JP2005169946A - Printer device, operating situation prospect system, operating situation prospecting method, printer controlling program and recording medium storing printer controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to prospect the own future operating situation using the information acquired from an existing printer device. <P>SOLUTION: The printer device 1 is connected to more than one sets of a second printer device 2 through a communication cable 4 which records an operating result which is a history information relating to the own operating situation. Other device information acquisition section 17 acquires the device information indicating the function of the second printer device 2, then the printer device 1 compares the acquired device information with the own device information. Then, other device selecting section 18 selects the second printer device 2 whose function and processability are equal/similar among the second printer devices 2. An operating-result data acquisition section 19 acquires the operating-result data from the selected second printer device 2. Based on the operating-result data, a self-device operating situation prospect section 20 prospects the own operating situation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer device that outputs an image based on input image data. In particular, the present invention relates to a printer device, an operation status prediction system, an operation status prediction method, a printer device control program, and a recording medium on which a printer device control program is recorded, which can be suitably applied as a client-server network printer.

  Under a recent network environment, a plurality of printer apparatuses connected via a communication cable or the like can be shared and used by a plurality of users. For example, in such a printer apparatus, it is possible to sequentially receive job information instructed to be output from a plurality of users and sequentially print out based on the received information.

Incidentally, in recent years, an increasing number of printer apparatuses are integrated with a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a facsimile, and a copy.
Furthermore, printer devices are not only diversified in function but also diversified in printing forms such as color printing and high-speed printing.

Therefore, the user selects a suitable printer device and gives an output instruction according to a desired operation (for example, color printing, high-speed printing, etc.). As described above, when the user selects a specific printer device from a plurality of printer devices and issues a print instruction, the frequency of use by the user differs for each printer device.
Further, the frequency of use of the printer device varies depending on the date and time, such as the busy period of the user's work.

  For this reason, the inspection period of the apparatus and the consumption speed of the consumables provided in the apparatus vary for each printer apparatus.

  Therefore, in order to maintain an environment in which each printer device always operates stably, the user is provided with the operating status of each printer device (for example, the operating time of the printer device, the operating status of the printer device, the printer device). It is preferable to be able to grasp the consumption status of consumables).

Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer device that can count the printing operation time and the number of times and manage the total use time for each printer device.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228561 discloses a system including a printer device that can confirm the current operation status of a plurality of printers on each client machine side.
In Patent Document 3, the past total number of prints, the number of prints of the day, the number of processed jobs, the paper jam frequency, and the like are managed as operation history information, and information managed in response to an external request is stored. A printer device capable of notification is shown.
Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a printer device that accumulates print history so far as data, calculates a consumption amount of the consumable from the print history, and can predict a replacement time of the consumable. .
JP-A-3-277580 (released on December 9, 1991) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-134142 (published on May 21, 1999) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-227299 (released on August 24, 1999) JP 2000-71581 A (published March 7, 2000)

  However, the conventional printer apparatus cannot acquire information necessary for operating the apparatus (for example, operation information of the printer apparatus) from another printer apparatus that is already installed and operating. In other words, the conventional printer apparatus cannot select another printer apparatus having information necessary for the operation of the own apparatus and acquire information from the printer.

  Therefore, the conventional apparatus cannot effectively use the information possessed by each of the other printer apparatuses.

  For example, in a system in which a plurality of printer devices are installed and each device is used as necessary, the user replaces the printer device or adds a new printer device as necessary.

  When the conventional printer device is newly installed in this way, the conventional printer device has not been used yet at the time of installation and start of use. Furthermore, the conventional printer apparatus selects a suitable other printer apparatus from other printer apparatuses that have already been installed and have accumulated operation results, and acquires information necessary for operating the apparatus itself. I can't.

  For this reason, in the conventional printer apparatus, it is necessary for the user to adjust the settings of the apparatus or to confirm the consumption speed of the consumables provided in the apparatus until a certain usage record is obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to select a suitable other printer device and acquire and use information held by the printer device, an operation status system, and an operation A situation prediction method, a printer device control program, and a recording medium on which the printer device control program is recorded are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a printer device according to the present invention is a printer device that is connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network. The other device information acquisition means for acquiring other device information that is information related to the performance of the printer device, the own device information that is information related to the performance of the own device, and the other device information are compared, and Device selection means for selecting, as a reference device, information having other device information that matches or is similar to the own device information, and obtains a reference device operation result that is history information of the operation status of the reference device from the reference device. It is characterized by comprising operating result acquisition means.

  In addition, the printer device includes a display unit that displays other device information of the other printer device in the configuration described above, and a user device selection unit that selects the reference device from a selection of the other printer device by a user. It is good also as a structure further equipped with.

  A printer device according to the present invention is a printer device connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network, and the operation status history of the other printer device from the other printer device. The operation result acquisition means for acquiring the other device operation results as information, the own device operation status recording means for recording the own device operation results as the history information of the operation status of the own device, and the other device operation results And a device selection unit that selects, as a reference device, another printer device having a performance record similar to or similar to the device performance record.

  In addition, the printer device includes a display unit for displaying other device operation results of the other printer devices in the configuration described above, and a user device selection unit for selecting the reference device by user selection from the other printer devices. It is good also as a structure further provided with these.

  The printer device may further include an operation state prediction unit that predicts an operation state of the own device based on the operation result of the reference device.

  Further, the printer apparatus may be configured such that the operation status prediction unit determines whether to perform prediction based on the operation performance of the reference device, according to the operation history of the apparatus in a predetermined period.

  In addition, when the printer apparatus receives a request for transmission of apparatus information from another printer apparatus, the printer apparatus transmits in advance the apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting the apparatus information to the other printer apparatus, and the other printer apparatus in advance. The apparatus may be configured to include an operation result transmitting means for transmitting the own apparatus operation result to another printer device when the own apparatus operation result transmission request held in the apparatus is received.

  An operation status prediction method according to the present invention is an operation status prediction method in a printer device mutually connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network, from the other printer device to the other printer. The other device information acquisition step for acquiring other device information, which is information related to the performance of the device, and the own device information, which is information related to the performance of the own device, are compared with the other device information. A device selection step for selecting, as a reference device, information having other device information that matches or is similar to its own device information, and obtains a reference device operation result that is history information of the operation status of the reference device from the reference device. And an operation status prediction step for predicting the operation status of the own device based on the operation history of the reference device. .

  An operating status prediction system according to the present invention includes the printer device and the reference device described in 1.

  An operation status prediction system according to the present invention includes an operation result acquisition means, other device information acquisition means, device selection means, own device operation status recording means, operation status prediction means, display means, and user device selection means. It is characterized by comprising a device.

  The printer device program according to the present invention is a program for operating the printer device having the above-described configuration, and is a program for causing a computer to function as each of the above-described means.

  A recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the printer apparatus program is recorded.

