JP2003177901A - Information processor, information processing service method, program for implementing the method, and information recording medium where the program is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which can suspect abnormality of behavior in advance and know consumption trends of consumption materials, etc., an information processing service method, a program for implementing the method, and an information recording medium where the program is recorded. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor processes print log information generated by one or more terminals. The information processor includes a print log information analyzing means which analyzes trends of he print log information and a notification means which notifies the terminals of the analysis result of the print log information analyzing means. Consequently, a trend of a print log can be known. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing service method, a program for executing the method, and an information recording medium recording the program, and more particularly to a plurality of client computers connected to a network. A system that collectively aggregates print logs generated when a print instruction is issued from a server and notifies the user of abnormalities in the print log (items that exceed the threshold value), trends in the print log, etc. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a print log totaling system of this type,
For example, a print log total management system has been realized in which a print log related to print job information generated when printing is instructed from a plurality of client computers connected to a network is collectively summarized by a server computer connected to the same network. .

In such a system, the print log information such as the totalized user name, the paper size for printing, the number of prints, etc. is displayed in a tabular format or a graph, and the administrator can use the information when he wants to see it. You can see.

[0004]

By the way, in the conventional system, although the print log information is organized in an easy-to-understand manner, the tendency of the information, for example, how much recording material is used in a certain period, etc. In order to understand, there is a trouble that the user must manually analyze the print log based on the collected information.

Further, the timing of replenishment or replacement of consumables such as printing paper is determined only when the printer detects that the consumables have been completely consumed (the paper has run out) and the user is warned. For this reason, it is difficult for the printer connected to the network to detect an abnormality such as a behavior in which the consumable material is likely to be used up, which imposes a burden on the user.

Further, since it is not possible to understand the consumption tendency of consumables only by obtaining print log information obtained from the conventional system, it has been difficult to make a purchase plan for consumables from a long-term viewpoint.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to be able to detect abnormal behavior in advance and to know the consumption tendency of consumables and the like. Information processing device, information processing service method,
It is to provide a program for executing the method and an information recording medium recording the program.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is formed so as to be communicable with at least one image forming apparatus and at least one terminal via a network, and the terminal is provided. An information processing apparatus that processes print log information generated based on a print instruction to the image forming apparatus from a print log information analysis unit that analyzes a tendency of the print log information, and the print log information analysis unit. And a notifying means for notifying the at least one terminal of the analysis result in (1).

The invention according to claim 2 is an information processing apparatus comprising a printing means for printing on a recording material and a print log information generating means for generating print log information relating to the printing, It is characterized by including a print log information analysis unit for analyzing the tendency of the print log information and a storage unit for storing an analysis result of the print log information analysis unit.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the print log information analyzing means analyzes whether or not the print log information is abnormal, and the notifying means is the print log information analyzing means. A print log abnormality notification indicating that the print log information is abnormal is sent to the terminal based on the analysis result.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the print log information analysis means analyzes the print log information based on whether or not the print page number information of the print log information executed in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. It is characterized by performing.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on whether or not the number of print sheets printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. I am trying.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the print log information analyzing means sets the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period with respect to the total number of printed pages in the specific period. The feature is that analysis is performed based on whether or not the double-sided printing rate that defines the ratio exceeds a specific threshold value.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on whether or not the total sheet conveyance length of the print sheet printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. It is characterized by doing.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on whether or not there is a user who exceeds the specific threshold value.

Further, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on whether or not there is an image forming apparatus which exceeds the specific threshold value.

Further, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the print log information analyzing means periodically analyzes whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the specific periods.

The invention according to claim 11 further comprises threshold setting means for setting the specific threshold, and the print log information analyzing means is based on the specific threshold set by the threshold setting means. The feature is that it is analyzed by

The invention according to claim 12 further comprises period setting means for setting the specific period, and the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on the specific period set by the period setting means. It is characterized by doing.

Further, in the invention according to claim 13, any one of the print parameters desired to be analyzed is selected from the print page number information, the number of print sheets, the double-sided print rate, and the total length of sheet conveyance. The print log information analyzing unit further includes a print parameter setting unit for performing the analysis based on the print parameter set by the print parameter setting unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the print log information analyzing unit determines that the total number of print pages of the print log information exceeds the specific threshold value,
It is characterized by further comprising graphing means for graphing the total number of printed pages.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the print log information analysis means calculates the double-sided print rate based on the print log information when the print parameter is the double-sided print rate. It is characterized by including means.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the print log information analysis means corresponds to the print parameter based on a preset threshold value for the specific threshold value set in advance. The notification means includes a determination means for determining whether or not the information exceeds the set threshold value, the notification means is a message generation means for generating a notification message based on the determination result by the determination means, and a message for transmitting the notification message. And transmitting means.

The invention according to claim 17 includes display means capable of displaying print log information generated based on the image forming apparatus, and is formed so as to be communicable with the image forming apparatus via a network. An information processing device for processing the print log information, wherein the print log information analyzing means analyzes the tendency of the print log information, and the analysis result of the print log information analyzing means is controlled to be displayed on the display means. And a control means for controlling the operation.

The invention according to claim 18 provides a service relating to print log information to a terminal used by a user, using an information processing device formed to be communicable via a network. An information processing service method, comprising a step of analyzing a tendency of the print log information based on an operation input from the terminal, and a notification message for notifying the terminal of a notification message notifying a result of the analysis. It is characterized by including steps and.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the user uses an information processing apparatus formed so as to be communicable with the image forming apparatus via a network, whereby the image forming apparatus is provided with print log information relating to image formation. An information processing service method for processing, comprising an analysis step of analyzing a tendency of the print log information in response to a request from the user,
A notification step of notifying the user of the result of the analysis.

In the invention according to claim 20, the notifying step notifies that there is an abnormality in the print log information when it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the result of the analysis. It has a feature.

The invention according to claim 21 further comprises the step of generating the notification message in an HTML format file, and in the notification step, the HT
The feature is that the file in the ML format is notified.

The invention according to claim 22 further comprises a step of generating the print log abnormality notification by an electronic mail document, and in the notification step, the electronic mail document is transmitted via an SMTP server. It is characterized by that.

Further, in the invention according to claim 23, in the analyzing step, the analysis is performed based on whether or not the print page number information of the print log information executed in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. Is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 24 is characterized in that, in the analyzing step, the analysis is performed based on whether or not the number of print sheets printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value.

Further, in the invention according to claim 25, in the analyzing step, a ratio of the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period to the total number of printed pages in the specific period is defined. It is characterized in that the analysis is performed based on whether or not the double-sided print rate exceeds a specific threshold value.

Further, in the invention according to claim 26, in the analyzing step, the analysis is performed based on whether or not the total sheet conveyance length of the print sheet printed in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. It has a feature.

The invention according to claim 27 is characterized in that, in the analysis step, analysis is performed based on whether or not there is a user who has exceeded the specific threshold value.

