Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To increase possibility of enabling a user to acquire a desired print result.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a determination part for determining a setting value to be recommended about print setting in the case of using a first image forming apparatus on the basis of comparison of a correspondence relation between a setting value related to print setting in the first image forming apparatus and a print result with a correspondence relation between a setting value related to print setting in a second image forming apparatus and a print result, and an output part for outputting information showing the setting value to be recommended.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When printing electronic data on a printing device such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral, a user can obtain a desired printing result by performing desired printing settings and giving a print instruction.

[0003] Conventionally, a technique has been disclosed for proposing printing settings recommended to a user based on a printing setting history so that even a user who is not familiar with printing processing can utilize the capabilities of a printing system (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, even if the content of the printing settings is the same, the printing results may differ between one image forming apparatus and another depending on differences such as the model, the individual, or the device settings.

[0005] 0]For example, even if a user makes the same printing settings for an image forming apparatus that is used for the first time in printing at a co - working space or location - free printing as for an image forming apparatus normally used in an office at the workplace, there is a possibility that the user may not obtain the expected printing result due to differences in model, individual, settings, etc.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to increase the possibility that a user can obtain a desired printing result.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus A storage unit that stores, for each user, the user ID of that user and the identification information of the image forming apparatus specified by that user in association with each user; an acquisition unit that, when a certain user uses the first image forming apparatus, acquires the user ID of that user and the first identification information of the first image forming apparatus via a network; and the first identification information related the correspondence relationship between the setting values related to the printing settings in the first image forming apparatus and the printing results, In the aforementioned storage unit, a second identification information is stored in association with the user ID of a certain user.The system includes a determination unit that determines recommended setting values ​​for printing when using the first image forming apparatus, based on a comparison of the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the second image forming apparatus and the printing results, and an output unit that outputs information indicating the recommended setting values. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This can increase the likelihood that users will obtain the desired print results. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the printing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 40 in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of the processing procedure for presenting recommended settings to user A using the image forming apparatus 10b in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram to explain the comparison of print characteristics tables. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of the processing procedure for updating the print characteristics table in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of updating the print characteristics table. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates an example of the processing procedure for registering an image forming apparatus 10 in normal use. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the printing system in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of the processing procedure for presenting recommended settings to user A using the image forming apparatus 10b in the second embodiment. [Figure 11]This figure illustrates an example of the processing procedure for updating the print characteristics table in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system in the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the printing system includes an image forming apparatus 10a and an image forming apparatus 10b (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus 10" when not distinguishing between them), repeaters 20a and 20b (hereinafter referred to as "repeaters 20" when not distinguishing between them), a user terminal 30, and an information processing device 40. Each image forming apparatus 10, each repeater 20, and the user terminal 30 are connected to the information processing device 40 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0011] Each image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction device having a print control unit 121 (printing function) and an imaging control unit 122 (imaging function). The print control unit 121 controls the execution of printing. The imaging control unit 122 controls scanning (imaging images from paper documents). Note that the printing function and the scanning function may be distributed by separate devices (for example, a printer and a scanner).

[0012] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10a is an image forming apparatus that is normally used (used most frequently on a daily basis) by a particular user (hereinafter referred to as "User A"). For example, the image forming apparatus 10a may be an image forming apparatus installed in User A's office or the like, or an image forming apparatus installed in a store or the like that User A uses on a daily basis.

[0013] On the other hand, image forming apparatus 10b is an image forming apparatus other than image forming apparatus 10a, which is an image forming apparatus that user A is using for the first time, or an image forming apparatus that user A does not use frequently. For example, image forming apparatus 10b may be an image forming apparatus installed in a coworking space, or an image forming apparatus installed in a store or other place that user A does not use often, or a store or other place that user A is using for the first time.

[0014] Each repeater 20 is a computer that works in conjunction with the image forming apparatus 10 to realize its functions. For example, the repeater 20 may be implemented as a small PC (Personal Computer). In this embodiment, repeater 20a corresponds to image forming apparatus 10a, and repeater 20b corresponds to image forming apparatus 10b. Each repeater 20 is installed, for example, near the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the repeater 20. For example, the repeater 20 may be installed next to the corresponding image forming apparatus 10, or it may be fixed to the exterior of the image forming apparatus 10. Alternatively, the functions of the repeater 20 may be realized using the hardware resources of the corresponding image forming apparatus 10. That is, each image forming apparatus 10 may also perform the functions of the repeater 20. Alternatively, the functions of the repeater 20 may be realized using the information processing device 40 or cloud resources other than the information processing device 40.