  As described above, the printer device according to the present invention is a printer device that is mutually connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network, from the other printer device to the other printer device. The other device information acquisition means for acquiring other device information that is information relating to the performance of the device, the own device information that is information relating to the performance of the own device, and the other device information are compared with each other from the other printer devices. Device selection means for selecting other device information that matches or is similar to its own device information as a reference device, and operation result acquisition for acquiring reference device operation results that are history information of the operation status of the reference device from the reference device Means.

  Here, the printer device and other printer devices print images on sheets based on data acquired from the outside. Since these printer apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication network, they can exchange data with each other.

  Since the printer device includes the other device information acquisition unit, the printer device acquires other device information, which is information related to the functions of other printer devices connected to each other via a communication network. You can learn about the performance of each.

  Further, since the printer device includes a device selection unit, the self-device information, which is information indicating the performance of the self-device, is compared with the other device information, and the self-device information is obtained from the second printer device. A device having the same or similar other device information can be selected as a reference device.

  The self device information or other device information includes, for example, the model (device name), function (printer function, scanner function, facsimile function, etc.) of the printer device or other printer device, and a print request from the user. This is information indicating at least one of the print processing speed of the image to be output.

  The reference device includes, for example, at least one of other device information indicating the performance of other devices such as a model, a function, and a printing processing speed, and a printer device such as a model, a function, and a printing processing speed. At least one of the own device information matches.

  In other words, even if the other device information of the reference device matches the information indicating the performance of all other devices included in the information and the information indicating the performance of all the own devices included in the own device information of the printer device. Alternatively, only specific performance of the other device information may match only specific information of the own device information.

  Since this reference device has other device information that matches or is similar to that of the printer device, when used by the user in the same network, the reference device is a printer device having the same or similar performance as the printer device. is there.

  Furthermore, since the printer device includes an operation result acquisition unit, the operation result of the reference device can be acquired.

  This operation result is a situation in which another printer device is used by the user, such as the start time of another printer device of the reference device, the number of image print requests from the user, the amount of toner consumption, the amount of paper consumption, etc. Or information indicating the frequency in time series. In addition, since this operation result is a reference device performance that is the same as or similar to the performance of the printer device, the operation result is similar to or similar to the operation status of the printer device.

  Therefore, the printer device selects a reference device having a performance that matches or is similar to its own device information, and obtains an operation record of the reference device to obtain an operation record that matches or resembles the operation status of the own device. There is an effect that it can be acquired and used.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device having the above-described configuration, a display unit that displays other device information of the other printer device, and a user device that selects the reference device by user selection from the other printer devices. Selecting means.

  As described above, since the printer device further includes display means for displaying other device information of other printer devices, the other device information of other printer devices in the same network is visually displayed to the user. Can be shown.

  In addition, since the printer device further includes a user selection unit, the reference device is selected from among the other printer devices based on the other device information displayed by the display unit. can do.

  For this reason, the printer device not only selects other device information that matches or resembles the other device information and the own device information as a reference device, but can also select a reference device based on a user's judgment. It is.

  For example, even if the other device information acquired from the other printer device by the other device information acquisition means does not include other device information that is the same as or similar to the own device information, It is possible to determine which printer device from the devices is selected as the reference device. Furthermore, the user can check whether the reference device selected by the printer device is the optimum device. For this reason, the printer device according to the present invention has an effect that a reference device with higher accuracy can be selected.

  In addition, as described above, the printer device according to the present invention is a printer device that is mutually connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network. Operation result acquisition means for acquiring other device operation results that are history information of the operation status of the printer device, own device operation status recording means for recording own device operation results that are history information of the operation status of the own device, and others Device selection means for selecting, as a reference device, another printer device having an other device operation record that matches or is similar to the own device operation record from the device operation record.

  Since the printer apparatus is connected to other printer apparatuses via a communication network, it is possible to exchange data with each other. And since the said printer apparatus is equipped with the other apparatus operation performance acquisition means, it can acquire the other apparatus operation performance from another printer apparatus via the said communication network.

  In addition, since the printer apparatus includes the own apparatus operation status recording unit, it is possible to record the own apparatus operation result that is history information regarding the own operation status.

  Further, since the printer device includes the device selection means, the printer having another operation result that matches or resembles the own device operation result from the operation results acquired by the operation result acquisition unit is used as another reference device. You can choose from among the devices.

  Here, the own device operation results or other device operation results include, for example, the startup time of the printer device or other printer device, the number of image print requests from the user, the consumption of toner, the consumption of paper, etc. This is information indicating the status and frequency of use of the printer device by the user in time series.

  In addition, when the own device operation result and the other device operation result match or are similar, for example, the cycle of a busy period with a high usage record such as the number of print requests by a user in the year and a quiet period with a low use record match or It is similar. Or, for example, the usage results of the user in one week are the same or similar.

  For this reason, the reference device having the other device operation record that matches or resembles the own device operation record is a printer device that matches or similar to the operation record of the printer device.

  Therefore, the printer device can acquire and select the operation result of the reference device that matches or is similar to the operation result of the own device, so that the missing part in the operation result of the printer device can be compensated. Play.

  Further, in the above configuration, the printer device includes a display unit that displays the other device operation results of the other printer device, and a user device selection unit that selects the reference device by a user selection from the other printer devices. And further.

  As described above, since the printer device further includes a display unit for displaying the other device operation results of other printer devices, the other device operation results of other printer devices in the same network are displayed to the user. Can be shown visually.

  In addition, since the printer device further includes user selection means, the reference device is selected by the user from other printer devices based on the other printer operation results displayed by the display means. Can be selected.

  For this reason, the printer device not only selects the other printer device having the same or similar other device information as the reference device by comparing the feature of the other device operation result and the feature of the own device operation result, The reference device can also be selected based on the user's judgment.

  Even if the other device information acquired from the other printer device by the other device information acquisition means does not include the other device operation results that are the same as or similar to the own device operation results, The effect is that it is possible to determine which printer device is selected as the reference device from among the devices. When the reference device is selected by the user, it is possible to select the reference device that reflects the user's idea such as the user's actual usage purpose for the printer device.

Note that the reference device selected by the device selection unit by the printer device and the reference device selected by the user by the user device selection unit may be compared to confirm the selection result of the printer device.
For this reason, this printer apparatus has an effect that a reference apparatus with higher accuracy can be selected.

  In addition, the printer device according to the present invention further includes an operation state prediction unit that predicts the operation state of the own device based on the operation results of the reference device as described above.

  For this reason, the printer device can predict the long-term operation status of the printer device based on the operation results of the reference device, even if there is no or short period of operation since the installation. .

  Therefore, even when the printer apparatus is newly installed and does not yet have sufficient operating status history information, the user can set and manage the printer apparatus based on the prediction of the appropriate operating status. There is an effect that can be done.

  Further, the printer apparatus determines whether or not the operation status prediction unit performs prediction based on the operation performance of the reference device according to the operation history of the apparatus in a predetermined period.

  That is, the printer device is configured to determine whether to use the operation history of the reference device for prediction of the operation status of the own device based on the operation history of the own device in a predetermined period. Further, in the case where the operation result of the reference device is already used for the prediction of the operation status of the own device, the operation result is also determined based on the operation result of the own device.

