Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing program that can perform an environmentally-suitable control of a device even if the device does not have a configuration for a control using externally acquired information.SOLUTION: A device management server 14 acquires at least one piece of information of device environment information detected by a second image forming device 12B including a device environment sensor and capable of detecting the device environment information, weather information provided by a weather forecast service 21, and maintenance information managed by a maintenance management server 16. The device management server 14 performs, as a device management service, processing of controlling a first image forming device 12A that does not include a device environment sensor 41 by using acquired relevant information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is proposed an environmental detection system for an image forming apparatus having a control circuit that is connected to external temperature and humidity sensors and varies information related to image formation in the image forming operation of a printer based on the detection contents of the temperature and humidity sensors.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, there is proposed an image forming apparatus including a photoreceptor, an exposure device that exposes the photoreceptor to form a latent image, a developing device that develops the latent image by attaching toner to the latent image, and a control unit that controls image formation by the photoreceptor and the developing unit. The control unit includes a weather information acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information on the current temperature and humidity from the weather forecast of the region where the image forming apparatus is installed, a process control unit that performs correction control of process control based on the current meteorological information, and a toner control unit that performs correction control of toner control based on the current meteorological information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When controlling a device such as an image forming apparatus using external information such as an external sensor or a weather forecast, a configuration for controlling using external information is required for each device.

[0006] The objective is to provide information processing devices, information processing systems, and information processing programs that enable control appropriate to the environment, even for devices that do not have a configuration for control using information acquired from external sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a processor, the processor acquires relational information related to the settings of the first device that need to be changed depending on the environment from a first device other than the first device which cannot detect predetermined device environment information, and performs processing to control the first device using the acquired relational information.

[0008] The information processing device according to the second embodiment, in the information processing device according to the first embodiment, the processor acquires at least one of the following information as relational information: predetermined maintenance information relating to the device environment information, the device environment information detected by a second device capable of detecting the device environment information, and natural environment information representing the natural environment of the area where the device is installed.

[0009] In the third aspect of the information processing apparatus, in the second aspect of the information processing apparatus, when the processor acquires the device environment information as the relational information, it controls the first device using setting information that needs to be changed depending on the environment of the second device.

[0010] In the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment, when the processor acquires the device environment information and the natural environment information as relational information, it controls the first device installed in a natural environment similar to the second device, whose settings have been changed according to the environment.

[0011] In the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment, the processor controls the first device using the setting information of the second device, which has been changed according to the environment.

[0012] The information processing device according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the second embodiment, when the processor acquires the maintenance information as the related information, controls the first device in the predetermined region when the settings are changed in a predetermined number of devices or more in the predetermined region.

[0013] The information processing device according to the seventh embodiment, in the information processing device according to the second embodiment, controls the first device whose settings need to be changed depending on the natural environment when the processor acquires the natural environment information as the relational information.

[0014] In the information processing device according to the eighth aspect, in the information processing device according to the second aspect, when the processor acquires the maintenance information and natural environment information as the related information, it controls the first device which is set to an environment similar to the device whose settings have been changed.

[0015] The information processing device according to the ninth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the third or fifth embodiment, the processor changes the settings of the first device by reflecting the setting information of the second device, which has been changed by the environment, to the first device, or by changing the settings of the first device to settings similar to the setting information of the second device, which has been changed by the environment.

[0016] The information processing device according to the tenth embodiment is an information processing device according to the fourth embodiment in which the processor determines setting parameters from the natural environment information and changes the settings of the first device in accordance with the natural environment information.

[0017] The information processing device according to the 11th embodiment is an information processing device according to the 4th embodiment, the 7th embodiment, or the 8th embodiment, in which the processor acquires the natural environment information from weather.

[0018] The information processing device according to the 12th embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the process for controlling the first device is at least one of the following: a process for changing the settings of the first device, and a process for controlling the air conditioning of the space in which the first device is installed.

[0019] The information processing system according to the 13th aspect includes a processor, and the processor acquires relationship information related to the settings of the first device that needs to be changed according to the environment from a device other than the first device that cannot detect predetermined device environment information, and uses the acquired relationship information to perform a process of controlling the first device.

[0020] The information processing system according to the 14th aspect further includes a second device that can detect the device environment information as a device other than the first device in the information processing system according to the 13th aspect.

