Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

The printer user can recognize which printer meets the usage requirements from among multiple printers. Make it so that it can be done. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention outputs information that can be perceived by the user visually or aurally. An information processing device capable of communicating with multiple printers, and which meets the user conditions of the printers. A first acquisition unit that acquires information, and a printer that meets the usage conditions among multiple printers. A selection unit for selecting a printer, and the printer selected by the selection unit, which the user can see or hear The system controls the printer to output information that allows it to be recognized as the printer being used. This is an information processing device equipped with an output control unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, printers configured to monitor the status of the printer and perform control according to the status of the printer are known. Such printers are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when the remaining capacity of a battery drops below a first reference value, error processing for notifying of insufficient remaining battery power is executed, and when the remaining capacity of the battery drops below a second reference value that is lower than the first reference value, after storing data required for restart in a non-volatile memory, power supply from the battery to each unit is forcibly shut off, which describes a portable printer. error processing for notifying of insufficient remaining battery power is executed, and when the remaining capacity of the battery drops below a second reference value that is lower than the first reference value, when the remaining capacity of the battery drops below a second reference value that is lower than the first reference value, after storing data required for restart in a non-volatile memory, after storing data required for restart in a non-volatile memory, power supply from the battery to each unit is forcibly shut off, which describes a portable printer. The printer is described.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a demand to be able to select a printer that satisfies the user's usage conditions from among a plurality of printers. There is a demand to achieve this. The user cannot recognize the status of the printer from the appearance of the printer, and thus cannot determine which printer among the plurality of printers is the printer that satisfies their own usage conditions. For example, at a sales office that performs parcel delivery operations, there are cases where a large number of portable printers for issuing labels to be affixed to parcels are stored in one place. There are cases where a large number of portable printers for issuing labels to be affixed to parcels are stored in one place. In this case, The person delivering the package will choose the portable printer with the most remaining battery charge from among the many available. When trying to print a printer, it's impossible to determine from its appearance whether it has a sufficient battery charge.

[0005] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to enable printer users to select from multiple printers that meet their usage requirements. The goal is to enable the printer to be recognized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a plurality of devices capable of outputting information that can be perceived by the user visually or aurally. An information processing device that can communicate with a printer, and which provides information regarding the user conditions of the printer. A first acquisition unit that acquires information, and a printer among the plurality of printers that meets the usage conditions. A selection unit and the printer selected by the selection unit are visually or audibly controlled by the user. The printer will output information to allow the system to recognize the printer being used. This is an information processing device equipped with an output control unit for controlling the output. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer user can choose from multiple printers and satisfy the usage conditions. It can recognize the printer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration of a printer management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the data structure of a user management database. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the data structure of a working database. [Figure 4]A block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each device constituting a printer management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the printer management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart of command processing in the sequence diagram of Figure 5. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the printer management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating an example of screen transition of a user terminal in the printer management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of screen transition of a user terminal in the printer management system according to an embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] A management server (an example of an information processing apparatus) according to an embodiment allows a printer user to select a printer that satisfies their own usage conditions from a plurality of pr inters, and thus acquires (manages) the usage conditions of the user in advance. . Here, the "usage conditions" are not limited, and are, for example, conditions relating to printer specifications (functions), operation charact eristics, equipment (including optional components), and the like. For example, when the printer is a portable printer operable on battery power, a sufficient remaining charge level is one example of a usage condit ion. Other examples of usage conditions include being capable of issuing labels with a predetermined print width, being a printer capable of issuing linerless labels, and being a printer capab le of performing color printing, and the like. The management server according to an embodiment selects a printer that satisfies the usage conditions from among a plurality of printers, and causes the selected printer to allow the user to visually or auditorily recognize the printer to be used. ​​Control the printer to output the desired information. In this disclosure, “information that can be perceived visually or aurally” refers to the selected printer. Any information is acceptable as long as it can be perceived by the user through sight or hearing. Recognizable information includes, for example, specific information (text) displayed on the printer's display panel. (And marks, etc.) Information that can be recognized by hearing is, for example, output by a printer. These include sounds such as voices and buzzers. The printer's vibration can also be perceived by the user's hearing. As long as it is, it is included in information that can be perceived by hearing. The user can visually or audibly identify the printer they are using from among the printers that meet the usage requirements. The output of information allows the user to choose from multiple printers based on their own usage conditions. Printers that meet the requirements can be easily identified.