  The predetermined period is a period determined according to the usage status of the user's printer device. However, this period excludes the period from immediately after installation of the printer device until the start of use by all users, or the introduction period, which is a trial run period of the printer device.

  In the case where it is determined whether or not the operation performance of the reference device is used for prediction of the operation performance of the own device, for example, when the user uses the printer device in a cycle of one week, this predetermined period is at least It is preferable that the period is not less than one round after the introduction period has elapsed.

  In addition, when the operation result of the reference device is used for prediction of the operation status of the printer device and it is determined whether or not to continue using this operation result, this predetermined period is a period arbitrarily determined by the user It's okay. Preferably, the predetermined period is a certain period such as a busy period, a quiet period, etc., of the actual usage of the printer device during the year.

  For this reason, the printer device compares the operation performance of the reference device with the operation history of its own device in a predetermined period, determines the validity of the operation performance of the reference device, and determines whether to use this operation performance. be able to.

  Therefore, the printer device has an effect that it is possible to prevent the operation status of the printer device from being predicted based on the erroneous operation record of the second printer device.

  The printer device according to the present invention, when receiving a device information transmission request from another printer device, from the device information transmitting means for transmitting the device information to the other printer device, and the other printer device, When a transmission request for the own apparatus operation record held in the own apparatus is received in advance, the apparatus includes an operation record transmission means for transmitting the own apparatus operation record to the other printer apparatus.

  For this reason, the printer device can transmit the own device information and / or the own device operation result to the other printer device in response to a transmission request from the other printer device.

  Therefore, the printer information and / or the operation history of the printer can be used by other printers.

  An operation status prediction method according to the present invention is an operation status prediction method in a printer device mutually connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network, from the other printer device to the other printer. The other device information acquisition step for acquiring other device information, which is information related to the performance of the device, and the own device information, which is information related to the performance of the own device, are compared with the other device information. A device selection step for selecting, as a reference device, information having other device information that matches or is similar to its own device information, and obtains a reference device operation result that is history information of the operation status of the reference device from the reference device. And an operation status prediction step for predicting the operation status of the device itself based on the operation results of the reference device.

  Therefore, the printer device can predict the long-term operation status based on the operation results of the second printing device even if the operation results of the printer device are not or little. Play.

  An operation status prediction system according to the present invention includes an operation result acquisition means, other device information acquisition means, device selection means, own device operation status recording means, operation status prediction means, display means, and user device selection means. It is characterized by comprising a device.

  Therefore, in the above operating status prediction system, the other printer device can acquire the operating results of one printer device and can predict the operating status of the other printer device based on the operating results. Even if there is no operation record or there is little operation, it can be used by the user in the operation state with the same settings and management as one of the printer apparatuses.

  Therefore, the operation status prediction system has an effect that it is possible to provide a user with a system including a plurality of printer apparatuses that can always maintain a stable operation state of each printer apparatus.

  The printer apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for the printer apparatus that causes the printer apparatus to be realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as the respective means, and the printer apparatus. A computer-readable recording medium in which the control program is recorded also falls within the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Printer Device 1)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The printer device 1 according to the present embodiment prints (forms) an image on a sheet based on image data acquired from the outside.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions related to printer device control processing of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2a. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a network system in which a printer device and a client machine are connected to each other in a local area network. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system in which a printer apparatus is newly added to the network system illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer device 1 includes three second printer devices 2 a, 2 b, 2 c having two different functions and processing capabilities, and two client machines 3 a, 3 b. It is used in a network system connected to the network. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer apparatus 1 is newly added to the network system shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the operation status prediction system 100 according to the present embodiment, the client machine 3 and the printer device 1 and / or the second printer device 2 are connected to each other. The print request can be made from either of the client machines 3a and 3b. Further, the print request instructed by the user is received by any one of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c and the printer device 1 so that the image desired by the user can be printed. It has become.

  Next, the configuration of the printer apparatus 1 which is a newly installed printer apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 5, a card reading unit 6, a storage unit 7, a control unit 8, an image forming unit 9, an operation unit 10, a display unit (display means) 11, and a time measuring unit. 12 is provided.

  The communication unit 5 performs input control of print data from the client machine 3 and control information data such as a print instruction for the print data from the client machine 3 via the communication cable 4 according to an instruction from the control unit 8. When the printer apparatus 1 has a facsimile function, the printer apparatus 1 receives facsimile data from the outside via the communication unit 5.

  The card reading unit 6 reads data recorded on the memory card 34 based on an instruction from the control unit 8.

  The storage unit 7 stores data acquired from the outside, data generated by the control unit 8, and the like, and is a readable and writable nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk.

  The storage unit 7 includes own device information data 13 which is device information indicating functions and processing capabilities of the printer device 1 itself, and a history regarding the operation status of the other device acquired from the other device (second printer device 2). Other device operation result data 14 in which information data (operation result data) is recorded, and a self-device operation status management table 15 in which the operation result (own device operation result) of the printer 1 itself is recorded and managed. Contains.

  Each piece of stored information is read according to an instruction from the control unit 8 or recorded according to an instruction from the control unit 8 as necessary. The device information data 13 may be recorded in the storage unit 7 in advance.

  The control unit 8 controls and executes various processes in the printer apparatus 1. The detailed configuration of the control unit 8 in the present embodiment will be described later.

  The image forming unit 9 is for printing, for example, an image based on data received via the communication unit 5 or image data read by an image reading unit (not shown) on a sheet. This sheet is conveyed from a paper feed tray (not shown) provided in the printer apparatus 1 and storing sheets for printing images. Then, the sheet on which the image is printed by the image forming unit 8 is output to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

  The operation unit 10 is an external input unit for a user to input an operation instruction or the like to the printer apparatus 1. This operation instruction includes, for example, a double-sided printing instruction, an instruction for a printing format such as enlarged printing processing, and an instruction for switching to another function such as a facsimile function or a scanner function.

  The display unit 11 is for visually displaying various information such as the operating status and operation method of the printer apparatus 1. This display example will be described later.

  The timer 12 measures the startup time of the printer device 1, records the print output time, and notifies an alarm for notifying the replacement time of consumables and replacement parts.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 8 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 8 includes another device recognition unit 16, another device information acquisition unit (other device information acquisition unit) 17, another device selection unit (device selection unit) 18, and operation result data acquisition. Each functional block comprising a unit (operation result acquisition means) 19, an own apparatus operation status prediction section (own apparatus operation status prediction means) 20, and an own apparatus operation status recording section (own apparatus operation status recording means) 21 is provided. Yes.

  The other device recognition unit 16 recognizes the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c connected in the same local area network as the printer device 1, and the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c and the printer device 1 It is for identifying. The other device recognition unit 16 automatically recognizes each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c when communication between the own device (printer device 1) and each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c is established. Do. When the other device recognition unit 16 recognizes where each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c exists in the same local area network, the other device recognition unit 16 transmits the recognition result to the other device information acquisition unit 17. This recognition result can be realized, for example, by transmitting the IP address of each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c to the other apparatus information acquisition unit 17.