Further, the invention according to claim 28 is characterized in that, in the analyzing step, the analysis is carried out based on whether or not there is an image forming apparatus which exceeds the specific threshold value.

Further, the invention according to claim 29 is characterized in that, in the analyzing step, whether or not there is an abnormality is periodically analyzed in each of the specific periods, and in the notifying step, a regular notification is given. .

The thirtieth aspect of the present invention is characterized by further including the step of setting the specific threshold value.

The thirty-first aspect of the invention is characterized by further comprising a step of setting the specific period.

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, any one of the print parameters desired to be analyzed is selected and set from among the print page number information, the number of print sheets, the double-sided print rate, and the total length of sheet conveyance. It is characterized by further including the step of

The invention as set forth in claim 33, further comprising a step of graphing the total number of printed pages when it is determined that the total number of printed pages of the print log information exceeds the specific threshold value. It has a feature.

The invention according to claim 34 is characterized in that, in the analyzing step, when the print parameter is the double-sided print ratio, the double-sided print ratio is calculated based on the print log information. Is characterized by.

In the invention as set forth in claim 35, the analyzing step corresponds to the print parameter based on a preset threshold value relating to the specific threshold value set in advance.
It is characterized by including a step of determining whether or not the correspondence information in the print log information exceeds the set threshold value.

A thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention defines a program for causing a computer to execute any one of the above-mentioned information processing service methods, and the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention records the computer-readable program. The defined information recording medium is defined.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] (Overall Configuration of System) First, an overall schematic configuration of a print log management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of a print log management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Print log management system 1 of the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, one or a plurality of client computers 10 which are terminals used by a user,
A server 30 which is formed to be communicable with the client computer 10 via the network N and has a function of collecting and accumulating (aggregating) print log information executed by the client computer 10 for the network printer 60. A dedicated print log analysis server 40 for analyzing the tendency of the print log information of the server 30 (or its behavior or abnormality) (specific examples of which will be described later), and the print connected to the network N. Log analysis server 40
Administrator client 50 used by the administrator to analyze print log information in the network, and a network printer 6 connected to the network N and capable of printing out recording materials.
It is configured to include 0 and.

In order to facilitate understanding, the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a configuration in which the "server 30" and the "print log analysis server 40" are separated by hardware. Of course, it may be configured as one “server” having a function of collecting (aggregating) the print log information and a function of analyzing the print log information. The “information processing device” in the present invention includes such a case.

Further, the "client computer 10" may be provided with the function of the "administrator client 50", and the "administrator client 50" and the "client computer 10" collectively constitute the "terminal" in the present invention. ing.

It is also assumed that the functions of the "server 30" and the "print log analysis server 40" (print log information tabulation software and print log analysis software) are installed in one or more client computers 10. obtain. The “information processing device” in the present invention includes such a case.

The client computer 10 is used by a user (user) who desires print output to the network printer 60, is connected to a network N such as a network cable, and executes various programs such as application programs. It is possible and has a printer driver that creates print data.

The client computer 10 is a desktop if it has network-related functions.
Any computer such as a laptop computer, mobile or other information device having a wireless / wired communication function, or a computer similar thereto may be used, and it may be mobile or fixed.

The client computer 10 is
Although not shown, display means (screen) for displaying various image information, operation input means for inputting data on the display screen of this display means, transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data, various data It has storage means (memory) for storing, control means such as a CPU for controlling these, and the like. The configuration of each of these means is configured to be realized by various hardware and software. It should be noted that the memory includes a physically inseparable one, or a separable one such as a memory card or a similar memory.

The server 30 is connected to a network N such as a network cable. The server 30 of the present embodiment has a function of storing the print log information from the client computer 10 as an aggregate file, and is a commercially available server for the purpose of providing a network service or a dedicated server having a wireless / wired communication function. Good.

Although not shown, the server 30 stores transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving various data to / from the client computer 10, display means and operation input means for the system administrator, various control programs, service execution programs and the like. It is configured to include storage means and the like. The configuration of each of these means is configured to be realized by various hardware and software.

As a concrete example of the hardware configuration, although not shown, a communication interface for controlling communication functions, a storage device such as a hard disk, an input / output interface for inputting / outputting data, and a central processing unit for controlling them. A device (CPU) and the like are included.

The print log information analysis server 40 also
It has the same hardware configuration as the server 30. The "print log information analysis server 40" is configured to include various servers such as a database, a POP and SMTP server for sending and receiving e-mail, and other DNS servers, and functions as a general term for systems including these. Good.

The administrator client 50 may have the same hardware configuration as the client computer 10.

The network printer 60 is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, is connected to the network N via a network interface, and forms an image based on print data transmitted from the client computer 10.

The network N includes a client computer 10, a server 30, a print log analysis server 40,
The network N is connected to the network printer 60 and the like, and as the network N, for example, a communication mode using the TCP / IP protocol, a network using various other communication protocols, a wireless (including a mobile phone network, satellite communication, etc.) network It doesn't matter.

In the print log management system having the above-mentioned configuration, the operation is roughly as follows.

First, each user uses each client computer 10 to print out to the network printer 60 via the network N.

At this time, the server 30 uses the network N
The print log information relating to each print job information, which is generated when a print instruction is issued from each of the plurality of client computers 10 connected to, is collectively tabulated.

On the other hand, when the administrator wants to analyze the tendency of the print log information of the server 30, the administrator uses the administrator client 50 to set various settings required for analysis in the print log analysis server 40. (Details of this setting information such as a threshold value will be described later).

When the analysis execution instruction is given from the administrator client 50, the print log analysis server 40 performs various analyzes according to the setting information based on the print log information of the server 30, and the analysis result is obtained by the administrator client. 5
Notify 0. Alternatively, if the above setting is performed in advance, the print log analysis server 40 will periodically notify the administrator client 50 of the analysis result.

(Software Configuration) Next, the software configurations of the client computer, the server, and the print log information analysis server will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the software module configurations of the client computer, the server, and the print log information analysis server according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the client computer 10 has, as a software module configuration, an application module 14, a bling driver 15 which is a driver incorporated in Windows (registered trademark),
Spooler 1 in Windows which is a temporary information storage means
6, a monitor 17 for controlling the network printer 60,
It has a print log monitoring tool 18, a print log information transmission unit 20, a registry 21, and a current file 22.

The application module 14 is a module for creating print data aggregated by the print log management system of the present invention.

The print log monitoring tool 18 is Windows
s (registered trademark) GDI (Graphical Dev)
Hice the function Interface function 19 (indicated simply as “GDI” in the figure)
It collects all information related to Windows print processing.

The print log information transmitting unit 20 transmits the print log information collected by the print log management tool 18 to the server 30.

The registry 21 is a client registry registered in the Windows system, and controls the operation of the print log monitoring tool 18 according to preset information such as whether or not to count when a server failure occurs.

Information collected by the print log monitoring tool 18 is temporarily stored in the current file 22 when communication with the server 30 is impossible.