[0010] The following describes a printer management system (information processing system) of one embodiment, with reference to Figures 1 to 4. This section describes an example of a system configuration. The printer management system 1 shown in Figure 1 allows multiple users to share and use multiple printers. This scenario is anticipated. For example, a delivery person who is also the user of the printer, Select one of the printers located at the business premises and take it outside. This is the case when it is necessary to release it. In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple printers, including printers 3-1 to 3-8, are installed at the business premises. In offices with multiple printers, each printer communicates with the management server 5. An access point (AP) is provided for this purpose. The following explanation applies to multiple printers, including printers 3-1 to 3-8. When referring to it, use the term "Printer 3" as appropriate.

[0011] User terminal 2A is an information processing terminal (an example of a communication terminal) owned by the user of printer 3. Yes, for example, smartphones and tablet devices. User terminal 2A access Communication with the management server 5 is possible via the point AP and network NW. User terminal 2B is, for example, an information processing terminal operated by the manager of the business establishment, for example, Desktop, laptop, or tablet computer devices, tablets It is an information processing terminal such as a mobile terminal or smartphone. User terminal 2B is a network Communication with the management server 5 is possible via the network. Note that both user terminal 2A and user terminal 2B are not necessarily required. Either terminal A or user terminal 2B that can communicate with the management server 5 is sufficient. The following explanation refers to matters common to both user terminal 2A and user terminal 2B. Sometimes, it may be referred to as "User Terminal 2" as appropriate.

[0012] Management server 5 stores the user management database and the work database. Figure 2 Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure for each database.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment, each record in the user management database is "business "User ID", "Printer ID", "Model", "Usage Information", "Battery Level", and "Printer ID" Includes the values ​​of each field in "Print Function". The "Print Function" field includes "Print Width", This includes subfields such as "Label without backing paper" and "Color printing". The business ID is identification information that identifies the business. The printer ID identifies printer 3. This is identification information. For businesses that specify a business ID, the same record as the business ID is used. Printer 3 is located, corresponding to one or more printer IDs included in the set. The usage information indicates whether printer 3, indicated by the corresponding printer ID, is in use, and if it is in use. If so, it is information including the user ID that identifies the user using it. If printer 3, indicated by the printer ID, is not in use, for example, the usage information will be blank. .

[0014] The remaining battery level is determined by the corresponding printer ID of printer 3's SOC (State of This includes things like "Charge," and is being updated regularly. For example, printer 3 periodically (e.g., every hour) checks its remaining battery level with a management server. The management server 5 notifies user management data each time the printer 3 notifies it of the remaining battery charge. Update the database.

[0015] The value in the "Print Width" subfield indicates the width of the label issued by the corresponding printer 3. The value in the "Label without backing paper" subfield indicates that the corresponding printer 3 will issue labels without backing paper. Indicates whether it is possible or not. The value in the "Color Printing" subfield is the corresponding printer 3. This indicates whether or not it is possible to print in color on the label. The remaining battery level and various printer function values ​​are based on one of the printers 3. This is an example of information regarding the usage conditions when making a selection.