[0021] The information processing program according to the 15th aspect causes a computer to acquire relationship information related to the settings of the first device that needs to be changed according to the environment from a device other than the first device that cannot detect predetermined device environment information, and uses the acquired relationship information to execute a process of controlling the first device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the 1st aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can perform control suitable for the environment even for a device that does not have a configuration for controlling using information acquired from the outside.

[0023] According to the 2nd aspect, it is possible to perform control suitable for the environment on the first device.

[0024] According to the 3rd aspect, it is possible to control the first control in accordance with the second device.

[0025] According to the 4th aspect, it is possible to control the first device installed in a natural environment similar to the second device in accordance with the installation environment.

[0026] According to the 5th aspect, it is possible to control the first device installed in a natural environment similar to the second device in accordance with the second device.

[0027] According to the sixth aspect, even a device that does not have a configuration for control using information acquired from an external source can be controlled in accordance with maintenance information.

[0028] According to the seventh aspect, even a device that does not have a configuration for control using information acquired from an external source can be controlled in a manner suitable for the natural environment.

[0029] According to the eighth aspect, it becomes possible to control the first device, which is set up in an environment similar to the device whose settings have been changed, in accordance with the environment.

[0030] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to change the settings of the first device to match the settings of the second device.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to change the settings of the first device to suit the natural environment.

[0032] According to the eleventh embodiment, it becomes possible to predict the first device that requires control due to environmental changes.

[0033] According to the twelfth aspect, the first device can be controlled in accordance with the installation environment.

[0034] According to the 13th aspect, even a device that does not have a configuration for control using information acquired from an external source can be provided with an information processing system that enables control suitable for the environment.

[0035] According to the 14th aspect, the first device can be controlled using the device environment information of the second device.

[0036] According to the 15th aspect, even a device that does not have a configuration for control using information acquired from an external source can be provided with an information processing program that enables control suitable for the environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of multiple image forming machines installed in an office or similar location. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the device management server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block section showing the functional configuration of the second image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the overview of the device management service provided by the device management server in the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in the second image forming apparatus of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the device management server of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the process for changing the settings of a target device when acquiring device environment information as related information. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of installation environment information. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of parameter information that associates the installation environment with the parameter values ​​set in the image forming apparatus 12 installed in that environment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the setting changes of the first image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the process for changing the settings of a target device when acquiring device environment information and weather information as related information. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of location information for each image forming apparatus to be registered as a database. [Figure 14] This schematic diagram shows a specific example of how the device management server of the information processing system according to this embodiment controls the first image forming apparatus 12A using maintenance information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0039] The information processing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 12, an apparatus management server 14 of an apparatus management system 13, a maintenance management server 16 of a maintenance management system 15, a centralized management server 18 of a centralized management system 17, and a weather forecast service 21. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 12, apparatus management server 14, maintenance management server 16, centralized management server 18, and weather forecast service 21 is connected to each other via a communication line 23 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet. Various types of data can be sent and received from each other via the communication line 23. The apparatus management server 14 corresponds to an example of an information processing device.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 12 is installed in offices A11A, B11B, the centralized management system 17, etc. As an example, the image forming apparatus 12 may be one that has multiple functions, such as a facsimile function, an image reading function, an image forming function, a copying function, a storage function for storing image information, and a transmission function for transmitting image information. In the following description, offices A11A and B11B will be referred to as office 11 unless otherwise specified.

[0041] The device management server 14, which constitutes the device management system 13, monitors multiple image forming machines 12 installed in pre-registered offices 11, etc., and performs control to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions. For example, it performs processing such as changing the settings of image forming machines 12 that require setting changes due to changes in the environment.

[0042] The maintenance management server 16, which constitutes the maintenance management system 15, manages maintenance information, etc., that represents the details of the maintenance performed by the maintenance inspector on the image forming apparatus 12.

[0043] The centralized management server 18, which constitutes the centralized management system 17, centrally manages the output infrastructure of the offices 11 that have been operated individually, and provides a service that manages the costs and processes related to the lifecycle (selection, operation, disposal, etc. of equipment). In this embodiment, the centralized management server 18 is also capable of controlling the air conditioning system 19 that provides air conditioning for the space in which the image forming apparatus 12 is installed.