  The other device information acquisition unit 17 requests the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c via the communication unit 5 for data relating to the respective device information, and acquires this data. That is, the other device information acquisition unit 17 receives a recognition result indicating from the other device recognition unit 16 that each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c exists in the same local area network. Then, based on the recognition result, the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c are requested for data related to the respective apparatus information, and the data is acquired.

  Here, the device information is, for example, the model (for example, device name), function (for example, printer function, scanner function, facsimile function, etc.) of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c, This is information indicating the processing capability such as the printing processing speed of an image performed in response to a print request, and is information indicating the performance of the printer apparatus.

  The other device selection unit 18 selects the second printer device 2 (reference device) that matches / similars the performance of the printer device 1 from the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. The selection of the second printer device 2 is performed by selecting the device information (own device information data 29) of each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c acquired by the other device information acquisition unit 17 and the device information of the printer device 1 (own device). This is done by comparing with the information data 13).

  Specifically, for example, the model (printer function, scanner function, facsimile function, etc.) and image print processing speed indicating the performance of each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c indicated in the respective apparatus information data 29 This is done by comparing whether each item indicating a function or process indicated in the self-device information data 13 matches or only a specific item matches. An example of the comparison between the own device information data 13 and the hourly device information data 29 and the selection of the second printer device (reference device) will be described later.

  The operation result data acquisition unit 19 requests the second printer device 2 selected by the other device selection unit 18 to transmit operation result data regarding the operation status, and the second printer device 2 sends the operation result data ( Other device operation results). The acquired operation result data is recorded in the storage unit 7 as other device operation result data 14.

  When the printer apparatus 1 is used, the own apparatus operation status recording unit 21 records an operation result that is history information of the operation status due to the use. The recorded operation results are recorded and managed in the own apparatus operation status management table 15. Note that the printer apparatus 1 detects its own operating status using sensors (not shown) provided in each component of the printer apparatus 1.

  In addition, the installation location of this sensor is provided in each structural member which needs to be recorded as an operation condition. For example, a place where consumables (toner, sheets, etc.) are stored, and information indicating the usage status of the printer device 1 (number of print requests for images, etc.) are acquired as places where it is necessary to record the operation status. And a place where settings (print timing, print position, etc.) of the printer apparatus 1 are controlled in use.

  The own device operation status prediction unit 20 is for predicting the operation status of the printer device 1 based on the operation results of the second printer device 2 acquired by the operation result data acquisition unit 19. If the printer apparatus 1 has an operation record, the own apparatus operation condition prediction unit 20 may predict a future operation condition by using the own operation record recorded in the own apparatus operation condition management table 15. it can.

  2 is stored in a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) by a calculation means such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It can be realized by executing the programmed program code.

(Configuration of the second printer device)
Next, a configuration of the second printer device 2 to which a transmission request for operation result data is made from the printer device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The second printer device 2 (second printer device 2) according to this embodiment prints (forms) an image on a sheet (recording paper) based on image data acquired from the outside.
Each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c is connected to the printer device 1 and each of the client machines 3a, 3b via a communication cable 4.

  The second printer device 2a includes a card recording unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, a control unit 26, and an image forming unit 27.

  The card recording unit 23 reads out data stored in the storage unit 24 of the second printer apparatus 2a and records it on the memory card 34.

  The storage unit 24 stores data acquired from the outside, data generated by the control unit 8, and the like, and is a readable / writable nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk.

  The storage unit 24 includes own device information data 29 (other device information) that is device information indicating device performance such as functions and processing capabilities of the second printer device 2a itself, and operation of the second printer device 2a itself. And an own apparatus operating status management table 28 that records and manages the status.

  Each stored information is read by the control unit 26 or recorded by the control unit 26 as necessary. The device information data 29 may be recorded in the storage unit 24 in advance.

  The image forming unit 27 is for printing an image based on data received via the communication unit 25 or image data read by an image reading unit (not shown) on a sheet, for example. This sheet is conveyed from a paper feed tray (not shown) provided in the second printer device 2a, on which sheets for printing images are accumulated. Then, the sheet on which the image is printed by the image forming unit 27 is output to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

The control unit 26 controls and executes various processes in the second printer device 2a.
In the control unit 26, as shown in FIG. 1, functional blocks each including an own device operation status recording unit 30, an operation result transmitting unit 31, a device information transmitting unit 32, and a transmission requesting device specifying unit 33 are provided. ing.

  The transmission requesting device specifying unit 33 determines what data transmission is requested from which printer device among the printer device 1 and the second printer devices 2b and 2c connected in the same local area network. It is something to identify.

  When there is a request for transmitting device information indicating the function or processing capability of the second printer device 2a from another printer device, the device information transmitting unit 32 reads the device information data 29 from the storage unit 24, To the printer apparatus.

  The own apparatus operating status recording unit 30 records history information relating to the operating status of the second printer apparatus 2 a itself, and records the recording result in the own apparatus operating status management table 28.

  The operation result transmission unit 31 receives a history of its own operation status from the own device operation status management table 28 of the storage unit 24 when a request for transmission of history information regarding the operation status of the second printer device 2a is made from another printer device. Operation result data, which is data, is read, and this data is transmitted to the requesting printer apparatus.

  Note that these functional blocks can be realized, for example, by executing a program code stored in a recording medium such as a ROM or RAM by a calculation unit such as a CPU.

  In the above, each functional block of the control unit 8 of the printer apparatus 1 and the control unit 26 of the second printer apparatus 2a is “program code stored in a recording medium such as a ROM or a RAM by an arithmetic means such as a CPU”. However, the present invention may be realized by hardware that performs the same processing.

  Further, it can also be realized by combining hardware that performs a part of the processing and the above-described calculation means that executes the program code for controlling the hardware and the remaining processing.

  Further, even among the members described above as hardware, the hardware for performing a part of the processing and the arithmetic means for executing the program code for performing the control of the hardware and the remaining processing It can also be realized by combining them.

  The arithmetic means may be a single unit, or a plurality of arithmetic means connected via a bus inside the apparatus or various communication paths may execute the program code jointly.

  The program code itself that can be directly executed by the computing means, or a program as data that can be generated by a process such as decompression described later, stores the program (program code or the data) in a recording medium, A recording medium is distributed, or the program is distributed by being transmitted by a communication means for transmitting via a wired or wireless communication path, and is executed by the arithmetic means.

  In the case of transmission via a communication path, each transmission medium constituting the communication path propagates a signal sequence indicating a program, whereby the program is transmitted via the communication path. Further, when transmitting the signal sequence, the transmission device may superimpose the signal sequence on the carrier by modulating the carrier with the signal sequence indicating the program. In this case, a signal sequence is restored by a device receiving this carrier wave demodulating the carrier wave.