[0016] A work database is a database that contains information about a user's work. For example, The work database includes information on the number of documents each user is scheduled to issue on a specific day. In the example shown in Figure 3, each record in the work database contains "Date", "Business ID", Includes the values ​​of the "User ID" and "Scheduled Number of Prints" fields. The scheduled number of prints is the print The number of labels to be issued is indicated by TA3. If the business ID and user ID correspond, This means that the employer indicated by the employer ID is working at the business establishment indicated by the business establishment ID. If the user is a delivery person, the delivery schedule for the next few days to a week is determined from now. In many cases, the planned number of tickets to be issued on each date during that period is known. Therefore, for example The administrator or user themselves must perform the necessary tasks for that day before the user actually delivers the package on a specific day. The work involves, for example, entering the planned number of copies to be issued into the work database. The database is updated regularly. Note that in the work database, the average number of copies issued may be used instead of the planned number of copies issued. For example, if the planned number of tickets to be issued for each day is not determined, statistical processing based on past performance is used. The average number of issued cards may be associated with the user ID.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the printer management system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of each device constituting the printer management system 1 according to this embodiment. This is a block of paper.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 2 consists of a control unit 21, an operation input unit 22, a display unit 23, and It has a communications unit 24. The control unit 21 includes a microprocessor, memory, image buffer memory, etc., and printer The management application is executed and the execution results are displayed on the display unit 23. Also, the control unit 21 This outputs LED light, user name, buzzer sound, vibration, etc. to the display unit 33 of the printer 3. It functions as a request unit that sends a request (for example, a ringing request, as described later) to the management server 5. .

[0019] The operation input unit 22 includes, for example, an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and allows the user to input... It accepts input to the linter management application. The operation input unit 22 is connected to the display unit 23 If it has a touch input screen, it may be implemented on the display panel. Operation input unit 22 For example, it functions as an input unit that inputs information about usage conditions based on user operations. It may happen. The display unit 23 includes, for example, a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a display driver. The circuit includes and displays the execution results of the printer management application transmitted from the control unit 21. do.

[0020] The communication unit 24 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with the management server 5. The terminal management application communicates with the management server 5 via the communication unit 24, for example, using HTTP. Communication is performed via PS. For example, a printer management application can manage one or more printers located in a specific business location. Display information about printer 3, and / or any of the one or more printers 3. To enable the selection of printer 3, communication is made via the communication unit 24 to the management server 5. They communicate with each other.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the printer 3 of this embodiment includes a control unit 31, an operation input unit 32, and a display unit. 33, transport unit 34, printing unit 35, communication unit 36, buzzer output unit 37, and battery 38 Prepare.

[0022] The control unit 31 is mainly composed of a microprocessor and executes firmware. It controls the entire printer 3. For example, the control unit 31 converts print data into drawing data. The line data, which is data for each line of the drawing data, is sequentially sent to the printing unit 35. The operation input unit 32 is an input device that includes buttons, etc., for operating the printer 3. If the display unit 33 is equipped with a touch input screen, it may be mounted on a display panel.

[0023] The display unit 33 may include, for example, a display panel such as an LCD and a display driving circuit, and an LED It may also be a display device such as a (Light Emitting Device). For example, when the display unit 33 receives a call command from the management server 5, it will display a predetermined program. The LEDs flash in turns. In this case, the LED lights in a predetermined pattern are perceived visually. This is an example of recognizable information. The display unit 33 is intended to use the printer 3 on the display panel. The user's name may be displayed. This visually recognizable information is selected by the user (beep). This is printed to allow the system to recognize printer 3 (which should be turned on).

[0024] The transport unit 34 and the printing unit 35 operate based on line data sequentially sent from the control unit 31. Then print. The transport unit 34 includes a platen roller (not shown), and a motor drive circuit (not shown). It includes a motor and is responsible for transporting continuous paper within the printer 3. The continuous paper is, for example, multiple strips of paper. This is a sheet of paper with several labels temporarily attached. Based on the firmware's transport request, The motor drive circuit drives the motor that controls the rotation of the platen roller, Transport the remaining paper. The printing unit 35 includes a thermal head and a head drive circuit (neither of which are shown). The drive circuit selectively supplies current to each heating resistor in the thermal head based on line data. This allows printing to be done on continuous paper labels.

[0025] The communication unit 36 ​​is a communication interface that communicates with the management server 5. The communication protocol between server 6 and management server 5 is not limited, but for example, MQTT (Message Queueing) MQTT can be applied to Pub / Sub type lightweight data It is a data communication protocol. The communication unit 36 ​​periodically sends information about the remaining charge level of the battery 38 to the management server 5. ru. The communication unit 36 ​​receives various commands from the management server 5, including the call command described above. The control unit 31 then executes processing according to the received command.