[0015] Each repeater 20 has a print characteristics storage unit 21. The print characteristics storage unit 21 of each repeater 20 stores a print characteristics table for the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to that repeater 20. Therefore, a print characteristics table is generated for each image forming apparatus 10. A print characteristics table for a particular image forming apparatus 10 refers to data that shows the correspondence between a setting value for a certain print setting (e.g., density, margin) and the print result (actual value (output value) for that print setting) when the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing according to that setting value. In this embodiment, the relationship between the setting value and the actual value is called the "print characteristics". The print characteristics storage unit 21 can be implemented using an auxiliary storage device or the like that of the repeater 20.

[0016] The user terminal 30 is a terminal carried by User A. For example, the user terminal 30 may be realized by a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The user terminal 30 has an input control unit 31 and a display control unit 32.

[0017] The information processing apparatus 40 is one or more computers having a recommendation unit 41, an update unit 42, and a user information storage unit 43. The information processing apparatus 40 may be realized as a cloud system.

[0018] When User A uses the image forming apparatus 10b, the recommendation unit 41 determines a set value (hereinafter referred to as "recommended set value") that can obtain the closest printing result when using the image forming apparatus 10a, for the printing settings when User A uses the image forming apparatus 10b, based on a comparison between the printing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 10a and the printing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 10b. The recommended set value is output (presented) to User A via the user terminal 30.

[0019] The update unit 42 estimates the printing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the set value of the printing settings for a certain image forming apparatus 10 and the image data of the printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 10 based on the set value, and updates the printing characteristic table stored in the printing characteristic storage unit 21 of the repeater 20 corresponding to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0020] The user information storage unit 43 stores, for each user, identification information (hereinafter referred to as "device ID") of the image forming apparatus 10 that the user normally uses, image data of the printed matter of the user, and the like. Therefore, the user information storage unit 43 stores the device ID and the like of the image forming apparatus 10 for User A.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 40 in the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 40 in FIG. 2 includes a drive device 400, an auxiliary storage device 402, a memory device 403, a CPU 404, and an interface device 405, which are mutually connected by a bus B.

[0022] The program that enables processing by the information processing device 40 is provided on a recording medium 101 such as a CD-ROM. When the recording medium 101 containing the program is set in the drive device 400, the program is installed from the recording medium 101 to the auxiliary storage device 402 via the drive device 400. However, the program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 101; it may also be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 402 stores the installed program as well as necessary files and data.

[0023] When a program startup command is received, the memory device 403 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 402 and stores it. The CPU 404 executes the functions of the information processing device 40 according to the program stored in the memory device 403. The interface device 405 is used as an interface for connecting to a network.

[0024] In Figure 1, the recommendation unit 41 and the update unit 42 are implemented by a process executed by the CPU 204 through one or more programs installed on the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 also utilizes a user information storage unit 43. The user information storage unit 43 can be implemented, for example, using an auxiliary storage device 102 or a storage device that can be connected to the information processing device 40 via a network.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment. In Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 10 has hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

[0026] The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, HDD 114, and NVRAM 115. ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by those programs. RAM 112 is used as a memory area for loading programs and as a work area for loaded programs. The CPU 111 implements various functions by processing the programs loaded into RAM 112. HDD 114 stores programs and various data used by those programs. NVRAM 115 stores various configuration information.

[0027] The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data onto paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line and is used to send and receive image data via fax communication. The operation panel 15 is hardware equipped with input means such as buttons for receiving input from the user, and display means such as an LCD panel. The LCD panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the LCD panel also functions as an input means. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used to read programs stored on the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only programs stored in the ROM 113 but also programs stored on the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. Note that the SD card 80 may be replaced by other recording media (for example, a CD-ROM or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). In other words, the type of recording medium corresponding to the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined type. In this case, the SD card slot 17 can be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

[0028] In Figure 1, the print control unit 121 and the imaging control unit 122 are realized by one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 10, which are executed by the CPU 111.