Here, the print log information is a record of print execution based on the print job information and is generated based on the print job in the process of print job processing of the client computer 10 or the print job processing of the printer. Generated in the process. In this embodiment, the client computer 10 is used for generation.

The server 30 has a print log information receiving section 33, a registry 34, a print log information storage section 35, and a totalization file 36 as software module configurations.

The print log information receiver 33 receives the RP from the print log information transmitter 20 on the client computer 10.
This module receives print log information sent using C (Remote Procedure Call).

The registry 34 is a server registry registered in the Windows system, and controls the operation of the print log information receiving section 33 based on preset information such as the storage destination and the storage period of the totaled files.

The print log information storage unit 33 asynchronously writes the print log information received by the print log information receiving unit 33 into the totalization file 36.

The print log analysis server 40 has, as a software module configuration, a setting threshold receiving unit 42a included in the setting information receiving unit 42 that receives setting information (for example, a setting threshold) set by the administrator client 50, and a setting. Setting information received by the information receiving unit 42 (for example, setting threshold)
Based on the setting threshold value storage unit 43a included in the setting information storage unit 43 that stores the setting information and the setting information (for example, the setting threshold value) stored in the setting information storage unit 43. An information analysis unit 44 for analyzing the print log information, a message generation unit 45c for generating a predetermined message based on the analysis result information analyzed by the print log information analysis unit 44, a destination reception unit 45a,
A transmission destination storage unit 45b that stores the transmission destination information from the transmission destination reception unit 45a, and a message transmission unit that transmits the notification message generated by the message generation unit 45c to the administrator client 50 by, for example, electronic mail or the like. 45d
(See FIG. 3), and is configured to include.

More specifically, the print log analysis server 40, more specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a display means 46 for displaying various information on a display screen, and a storage means for storing screen data relating to the display screen. 47, a display control means 48 for controlling the display of the display means 46 based on the screen data, and a control means 49 for controlling the respective units.
It is configured to include.

In this embodiment, the setting information receiving section 42, the setting information storage section 43, and the information analyzing section 44 can constitute "print log information analyzing means". Further, the transmission destination receiving unit 45a, the transmission destination storage unit 45b, the message generating unit 45c, and the message transmitting unit 45d can constitute a "notifying means".

The information analysis unit 44 extracts the print log information from the print log information based on the desired extraction condition which is the setting information of the setting information storage unit 43 and the print log information stored in the totalization file 36. The extraction unit 44a for extracting information matching the conditions, and details of the setting information will be described later, but if the pure print log information such as the double-sided print ratio of the print parameters cannot be analyzed, the printing is performed. Calculation means 44b for performing calculation such as special processing on specific information in the log information, the extraction result by the extraction means 44a or the calculation result by the calculation means 44b, and set setting information such as setting A determination unit 44c that determines whether or not the correspondence information in the print log information corresponding to the print parameter exceeds the set threshold value based on the threshold value. , Configured to include a.

The display means 46 displays the desired "month", "week", and "1 day" desired to be analyzed from the print log information.
A first setting unit 46a which is a period setting unit for setting a specific period such as "printed page number", "printed sheet number (printed number)", "double-sided print rate", "paper transport total extension", and the like. Of these, a second setting unit 46b that is a print parameter setting unit that selectively sets any print parameter that is desired to be analyzed, and a third setting unit that is a threshold setting unit that sets a specific threshold value such as "500". 46c and the unit of the threshold, for example, a unit setting unit that sets “sheet”, “print”, etc. if the print parameter is “print number”, and “%” if “double-sided print ratio”. Setting means 46d, fifth setting means 46e for setting comparisons such as "exceeded" and "not exceeded", and sixth setting means 46f for setting target conditions such as "user" and "printer",
And a seventh setting means 46g for setting the presence / absence of "present", "not present", and the like.

Here, the double-sided printing rate defines the ratio of the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period to the total number of pages printed in the specific period.

The administrator client 50 is a first client having the same function as the first to seventh setting means 46a to 46g.
~ Seventh setting means 51a ~ 51g, a storage means 52 for storing the setting information set by these and other various information, and the transmission of these setting information to the print log analysis server 40 or the like, A communication unit 53 for receiving a notification message or the like of the analysis result from the print log information analysis server 40, and a management control unit 54 for controlling the respective units.
And are included.

In the print log management system having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user gives a print instruction in the application 14 in the client computer 10, the application 14 generates print data and the GDI 19 To start the printing process.

At this time, the print log monitoring tool 18 registered as the HOOK module of the GDI function is called, and the print end function (EndDoc) in it is called.
When the function) is called, the collected print information is passed to the print log transmission unit 20.

When communication with the server 30 is impossible,
The print log information is once written in the current file 22 and is sent again when the communication with the server 30 is restored. Further, since the GDI function that is the HOOK source is called when the print log monitoring tool 18 is called, normal print processing continues normally, and the GDI 19
Notifies the Windows spooler 16 of the start of printing.

The GDI 19 provides the printer driver 15 with
Requests that the print data be converted to the printer language.
The print data converted into the printer language is spooled to the Windows spooler 16 as print job information together with control data based on various print condition settings.
The print end function (EndDoc ()) is called. The spooled print job information is displayed on the monitor 17,
It is transmitted to the network printer 60.

The print log information transmitted from the print log information communication section 20 of the client computer 10 is received by the print log information receiving section 33 of the server 30.

The received print log information is transferred to the print log information storage section 35. The print log information receiving unit 33
Since data transmission is received from a plurality of clients 10, processing is performed in client units. The print log information storage unit 35 that receives the print log information stores the totalization file 36 in the storage destination directory registered in the registry 34.
Write as.

Even when simultaneously accessing from a plurality of client computers 10 through the print log information communication unit 33, it is possible to surely write the file by the exclusive control of the file.

On the other hand, in the administrator client 50 or the print log analysis server 40, the setting information required for analysis is, for example, reference numerals 46a to 46g shown in FIG.
Alternatively, when the setting is performed from various setting means such as reference numerals 51a to 51g, when the setting is performed from the administrator client 50, the setting is temporarily stored in the storage means 52 by the management control means 54 and transmitted via the communication means 53, After being received by the setting information receiving unit 42, it is stored in the setting information storage unit 43. When setting is performed from the setting screen displayed on the display unit 46 from the print log information analysis server 40,
The setting information is stored in the setting information storage unit 43.

For example, when the setting information is a setting threshold value, it is stored in the setting threshold value storage section 43a, and when the setting information is a period and a parameter, it is stored in each storage area.

When the setting is completed, the information analysis unit 44 analyzes the print log information, for example, periodically for each set period. At this time, the extraction unit 44a of the information analysis unit 44 reads the extraction condition, the setting threshold value, and the like from the setting information storage unit 43, and extracts the print log information within the set setting period, or the print log that matches the extraction condition. Extract information.

Then, the calculating means 44b calculates the total number of pages included in the extracted print log information or a print parameter (eg, double-sided print ratio etc.) which is a numerical value derived from the number of pages and other print log information. To do.