[0026] The buzzer output unit 37 determines a predetermined value based on the audio data stored in the printer 3 beforehand. The buzzer output unit 37 outputs a buzzer sound, or a buzzer sound. You may also vibrate printer 3. For example, when the buzzer output unit 37 receives a call command from the management server 5, It outputs a buzzer sound in a predetermined pattern. In this case, the predetermined buzzer sound pattern is audible to the ear. This is an example of recognizable information. This auditory information is selected by the user. This is printed to allow the printer 3 to be recognized (for pickup).

[0027] Printer 3 will be able to recognize which printer 3 the user should select (pick up). It outputs information that the user can perceive visually or aurally. Therefore, printer 3 The device does not necessarily have to include both the display unit 33 and the buzzer output unit 37, but may include either one. It's fine as long as you understand it.

[0028] The management server 5 of this embodiment includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. El. The control unit 51 is mainly composed of a microprocessor and executes a predetermined server program. Execute and control the entire management server 5. Storage 52 is non-volatile memory, such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive). It is a large-capacity storage device. Storage 52 contains a user management database (user management DB). It stores the (see Figure 2) and the work database (work DB; see Figure 3). The communication unit 53 is a communication interface that communicates with the user terminal 2 and the printer 3. Yes. The communication unit 53 communicates between the management server 5 and the printer 3, for example, according to MQTT. The communication unit 53 also performs communication between user terminals 2, for example, via HTTPS.

[0029] The control unit 51 executes the server program described above, and then performs the following: first acquisition unit, selection unit, It also functions as an output control unit. (I) First acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the user conditions of printer 3 The timing at which the first acquisition unit acquires information regarding usage conditions is not limited, but for example, This can be done at any time the user chooses, or when the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 2. It is also acceptable at the time specified. In the former case, the user will have to manage the system in advance via user terminal 2. Register information about your usage conditions in -ver5. As mentioned above, the battery level value and printer function values ​​included in the user management database The value is an example of information regarding usage conditions, but it is the number of planned issues to be issued included in the work database. The value of this can also be an example of information regarding usage conditions. The control unit 51 determines the printer for each value of the printer function and places it in the user management database. When initially recording (registering), the data is obtained, for example, from user terminal 2B used by the administrator. The values ​​for each input function are basically updated after they are initially recorded in the user management database. do not have. The control unit 51 sequentially acquires information on the remaining battery charge of the printer 3 from the printer 3 and manages the user The management database is updated. The control unit 51 updates the information on the number of pages each user is scheduled to issue, for example, the management database. The work database is updated by continuously obtaining data from user terminal 2B used by the administrator.

[0030] (II) Selection section for selecting a printer from among multiple printers 3 that meets the usage conditions. The usage conditions can be set in various ways without limitation. The control unit 51 is a user management database From among the multiple printer IDs included in the package, the one set for each user who uses the printer is selected. Select a printer ID that meets the usage requirements. For example, usage conditions include the battery level value and printer machine information included in the user management database. In relation to each value of the ability, conditions such as the following can be set: Use a printer. By setting usage conditions corresponding to the work content for each user, the printer can be used by... Users can select a printer that suits their specific tasks. (Example condition i) The print width is 4 inches. (Example of condition ii) Printing is possible using labels without backing paper. (Example of condition iii) The print width is 2 inches and it is capable of color printing. (Example of condition iv) The remaining charge is 80% or more (an example of a specified value) (Example condition v) The remaining battery charge is at its highest. By setting example condition iv or example condition v, the user can use printer 3 while away from home. In some cases, printer 3 may become inoperable due to running out of power (insufficient battery level) while you are away from home. It can reduce [the value].