  On the other hand, when transmitting the signal sequence, the transmission device may divide and transmit the signal sequence as a digital data sequence. In this case, the receiving apparatus concatenates the received packet groups and restores the signal sequence. Further, when transmitting a signal sequence, the transmission device may multiplex and transmit the signal sequence with another signal sequence by a method such as time division / frequency division / code division. In this case, the receiving apparatus extracts and restores individual signal sequences from the multiplexed signal sequence. In any case, the same effect can be obtained if the program can be transmitted via the communication path.

  Here, it is preferable that the recording medium for distributing the program is removable, but it does not matter whether the recording medium after distributing the program is removable. In addition, the recording medium can be rewritten (written), volatile, or the recording method and shape as long as a program is stored. Examples of recording media include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks and hard disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks (MO), mini-discs (MD) and digital A disk such as a video disk (DVD) may be mentioned. The recording medium may be a card such as an IC card or an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash ROM. Or the memory formed in calculating means, such as CPU, may be sufficient.

  The program code may be a code for instructing the arithmetic means of all the procedures of the processes, or a basic program capable of executing a part or all of the processes by calling according to a predetermined procedure. If (for example, an operating system or a library) already exists, a part or all of the entire procedure may be replaced with a code or a pointer that instructs the arithmetic means to call the basic program.

  The format for storing the program in the recording medium may be a storage format that can be accessed and executed by the arithmetic means, for example, as in a state where the program is stored in the real memory, or is stored in the real memory. Installed in the local recording medium from the storage format after being installed in a local recording medium (for example, real memory or hard disk) that is always accessible by the computing means, or from a network or a transportable recording medium The previous storage format may be used.

  Further, the program is not limited to the compiled object code, but may be stored as source code or intermediate code generated during interpretation or compilation. In any case, the above calculation is performed by a process such as decompression of compressed information, decoding of encoded information, interpretation, compilation, linking, allocation to real memory, or a combination of processes. If the means can be converted into an executable format, the same effect can be obtained regardless of the format in which the program is stored in the recording medium.

  Although the configuration of the second printer device 2a has been described above, the other second printer devices 2b and 2c have the same configuration.

  In the above description, the configurations of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2a have been described. However, these printer devices are not limited to this configuration. For example, the printer apparatus 1 further includes a configuration similar to that of the second printer apparatus 2a, and can transmit its own operation result data in response to an operation result (operation result data) transmission request from another printer device. It may be a configuration. Further, the second printer device 2a may have a configuration similar to that of the printer device 1, and may be configured to request other printer devices to transmit operation result data.

(Example of obtaining operation results data)
Next, an example in which the printer apparatus 1 acquires operation result data from the second printer apparatus 2 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the printer apparatus 1 acquires operation result data from the second printing apparatus 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which device information of each second printer device 2 and the printer device 1 is displayed on the display unit 11.

  First, when the printer apparatus 1 is newly added to the network system as shown in FIG. 3, the other apparatus recognition unit 16 has another printer apparatus (second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c) in the same local area network. Is searched (step S1, hereinafter referred to as S1).

  As a result of the search, the other device recognition unit 16 confirms (recognizes) each of the printer devices (second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c) existing in the same local area (S2). ]), The process proceeds to the other apparatus information acquisition step.

  Specifically, in the other device information acquisition step, the other device information acquisition unit 17 of the printer device 1 sends its own device information data 29 including the respective device information to each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. Request to send.

  On the other hand, when such a request is made from the printer apparatus 1, in each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c, first, the transmission request apparatus specifying unit 33 specifies from which printer apparatus the transmission request is transmitted. To do. This specific result is that in this case, the transmission source of the transmission request is the printer device 1.

  Then, each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c transmits its own apparatus information data 29 indicating its function and processing capability to the printer apparatus 1. The device information data 29 is read from the storage unit 24.

  The own device information data 29 transmitted from each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c is received by the other device information acquisition unit 17.

  As described above, when the printer apparatus 1 acquires the own apparatus information data 29 included in each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c by the apparatus information acquisition step, the printer apparatus 1 then acquires the acquired own apparatus. Based on the information data 29, the process proceeds to a reference device selection step of selecting a second printer device (reference device) from which the operating status is to be acquired.

  The second printer device 2 selected as the reference device is a printer device having a function and processing capability that is the same as or similar to the printer device 1.

  In other words, the printer apparatus 1 compares the acquired own apparatus information data 29 of each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c with the own apparatus information data 13 indicating the function and processing capability of the own apparatus. Select. The selection of the reference device may be performed automatically by the printer device 1 or based on a user operation instruction.

  When the reference device is automatically selected from the second printer device 2 (“YES” in S3), the other device selection unit 18 stores the storage unit of the printer device 1 from the received individual device information data 29. 7, the optimum second printer device 2 that matches / similar to the function and processing capability of the printer device 1 is automatically selected (S 4).

  Here, the comparison and selection of the apparatus information data 29 and 13 between the second printer apparatus 2 and the first printer apparatus 1 are specifically performed as follows.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the self-device information data 29 of the second printer device 2a is device type-MFP (Multi Function Printer), printing method-monochrome, processing capacity-50 ppm (Page Per Minute), In the two-printer apparatus 2b, it is assumed that the apparatus type-MFP, printing method-monochrome, processing capacity-30 ppm, and in the second printer apparatus 2c, the apparatus type-MFP, printing method-color, processing capacity-20 ppm. Assume that the self-device information data 13 of the printer device 1 is a printer device 1a of type-MFP, printing method-black and white, and processing capacity-50 ppm.

  In this case, the second printer device 2 (reference device) having a function or processing capability that matches the printer device 1a is the second printer device 2a. Therefore, the other device selection unit 18 selects the second printer device 2a as the reference device from among the second printer devices 2.

  As described above, when the optimum second printer device 2a having the same function or processing capability as the printer device 1a is selected from the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c (“YES” in S5), The operation result data acquisition unit 19 requests the second printer device 2a to transmit operation result data indicating the history of the operation status. That is, the process proceeds to the operation result acquisition step.

  In the operation result acquisition step, when the second printer device 2a receives this request, the operation result transmission unit 31 reads the operation result data of the second printer device 2a from the own device operation status management table 28 of the storage unit 24, And it transmits to the printer apparatus 1a.

  On the other hand, in the printer device 1a, the operation result data transmitted from the second printer device 2a is received by the operation result data acquisition unit 19 and recorded in the storage unit 7 as the other device operation result data 14 (S6).

  In this way, the printer apparatus 1 automatically selects the second printer apparatus 2a from the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c, and acquires the operation result data of the selected second printer apparatus 2a. be able to.

  When the printer device 1 acquires the operation result (other device operation result) from the second printer device 2a, the printer device 1 uses the operation result to make a prediction regarding the operation state of the own device (S11) (operation state prediction step). The operation status prediction (operation status prediction step) will be described later.

  Although the processing for automatically obtaining the operation result data of the second printer device 2a has been described above, the selection of the second printer device 2 can be performed manually by the user. That is, in the processing flow of FIG. 4, “NO” in step S3 and “YES” in step S7.