[0044] Weather Forecast Service 21 provides weather information for all parts of Japan, distributed by the Japan Meteorological Agency and weather forecasting companies, in a predetermined data format.

[0045] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment does not need to include all of the maintenance management system 15, the centralized management system 17, and the weather forecast service 21; it may be configured to include at least one of them.

[0046] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of multiple image forming apparatuses 12 installed in an office 11, etc.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 12 includes a control unit 20 which contains a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM 20C is used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 20A. The ROM 20B stores various control programs and parameters in advance. The various parts of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 are electrically connected by a system bus 42.

[0048] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 is equipped with an HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data and application programs. The image forming apparatus 12 is also equipped with a display control unit 28 connected to the user interface 22, which controls the display of various operation screens on the user interface 22's display. The image forming apparatus 12 is also equipped with an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22, which detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to the system bus 42. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the image forming apparatus 12 is equipped with an HDD 26, but it is not limited to this, and a non-volatile storage unit such as flash memory may also be provided.

[0049] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit 46 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming processing by the image forming unit 24 and the transport of paper to the image forming unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36 ​​connected to a communication line 23 and transmitting and receiving communication data with other external devices such as a device management server 14, a maintenance management server 16, and a centralized management server 18 connected to the communication line 23, and an image processing unit 44 that performs various image processing. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a facsimile I / F (interface) unit 38 connected to a telephone line (not shown) and transmitting and receiving facsimile data with a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a transmit / receive control unit 40 that controls the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38. In the image forming apparatus 12, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line I / F unit 36, the facsimile I / F unit 38, and the image processing unit 44 are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0050] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 20A to access the RAM 20C, ROM 20B, and HDD 26, respectively. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the user interface 22 display via the display control unit 28. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the document reading unit 46 and document transport unit via the reading control unit 32. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the image forming unit 24 and transport unit 25 via the image forming control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36, respectively. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38 using the transmission and reception control unit 40. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 uses the CPU 20A to understand the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation input detection unit 30, and performs various controls based on this operation content.

[0051] Furthermore, among the multiple image forming apparatuses 12, there are image forming apparatuses 12 equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 that detects the apparatus environment within the apparatus, and image forming apparatuses 12 that are not equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41. That is, when an apparatus is equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41, the apparatus environment sensor 41 is electrically connected to the system bus 42, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 2. The apparatus environment sensor 41 detects apparatus environment information that represents the apparatus environment within the apparatus, such as temperature and humidity. An image forming apparatus 12 equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 uses the detection results of the apparatus environment sensor 41 to change the setting parameters of the apparatus, etc. For example, it changes the setting parameters that require temperature control within the apparatus according to the detected temperature. Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 12 that is not equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 and is not able to detect apparatus environment information may be referred to as the first image forming apparatus 12A, and an image forming apparatus 12 equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 and capable of detecting apparatus environment information may be referred to as the second image forming apparatus 12B. Note that although the apparatus environment sensor 41 is shown as a single sensor in Figure 2, it includes multiple sensors such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0052] Next, the main electrical components of the device management server 14 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the device management server 14 according to this embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the device management server 14 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 14A, ROM 14B, RAM 14C, HDD 14D, keyboard 14E, display 14F, and communication line interface (I / F) unit 14G. The CPU 14A controls the overall operation of the device management server 14. The ROM 14B stores various control information programs and various parameters. The RAM 14C is used as a work area when the CPU 14A executes various programs. The HDD 14D stores various data and application programs. In the device management server 14, the HDD 14D functions as storage 14D for storing information. The keyboard 14E is used to input various information. The display 14F is used to display various information. The communication line interface (I / F) unit 14G is connected to the communication line 23 and transmits and receives various data with other devices connected to the communication line 23. All of the above parts of the device management server 14 are electrically interconnected by a system bus 14H. In this embodiment, the device management server 14 is described as having an HDD 14D, but it is not limited to this and may also have other non-volatile storage devices such as flash memory.

[0054] With the above configuration, the device management server 14 in this embodiment uses the CPU 14A to access the ROM 14B, RAM 14C, and HDD 14D, acquire various data via the keyboard 14E, and display various information on the display 14F. The device management server 14 also uses the CPU 14A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 14G.