[0031] Furthermore, as a condition of use, in relation to the value of the planned number of copies to be issued included in the work database, The following conditions can be set. (Example condition vi) Having sufficient remaining charge to issue the number of labels that a specific user is scheduled to issue. and Setting these usage conditions will help support the work of users who use the printer while away from home. You can choose a printer that will not cause any problems. For example, let N1 be the number of scheduled prints to be issued, identified from the work database, and the current remaining charge... Let N2 be the number of labels that can be issued. Here, identified from the user management database The current battery level of each printer is C CUR The charge decreases when issuing one label. Let ΔC be the remaining charge, and C be the minimum remaining charge that requires charging. MIN In that case, the number of available tickets N2 is (C CUR -C MIN It can be calculated by ) / ΔC. And the number of available coins N2 is the planned number A printer with a line count greater than N1 is selected. Note that ΔC is assumed to be statistically known.

[0032] (III) For the printer 3 selected by the selection unit, the user can use visual or auditory information. The output control unit controls the printer 3 to output information that can be recognized. The control unit 51 selects from the printers 3 selected by the selection unit, for example, by the user. When a printer ID is selected via user terminal 2, the printer corresponding to the selected printer ID will be displayed. The printer 3 is called to output a buzzer sound, illuminate an LED, etc. Send a command. Upon receiving this call command, printer 3 will sound a buzzer. It handles output, LED illumination, etc. The control unit 51 controls the printer 3 to display multiple flashing patterns using LEDs and multiple buzzer patterns. If it is possible to output sound, the user can pre-select a flashing pattern or buzzing light. It would be good to control printer 3 to output a static sound. This would allow two or more users to In a situation where multiple users simultaneously select (pick up) a printer, each user should choose the one they prefer. It makes it easier for the printer to be recognized.

[0033] Next, referring to Figures 5 and 6, we will describe an example of the operation of the printer management system 1 according to one embodiment. Let me explain. Figures 5 and 6 show how to make printer 3 sound (i.e., output a buzzer sound). This is an example of a case where something is made to vibrate or be made to move.

[0034] First, referring to Figure 5, a sequence chart showing the operation of the printer management system 1 is displayed. It will be done. In Figure 5, the printer 3 sends information about the remaining battery charge to the management server 5, for example, every hour. Trust (Step S2). When the management server 5 receives the information on the remaining charge, the remaining charge Update the user management database so that the information is recorded (step S4).

[0035] For example, a user using printer 3 is using user terminal 2 (for example, user terminal 2A in Figure 1). By performing the specified operation on the printer management application, the printer management application The system sends a request for the user screen to the management server 5 (step S10). In response to the request, the management server 5 sends the user screen to the user terminal 2 (step S12). The printer management application on user terminal 2 displays the user screen (step S 13).

[0036] The user screen displays a button to sound a notification for printers that meet the user's usage requirements. A tan (not shown) is displayed. Note that in this sequence chart, each user's usage The usage conditions are assumed to be already configured in the management server 5, associated with the user ID. However, although not shown in this sequence chart, for example, based on the user's actions, the user Terminal 2 sends information regarding the user's usage conditions to the management server 5 in advance, and the management server 5 uses Information regarding usage conditions received from user terminal 2 is associated with the user ID and stored in the database. Assume it is already registered. In response to the user's operation of the ringing request button (step S18), the user terminal 2 pre The terminal management application sends a ringing request to the management server 5 (step S2 0). When the management server 5 receives a ringing request, it retrieves the pre-registered information from the user management database. Among the printer IDs, printer IDs that meet the usage conditions corresponding to the user ID of the sender of the ringing request Select D (Step S22). Note that here, the usage conditions for each user (for example, above) Assume that any of the conditions listed (i to vi) are already registered on management server 5. Furthermore, when selecting a printer ID, the business ID corresponding to the user ID of the sender of the ringing request will be selected. It is preferable to select from the printer IDs that indicate the printers located at that location. In this case, The business establishment ID corresponding to the user ID is identified from the work database (Figure 3), and the business establishment ID One or more printer IDs corresponding to this are identified from the user management database (Figure 2).

[0037] The management server 5 controls printer 3 corresponding to the printer ID selected in step S22. Then, it sends a packet containing the call command (step S24). Printer 3 receives the packet. When a message is received, the command is processed (step S26). The details of the command processing are shown in the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that Figure 6 shows multiple printers. The printer selected from among those that meets the user's requirements will emit a buzzer sound. This example illustrates the case where control is performed to make a sound (i.e., to make it ring).