[0029] The following describes the processing procedures performed in the printing system. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing procedure for presenting recommended settings to user A, who is using the image forming apparatus 10b in the first embodiment. In Figure 4, it is assumed that user A is in a location where the image forming apparatus 10b can be operated, while carrying the user terminal 30.

[0030] In step S101, user A inputs the device ID of the image forming apparatus 10b to be used and the setting values ​​of the print settings that are planned to be set for the image forming apparatus 10b (hereinafter referred to as "planned input values") to the input control unit 31 of the user terminal 30. Note that the print settings may consist of multiple items. In this case, a planned input value is entered for each item. In this embodiment, density setting and margin setting will be described as examples of print settings. Here, for density setting, the default value of density is assumed to be the planned input value, and for margin setting, the default value of margin is assumed to be the planned input value. Note that when user A uses the image forming apparatus 10a, the default values ​​are set for both density setting and margin setting when printing. Therefore, user A expects to obtain the same print results with the image forming apparatus 10b as when using the image forming apparatus 10a, and inputs the setting values ​​set when using the image forming apparatus 10a as planned input values ​​to the input control unit 31.

[0031] Next, the input control unit 31 transmits the user ID of user A, the input device ID (hereinafter referred to as "device ID used this time"), and the group of planned input values ​​to the recommendation unit 41 of the information processing device 40 (S102).

[0032] Next, the recommendation unit 41 retrieves from the user information storage unit 43 the equipment ID of the image forming apparatus 10 that the user ID normally uses (hereinafter referred to as the "normally used equipment ID"), which is stored in association with the received user ID (S103). Here, the equipment ID of the image forming apparatus 10a is retrieved.

[0033] Next, the recommendation unit 41 obtains print characteristic tables from the print characteristic storage unit 21a of the repeater 20a corresponding to the image forming apparatus 10a related to the normally used equipment ID, and from the print characteristic storage unit 21b of the repeater 20b corresponding to the image forming apparatus 10b related to the equipment ID used this time, and determines recommended setting values ​​based on a comparison of the obtained print characteristic tables (S104).

[0034] Next, the recommendation unit 41 determines recommended setting values ​​based on a comparison of the printing characteristics table for the image forming apparatus 10a and the printing characteristics table for the image forming apparatus 10b, and sends (outputs) a response including the determined recommended setting values ​​to the user terminal 30 (S105).

[0035] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of print characteristics tables. A print characteristics table exists for each print setting item. In Figure 5, (1) shows a comparative example of a print characteristics table related to density settings (hereinafter referred to as the "density characteristics table"), and (2) shows a comparative example of a print characteristics table related to margin settings (hereinafter referred to as the "margin characteristics table").

[0036] The density characteristics table is a table that shows the actual image density values ​​(image brightness values) obtained in the printed result for each image density setting. In Figure 5(1), the image brightness values ​​for each density setting of the normally used image forming apparatus 10a are compared with the image brightness values ​​for each density setting of the image forming apparatus 10b used in this case.

[0037] The margin characteristics table shows the actual margin widths obtained in the printed output for each margin setting. Figure 5(2) compares the actual margin widths for each margin setting of the image forming apparatus 10a used in normal operation with the actual margin widths for each margin setting of the image forming apparatus 10b used in this case.

[0038] Based on a comparison of the density characteristics table and the margin characteristics table, the recommendation unit 41 determines the recommended setting values ​​for the image forming apparatus 10b that correspond to the actual values ​​obtained by the image forming apparatus 10a for the planned input values ​​(in this case, default values) of the density setting and margin setting.

[0039] Specifically, in (1), the image brightness value of the image forming apparatus 10a when the density setting is default is 70, but the closest image brightness value to 70 obtained by the image forming apparatus 10b is 75. The density setting required to obtain an image brightness value of 75 for the image forming apparatus 10b is "+1". Therefore, in this case, the recommendation unit 41 determines "+1" as the recommended setting value for the density setting.