Thereafter, the judging means 44c compares the set threshold value set in the threshold value setting with the calculated print parameter, and carries out a judgment process as to whether or not the comparison condition satisfies the condition for setting the page threshold value. .

When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the message generator 45c generates a notification message based on the destination information stored in the destination storage 45b, and the message transmitter 45d The notification of the analysis result is sent to the administrator registered in advance by e-mail or the like.

As described above, it becomes possible to periodically transmit the log analysis result regarding the item of interest to the user.

(Regarding Display Screen) Next, an example of a display screen displayed on the administrator client, the print log information analysis server, or another terminal will be described with reference to FIG.
Will be described with reference to.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the administrator client, for example.

As shown in the figure, on the display screen 70 for setting the setting information, the desired "month", "week", "1 day", etc. to be analyzed from the print log information are displayed. An input field 72a for setting and inputting a specific period, and one of "Printed page number", "Printed sheet number (printed number)", "Double-sided print rate", "Paper conveyance total extension", etc. Input field 72b for setting and inputting print parameters
And an input field 7 for setting and inputting a specific threshold value such as "500"
2c and the unit of the threshold value, for example, if the print parameter is "the number of prints", "sheet", "print", etc.
And an input field 72e for setting and inputting comparisons such as "exceeded" and "not exceeded", and a setting input field 72f for setting and inputting target conditions such as "user" and "printer", and "Yes" and "No" And a setting input field 72g for setting and inputting the presence or absence of "etc."

In the example of FIG. 4, as the condition that has been set and input, for example, the "number of prints" of "monthly" is "500".
The condition 1 is "when the number of sheets" is "exceeded" and "when there is a user". In addition, a plurality of conditions may be set for each administrator, such as condition 2, condition 3, ... Or, even if not for each administrator, for each image forming apparatus or for one image formation. The device may be formed so that a plurality of conditions can be set in combination.

(Regarding Processing Procedure) Next, an example of the processing procedure of the print log management system having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7.

(Print Log Information Aggregation Processing) First, from the client computer 10 to the network printer 60.
The process of totalizing the print log information when the print instruction is given to will be described. In this embodiment, the OS is Wi.
Windows will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and OSs for various other personal computers or similar computers, for example, various versions of U.
UNIX (registered trademark) computer, Linux, Mac
OS, BeOS or other Palm computer, mobile information terminal OS, portable information terminal OS, iT
It also includes various OS such as ORON.

Client computer 10 (1 in FIG. 1)
0), when the user gives a print instruction in the application 14, the application 14 generates print data and starts the print processing through the GDI 19.

At this time, the print log monitoring tool 18 registered as the HOOK module of the GDI function is called, and the print end function (EndDoc) in it is called.
When the function) is called, the collected print information is passed to the print log transmission unit 20.

When communication with the server is impossible, print log information is once written in the current file 22 and is sent again when communication with the server is restored. Also, when the print log monitoring tool 18 is called, the HO
Since the GDI function that is the OK source is called, the normal print processing continues normally, and the GDI 19 returns to the Wind
The start of printing is notified to the ows spooler 16.

The GDI 19 provides the printer driver 15 with
Requests that the print data be converted to the printer language.
The print data converted into the printer language is spooled to the Windows spooler 16 as print job information together with control data based on various print condition settings.
The print end function (EndDoc ()) is called. The spooled print job information is displayed on the monitor 17,
It is transmitted to the network printer 60.

The print log information transmitted from the print log information communication section 20 of the client computer 10 is received by the print log information receiving section 33 of the server 30.

The received print log information is transferred to the print log information storage section 35. The print log information receiving unit 33
Since data transmission is received from a plurality of clients 10, processing is performed in client units. The print log information storage unit 35 that receives the print log information stores the totalization file 36 in the storage destination directory registered in the registry 34.
Write as.

Even when a plurality of clients simultaneously access through the print log information communication unit 33, the files can be surely written in the file by the exclusive control of the files.

As the format of the print log, for example, a job ID, a user name (user name who instructed to print), a client name (client P who instructed to print)
C name), printer name (printer name that executed the print job), print log start time (print job reception time), print log end time (print job end time), document name (print job document text) Name), total number of pages (total number of pages in print job document), paper size (output paper size), data type (color / monochrome), print mode (single / double-sided), print quality (high resolution / low resolution) ) And the like.

(Threshold Setting Process) Next, the threshold setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the print log management system according to the present embodiment.

The setting input of the setting information such as the threshold value setting is performed by the setting means (for example, reference numeral 46a shown in FIG. 3) including the operation input device included in each of the client computer 10, the administrator client 50, the print log analysis server 40 and the like. .About.46 g or the like, or reference numerals 51a to 51g or the like). It is also possible to store the threshold setting in advance in a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the like, and transfer the read threshold setting to input it.

Furthermore, the threshold value and other setting information which are the basis for determining whether or not any abnormality has occurred in the print log are
The user himself can select either the case where the user arbitrarily sets it through the setting means or the case where the threshold is automatically created from the past print log.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case of arbitrary setting, the following condition setting is possible. That is, “[Parameter] of [Period] is [Threshold]
It is possible to set one setting condition by setting each item of the sentence displayed and displayed as [Comparison] [Comparison] [Target condition] is [Presence].

Specifically, "[number of prints in [month]]"
Is [exceeds] [500] [sheets] [is present] in [User] or "[Monthly] [Number of prints] is [500]
0] [Print] [Over] [Printer] is [Yes]
"When" or "[1 day] [2-sided print ratio] is [50]
It is possible to set various conditions such as "when [%] is exceeded" and when "printer" is "not".

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the period is input (step, hereinafter "S" 102), for example,
Input of extraction condition (S103), input of threshold value (S10)
4), comparison input (S105), target condition input (S1)
06), the notification method is input (S107), and so on. Note that the input order does not have to be the order just described, and the user may input the order in which he / she wants.

The setting information including the threshold setting is stored in the setting information storage unit 43 such as the setting threshold storage unit 43a.
(S108).

On the other hand, when setting automatically, the conditions are set as follows. For example, when a notification is issued when there is a user who exceeds 20% or more of the average weekly print number up to the previous month, the weekly average print number An of each user n up to the previous month is calculated. .

At this time, the threshold value is set as follows. For example, condition 1: "[week] 's [number of prints] is
When [A1 × 1.2] [sheets] [exceeded] [user 1] is [present], condition 2: “[week] [number of prints]
Is [exceeds] [A2 × 1.2] [sheets] [is present] in [User 2], condition 3: “[Weekly] [number of prints] is [A3 × 1.2] [ When [exceeds] or [user 3] is [exists], ..., Condition n: "[week]
[Number of prints] of [Anx1.2] [sheets] [exceeds] [user n] is [Yes].

As another example, when a notification is issued when the average double-sided print rate up to the previous month is less than 10 points, the average double-sided print rate b up to the previous month.
Try to calculate%. Here, b = [total number of double-sided pages up to the previous month] / [total number of printed pages up to the previous month] ×
Set to 100.

