JP2015228126A - Information providing device, image formation device and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing device which can actively and accurately acquire the taste of a user of electronic equipment such as an image formation device.SOLUTION: An information providing device 1 providing questionnaire information to a user of electronic equipment comprises: a personal information storage part 2 which stores personal information of a plurality of users on the basis of identification information of users; a questionnaire information storage part 3 which stores a plurality of pieces of questionnaire information; an input part 42 which inputs identification information of a user; a personal information retrieval part 43a which retrieves personal information in accordance with the identification information input by the input part from the personal information of the plurality of users stored in the personal information storage part; and a questionnaire information retrieval part 43b which retrieves questionnaire information in accordance with the personal information retrieved by the personal information retrieval part from the plurality of pieces of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an information providing method.

  Many image forming apparatuses such as copiers are installed in facilities (for example, convenience stores) used by the public. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an advertisement on a display unit of an image forming apparatus used by the public, and providing a copy to the user as consideration for viewing the advertisement by the user.

JP 2010-226549 A

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits information to the user, and does not actively acquire the user's preference. In order to improve the operating rate of an image forming apparatus used by the public, it is effective to actively acquire user preferences and analyze the acquired preferences.

  The present invention has been devised in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an information providing apparatus that can positively and accurately acquire the user's preference of an electronic device such as an image forming apparatus. It is to provide an information providing method.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus for providing questionnaire information to a user of an electronic device, wherein a plurality of personal information of the user is stored based on the identification information of the user, A questionnaire information storage unit for storing a plurality of questionnaire information, an input unit for inputting the identification information, and an identification input by the input unit from the personal information of the plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit Search the questionnaire information corresponding to the personal information searched by the personal information search unit from the personal information search unit searching for personal information according to the information and the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit And a questionnaire information search unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the information providing apparatus according to the first aspect and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method for providing questionnaire information to a user of an electronic device, wherein a plurality of personal information of the user is stored based on the identification information of the user, and From the preparation step of preparing a questionnaire information storage unit for storing a plurality of the questionnaire information, the input step of inputting the identification information, and the personal information of the plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit, the input unit In response to the personal information searched in the personal information search unit from the personal information search step for searching for personal information corresponding to the identification information input in step, and the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit A questionnaire information search process for searching for questionnaire information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user preference of an electronic device can be acquired positively and accurately.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the information provision apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the information provision process by the information provision apparatus 1 shown by FIG.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information providing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An information providing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used to provide questionnaire information to a user of an MFP 4 (Multi Function Peripheral) as an image forming apparatus, and includes a personal information storage unit 2, a questionnaire information storage unit 3, and a plurality of items. MFP 4 is provided. The personal information storage unit 2, the questionnaire information storage unit 3, and the MFP 4 are connected via a communication network 5.

  The personal information storage unit 2 stores personal information of a plurality of users based on user identification information. The personal information storage unit 2 is configured by a server computer, for example. The information included in the personal information is, for example, name, age, gender, occupation, address, hobby, charge amount when using the MFP 4, and points given when the user answers the questionnaire. When the cumulative number of points reaches a predetermined number of points, the points can be exchanged for a predetermined product or service.

  The questionnaire information storage unit 3 stores a plurality of questionnaire information, points corresponding to each questionnaire information, and a user's answer to each questionnaire information. The questionnaire information storage unit 3 is configured by a server computer, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 4. The MFP 4 functions as a copy, fax, scanner, printer or the like. The MFP 4 includes a control unit 41, a card reader 42, and a storage unit 43.

  The control unit 41 is configured by a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a RAM, a ROM, and a CPU. The RAM temporarily stores information input from the outside. The ROM stores a program. The CPU refers to information stored in the RAM and executes predetermined processing according to a program stored in the ROM.

  The card reader 42 is used to input user identification information. That is, the card reader 42 reads information recorded on a store point card or credit card. The information includes user identification information (for example, name, date of birth). The card reader 42 functions as an input unit of the present invention.

  The storage unit 43 is configured by a hard disk, for example. The storage unit 43 stores various programs and data. A personal information search unit 43a and a questionnaire information search unit 43b are configured by programs stored in the storage unit 43.

  The personal information search unit 43 a searches for personal information corresponding to the identification information input by the card reader 42 from the personal information of a plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit 2.

  The questionnaire information search unit 43b searches the questionnaire information corresponding to the personal information searched by the personal information search unit 43a from the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit 3.

  In the information providing apparatus 1, when user identification information is input from the card reader 42, the personal information search unit 43 a responds to the user identification information from the personal information of a plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit 2. Search personal information. And the questionnaire information search part 43b searches the questionnaire information according to the personal information searched in the personal information search part 43a from the some questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage part 3. FIG. Therefore, when the information providing apparatus 1 is used, the MFP 4 can perform a questionnaire according to the user's personal information, and the user's preference can be acquired positively and accurately.