[0055] Note that the centralized management server 18 and the maintenance management server 16 basically have the same general computer configuration as the device management server 14, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0056] Here, the functional configuration of the second image forming apparatus 12B will be described. Figure 4 shows the functional block section illustrating the functional configuration of the second image forming apparatus 12B.

[0057] The second image forming apparatus 12B has the functions of an environment determination unit 21 and a control parameter setting unit 23, which are achieved by the CPU 20A executing a program.

[0058] The environmental determination unit 21 determines whether a setting change is necessary based on the detection results of the device environmental sensor 41. For example, it detects condensation or the possibility of condensation occurring based on the temperature and humidity detected by the device environmental sensor 41.

[0059] The control parameter setting unit 23 sets control parameters based on the judgment result of the environmental determination unit 21. For example, if condensation is detected, the setting parameters are changed to predetermined warm-up parameters. In addition, when the setting parameters are changed, the control parameter setting unit 23 sends the changes to the device management server 14, and also sends the operation history information stored in the HDD 26 to the device management server 14.

[0060] The HDD26 stores operational history information such as the number of pages printed, print type, frequency, and power on / off status. In this embodiment, the device management server 14 uses the operational history information to search for image forming apparatus 12 that have been used similarly.

[0061] Next, an overview of the device management service provided by the device management server 14 in the information processing system 10 configured according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the overview of the device management service provided by the device management server 14 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0062] In the image forming apparatus 12, in order to maintain the quality of image formation or to suppress malfunctions, control is necessary according to the environment, such as temperature, humidity, and dust, as well as the usage conditions of the multifunction device in different regions. For example, in cold regions, condensation can occur and potentially cause malfunctions, so condensation prevention settings are implemented.

[0063] However, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 12A, which does not have an apparatus environment sensor 41, cannot be controlled according to the environment or region.

[0064] Therefore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the device management server 14 acquires relevant information related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 12 that need to be changed depending on the environment, as shown in Figure 5, from at least one of the second image forming apparatus 12B, the weather forecast service 21, and the maintenance management server. Specifically, the device management server 14 acquires at least one of the following: device environment information detected by the second image forming apparatus 12B, which is equipped with a device environment sensor 41 and capable of detecting device environment information; weather information provided by the weather forecast service 21; and maintenance information managed by the maintenance management server 16.

[0065] Then, the device management server 14, as a device management service, uses the acquired related information to perform processing to control the first image forming apparatus 12A, which is not equipped with the device environment sensor 41. The processing to control the first image forming apparatus 12A may include, for example, processing to change setting parameters, etc., by controlling the first image forming apparatus 12A. Alternatively, the first image forming apparatus 12A may perform processing to control an air conditioning unit 19, etc., installed at the designated location.

[0066] Next, we will describe the processing performed in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above.

[0067] First, the processing performed in the second image forming apparatus 12B equipped with the apparatus environment sensor 41 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the second image forming apparatus 12B of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the processing in Figure 6 may start at a predetermined time, or at predetermined intervals.

[0068] In step 100, the CPU 20A detects a condition requiring a setting change based on the detection results of the device environment sensor 41 and proceeds to step 102.

[0069] In step 102, the CPU 20A determines whether a configuration change is necessary. If the determination is negative, the series of processes ends; if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 104.

[0070] In step 104, the CPU 20A changes the setting parameters based on the detection results of the device environment sensor 41 and proceeds to step 106.

[0071] In step 106, the CPU 20A sends the modified parameter values ​​to the device management server 14, ending the series of processes. When sending the parameter values ​​to the device management server 14, it also sends the operation history information to the device management server 14.

[0072] Next, we will describe the processing performed by the device management server 14. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the device management server 14 of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the processing in Figure 7 may start at a predetermined time, or at predetermined intervals.

[0073] In step 200, the CPU 14A acquires relevant information and proceeds to step 202. Specifically, it acquires at least one of the following: device environment information detected by the second image forming apparatus 12B, which is equipped with a device environment sensor 41 and capable of detecting device environment information; weather information provided by the weather forecast service 21; and maintenance information managed by the maintenance management server 16.