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, in command processing, when a packet is received from the management server 5, ( Step S40: YES), Printer 3 wakes up from sleep mode (Step S42) , analyze the packet. Printer 3 reads the received packet and reads commands other than the call command. If the command contains a "do" (step S44: NO), then other processing corresponding to that command will be performed. The command is executed (step S46) and command processing is terminated.

[0039] If the received packet contains a call command (step S44: YES), Printer 3 performs the processing in steps S48 to S58. First, printer 3 checks the buzzer volume (step S48), and if the volume is zero... In this case (Step S50: YES), the buzzer sound cannot be output, so the error response is managed. - Return to step 5 (step S54). Even if the volume is not zero (step S50: NO), if printing is in progress (Step S52: YES), printer 3 is selected. An error response is returned to the management server 5 because it is not appropriate (step S54).

[0040] If the buzzer volume is not zero and printing is not in progress (Step S52: NO), Terminal 3 determines the sounding pattern (step S56) and processes the buzzer sound (output of buzzer sound). ) is executed (step S58). The determination of the ringing pattern is performed by the printer 3 having multiple This involves selecting one of the following sound patterns, and the sound pattern is predetermined for printer 3 If it is set to [a certain setting], you may select the set ringing pattern. Alternatively, If the call command contains information that identifies the ringing pattern, the call command You may select a sounding pattern according to the information contained in the unit. For example, when the management server 5 sends a call command according to MQTT, the parameters The system should include a code corresponding to a pre-registered ringing pattern for each user. Printer 3 selects one of several sounding patterns based on the parameters. Select a turn and execute the buzzer sounding process.

[0041] Referring again to Figure 5, in one embodiment, the printer management application on the user terminal 2 The system displays a usage notification button (not shown) on the user screen, and the user operates this usage notification button. A usage notification is sent to the management server 5 accordingly (steps S28, S30). The usage notification is used to inform the user that printer 3, which sounded during command processing, will be used. This occurs if the user does not select (pick up) the sounding printer 3. Therefore, if the user actually selects printer 3, the printer management app The management server 5 is notified via the application. Upon receiving the usage notification, the management server 5 uses Update the user management database (Step S32). This user management database (Figure 2) The update will correspond to the printer ID of printer 3 that made the sound. The usage information includes a value indicating "in use" and a user ID corresponding to the user.

[0042] As explained above, in one embodiment of the printer management system 1, the printer user Choose (select) a printer from among several that meets your usage requirements. In this situation, perform the specified operation on user terminal 2. This will enable the multiple printers From printers that meet the user's usage conditions, information that the user can perceive visually or aurally is transmitted. A report is output. Therefore, the user must choose a printer from among several that meets their usage requirements. It makes it easy to recognize (distinguish) the printer.

[0043] In Figure 5, the management server 5 selects printer 3 in response to a ringing request from user terminal 2. I have explained the case, but it is not limited to that. In one embodiment, the user terminal 2 prints You may also select option 3 and configure the system to notify the management server 5 of the selection result. Figure 7 shows the user terminal 2 selecting printer 3 and notifying the management server 5 of the selection result. This is a sequence chart configured in such a way.

[0044] In the sequence chart of Figure 7, the printer management application on user terminal 2 is... On the user screen displayed in Step S13, usage conditions can be set, and furthermore, The system is configured to allow the user to select a printer that meets the usage requirements. That is, user terminal 2 The printer management application is used on the user screen displayed in step S13. A printer selection request management server sets conditions and selects a printer that satisfies those conditions. Send to B5 (step S14). Management server 5 receives the printer selection request and uses Select one or more printer IDs that meet the conditions (step S15), and the selected printer ID The user screen, including the above, is returned to the printer management application on user terminal 2 (step S 16) The printer management application includes a list of printer IDs that meet the usage requirements. Display the user screen (step S17). The user screen displayed in step S17 shows one or more printers that meet the usage conditions. The system is configured to allow a ringing request operation by specifying one of the printer IDs from D. The ringing request sent in response to the ringing request operation by the user is specified in step S17. The printer ID is included (step S20a). Management server 5 receives the ringing request. The call command is sent to printer 3, which corresponds to the printer ID included in the ringing request. Send the packet containing the information (step S24).

