in the acquisition step, presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus, Information management methods including

14. A computer for an information management system that can cooperate with multiple image forming apparatuses, including the first image forming apparatus, An acquisition unit that acquires information about each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, Based on the information about each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses acquired by the acquisition unit, a presentation unit presents information about a second image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses that is similar in usage to the first image forming apparatus. A program designed to function as such.

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