At this time, the threshold setting is, for example, "[Monthly]
[Double sided print ratio] should not exceed [b-10] [%] and [Printer] is [Yes].

Similarly, these pieces of setting information are also stored in the setting information storage unit 43 such as the setting threshold storage unit 43a.

(Detection of Print Log Abnormality) Next, processing for detecting a print log abnormality will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6.

First, the information analysis unit 44 (see FIG. 2) periodically checks the log abnormality for each period set by the threshold setting (for example, 9 am every day, 5 pm every Friday, noon on the 1st of every month). Detection is performed (S201). Then, the information analysis unit 44 performs a process of reading the extraction condition and the setting threshold value from the setting threshold value storage unit 43a (S202).

Next, referring to the print job end time (or print job start time), the print log information within the set period set by the threshold setting is extracted (S203). Also,
Print log information that matches the extraction conditions is extracted (S20).
4).

Then, the total number of pages included in the extracted print log information or a print parameter (eg, double-sided print ratio: total length of paper conveyance) which is a numerical value derived from the number of pages and other print log information is calculated. Perform (S205).

Then, the set threshold value set in the threshold value setting is compared with the calculated print parameter (S20).
6) Then, it is determined whether or not the comparison condition satisfies the condition for setting the page threshold value (S207). If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied in this determination process, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the condition is satisfied, a notification message is generated (S208), and a print log abnormality notification is sent to the administrator registered in advance, for example, by e-mail or the like. The process for transmitting is performed (S209).

The analysis steps referred to in the present invention can be configured by S201 to S207, and the notification step referred to in the present invention can be configured by S209.

(Notification of Print Log Abnormality) Next, the print log abnormality notification processing will be described. The print log abnormality notification destination (e-mail address, client computer IP address, etc.) is stored in advance in the transmission destination storage unit. When a print log abnormality is detected, a log abnormality notification message based on the detected abnormality is generated.

The log abnormality notification message is attached to a mail header such as the previously registered mail address, subject, transmission date and time, and transmission source mail address, and is transmitted to the mail server. A print log error message is emailed to the registered email address.

(Regular notification of print log tendency) As described above,
Even if the print log abnormality is not detected, it is possible to periodically send the log analysis result regarding the item of interest to the user.

When setting the threshold, items for which the print log tendency is to be known are set and stored in the threshold setting storage unit. For example, 1
The daily double-sided print rate, or as another example, the number of prints of the user 1 per week, the month-to-month comparison, etc. are set.

For each set period, the information analysis unit is executed to generate an analysis result document of print log information based on the threshold setting, attach a mail header, and send it to the mail server.

Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 7, a process of determining whether or not it is the set date is performed (S301). In this determination process, when it is determined that the set date is not reached, the process returns to the original and the determination process is repeated until the set date is reached. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that it is the set date, the extraction condition and the set threshold are read (S
302).

Then, print log information matching the extraction conditions is extracted (S303), and the parameters of the extracted print log are calculated (S304).

Next, the parameter is compared with the set threshold value (S
305), and generate a notification message (S306). Then, the electronic mail is transmitted (S307). In this way, the print log tendency analysis result is transmitted to the registered mail address.

The analysis steps referred to in the present invention can be constituted by S301 to S305, and the notification step referred to in the present invention can be constituted by S307.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, only when there is an abnormality in the print log, this abnormality is notified to the administrator, or the change tendency of the print log is periodically notified to the administrator or user. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness for the administrator or the user to understand the tendency of the print log information. Further, when the behavior is abnormal or the print log information is periodically notified, the administrator or the user can confirm even if the behavior is abnormal.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Note that, in the following, description of substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different portions will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the present embodiment.

The present embodiment discloses a case where the above-mentioned print log abnormality notification and print log analysis are performed by an independent server, and a print log analysis service is provided to the user via the Internet.

Specifically, the system of this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 8, it is configured to include a user site 101, a GW (gateway) 102, and a service provider 103 that is a service site that provides a print log analysis service via the Internet IN.

The user site 101 has a server 3
0, has an administrator client 50, and has a server 3
Reference numeral 0 includes a totalization file transmission unit 30 that transmits print log information of the totalization file 36.

The administrator client 50 is used by a user who desires to use the print log analysis service, and is a computer device that can access a web server or the like. This administrator client 5
0 is any mobile phone terminal, palm computer, PDA, desktop, laptop computer, mobile, pager or other information device having a wireless / wired communication function, or a computer similar thereto, as long as it has Internet-related functions. It may be a computer, mobile or fixed.

The service provider 103 includes a print log information analysis server 104 and a server 105 having the functions of a mail server, a WWW server, and an FTP server.
And are installed.

The server 105 is for providing information to the user on the Web, for example, and is a commercially available server for the purpose of interactive Web page management or other Internet service provision or a dedicated server having a wireless / wired communication function. Good.

Although not shown, the server 105 prompts the user to display various screens such as a menu screen such as a home page, for example, a display processing unit formed by a CGI program or the like, and a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving various data. , A display means and an operation input means for the system administrator, a storage means for storing various control programs, a service execution program, and the like. The configuration of each of these means is configured to be realized by various hardware and software.

As a concrete example of the hardware configuration, although not shown, it controls a communication interface for controlling communication functions, a storage device such as a hard disk, an input / output interface for inputting / outputting data from / to a terminal, and controls them. A central processing unit (CPU) and the like can be mentioned.

As software, a standard web page authoring tool and HTML, XM for realizing this graphical user interface are used.
L, XHTML, SGML, CGI, Java, Java
It is programmed using a language such as asscript or ActiveX.

Further, the server 105 includes not only a WWW server (web server) but also various databases such as a database, a POP and SMTP server (mail server) for sending and receiving electronic mail, an FTP server, and a DNS server. And functions as a general term for systems including these.

The print log information analysis server 104 includes a total file receiving unit 111 for receiving a total file, a setting threshold receiving unit 112 for receiving a setting threshold, a message destination receiving unit 113 for receiving a message destination, A print log storage unit 114 that stores print log information from the summary file receiving unit 111, a setting threshold storage unit 115 that stores the setting threshold from the setting threshold receiving unit 112, and destination information from the message destination receiving unit 113. And a print log information analysis unit 117 that analyzes print log information based on the set threshold value of the set threshold value storage unit 115 and the print log information of the print log information storage unit 114.
The message generation unit 118 that generates a message based on the analysis result of the print log information in the print log information analysis unit 117 and the transmission destination information in the transmission destination storage unit 116, and the message generated in the message generation unit 118 And a message transmitting unit 119 for transmitting the mail as a mail via the mail server. These functions are the same as those in the above embodiment.

As the network, for example, the Internet (that is, a communication mode using the TCP / IP protocol), a network using various other communication protocols, a wireless (including a mobile phone network, satellite communication, etc.) network It doesn't matter.