[0040] On the other hand, in (1), the margin width of the image forming apparatus 10a with the default margin setting is 20, but the value closest to 20 among the margin widths obtainable in the image forming apparatus 10b is 19. The margin setting for the image forming apparatus 10b to obtain a margin width of 19 is "+5mm". Therefore, in this case, the recommendation unit 41 determines "+5mm" as the recommended setting value for the margin setting.

[0041] Therefore, in the above case, a response including "+1" for the density setting and "+5mm" for the margin setting is sent to the user terminal 30 in step S105.

[0042] If there are no discrepancies between the compared print setting characteristics tables (density characteristics table and margin characteristics table), the recommendation unit 41 may decide that the setting value entered by user A is the recommended setting value, or it may send a response to the user terminal 30 indicating that the normal print settings are acceptable.

[0043] Furthermore, as will be described later, the actual values ​​in the print setting characteristics table (density characteristics table and margin characteristics table) are recorded and updated as each image forming apparatus 10 is actually used. Therefore, it is possible that the print setting characteristics table may not contain actual values ​​corresponding to a certain setting for a particular image forming apparatus 10. As a result, it may not be possible to identify the recommended setting value. In this case, the recommendation unit 41 may send a response to the user terminal 30 indicating that the recommended setting value is unknown.

[0044] When the user terminal 30 receives a response from the recommendation unit 41, the display control unit 32 displays advice information based on that response (S106). If the response includes a recommended setting value, the recommended setting value is displayed.

[0045] If recommended settings are displayed, user A sets the recommended settings to the image forming apparatus 10b and instructs it to print (S107). The print control unit 121b of the image forming apparatus 10b executes printing based on the recommended settings. As a result, there is a high probability that a print result similar to that obtained when user A used the image forming apparatus 10a will be obtained.

[0046] Next, the process for updating the print characteristics table described above will be explained. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing procedure for updating the print characteristics table in the first embodiment. User X in Figure 6 may be User A, or any other user. Also, the image forming apparatus 10x used by User X in Figure 6 may be image forming apparatus 10a, image forming apparatus 10b, or any other image forming apparatus 10.

[0047] First, steps S101 to S104 are executed, similar to Figure 4. However, in Figure 6, steps S103 and S104 are omitted for convenience.

[0048] In step S105a, the recommendation unit 41 selects a setting value (hereinafter referred to as the "trial setting value") that it wants user X to try when looking at the print characteristics table of the image forming apparatus 10x that user X will be using, for example, if the contents are empty, a predetermined amount of time has passed since the update date and time, a recommended setting value could not be identified, or if it is selected randomly, and sends a response including the trial setting value to the user terminal 30. For example, a setting value for which no actual value is recorded in the print characteristics table of the image forming apparatus 10x may be selected as the trial setting value. Alternatively, if the update time is recorded for each setting value in the print characteristics table, the setting value with the oldest update time may be selected as the trial setting value. Alternatively, the trial setting value may be selected randomly.

[0049] When user X's user terminal 30 receives a response from the recommendation unit 41, the display control unit 32 displays suggestion information to the user based on the response (S106a). Here, information is displayed suggesting that the user perform printing with the trial settings included in the response and have the printed material scanned by the image forming apparatus 10x. At this time, user X may be given an incentive to perform printing with the trial settings. For example, the printing fee may be discounted if printing is performed with the trial settings.

[0050] When user X sets a trial setting value in the image forming apparatus 10x and instructs it to print (S107a), the print control unit 121 of the image forming apparatus 10x executes printing based on the trial setting value and outputs a printed document. Note that user X may also input a setting value other than the trial setting value.

[0051] Next, when user X gives an instruction to the image forming apparatus 10x to scan the printed document and send the scanned image data to the information processing device 40 (S201), the imaging control unit 122 of the image forming apparatus 10x scans the printed document to generate image data (hereinafter referred to as "feedback image"), and sends the feedback image, user X's user ID, and the ID of the feedback image (hereinafter referred to as "image ID") to the information processing device 40 (S202). The pair of the feedback image and the image ID is associated with the user ID and stored in the user information storage unit 43.

[0052] The user ID and image ID only need to be entered by user X before and after scanning. In this case, user X may arbitrarily determine the image ID. Alternatively, the image control unit 122 may assign the image ID instead of requiring user X to input it. In this case, the image control unit 122 notifies user X of the assigned image ID by displaying it on the operation panel 15.