[0074] In step 202, the CPU 14A searches for devices that require changes to their setting parameters and proceeds to step 204. For example, it may search for a first image forming apparatus 12A installed within a predetermined range from the installation location of a second image forming apparatus 12B whose setting parameters have been changed due to environmental changes. Alternatively, it may search for a first image forming apparatus 12A in an environment similar to the installation environment of the second image forming apparatus 12B whose setting parameters have been changed. Alternatively, it may search for a first image forming apparatus 12A installed within a predetermined range from the installation location of an image forming apparatus 12 that has undergone maintenance to change its setting parameters due to environmental changes, based on maintenance information. Alternatively, it may search for a first image forming apparatus 12A installed in an environment similar to an image forming apparatus 12 that has undergone maintenance to change its setting parameters due to environmental changes, based on maintenance information. Alternatively, it may search for a first image forming apparatus 12A that may have a predetermined environment such as condensation, based on weather information.

[0075] In step 204, the CPU 14A determines whether or not there is a first image forming apparatus 12A that needs to be modified. This determination is made based on the search results from step 202. If the determination is negative, the series of processes ends; if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0076] In step 206, CPU 14A performs the configuration change process for the target device and then terminates the series of processes.

[0077] The process for changing the settings of the target device uses the acquired relationship information to control the first image forming apparatus 12A. This process changes the setting parameters, which are setting information that needs to be changed depending on the environment. As a result, even if the first image forming apparatus 12A does not have an apparatus environment sensor 41, the settings will be changed to suit the environment.

[0078] Here, we will describe a specific example of the device management server 14's process for changing the settings of the target device as described in step 206 above.

[0079] When acquiring device environment information detected by the device environment sensor 41 as related information, the device management server 14 acquires the setting information of the second image forming apparatus 12B that needs to be changed depending on the environment, and uses the acquired setting information to control the first image forming apparatus 12A. For example, if the setting information of the second image forming apparatus 12B is changed based on the detection results of the device environment sensor 41, the device management server 14 acquires the changed setting information from the second image forming apparatus 12B. The device management server 14 then searches for the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in the region where the second image forming apparatus 12B from which the setting information was acquired is installed, or within a predetermined range from the second image forming apparatus 12B. If there is a first image forming apparatus 12A installed in the region where the second image forming apparatus 12B from which the setting information was acquired is installed, the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A are changed to match the setting information of the second image forming apparatus 12B.

[0080] Furthermore, when acquiring device environment information and weather information as related information, the device management server 14 controls the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in a natural environment similar to that of the second image forming apparatus 12B, which requires configuration changes depending on the environment. For example, if the configuration information of the second image forming apparatus 12B is changed based on the detection results of the device environment sensor 41, the device management server 14 acquires the changed configuration information from the second image forming apparatus 12B. The device management server 14 then searches for the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in a region with weather information similar to that of the second image forming apparatus 12B, from which the configuration information was acquired. If there is a first image forming apparatus 12A installed in a region with weather information similar to that of the second image forming apparatus 12B, the device management server 14 performs a process to change the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A to match the configuration information of the second image forming apparatus 12B.

[0081] Furthermore, the process of changing settings to match the settings of the second image forming apparatus 12B may involve changing the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A to match the settings of the second image forming apparatus 12B, or changing them to similar settings.

[0082] Furthermore, when maintenance information is acquired as related information, the device management server 14 controls the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in a predetermined region if predetermined settings related to the environment are changed in a predetermined number or more image forming apparatuses 12 in that region. For example, if similar settings are changed in a predetermined number or more image forming apparatuses 12 in a predetermined region based on maintenance information, the server performs a process to change the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in that region to match the changed settings. Specifically, by automatically adjusting the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A in the same region for settings that depend on a certain environment and have a track record of being used a certain amount in that region, the settings are changed to the optimal settings, taking into account not only a predetermined algorithm but also usage patterns and region-specific complex factors.

[0083] Furthermore, when weather information is acquired as relevant information, the device management server 14 controls the first device whose settings need to be changed depending on the natural environment. For example, it searches for the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in an area where malfunctions such as condensation may occur based on the weather information. If a first image forming apparatus 12A installed in an area where malfunctions may occur exists, the server performs a process to change the setting parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A to setting parameters that prevent malfunctions such as condensation according to the weather.

[0084] Furthermore, when acquiring maintenance information and weather information as related information, the device management server 14 performs a process to change the setting parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A, which is installed in a region with weather information similar to that of the image forming apparatus 12 whose settings have been changed by the maintenance worker, to match the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A which have been changed by the maintenance worker. Note that the process of changing the setting parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A to match the settings of the image forming apparatus 12 which have been changed by the maintenance worker may involve changing the setting parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A to match the changed setting parameters, or changing them to similar settings.