In the print log management system 100 having the above-described configuration, the print log stored in the tabulation file 36 of the server 30 of the user site 101 is periodically or arbitrarily stored, and the print log is stored in the service provider 103 via the Internet IN. 10 WWW server, FTP server or mail server function
Send to 5.

HTT for sending to WWW server
P, FTP when sending to the FTP server, and SMTP when sending to the mail server with print log information as an attached document of the mail according to various protocols.

The administrator client 50 of the user site 101 is the server 105 of the service provider 103.
Then, according to the screen display supplied from the server 105, the setting information, for example, the threshold setting and the destination of the print log abnormality or the print log analysis result are input. Alternatively, an e-mail in which the settings and the destination are entered may be sent according to a prescribed format.

Various information transmitted from the user site 101 is received by the server 105 including the WWW server, the FTP server, and the mail server of the service provider 103 via the Internet IN, and printed according to the content of each information. It is received by the totalized file receiving unit 111, the setting threshold receiving unit 112, and the message transmission destination receiving unit 113 of the log analysis server 104, and further stored in the print log storage unit 114, the setting threshold storage unit 115, and the transmission destination storage unit 116.

The threshold setting method, the log abnormality detection method, and the log analysis method are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, and a message is generated by the message generation unit 118 according to the analysis result of the print log analysis unit 117. Is generated.

The generated message is sent to the mail server or the WWW server, and the administrator client 50 can refer to the print log abnormality occurrence and the print log analysis result by receiving the mail transmission or connecting to the WWW server.

(Regarding Processing Procedure) Next, a specific processing flow will be described with reference to FIG. First, the service site is accessed (S401). Then, the service site outputs a print log total file transmission request to the user site (S402).

Next, the user site transmits the print log total file based on the print log total file transmission request (S403).

On the other hand, when the service site receives the print log totalization file, the print log is stored (S4).
04).

Then, at the user site, the input processing of the extraction condition, the threshold value, the reply destination, etc. for the print log is performed (S
405).

Next, the inputted input information such as the extraction condition, the threshold value, the reply destination, etc. will be transmitted to the service site (S406).

When the service site receives the information about the extraction condition, the threshold value, the reply destination, etc., the information is stored (S407).

Then, the processing for extracting the print log information is performed based on the information such as the extraction condition, the threshold value, and the reply destination (S408).

Next, the print log information is analyzed based on the extracted print log information (S409).

Subsequently, a process for generating a message is performed based on the analysis result of the print log information (S41).
0).

Then, the generated message is transmitted to the user site (S411).

When the message transmitted from the service site is received at the user site (S412), the user can browse the analysis result of the print log information.

The analysis step referred to in the present invention can be constituted by S407 to S409, and the notification step referred to in the present invention can be constituted by S411.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print log information analysis service is provided to the user, so that the user does not need to purchase a dedicated application program for print log information analysis. Since it is possible to obtain the information regarding the analysis result of the information, the convenience for the user is improved.

In the present embodiment, the processing for billing when providing the print log information analysis service is omitted, but billing processing or the like may be configured.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the following, description of substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different portions will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the present embodiment.

The present embodiment discloses the case where the printer main body for performing print output has the above-mentioned log analysis function.

Even if the information processing apparatus 200 in the system of the present embodiment is configured as a so-called multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, etc., it has a configuration having any one of the above functions. Printing means 201a for printing on the recording material,
A print log information generation unit 201b that generates print log information relating to the printing, a total file 201c that stores these print log information, and a function similar to the print log information analysis server of the first embodiment are provided. The setting information storage unit 203 including the setting threshold storage unit 203a, the information analysis unit 204, the message generation unit 205b, and the display unit 20.
6, a screen data storage unit 207, a display control unit 208, a control unit 209, and a storage unit 205a for storing the analysis result.

Further, in the case of a multi-function peripheral, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, a decoding unit which decodes and expands received image information when receiving when performing communication according to a facsimile communication procedure, and compresses and encodes original image information when transmitting It may also have a communication unit including an encoding unit for encoding, an image reading unit including a predetermined optical system for reading an original image, and the like. The setting information storage unit 203 and the information analysis unit 204 constitute a print log information analysis unit according to the present invention.

The information analyzing means 204 has the extracting means 204a, the calculating means 204b, and the judging means 204c, as in the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the display unit 206 also has the first to seventh setting units 206a to 20.
Having 6 g.

A terminal (not shown) may be connected to the information processing apparatus 200 via a network, and the print instruction may be executed from the terminal.

Information processing apparatus 2 having the above configuration
00, the print log information is printed by the print log information generation unit 201 every time the print output process is performed by the print unit 201a.
It is generated and tabulated in b and stored in the tabulation file 201c.

On the other hand, each screen data of the screen data storage means 207 is displayed by the display control means 208 on the display means 206 or the touch panel, and the user can set the first to seventh setting means on the display means 206 or the touch panel. Using the setting screens 206a to 206g, setting information such as a setting threshold value as exemplified in the first embodiment is set from a setting screen (for example, a key operator mode) of a desired layer. The setting information is stored in the setting information storage unit 2
It is stored in 03.

When the user gives an analysis instruction from the display means 206, or when the analysis is carried out for each set predetermined period, the information analysis section 204 is
The print log information of the totalization file 201c is analyzed based on the setting information of the setting information storage unit 203, and the analysis result is stored in the storage unit 205a.

At this time, the analysis result of the storage means 205a is
It is arbitrary whether to notify the user immediately or browse the analysis result information while the user is using it.

When it is set to notify the user immediately, the message generation unit 205b controls the display control unit 208 to generate a notification message and display it on the display unit 206. Information on the analysis result can be obtained.

Depending on how the setting information is set, whether the notification message is the result of analyzing the information tendency,
It is the same as in the first embodiment that whether the detection result of the abnormality detection is determined.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when print log information is stored in the printer, the analysis result can be directly viewed using the printer interface, or the analysis result can be printed out. You can also do it, or you can check it directly on the spot.

Although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described according to some specific embodiments thereof,
Various modifications can be made to the embodiments described in the text of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, the print log management system of each of the above-described embodiments, the server, database, terminal, information processing apparatus, processing program used in the image forming apparatus, the explained processing, data (for example, print log) used in the system. (Information, screen data, setting information, analysis result information, notification message, abnormality notification, etc.) or each part may be recorded on an information recording medium. Further, it also includes a program in which the above-mentioned processing program is incorporated into an electronic mail software which can be operated by a general personal computer or a mobile terminal, or an information recording medium in which the incorporated electronic mail software is recorded.

As this information recording medium, for example, RO
Semiconductor memory such as M, RAM, flash memory and the like, integrated circuits, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, magnetic recording media and the like may be used, and further, CD-ROM, hard disk, CD, FD, DVDRAM, DVDROM, MO,
It may be recorded on a ZIP, a magnetic card, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, an IC card, or the like to be configured and used.