[0053] User X also inputs the setting values ​​entered into the image forming apparatus 10x in step S107a (hereinafter referred to as "input setting values") and the image ID corresponding to the printed material into the user terminal 30 (S203). For example, in step S106a, a screen including display components for accepting input of the input setting values ​​and image ID in addition to the proposed information may be displayed. Here, the values ​​entered as input setting values ​​are the setting values ​​for density setting and margin setting for the image forming apparatus 10x, respectively.

[0054] Next, the input control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 transmits the user ID of user X, the input image ID, and the input setting value to the update unit 42 of the information processing device 40 (S204).

[0055] When the update unit 42 receives the user ID, image ID, and input setting value of user X, it obtains a feedback image corresponding to the user ID and image ID from the user information storage unit 43 (S205). Subsequently, the update unit 42 estimates the printing characteristics related to the input setting value and updates the printing characteristics table stored in the printing characteristics storage unit 21x of the repeater 20x corresponding to the image forming apparatus 10x based on the estimation result (S206). Here, the printing characteristics for the input setting value related to density setting and the printing characteristics for the input setting value related to margin setting are estimated. Therefore, these printing characteristics are updated.

[0056] The update unit 42, for example, measures the brightness of the feedback image and estimates the correspondence between the input setting value for density setting and the brightness as a printing characteristic for the input setting value for density setting. The update unit 42 also estimates the margin width from the feedback image and estimates the correspondence between the input setting value for margin setting and the margin width as a printing characteristic for the input setting value for margin setting.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of updating the print characteristics table. In the example in Figure 7, the input setting value for density setting is "-1" and the image brightness value of the feedback image is "100". Therefore, in this case, "100" is recorded for "-1" in the density characteristics table.

[0058] Furthermore, the example in Figure 7 shows a case where the input setting value for the margin setting is "+5mm" and the margin width of the feedback image is "27". Therefore, in this case, "27" is recorded for "+5mm" in the margin characteristics table.

[0059] If actual values ​​are already stored for the setting to be updated, the average of the set of values ​​including past actual values ​​and the current actual value may be recorded in the print characteristics table as the actual value for that setting.

[0060] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing procedure for registration of an image forming apparatus 10 in normal use.

[0061] When a user enters the device ID of the image forming apparatus 10 for normal use into their user terminal 30 (S301), the input control unit 31 transmits the user's user ID and the device ID to the information processing device 40 (S302). The device ID is stored in the user information storage unit 43 in association with the user ID.

[0062] As described above, according to the first embodiment, based on a comparison of the printing characteristics of the image forming apparatus 10b and the image forming apparatus 10a, the printing settings for when using the image forming apparatus 10b are determined to obtain the closest printing result to that obtained when using the image forming apparatus 10a, and information indicating these settings is output. Therefore, for example, even when a user is using the image forming apparatus 10b for the first time, the user can be presented with settings that will obtain a printing result close to that obtained when using the image forming apparatus 10a. As a result, the likelihood of the user obtaining the desired printing result can be increased.

[0063] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, points not specifically mentioned may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system in the second embodiment. In Figure 9, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in Figure 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment, each repeater 20 has a user detection unit 22. The user detection unit 22 is realized by a process that one or more programs installed in the repeater 20 cause the CPU of the repeater 20 to execute. The user detection unit 22 of a certain repeater 20 detects the approach of a user to the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the repeater 20, for example, by using short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth®) with a user terminal 30. In the second embodiment, the repeater 20 is placed near the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the repeater 20, or in a place that a user passes through when approaching the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the entrance to a facility (coworking space, etc.) where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed). Alternatively, the repeater 20 may be contained within the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the repeater 20.

[0066] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing procedure for presenting recommended settings to user A using the image forming apparatus 10b in the second embodiment. In Figure 10, the same step numbers as in Figure 4 are used, and their explanations are omitted. In Figure 10, steps S401 and S402 are executed instead of steps S101 and S102.