[0085] Furthermore, if the acquired related information includes weather information, the setting parameters to be changed may be determined from the weather information, and the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A may be changed to the setting parameters that have been set in advance according to the weather information.

[0086] Next, we will explain a specific example of the process for changing the settings of the target device in step 206 above, when acquiring device environment information as related information. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process for changing the settings of the target device when acquiring device environment information as related information.

[0087] In step 300, the CPU 14A obtains the setting parameters of the second image forming apparatus 12B located in the same installation environment and proceeds to step 302. For example, the installation environment information shown in Figure 9 may be used to pre-classify the installation environment of each image forming apparatus 12 and register it in the device management server 14 in advance, thereby identifying the second image forming apparatus 12B located in the same environment and obtaining its setting parameters. Alternatively, the setting parameters may be obtained by identifying the image forming apparatus 12 located in the same environment from the setting parameters and operation history information of the image forming apparatus 12. In the installation environment information shown in Figure 9, installation environments with environmental conditions of altitude above am, atmospheric pressure below bPa, and humidity above c% are classified as high altitude. Installation environments with environmental conditions of temperature below d degrees and humidity above e% are classified as hot and humid. Installation environments with environmental conditions of temperature below f degrees are classified as cold regions. Installation environments with environmental conditions of memory g degrees and below h degrees are classified as having large temperature differences. Furthermore, the second image forming apparatus 12B in each installation environment has its setting parameters set according to parameter information that associates the installation environment shown in Figure 10 with the parameter values ​​to be set in the image forming apparatus 12 installed in that environment. In the parameter information shown in Figure 10, the setting parameters for a normal installation environment are a light source warm-up time of a minutes, a fuser warm-up time of b minutes, a roller pressure during paper transport of cPa, and an illuminance of the control panel of dlx. Also, the setting parameters for a high-altitude installation environment are a roller pressure during paper transport of c1Pa. Also, the setting parameters for a hot and humid installation environment are a light source warm-up time of a2 minutes, a fuser warm-up time of b2 minutes, and an illuminance of the control panel of d1lx. Also, the setting parameters for an installation environment with a large temperature difference are defined as normal at 7:00, hot and humid from 10:00 to 17:59, and a low-temperature environment from 18:00 to 6:59.

[0088] In step 302, the CPU 14A estimates the setting parameters for the first image forming apparatus 12A and proceeds to step 304. For example, it estimates the parameter values ​​to be set for the first image forming apparatus 12A from the setting parameters of the second image forming apparatus 12B in the same installation environment. If there are differences in the configuration of the first image forming apparatus 12A and the second image forming apparatus 12B, the estimation is performed by adjusting each parameter using conversion coefficients or the like.

[0089] In step 304, the CPU 14A transmits setting parameters to the first image forming apparatus 12A, thereby changing the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A and ending the series of processes. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the parameters related to the state detected by the image forming apparatus (A) are reflected in the image forming apparatus (a) of the first image forming apparatus 12A, which is in the same installation environment as the image forming apparatus (A) of the second image forming apparatus 12B. If there are differences in the configuration of the image forming apparatuses, the parameters are adjusted by conversion coefficients or other means for each parameter.

[0090] Next, we will explain a specific example of the process for changing the settings of the target device in step 206 described above, when acquiring device environment information and weather information as related information. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process for changing the settings of the target device when acquiring device environment information and weather information as related information.

[0091] In step 400, the CPU 14A identifies environmental conditions from the location information of the first image forming apparatus 12A and acquired weather information, and estimates the installation environment. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the location information of each image forming apparatus 12 is pre-registered in the device management server 14 as an image forming apparatus DB (database), and the installation environment is estimated by identifying which of the installation environment information shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the installation environment from the location information of the first image forming apparatus 12A and weather information.

[0092] In step 402, the CPU 14A obtains the setting parameters of the second image forming apparatus 12B under the same environmental conditions and proceeds to step 404.