Furthermore, examples of the medium include a wireless or infrared transmission channel between a computer and another device, a computer readable card such as PCMC.
IA card, network connection to another computer or device on the network, temporary storage of information downloaded via the Internet, intranet, etc., including information recorded on electronic mail transmission and websites, etc. To be

By using this information recording medium in a system or apparatus other than the system according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments and causing the system or computer to read and execute the program code stored in this storage medium, each of the above The function equivalent to that of the embodiment can be realized, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0192] In addition, O running on the computer
S, when the RTOS or the like on the information processing device performs a part or all of the processing, or the program code read from the storage area is stored in the extended function board inserted into the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer. Even when the CPU or the like provided in the extended function board or the extended function unit performs a part or all of the processing based on the instruction of the program code after being written in the provided memory, it is equivalent to each of the above embodiments. The function can be realized and the same effect can be obtained.

Specifically, the information recording medium uses an information processing device formed so as to be communicable with a terminal used by a user via a network, in order to provide a service relating to print log information to the terminal. Of the program, the information for performing the process of analyzing the tendency of the print log information based on the operation input from the terminal, and the notification message for notifying the result of the analysis to the terminal. And information for performing the notification process.

Further, in an information recording medium of another aspect, a user uses an information processing apparatus formed so as to be communicable with the image forming apparatus via a network, so that the image forming apparatus is provided with print log information relating to image formation. A program for processing is recorded, information for performing a process of analyzing the tendency of the print log information in response to the user's request, and information for performing a process of notifying the user of the result of the analysis, including.

Further, the information recording medium, when it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the result of the analysis, carries out processing for notifying that there is an abnormality in the print log information and the notification message in HTML. The information includes information for performing processing for generating a file in the format and information for performing processing for notifying the HTML format file.

Further, the information recording medium includes information for performing processing for generating a print log abnormality notification in an electronic mail document, information for performing processing for transmitting the electronic mail document via the SMTP server, and execution during a specific period. Information that performs analysis processing based on whether the number of printed pages information of the processed print log information exceeds a specific threshold, and whether the number of print sheets printed during a specific period exceeds a specific threshold. And the double-sided printing rate that defines the ratio of the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period to the total number of printed pages in the specific period Information for performing analysis processing based on whether or not the threshold value is exceeded.

In addition, the information recording medium stores the information for performing the analysis processing based on whether or not the total sheet conveyance length of the printing paper that has been subjected to the printing processing in the specific period exceeds the specific threshold value, and the specific threshold value. It includes information for performing analysis processing based on whether there is a user exceeding the number and information for performing analysis processing based on whether there is an image forming apparatus exceeding the specific threshold value.

Further, the information recording medium, information for periodically analyzing the presence / absence of an abnormality for each of the specific periods, information for periodically performing processing, and information for setting the specific threshold, Information for setting a specific period, the number of printed pages information, the number of printing sheets, the double-sided printing rate,
If it is determined that the information for selectively setting any of the print parameters desired to be analyzed among the total length of paper conveyance and the total number of print pages of the print log information exceed the specific threshold value, the printing is performed. Information for performing a process of graphing the total number of pages, information for performing a process for calculating the double-sided print ratio based on the print log information when the print parameter is the double-sided print ratio, and the preset information. Based on the set threshold for a particular threshold,
Information for performing a process of determining whether the corresponding information in the print log information corresponding to the print parameter exceeds the set threshold value.

The information processing apparatus equipped with the above print log management system is not limited to, for example, a personal computer, but various servers, EWS (engineering workstation), etc. may be used. May be used as an accessible terminal, and as other terminals, a configuration may be used in which it can also be used as a portable information terminal, various mobile terminals, PDA, mobile phone, pager, or the like. Alternatively, improved applications displayed on these terminals can be included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, the methods (procedures) of FIGS. 5 to 7 and 9, the methods generally described herein, and the information in the various databases may be implemented using a general purpose computer system. In such a system, it is achieved by instructions in software executed by a computer as software such as an application program executed in the computer system. The software may be divided into two separate parts, one for performing the method and one for managing the user interface between the computer and the user. The software is
For example, it may be stored in a computer-readable medium including a storage device. The software is loaded into the computer from the computer-readable medium and executed by the computer. A computer-readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product. The use of computer program products in computers achieves convenient equipment.

The application program described in the present embodiment is preferably resident in the hard disk or the memory, and is read and controlled by the CPU at the time of execution. Any data obtained from the intermediate storage area of the program and the network may be achieved using a semiconductor memory or with a hard disk drive. In some examples, the application program may be recorded on a CD-ROM or floppy disk and provided to the user for reading via a corresponding device, or may be read from the network by the user via a modem device. In addition, the software may include magnetic tape, ROM or integrated circuits, magneto-optical disks, wireless or infrared transmission channels between the computer module and another device, computer readable cards such as PCMCIA cards, electronic It is also possible to load the computer system from other computer-readable media, including the Internet and intranets, including mail transmissions and information recorded on websites and the like. The foregoing description is merely exemplary of the associated computer-readable media. Other computer-readable media may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Further, from the above, the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to the computer industry and data processing industry, and are applicable to computer software applications that may not necessarily comply with a specific standard. it is obvious. Further, the communication mode using the network is not limited to the HTTP protocol, and may be another protocol.

Further, the notification message may be an electronic mail, an HTML file, or a file of various formats.

Further, the above-described embodiment includes various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. That is,
It goes without saying that the embodiments include the embodiments described above or a combination of any of them with any of the modifications. In this case, even if it is not particularly described in the present embodiment, as for the action and effect apparent from each configuration disclosed in each of the embodiments and the modifications, it is of course possible to obtain the action and effect in this example as well. . Further, it may be a configuration in which some of the constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment.

The above description discloses only one example of the embodiment of the present invention and can be appropriately modified and / or changed within a predetermined range, but each embodiment is illustrated. It is a thing, not a limitation.

[0206]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness for the user to understand the tendency of the print log information by notifying the user of the change tendency of the print log information. .