  Next, other configurations of the MFP 4 will be described. The MFP 4 further includes an image forming unit 44, a document reading unit 45, a display / operation unit 46, and a communication unit 47.

  The image forming unit 44 forms an image on a recording medium such as copy paper by an electrophotographic method or the like.

  The original reading unit 45 reads an image formed on the read original, and converts character data indicating characters (characters, numbers, symbols, and the like) included in the read image into text data. That is, the document reading unit 45 includes a transport mechanism, a light source, an image sensor, and an OCR processing unit. The conveyance mechanism conveys the read original to the reading position. The light source irradiates light on the read document conveyed to the reading position. The image sensor photoelectrically converts reflected light from the read document into image data. The OCR processing unit converts character data included in the image data into text data.

  In the present embodiment, the questionnaire information search unit 43b searches for questionnaire information based on the user's personal information and the text data of the image read by the document reading unit 45. For example, when the user is a 30-year-old female and copies a travel document, the questionnaire information search unit 43b uses a plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit 3 as an age group of 30's, female And search for questionnaire information suitable for travel conditions.

  The display / operation unit 46 includes a display unit formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element. Various information indicating operation information of the MFP 4, questionnaire information searched by the questionnaire information search unit 43b, and the like are displayed on the display unit. A touch panel type operation unit is formed on the display unit. The user inputs various information such as an answer to the questionnaire information (hereinafter abbreviated as “answer”) to the MFP 4 using the operation unit. The input answer is stored in the questionnaire information storage unit 3 based on the user's personal information.

  Note that the user can input an answer to the MFP 4 even while the image forming unit 44 is forming an image. Further, even when copying is completed in a state where the input of answers has not been completed, the user can continue to input answers.

  In addition, in a state where the input of the answer is not completed, the user can temporarily hide the questionnaire information displayed on the display / operation unit 46 and cause the document reading unit 45 to read the next read document. In that case, the control unit 41 controls the display / operation unit 46 as follows. That is, the control unit 41 is a case where the questionnaire information displayed on the display / operation unit 46 is hidden in the state where the input of the answer is not completed, and the document reading unit 45 reads the read document. In this case, the hidden questionnaire information is displayed again on the display / operation unit 46. The user can resume the answer from the point where the answer was interrupted.

  If the user has hidden the questionnaire information displayed on the display / operation unit 46 in a state where the input of the answer has not been completed, it is not displayed when the user causes the card reader 42 to read the point card. The questionnaire information set is displayed again on the display / operation unit 46. That is, the control unit 41 is a case where the questionnaire information displayed on the display / operation unit 46 is hidden in the state where the input of the answer is not completed, and the user identification information is input from the card reader 42. If it is, the hidden questionnaire information is displayed again on the display / operation unit 46.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of questionnaire information, every time an answer to one questionnaire information is completed, a screen asking the user whether or not to answer the next questionnaire information is displayed on the display / operation unit 46. . When the user does not answer the next questionnaire information, the user inputs information for instructing the end of the answer from the operation unit of the display / operation unit 46. When the user resumes answering, the point reader is read by the card reader 42, and an unanswered questionnaire information screen is displayed on the display / operation unit 46. Note that the user may be able to reply to unanswered questionnaire information on the web using a device other than the MFP 4.

  When the user makes an answer, points corresponding to the answered questionnaire information are given to the user and stored in the personal information storage unit 2. A coupon ticket such as a merchandise discount coupon may be printed instead of the points. In addition, if the user desires, the answer contents to the questionnaire information may be printed out.

  The communication unit 47 communicates with the personal information storage unit 2 and the questionnaire information storage unit 3 via the communication network 5.

  Next, a method for providing questionnaire information to the user of the MFP 4 by the information providing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an information providing process by the information providing apparatus 1.

  Prior to the execution of the information providing step shown in FIG. 3, the personal information storage unit 2 and the questionnaire information storage unit 3 are prepared. The personal information storage unit 2 and the questionnaire information storage unit 3 are installed by an operator who provides an image forming service (copy, fax, scan, print, etc.) to the user through the MFP 4. Installation of the personal information storage unit 2 and the questionnaire information storage unit 3 corresponds to a preparation process of the present invention.

  The case where the user performs copying with the MFP 4 will be described as an example. In step S10, the user causes the card reader S10 to read point card information. Then, the user inputs copy conditions (number of sheets, size, color, etc.) using the display / operation unit 46. Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S20, and the MFP 4 performs a charging process for the copy executed by the user. That is, the control unit 41 calculates the copy fee based on the copy condition input by the user, and displays the copy fee on the display / operation unit 46. The user performs payment processing of the copy fee with points, cash, electronic money or the like.

  Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S30, and the personal information search unit 43a selects personal information corresponding to the identification information input from the card reader 42 from the personal information of a plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit 2. Search for. Step S30 corresponds to the personal information search process of the present invention.

  Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S40, and the user causes the original reading unit 45 to read the read original to be copied. Character data indicating characters (characters, numbers, symbols, and the like) included in the image read by the document reading unit 45 is converted into text data. Step S40 corresponds to the document reading process of the present invention.

  Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S50, and the questionnaire information search unit 43b selects the questionnaire information corresponding to the personal information searched by the personal information search unit 43a from the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit 3. Search for. At that time, the questionnaire information search unit 43b searches for questionnaire information based on the user's personal information and text data obtained from the image read by the document reading unit 45. The searched questionnaire information is displayed on the display / operation unit 46 of the MFP 4. Step S40 corresponds to the questionnaire information search process of the present invention.

  Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S60, and the user answers the questionnaire using the display / operation unit 46.

  Next, the information providing process proceeds to step S <b> 70, and points corresponding to the questionnaire answered by the user are read from the questionnaire information storage unit 3. The points are displayed on the display / operation unit 46 and stored in the personal information storage unit 2.

  The user can answer the questionnaire information during a standby period while the MFP 4 is forming an image. Therefore, the user can earn points without spending wasted time. As a result, the frequency with which the user uses the MFP 4 can be improved.

  In addition, since the business operator who conducts the questionnaire can obtain answers to the questionnaire information according to the user's personal information and the content of the read original, the user's preference can be acquired positively and accurately.

  In addition, since the answer to the questionnaire information is stored in the questionnaire information storage unit based on the identification information of the user, the operator conducting the questionnaire may analyze the answer result to the questionnaire information based on the personal information of the user. it can. In other words, a business operator who conducts a questionnaire obtains various effective information from the results of answering questionnaire information by analyzing the results of answering questionnaire information based on various viewpoints such as age, sex, and hobbies. Can do.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 3). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the thickness, length, number, and the like of each component are different from the actual for convenience of drawing. Moreover, the shape, dimension, etc. of each component shown by said embodiment are an example, Comprising: It does not specifically limit, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate substantially from the effect of this invention.

  For example, the input unit is not limited to a card reader. The input unit can be a device other than a card reader (for example, an electronic money settlement device).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the information providing apparatus is a system configured by the image forming apparatus and devices (personal information storage unit and questionnaire information storage unit) external to the image forming apparatus has been described. The providing device may be provided inside the image forming apparatus. In that case, the image forming apparatus includes at least a personal information storage unit, a questionnaire information storage unit, an input unit, a personal information search unit, a questionnaire information search unit, and an image formation unit that forms an image on a recording medium. It is prepared for.

  The image forming apparatus is not limited to the MFP. The image forming apparatus may be a device other than the MFP (for example, a copy-only machine).

  The electronic device is not limited to the MFP. The electronic device may be a device other than the MFP (ATM (Automated teller machine) installed in a bank, a convenience store, a post office, or the like).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information provision apparatus 2 Personal information storage part 3 Questionnaire information storage part 4 MFP (electronic device, image forming apparatus)
42 Card reader (input unit)
43a Personal information search unit 43b Questionnaire information search unit 44 Image forming unit 45 Document reading unit 46 Display / operation unit (display unit, operation unit)

Claims (6)

An information providing apparatus for providing questionnaire information to a user of an electronic device,
A personal information storage unit for storing a plurality of personal information of the user based on the identification information of the user;
A questionnaire information storage unit for storing a plurality of the questionnaire information;
An input unit for inputting the identification information;
A personal information search unit for searching for personal information according to the identification information input by the input unit from the personal information of the plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit;
An information providing apparatus comprising: a questionnaire information search unit that searches questionnaire information corresponding to the personal information searched by the personal information search unit from the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit.
A document reading unit that reads an image formed on the read document and converts character data included in the read image into text data;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the questionnaire information search unit searches the questionnaire information based on the text data.
A display unit for displaying the questionnaire information searched by the questionnaire information search unit;
An operation unit for the user to input an answer to the questionnaire information displayed on the display unit;
A control unit for controlling the display unit,
The control unit is a case where the displayed questionnaire information is hidden in a state where the input of the answer is not completed, and when the document reading unit reads the read document, The information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hidden questionnaire information is displayed again on the display unit.
A display unit for displaying the questionnaire information searched by the questionnaire information search unit;
An operation unit for the user to input an answer to the questionnaire information displayed on the display unit;
A control unit for controlling the display unit,
The control unit is a case where the displayed questionnaire information is hidden in a state where the input of the answer is not finished, and when the identification information is input from the input unit, The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the questionnaire information that has been hidden is displayed again on the display unit.
The information providing device according to claim 1, and
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium.
An information providing method for providing questionnaire information to users of electronic devices,
Preparing a personal information storage unit that stores a plurality of personal information of the user based on the identification information of the user, and a questionnaire information storage unit that stores the plurality of questionnaire information;
An input step for inputting the identification information;
A personal information search step of searching for personal information according to the identification information input by the input unit from the personal information of the plurality of users stored in the personal information storage unit;
A questionnaire information search step including searching a questionnaire information corresponding to the personal information searched by the personal information search unit from the plurality of questionnaire information stored in the questionnaire information storage unit.

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