[0093] In step 404, the CPU 14A estimates the setting parameters for the first image forming apparatus 12A and proceeds to step 406. For example, it estimates the parameter values ​​to be set for the first image forming apparatus 12A from the setting parameters of the second image forming apparatus 12B in the same installation environment. If there are differences in the configuration of the first image forming apparatus 12A and the second image forming apparatus 12B, the estimation is performed by adjusting each parameter using conversion coefficients or the like.

[0094] In step 406, the CPU 14A transmits setting parameters to the first image forming apparatus 12A, thereby changing the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A and ending the series of processes. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the parameters related to the state detected by the image forming apparatus (A) are reflected in the image forming apparatus (a) of the first image forming apparatus 12A, which is in the same installation environment as the image forming apparatus (A) of the second image forming apparatus 12B. If there are differences in the configuration of the image forming apparatuses, the parameters are adjusted by conversion coefficients or other means for each parameter.

[0095] Next, we will explain a specific example of how the device management server 14 controls the first image forming apparatus 12A installed in a predetermined region when a predetermined number of image forming apparatuses 12 in that region have changed predetermined settings related to the environment. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of how the device management server 14 of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment controls the first image forming apparatus 12A using maintenance information.

[0096] When controlling the first image forming apparatus 12A using maintenance information, the process is carried out according to steps 1 to 6 shown in Figure 14, as an example.

[0097] 1. In this step, the maintenance worker sets the parameters of the image forming apparatus 12, including the first image forming apparatus 12A and the second image forming apparatus 12B.

[0098] 2. Each image forming apparatus 12 transmits diagnostic information (e.g., image quality, paper jam, sensor values, etc.) to the device management server 14. The diagnostic information may be transmitted periodically, or when there is a change in status.

[0099] 3. The device management server 14 stores historical information such as diagnostic information history, maintenance history, operational status analysis results, and user feedback in the HDD 14D as a history information database.

[0100] In step 4, the device management server 14 automatically analyzes whether the device is operating in good condition, or identifies and registers in the database an image forming machine 12 that is operating stably based on maintenance history by maintenance personnel or user feedback. Specifically, it identifies an image forming machine 12 that is operating stably from among those in which a predetermined number of predetermined environmental settings have been performed by maintenance personnel in a predetermined region, and registers the identified image forming machine in the database as the source image forming machine for parameter reflection.

[0101] 5. In this step, the second image forming apparatus 12B notifies the apparatus management server 14 of any state changes that require parameter changes.

[0102] 6. In this step, the device management server 14 sets the parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A. Specifically, when a predetermined number of predetermined environmental settings are made by a maintenance worker in a predetermined area, the device management server 14 sets the parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A in the same area as the second image forming apparatus 12B, which is the source of the notification of a state change requiring parameter changes. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the settings of image forming apparatus (a), which is in the same area as the source image forming apparatus (A), has location information of longitude x1 / latitude y1, and is installed in a high-altitude environment, are changed to match those of image forming apparatus (A). Also, the settings of image forming apparatus (b), which is in the same area as the source image forming apparatus (B), has location information of longitude x2 / latitude y2, and is installed in an environment with large temperature differences, are changed to match those of image forming apparatus (B).

[0103] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the device management server 14 acquires weather information from the weather service 21. However, other natural environment information may also be acquired. For example, detection results from temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc., installed in each region may be acquired as natural environment information.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of changing the setting parameters of the first image forming apparatus 12A was described as a process for controlling the first image forming apparatus 12A, but this is not limited to this, and other processes may be performed. For example, if the air conditioning system 19 is controllable, the first image forming apparatus 12A may be controlled by controlling the installation environment of the first image forming apparatus 12A by changing the operation or temperature settings of the air conditioning system 19. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which both the settings of the first image forming apparatus 12A and the air conditioning system 19 are controlled.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, at least one piece of information from device-related information, maintenance information, and weather information was described as an example of related information, but the related information is not limited to these. For example, predictive information predicted from past malfunction information of the image forming apparatus 12 may be applied.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a second image forming apparatus 12B equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 and a first image forming apparatus 12A not equipped with an apparatus environment sensor 41 exist, the system is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, if apparatus environment information is not used as related information, the system may not include the second image forming apparatus 12B.

[0107] Furthermore, although the CPU was described as an example of a processor in the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a broader term that includes general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and specialized processors (such as GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and programmable logic devices).