[0045] Figure 8 shows an example of the transition of the user screen displayed in steps S13 to S17 of Figure 7. In Figure 8, the screen displayed in step S13 is the user screen G1. Screen G1 is a printable image located at the business location corresponding to the user ID that sent the request for the user screen. Includes a list of printer IDs indicating the printers (list of available printers at the xxx business location) Note that the printer IDs that represent all printers present at the business premises are listed in Printer ID List 1. It is not included in 01, but rather the printer ID that indicates it is in use (using the user management database). Printer IDs whose information is "in use" cannot be selected by the user, therefore, It would be best to avoid including it in the list of IDs 101.

[0046] Each printer ID in the list of printer IDs 101 contains information such as the model and battery level. They can be linked. A button is used to select the corresponding printer ID, associated with each printer ID. The button b1 ("Bell") is displayed. If any button b1 is pressed at this point, A ringing request containing the printer ID corresponding to the operated button b1 is sent to the management server 5. It is configured in such a way. For example, the user can choose from among multiple printer IDs included in the list of printer IDs 101. You can select a printer ID that indicates the printer with the highest remaining battery charge.

[0047] While the user is holding user terminal 2A (see Figure 1), they can access any of the printers. In situations where a user selects a linter, the user presses either button b1 on user terminal 2A. When you operate it, a printer that meets the usage conditions will immediately sound an audible alarm, and the system will recognize that printer. This is possible. In that case, even if multiple users perform the same action (operating button b2), each user Printer 3 sounds when the user operates button b2, so the user can choose which printer to use. It recognizes which printer to select, and prevents errors in printer selection among users. It is unlikely to occur. Additionally, when Printer 3 is activated, it will output the message "This will be used by [Name]". For example, when displaying on printer 3, it displays "This printer will be used by Mr. / Ms. XX today." This further reduces the likelihood of users misidentifying the printer's pickup location. .

[0048] The user screen G1 shown in Figure 8 has a button b2 ("Narrow down to printers that match the workload"). A button b2 is provided. When button b2 is operated, the printer management application on user terminal 2 is activated. The system communicates with the management server 5 to obtain information on one or more printer IDs that meet the usage conditions. The information is obtained, and the list of printer IDs 102 consisting only of the one or more printer IDs is used Display user screen G2. In other words, when button b2 is pressed, the printer management application will satisfy the usage conditions. The system requests printer ID information from the management server 5. The management server 5 then receives user management data. Refer to the base and working databases to identify one or more printer IDs that meet the usage conditions. The printer management application returns information about one or more printer IDs that meet the usage conditions. In other words, when the management server 5 identifies one or more printer IDs that meet the usage conditions, The number of pages to be printed corresponding to the user ID of the printer management application of the communication partner. etc. to work Identify printer IDs from the database, for example, those whose printable capacity is greater than the planned printable capacity. Select.

[0049] On the user screen G2, for example, button b1 corresponding to printer ID: P210 When selected (that is, when selecting the printer corresponding to printer ID: P210), management Server 5 sends a packet containing a call command to the printer, The alarm sounds. Also, when you select button b1, which corresponds to printer ID: P210, User screen G3 is displayed. The user screen G3 displays a list of printer IDs, including information about the selected printer ID. 3 is included. Here, the user recognizes the sounding printer and uses the printer. If a decision is made, the user presses button b3 ("Use") corresponding to the selected printer ID. Operate this button b3. This operation corresponds to the usage notification operation in step S28 of Figure 7. It is correct.

[0050] Figure 9 shows another example of the user screen transitions displayed in steps S13 to S17 of Figure 7. . The user screen G1 in Figure 9 is different from the user screen G1 in Figure 8, with button b4 ("Condition"). The difference lies in the inclusion of "insert and squeeze." When button b4 is pressed, the printer management application on user terminal 2 will start the management process. The system includes a condition input table 104 for setting usage conditions by communicating with the -ver 5. Display user screen G5. In the condition input table 104, for example, the user management database You can set usage conditions for each of the multiple items that correspond to the printer function. .