Further, when there is an abnormality in the behavior in the print log information, the administrator or the like is notified of this abnormality, so that even if there is an abnormality in the behavior, the user can confirm in advance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a network system configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment to which a print log management system of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of software module configurations of a client computer, a server, and a print log information analysis server according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an administrator client.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the print log management system according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the print log management system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the print log management system according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of software module configurations of a user site server and a print log information analysis server of a service provider according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the print log management system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Print log management system 10 client computers 14 applications 15 Printer driver 16 spooler 17 monitors 18 Print log monitoring tool 19 GDI 20 Print log information transmitter 21 Registry 22 Current file 30 servers 33 Print log information receiver 34 Registry 35 print log information storage unit 36 Summary file 37 Aggregate file transmission unit 40 Print log analysis server 41 Setting threshold receiver 42 setting threshold storage unit 43 Print log information analysis unit 44 Message generator 45 Destination Receiver 46 destination storage unit 50 Administrator Client 60 network printer N network 101 User Site 102 GW 103 Service Provider 104 Print log information analysis server 111 Total File Receiving Section 112 setting threshold receiver 113 Message destination receiver 114 print log information storage unit 115 setting threshold storage unit 116 destination storage unit 117 Print log information analysis unit 118 message generator 119 Message sender 105 server

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ10 HQ17                 5B021 AA01 EE00 NN16 NN17 NN19                 5B089 GA01 GB02 JA35 JB17 LB12                       MC03

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A print log information, which is formed so as to be communicable with one or more image forming apparatuses and one or more terminals via a network, and which is generated based on a print instruction from the terminal to the image forming apparatus. An information processing apparatus, comprising: print log information analyzing means for analyzing a tendency of the print log information; and notifying means for notifying an analysis result of the print log information analyzing means to at least one of the terminals. An information processing device characterized by the above. 2. An information processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints on a recording material; and a print log information generation unit that generates print log information related to the printing, wherein the tendency of the print log information is analyzed. An information processing apparatus comprising: print log information analysis means; and storage means for storing an analysis result of the print log information analysis means. 3. The print log information analysis unit analyzes whether or not there is an abnormality in the print log information, and the notification unit is based on the analysis result of the print log information analysis unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a print log abnormality notification indicating that the information is abnormal is sent to the terminal. 4. The print log information analyzing means analyzes the print log information based on whether or not the print page number information of the print log information executed in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The print log information analysis means performs analysis based on whether or not the number of print sheets printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. 6. The double-sided print ratio that defines the ratio of the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period to the total number of printed pages in the specific period, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein analysis is performed based on whether or not a specific threshold is exceeded. 7. The print log information analysis means performs analysis based on whether or not the total sheet conveyance length of print sheets printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. Thru | or the information processing apparatus as described in any one of Claim 3. 8. The print log information analysis unit performs analysis based on whether or not there is a user who has exceeded the specific threshold value, according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The information processing device described. 9. The print log information analysis unit performs analysis based on whether or not there is an image forming apparatus that has exceeded the specific threshold value. The information processing device according to one item. 10. The information processing according to claim 4, wherein the print log information analysis unit periodically analyzes whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the specific periods. apparatus. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising threshold setting means for setting the specific threshold, wherein the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on the specific threshold set by the threshold setting means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7. 12. The method according to claim 4, further comprising period setting means for setting the specific period, wherein the print log information analyzing means analyzes based on the specific period set by the period setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10. 13. A print parameter setting means for selecting and setting one of print parameters desired to be analyzed among the print page number information, the number of print sheets, the double-sided print rate, and the total length of sheet conveyance. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the print log information analysis unit analyzes based on the print parameter set by the print parameter setting unit. 14. The printing log information analyzing unit further includes a graphing unit that graphs the total number of printing pages when it is determined that the total number of printing pages of the printing log information exceeds the specific threshold value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 15. The print log information analysis means includes calculation means for calculating the double-sided print rate based on the print log information when the print parameter is the double-sided print rate. Item 13. The information processing device according to item 13. 16. The print log information analysis unit determines whether or not the corresponding information in the print log information corresponding to the print parameter exceeds the set threshold value based on a preset set threshold value for the specific threshold value. A determination unit that determines whether or not the notification unit includes a message generation unit that generates a notification message based on the determination result of the determination unit; and a message transmission unit that transmits the notification message. The information processing device according to claim 13. 17. An information processing system including a display unit capable of displaying print log information generated based on an image forming apparatus, and processing the print log information formed to be communicable with the image forming apparatus via a network. An apparatus, comprising: a print log information analysis unit that analyzes the tendency of the print log information; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display the analysis result of the print log information analysis unit. A characteristic information processing device. 18. An information processing service method for providing a service related to print log information to a terminal used by a user, the information processing apparatus being configured to be communicable via a network. An analysis step of analyzing the tendency of the print log information based on an operation input from a terminal; and a notification step of notifying the terminal of a notification message notifying the result of the analysis, Information processing service method. 19. An information processing service method, wherein a user uses an information processing apparatus formed so as to be communicable with the image forming apparatus via a network, whereby the image forming apparatus processes print log information relating to image formation. An information processing service method comprising: an analysis step of analyzing a tendency of the print log information in response to a request from the user; and a notification step of notifying the user of the result of the analysis. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the notifying step notifies that there is an abnormality in the print log information when it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the result of the analysis. 19. The information processing service method described in 19. 21. The information processing service according to claim 18, further comprising the step of generating the notification message in an HTML format file, wherein the notification step notifies the HTML format file. Method. 22. The method further comprising the step of generating the print log abnormality notification by an electronic mail document, wherein the notification step outputs the electronic mail document by SMTP.
20. Sending via a server.
Information processing service method described in. 23. The analysis step according to claim 18, wherein the analysis is performed based on whether or not the number-of-printed-page information of the print log information executed in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. Item 19. The information processing service method according to Item 19. 24. The analysis according to claim 18, wherein in the analysis step, the analysis is performed based on whether or not the number of print sheets printed in a specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. Information processing service method. 25. In the analysis step, a double-sided print ratio that defines a ratio of the number of recording materials image-formed on both sides of the recording material in the specific period to a total number of printed pages in the specific period is a specific threshold value. 20. The information processing service method according to claim 18, wherein the analysis is performed based on whether or not the value exceeds the limit. 26. The analysis step according to claim 23, wherein the analysis step is performed based on whether or not the total sheet conveyance length of the print sheet subjected to the print processing in the specific period exceeds a specific threshold value. 26. An information processing service method described in 26. 27. The information according to claim 23, wherein in the analysis step, analysis is performed based on whether or not there is a user who has exceeded the specific threshold value. Processing service method. 28. The method according to claim 23, wherein in the analyzing step, the analysis is performed based on whether or not there is an image forming apparatus that exceeds the specific threshold value. Information processing service method described. 29. The method according to claim 23, wherein the analyzing step periodically analyzes whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the specific periods, and the notifying step periodically notifies. The information processing service method described in any one of items. 30. The information processing service method according to claim 23, further comprising a step of setting the specific threshold value. 31. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of setting the specific period.
9. The information processing service method according to any one of 9. 32. The method further comprises a step of selectively setting any one of print parameters desired to be analyzed, among the print page number information, the number of print sheets, the double-sided print rate, and the total length of sheet conveyance. The information processing service method according to any one of claims 23 to 26. 33. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of graphing the total number of printed pages when it is determined that the total number of printed pages of the print log information exceeds the specific threshold value. Information processing service method. 34. The analyzing step includes a step of calculating the double-sided print rate based on the print log information when the print parameter is the double-sided print rate. Information processing service method. 35. The analysis step determines whether or not the correspondence information in the print log information corresponding to the print parameter exceeds the set threshold value, based on a preset set threshold value for the specific threshold value. 33. The information processing service method according to claim 32, further comprising: 36. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing service method according to any one of claims 18 to 35. 37. Computer readable,
An information recording medium recording the program according to claim 36.