[0108] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0109] Furthermore, the processing performed in each part of the information processing system 10 according to the above embodiment may be software-based processing, hardware-based processing, or a combination of both. Additionally, the processing performed in each part of the information processing system 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0110] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10. Information Processing Systems 12 Image forming apparatus 12A 1st image forming device 12B 2nd image forming device 14. Device Management Server 14A CPU 16. Maintenance and Management Server 19 Air conditioner 21 Weather forecast service

Claims

1. The processor comprises, A system manages multiple devices, including a first device that does not have an environmental sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined environmental information, and a second device that is equipped with an environmental sensor and is capable of detecting the aforementioned environmental information. The maintenance management server retrieves maintenance information, If a predetermined number of devices in a predetermined region have their predetermined environmental settings changed, the device that is operating stably among those devices will be designated as the source device for the change. When the second device receives notification of a state change requiring parameter changes, it searches for the first device located in the same area as the second device that sent the notification. An information processing device that controls the first device by changing the retrieved setting parameters of the first device to match those of the source device.

2. The processor comprises, This system manages multiple devices, including a first device that does not have an environmental sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined environmental information, and a second device that is equipped with an environmental sensor and is capable of detecting environmental information. The second device acquires setting information modified based on the detection results of the device environment sensor and weather information corresponding to the location information of the first device. The installation environment is estimated from the location information of the first device and the weather information, The setting parameters of the second device under the same environmental conditions as the estimated installation environment are obtained. The setting parameters to be set in the first device are estimated, An information processing device that transmits the estimated setting parameters to the first device and performs a process of changing the settings.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the processor estimates the setting parameters to be set in the first device, if there is a difference in the configuration between the first device and the second device, it adjusts each setting parameter using a conversion coefficient.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor, in the process of controlling the first device, performs a process of changing the settings of the first device and also performs a process of controlling the air conditioning of the space in which the first device is installed.

5. A processor is provided, and the processor manages a plurality of devices, including a first device that does not have a device environment sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined device environment information, and a second device that has a device environment sensor and is capable of detecting the device environment information. An information processing device that acquires maintenance information managed by a maintenance management server, and when a predetermined number of devices in a predetermined region have their predetermined environmental settings changed, it selects a device that is operating stably from among those devices as the source device for updating, and when it receives notification of a state change requiring parameter changes from the second device, it searches for the first device installed in the same region as the second device that sent the notification, and modifies the setting parameters of the found first device to match those of the source device, thereby controlling the first device. The first apparatus and, The above-mentioned second apparatus, An information processing system that includes this.

6. An information processing device comprising a processor, the processor managing a plurality of devices including a first device that does not have a device environment sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined device environment information, and a second device that has a device environment sensor and is capable of detecting device environment information, acquiring setting information changed in the second device based on the detection results of the device environment sensor and weather information corresponding to the location information of the first device, estimating the installation environment from the location information of the first device and the weather information, acquiring setting parameters of the second device that are under the same environmental conditions as the estimated installation environment, estimating setting parameters to be set in the first device, and transmitting the estimated setting parameters to the first device to perform a process of changing the settings, The first apparatus and, The above-mentioned second apparatus, An information processing system that includes this.

7. On the computer, A system manages multiple devices, including a first device that does not have an environmental sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined environmental information, and a second device that is equipped with an environmental sensor and is capable of detecting the aforementioned environmental information. The maintenance management server retrieves maintenance information, If a predetermined number of devices in a predetermined region have their predetermined environmental settings changed, the device that is operating stably among those devices will be designated as the source device for the change. When the second device receives notification of a state change requiring parameter changes, it searches for the first device located in the same area as the second device that sent the notification. An information processing program for executing a process to control the first device by changing the retrieved setting parameters of the first device to match those of the source device.

8. On the computer, This system manages multiple devices, including a first device that does not have an environmental sensor and is incapable of detecting predetermined environmental information, and a second device that is equipped with an environmental sensor and is capable of detecting environmental information. The second device acquires setting information modified based on the detection results of the device environment sensor and weather information corresponding to the location information of the first device. The installation environment is estimated from the location information of the first device and the weather information, The setting parameters of the second device under the same environmental conditions as the estimated installation environment are obtained. The setting parameters to be set in the first device are estimated, An information processing program that transmits the estimated setting parameters to the first device and causes it to perform a process to change the settings.

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