  Whether the second printer device as the reference device is automatically selected from the second printer devices 2 or whether or not the user is prompted to select is selected by the user through the operation unit 10. It can be determined by selecting in advance. Alternatively, it may be configured such that a predetermined printer device is automatically selected first, and when the optimum printer device cannot be selected, the user's manual selection is switched.

  When a predetermined second printer device 2 is selected as a reference device by the user's manual operation (“YES” in S7), each second printer device 2a, 2b, acquired by the other device information acquisition unit 17 as described above is used. The device information 2c (own device information data 29) is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 11.

  Here, it is assumed that this display is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, for example. That is, as a device list, the second printer device 2a has device type-MFP / monochrome, processing capability 50 ppm, and the second printer device 2b has device type-MFP / monochrome, processing capability 30 ppm, second printer device. 2c is the device type-printer color, and the processing capacity is 30 ppm. On the other hand, the printer apparatus 1 (this apparatus) has an apparatus type—MFP / monochrome, and a processing capacity of 30 ppm.

In this case, the user can select the second printer apparatus 2b as an optimum apparatus that matches / similars the function and processing capability of the printer apparatus 1.
In this selection, a mark indicating the selection displayed on the display screen is moved to a position indicating a list of predetermined second printer devices 2 by the user using the operation unit 10, and a “selection button” indicating the selection is operated. It can be realized by doing.

  The operation unit 10 may be configured as a touch sensor on the display screen, for example, and may be configured to allow the operation unit 10 to be operated by operating a graphical operation key displayed on the display screen. Further, the operation unit 10 may be provided separately from the display screen, and may be configured such that the operation instruction state of the operation unit 10 is reflected on the display screen of the display unit 11.

  In this way, when the second printer device 2 that matches / similar to the function or processing capability of the printer device 1 is selected by the user's manual operation, the operation result data acquisition unit 19 selects the selected second printer device. 2 is requested to transmit operation result data. The subsequent processing is the same as the method for automatically selecting the predetermined second printer device 2 and will not be described.

  In the above, the printer device 1 automatically acquires the operation result data of the second printer device 2a (reference device) and the operation result data of the second printer device 2a (reference device) manually by the user. Although the process to acquire was demonstrated separately, it is not limited to this. For example, the printer device 1 automatically compares the result of selecting the reference device from the second printer device 2 with the result of selecting the reference device from the second printer device 2 manually by the user, and the printer It may be configured to check whether the reference device automatically selected by the device 1 is optimal.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the second printer device 2 is automatically selected or when the user manually selects the second printer device 2, the second printer device 2 having the same function and processing capability as the printer device 1 exists, so that the selection is easy. However, the second printer device whose function or processing capability matches that of the printer device 1 does not necessarily exist in the same local area.

  Next, processing when the second printer device 2 that matches the function and processing capability of the printer device 1 does not exist in the same local area will be described.

  In step S2, it is confirmed that the second printer device 2 exists in the same local area, and the other device information acquisition unit 17 acquires device information (own device information data 29) from each of the second printer devices 2. . At this time, it is assumed that the acquired list of device information is the list shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the device information (own device information data 13) of the printer device 1 is that of the printer device 1b shown in FIG.

In this case, there is no second printer device 2 that coincides with the printer device 1b, but among these second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c, the printer device closest to the function and processing capability of the printer device 1b is the second printer device. Device 2b.
For this reason, in the printer apparatus 1, the other apparatus selection unit 18 may automatically select the second printer apparatus 2b. If there is no matching second printer apparatus 2 at the time of this selection, it may be manually selected. It may be preset to select the second printer device 2.

  The setting of whether to perform manual selection or to automatically select the second printer device 2 having the closest function or processing capability is set in the printer device 1 in advance by the user.

  That is, when the second printer device 2 having the same function or processing capability does not exist in the same local area network in the selection of the predetermined second printer device 2, it is set to always switch to the manual selection by the user. Also good. In addition, in the items indicated in the own device information data 13 and 29, for example, when a specific item such as the processing capability of the printer device 1 does not match the second printer device 2, the user manually operates the second printer device 2. It may be set to select.

  Here, in the printer apparatus 1b, since there is no second printer apparatus 2 having the same apparatus information, it is assumed that the user apparatus is set to be switched to manual selection. In this case, the apparatus information of each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c and the printer apparatus 1b is displayed on the display unit 11 as described above. Here, it is assumed that the newly added printer apparatus 1b is intended to be used only as a printer for printing data from the outside. In this case, the item of whether the device type is MFP or a simple printer in the device information is not important. For this reason, the user selects the second printer device 2b that matches other items.

  As described above, the printer apparatus 1 not only automatically selects the second printer apparatus 2, but also allows the user to select the second printer apparatus 2 with higher accuracy by using the manual selection together. To do.

  Next, when the own apparatus information data 13 of the printer apparatus 1 is not identical or similar to the own apparatus information data 29 of each of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c as in the printer apparatus 1c shown in FIG. Examples will be described.

  First, it is assumed that the apparatus information of the printer apparatus 1 is the printer apparatus 1c shown in FIG. 5 (apparatus type—MFP, color, processing capacity—5 ppm). Further, it is assumed that the device information of each second printer device 2 is as shown in FIG. When the second printer device 2 is automatically selected, if there is no second printer device whose device information matches that of the printer device 1, it is set to switch to manual selection by the user.

  When the printer device 1c acquires the respective device information data from the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, the other device selection unit 18 automatically compares these data with its own device information data. As a result of this comparison, there is no second printer device 2a, 2b, 2c having a function or processing capability that matches that of the printer device 1c, so that the other device selection unit 18 is switched to the manual selection unit 22. Then, the acquired device information of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c and its own device information are displayed on the display unit 11, respectively.

  Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the user cannot select an appropriate second printer device 2 because there is a large difference in device information between the printer device 1c and each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c.

  In this case, the user does not select any of the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c by the operation unit 10. That is, the printer device 1c does not acquire operation result data from any of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c (S10).

  As described above, when the printer device 1c does not acquire the operation record data from the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, the printer device 1c is a general one based on the usage situation of a typical user set in advance. It operates according to the operation content (default mode).

(Example 1 of operating status prediction)
Next, an example of an operation status prediction step in which the printer device 1 predicts its own operation status based on the operation result data acquired from the predetermined second printer device 2 by the processing steps described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial operation result of the printer device 1 and an operation result of the selected second printer device 2 (reference device). FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the monthly operation results of the selected second printer device 2 (reference device), and FIG. 5B shows the selected second printer device 2 (reference device). It is a figure which shows an example of the operation performance of the week of (). FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of the initial operation results of the printer apparatus 1, and FIG. 4D shows an example of the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 predicted based on its own operation result data. FIG. Further, FIG. 5E is a diagram showing an example of the initial operation results of the printer apparatus 1. FIG. 8F shows the printer apparatus 1 predicted based only on its own operation results recorded in the trial period. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation performance.

  When the printer device 1 acquires operation result data from the second printer device 2 as a reference device, the acquired data is validated before the future operation status of the printer device 1 is predicted based on the operation result data. It is necessary to examine sex.