[0067] In step S401, the user detection unit 22 of the repeater 20b detects the approach of user A (more precisely, user A's user terminal 30) to the image forming apparatus 10b using short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0068] Next, the user detection unit 22 obtains the user ID and a group of planned input values ​​from the user terminal 30 via short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 30, and transmits the obtained user ID, the group of planned input values, and the equipment ID used this time to the recommendation unit 41 of the information processing device 40 (S402). The group of planned input values ​​may be stored in the user terminal 30 in advance, or they may be entered into the user terminal 30 by user A at the timing of step S402. The equipment ID used this time is stored in the repeater 20b in advance.

[0069] Following step S402, steps S103 and onward, as explained in Figure 4, are executed.

[0070] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing procedure for updating the print characteristics table in the second embodiment. In Figure 11, steps identical to those in Figure 6 are given the same step numbers, and their explanations are omitted.

[0071] First, steps S401, S402, S103, and S104 are executed, similar to Figure 10. However, for convenience, steps S103 and S104 are omitted from Figure 10.

[0072] Next, steps S105a and subsequent steps, as explained in Figure 6, are executed.

[0073] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is not necessary for the user to input the device ID used in this case. As a result, the user's operational burden can be reduced.

[0074] In each of the above embodiments, the recommendation unit 41 is an example of a determination unit, output unit, and acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus 10b is an example of a first image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10a is an example of a second image forming apparatus.

[0075] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10a, 10b Image forming device 11 Controllers 12 Scanners 13 Printers 14 Modem 15. Control Panel 16 Network Interfaces 17 SD card slots 20a, 20b repeater 21 Printing characteristics storage section 22 User detection unit 30 User terminals 31 Input Control Unit 32 Display Control Unit 40 Information Processing Devices 41 Recommended section 42 Update section 43 User Information Storage Unit 80 SD cards 111 CPU 112 RAM 113 ROM 114 HDD 115 NVRAM 121 Printing Control Unit 122 Imaging Control Unit 400 drive unit 401 Recording media 402 Auxiliary storage 403 Memory device 404 CPU 405 Interface device B Bus [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0077] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-257856

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores, for each user, the user ID of that user and the identification information of the image forming apparatus specified by that user in association with each user, An acquisition unit that acquires the user ID of a certain user and the first identification information of the first image forming apparatus via a network when a certain user uses the first image forming apparatus, A determination unit determines recommended setting values ​​for printing when using the first image forming apparatus, based on a comparison between the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the first image forming apparatus relating to the first identification information and the printing results, and the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the second image forming apparatus, in which the second identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the user ID of a certain user and the printing results; An output unit that outputs information indicating the recommended setting values, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The determination unit determines the recommended setting value as the setting value that yields the closest print result when printing using the second image forming apparatus, for printing when using the first image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a product of the present invention.

3. An update unit updates the correspondence relationship based on the print setting value for either the first or second image forming apparatus and the image data obtained by capturing a print output by the image forming apparatus based on the setting value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by having the following features.

4. The acquisition unit receives the user ID of a certain user and the first identification information from a device that detects a user's approach to the first image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a product of the present invention.

5. A storage procedure for storing, for each user, the user ID of that user and the identification information of the image forming apparatus specified by that user in association with each user in a storage unit, A procedure for acquiring the user ID of a certain user and the first identification information of the first image forming apparatus via a network when a certain user uses the first image forming apparatus, A determination procedure for determining recommended setting values ​​for printing when using the first image forming apparatus, based on a comparison between the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the first image forming apparatus relating to the first identification information and the printing results, and the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the second image forming apparatus, where the second identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the user ID of a certain user and the printing results; An output procedure that outputs information indicating the recommended settings, An information processing method characterized by a computer executing the following.

6. A storage procedure for storing in a storage unit, for each user, the user ID of the user and the identification information of the image forming apparatus specified by the user in association with each user, A procedure for acquiring the user ID of a certain user and the first identification information of the first image forming apparatus via a network when a certain user uses the first image forming apparatus, A determination procedure for determining recommended setting values ​​for printing when using the first image forming apparatus, based on a comparison between the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the first image forming apparatus relating to the first identification information and the printing results, and the correspondence between the setting values ​​for printing in the second image forming apparatus, where the second identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the user ID of a certain user and the printing results; An output procedure that outputs information indicating the recommended settings, A program characterized by causing a computer to execute something.

Images