[0051] After the user sets the usage conditions in the condition input table 104, the button b5 ("Search") When you operate '', the user screen G6 will be displayed. The user screen G6 shows Printer I Among the multiple printer IDs displayed in list 101 of D, set in condition input table 104 Includes a list of printer IDs 105 consisting of only one or more printer IDs that meet the specified usage conditions. In other words, when button b5 is operated, the printer management application will prompt the condition input terminal The management server 5 receives information on printer IDs that meet the usage conditions set by cable 104. The request is made. The management server 5 uses the user management database and the work database. Identify one or more printer IDs that meet the usage conditions. This information is returned to the printer management application. To change the conditions, press button b6. By using the "Change Conditions" function, you can return to the user screen G5 and perform the search again. Cut. On the user screen G6, the user must select one or more printer IDs that meet their usage requirements. By selecting one of the printer IDs from the list (i.e., by operating button b1), This allows you to activate the printer corresponding to the printer ID in question.

[0052] In the work database shown in Figure 3, the business ID and user ID are associated, This scenario assumes that the employer indicated by the employer ID is working at the business establishment indicated by the business establishment ID. This is not always the case. Since an employer may work at multiple locations, the employer's position... From among the printers located at nearby offices, users can select a printer that meets their usage requirements. It would be good to do so. Therefore, in one embodiment, the control unit 51 of the management server 5 acquires the user's location information. 2. Functions as an acquisition unit. For example, if the user terminal 2A possessed by the user is equipped with GPS functionality, etc. The system acquires the location information of the user terminal 2A sequentially and notifies the management server 5.

[0053] Furthermore, the storage 52 (an example of a storage unit) of the management server 5 stores location information of each business office. It is stored in association with the location ID. In the user management database, the business location ID and printer Because IDs are associated with each printer, location information is associated with each printer ID. It's nice. When the control unit 51 selects one or more printer IDs that meet the user's usage conditions, first The location information of the user (i.e., the location information of the user terminal 2A held by the user) The control unit 51 then identifies the business establishment closest to the indicated location. From among the printer IDs associated with the business ID that indicates the business establishment ID, choose one or more printers that meet the usage conditions. Select an Internet ID. This allows the user to work at any of multiple business locations. In such cases, choose a printer that meets your usage requirements from among the printers at your nearest business location. You can choose an option.

[0054] The above describes embodiments of the information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method of the present invention. Although described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the user screen for selecting a printer ID, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, is shown in Figure 1. It is possible to display the information not only on user terminal 2A but also on user terminal 2B. Therefore, the facility manager performs the operation to select the printer ID, and the user on site... Which printer should you pick (select) from among several printers to use? It can also recognize the input. Some of the functions of the management server 5 may also be functions of the user terminal 2, and the functions of the user terminal 2 may be This may also be a function of the management server 5. That is, between the management server and the user terminal, as appropriate, The workload can be distributed. In addition, the management server's functions include multiple database servers. This could also be implemented by distributing the process across multiple servers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1…Printer management system 2...User terminal 21... Control Unit 22... Operation input section 23...Display section 24... Communications Department 3…Printer 31…Control Unit 32... Operation input section 33…Display section 34…Conveyor Unit 35...Printing section 36... Communications Department 37...Buzzer output section 38…Battery 5…Management Server 51... Control Unit 52...Storage 53... Communications Department List of printer IDs: 101-103, 105... 104...Condition Input Table NW...Network

Claims

[Claim 1] It can communicate with multiple printers capable of outputting information that the user can perceive visually or aurally. An information processing device, A first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the user conditions of the printer, A selection unit that selects a printer from the aforementioned plurality of printers that meets the usage conditions, The printer selected by the selection unit is used by the user visually or aurally. Output control that controls the printer outputs information to allow the printer to be recognized. Department and, Equipped with an information processing device.

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