  In other words, the selection of the second printer device 2 from which the operation result data is obtained will be used by the user in the same local area network between printer devices having similar functions and processing capabilities. This is based on the assumption.

  However, when the actual operation result of the selected second printer device 2 and the newly added actual operation result of the printer device 1 are different in actual use, the prediction of the operation status of the printer device 1 is based on erroneous data. Will be done.

  Therefore, in order to prevent such an erroneous operation status prediction or the like, the printer apparatus 1 checks whether or not the acquired operation result data is valid and uses this data for the prediction of the own apparatus. Decide if.

  By the way, when a new printer apparatus 1 is added, the printer apparatus 1 is not always fully operational. For example, during the trial run of the printer apparatus 1 or until all users who use the system start using the newly added printer apparatus 1, the actual operation results are the use of the normally used printer apparatus 1. The situation is different.

  For example, referring to the graph showing the initial operation results of the printer device 1 shown in FIG. 7C or FIG. 7E, the operation results in the introduction period and the operation results in the trial period are greatly different.

  The introduction period is a predetermined period after the printer apparatus 1 is newly installed, and is, for example, a period until a trial operation of the apparatus or until all users start using the printer apparatus. The trial period is a predetermined period after the printer apparatus 1 is installed and after the introduction period. That is, the trial period may be a period predetermined by the user such as one week or one month, or the user may instruct the printer device 1 to start full-scale operation by the operation unit 10. It may be a period until the time of performing.

  The trial period is preferably set according to the usage status of the printer device 1 of the user. For example, in a situation where the user uses the printer device 1 almost regularly in a weekly cycle, it is preferable that at least one round after the introduction period is assigned as the trial period.

  Further, the operation results shown in FIG. 7C or FIG. 7E specifically include the operation time of the printer device in one day, the number of print output requests from the user, and the number of printed sheets. Based on the above, the relative values that can be compared with the printer device (second printer device 2) used in the same network system are graphed.

  Therefore, since the printer device 1 has different operation results in the introduction period and the trial period, the value of the operation results of the printer device 1 obtained in the introduction period is not significant, and the future usage situation is It is not preferable as a predicted value.

  Therefore, the printer apparatus 1 is set so as not to record its own operation results during this introduction period. That is, when the printer apparatus 1 appropriately examines the operation record data acquired from the selected second printer apparatus 2, the operation record of the printer apparatus 1 during this introduction period is not considered.

  In the trial period after the introduction period, the printer apparatus 1 determines the validity of the operation result data acquired from the selected second printer apparatus 2. That is, the validity of the operation result data is determined based on the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 for a certain period in the trial period.

  The determination of the validity of the operation result data indicates both operation results by comparing the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 in the trial period with the operation results indicated in the operation result data acquired from the second printer apparatus 2. This is accomplished by comparing whether the graph features match.

  For example, it is assumed that the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 are as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7C, a certain periodicity is seen in the graph of the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 in the trial period after the introduction period.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that a graph of the operation results of the selected second printer device 2 is as shown in FIG. 7A or 7B.

  With reference to FIG. 7A, periodicity is also seen in the operation results of the second printer device 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second printer device 2 has a period of one week from Sunday to Saturday, and the second printer device 2 has a little more on Monday every week. There are certain features in the operating results, with the operating results falling on Tuesdays, the most operating on Thursday and Friday, and again on Saturdays.

  Therefore, the printer device 1 determines whether or not the feature indicating its own operation performance from Sunday to Saturday matches the feature indicated by the operation history of the second printer device. When the characteristics indicated by the operation results of both printer apparatuses match, the operation result data acquired from the second printer device 2 is valid data, and the printer device recorded during the trial period based on the operation result data. 1 including the actual operation results of 1 is predicted. The predicted result is an operation result as shown in FIG. 7D, for example. The printer device 1 is set or managed according to the predicted operation performance.

  The printer device 1 is set to operate in the default mode between the introduction period and the trial period in which the validity of the acquired operation result data is determined. That is, the validity of the acquired operation result data is determined, and the printer device 1 operates according to the predicted operation state from the time when the operation result of the printer device 1 is predicted.

  The printer apparatus 1 has a configuration in which the trial period is set in advance to a predetermined period, and the validity of the operation result data is determined when the predetermined period comes. Moreover, the structure which instruct | indicates the timing which judges the effectiveness of operation performance data by the operation part 10 may be sufficient.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the predetermined period set as the trial period is determined according to the business form of the user. For example, when the user using this system is in a form of performing business regularly in a cycle of one week, it is necessary to set at least one week as a trial period and record the operation results during this period.

  Further, it is assumed that the printer apparatus 1 has an operation record as shown in FIG. In this case, the result is greatly different from the operation result indicated by the operation result data acquired from the selected second printer device 2. As described above, when the operation result of the first printer device 1 is different from the operation result of the second printer device 2, the future operation result of the printer device 1 based on the operation result data acquired from the second printer device 2. Predicting is an incorrect prediction.

  Therefore, in such a case, the printer apparatus 1 does not use the acquired operation result data, but performs prediction based only on its own operation result data recorded in the trial period (stand-alone prediction). For example, the result of this prediction is an operation result as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the printer apparatus 1 examines the validity of the operation record data acquired from the second printer apparatus 2 and, if the operation record data is valid, the printer apparatus 1 operates itself based on the operation record data. Predict the situation.

  On the other hand, if the operation result data does not match the actual operation status of the printer device and this data is determined to be invalid, the printer device 1 operates based on only its own operation result data. Predict the situation.

  Thus, since the printer apparatus 1 can use the data after confirming the validity of the acquired operation result data, it is possible to predict the operation status with higher accuracy.

(Example 2 of operating status prediction)
Next, another example of predicting the operation status of the printer apparatus 1 based on the operation result data acquired from the second printer apparatus 2 will be described.

  In the case of “Example 1 of operation status prediction” described above, the printer apparatus 1 operates based on the default mode for the introduction period and the trial period of the printer apparatus 1. For this reason, during the introduction period and the trial period, the printer apparatus 1 is not set in accordance with the actual use situation, and is compared with the other second printer apparatus 2 in the same local area. Convenience is reduced.

  Therefore, in “Operation Status Prediction Example 2”, the printer apparatus 1 is set according to the prediction of the operation status based on the operation result data of the second printer device 2 selected as the reference device from the time of installation. It is comprised so that. Then, after the introduction period, the printer apparatus 1 examines the suitability of the setting according to the prediction of the operation result data based on the result of the trial period.

  As in the case of the “prediction example 1 based on the operation result data” described above, the examination of the suitability of the setting according to the prediction is performed as the operation result in the trial period of the printer device 1 and the reference device used for the prediction. 2 is performed by comparing whether or not the characteristics of the operation results of the printer apparatus 2 match.

  As a result of this examination, when the actual operation results of the printer device 1 and the operation results of the second printer device 2 used for the prediction match, the printer device 1 is used as it is without changing the setting. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the characteristics of the actual operation record of the printer device 1 and the operation record of the second printer device 2 used for prediction do not match, the printer device 1 uses the operation record data acquired from the second printer device 2. While canceling the use of the prediction result based on it, the future operation status is predicted based on its own operation results. For example, when the printer apparatus 1 has the operation record shown in FIG. 7C, it matches the operation record of the second printer apparatus 2. Therefore, the printer apparatus 1 can be operated as soon as it is installed in the system. Settings are made based on the prediction of the situation.

  As described above, the printer apparatus 1 can perform settings based on an appropriate usage situation from the beginning of introduction in the system. Even when the operation result of the second printer device 2 selected as the reference device is different from the operation result of the printer device 1, the correction can be made based on the result of the trial period.

  Therefore, the printer apparatus 1 can provide the user with the same convenience as the second printer apparatus 2 already installed in the operation status prediction system 100 from the beginning.

(Example 3 of operating status prediction)
Next, when the operation results of the selected second printer device 2 and the printer device 1 are different, or when a predetermined second printer device is selected, the functions and processing capabilities of the printer device 1 are the same / similar to each other. 2 Another example of predicting the operation status of the printer apparatus 1 when the printer apparatus 1 is operating in the default mode because the printer apparatus 2 does not exist in the operation status prediction system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of operation results in each of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2 according to the present embodiment. (A), (b), (c) is a diagram showing an example of the operation results of each of the second printer devices 2 (a), (b), (c), and (d) in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation performance of the apparatus. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of functions related to printer device control processing of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2.

  The printer device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to acquire operation result data from the second printer device 2 similar to the feature indicated by its own operation result, and to predict the operation status based on this data. . That is, since the predetermined second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are not selected based on the device information of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, as shown in FIG. 11, the printer device 1 shown in FIG. The configuration differs from the following points.

  That is, the printer device 1 according to the present embodiment does not need to include the other device information acquisition unit 17 in the control unit 8 and does not need to record the own device information data 13 in the storage unit 7. Further, an operation result selection unit 34 is provided instead of the other device selection unit 18 (manual selection unit (user device selection means) 22).

  The operation result selection unit 34 compares the other device operation result data 14 of the storage unit 7 with the data of the operation result of the own device (own device operation result) in the own device operation status management table 15 to determine the operation result. The second printer device 2 having similar characteristics is selected as a reference device that acquires operation result data.

  On the other hand, the second printer device 2a does not need to include the device information transmitting unit 32 in the control unit 26, and does not need to record its own device information data in the storage unit 24. 2 different from the printer device 2a. A description of the same members having the same functions as those of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2a shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  Here, acquisition of operation result data of the printer apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and prediction based on the data will be described.

  Similar to the printer apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the printer apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes other printer apparatuses (second printer apparatuses 2 a, 2 b, 2 c) in the same local area network with the other apparatus recognition unit 16. Search for the existence of.

  As a result of the search, the other device recognition unit 16 identifies each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c existing in the same local area. When it is determined that the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c exist in the same local area, the operation result data acquisition unit 19 sends the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c on the system to each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. Requesting to transmit operation result data indicating the history of each operation status.

  Further, when each second printing apparatus 2 a, 2 b, 2 c receives a request for transmission of operation result data from the printer apparatus 1, each operation result transmission unit 31 reads from the own apparatus operation status management table 28 in the storage unit 24. Operation result data is acquired and transmitted to the printer apparatus 1.

  Then, when the operation result data acquisition unit 19 acquires the operation result data from each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, the printer device 1 stores the acquired operation result data in the storage unit 7 in the other device operation. Recorded as performance data 14. Then, the operation result selection unit 34 compares the operation result data of each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c in the storage unit 7 with the operation result data of the printer device 1 recorded by the own device operation status recording unit 21. Then, the operation result data of the second printer device having the same / similar characteristics of the operation results is selected.

For example, the operation results shown in FIG. 8A are the operation results of the second printer device 2a, the operation results shown in FIG. 8B are the operation results of the second printer device 2b, and FIG. It is assumed that the operation result shown is the operation result of the second printer device 2c. In this case, the feature of the operation result of the printer device 1 (FIG. 8D) is similar to the feature of the operation result of the second printer device 2b. That is, both the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2b have no operation record on Sunday, and the operation amount from Monday to Wednesday is small. The operation amount is large on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday, the second printer device 2b has no operation record, and the printer device 1 has a small operation record. As described above, when the operation results of the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2b are compared, the tendency of increase / decrease in the operation amounts of both printer devices in the operation results in one week is similar.
Therefore, the printer device 1 selects and uses the operation result of the second printer device 2b in order to predict the operation status.

  Then, the own apparatus operation status prediction unit 20 predicts its own operation status based on the selected operation result data of the second printer device 2b and the operation result data based on the actual operation result of the printer device 1.

  In this way, the printer device 1 is configured to be able to directly select the operation result data of the second printer device 2 with similar operation results and predict its own operation status based on the selected data. For this reason, even if the printer apparatus 1 has only a short period of operation results, it can predict the long-term operation status. Further, since the printer device 1 can predict the operation status of itself based on the actual operation result data of the printer device 1 and the operation result data of the second printer device 2 similar to the operation result data, the printer device 1 has higher accuracy. Prediction becomes possible.

  The printer device 1 acquires operation result data from each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and from the acquired data, an operation result similar to its own operation status is obtained. Although it is a structure used for prediction, it is not limited to this. For example, the data acquired from each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c may be data indicating characteristics of each operation result data, not the operation result data. In this case, since it is not necessary to receive each operation result data from each second printer 2a, 2b, 2c, the amount of data to be received can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to compare the characteristics of the operation result data by specifying a predetermined period such as a busy period or a quiet period of the user's business.

  Note that the data indicating the characteristics of each operation result data is, for example, the annual cycle of a period (busy period) in which the second printing apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c have a large number of requests for print instructions from the user. (Period), the relative ratio of the number of requests for printing instructions from the user during busy periods and quiet periods, and the total amount used (for example, the total number of printed sheets, the amount of toner used, the number of sheets used, etc.) Or data indicating an operation tendency or characteristics of each day of the week in the operation performance cycle. This data is recorded in the own apparatus operation status management table 28 together with operation result data indicating the history of the actual operation status of the second printer apparatus.

  In the above description, the printer apparatus 1 is newly installed in a network system in which the second printer apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c and the client machines 3a and 3b are connected to each other via the communication cable 4. I have explained.

  However, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the printer device 1 is replaced with one of the second printer devices 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, the replaced printer device 1 receives the operation result data from the second printer device 2. It is possible to obtain and predict an appropriate operation status. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an embodiment in which the printer apparatus 1 is replaced with one of the existing second printer apparatuses 2.

  For example, assume that the printer apparatus 1 is installed instead of the second printer apparatus 2a as shown in FIG. When the predetermined second printer device 2a and the printer device 1 are replaced in this manner, the user is expected to take over the role of the second printer device 2a. Therefore, it is not necessary to select the second printer device 2 having the same / similar function or processing capability from the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c. That is, the printer apparatus 1 can acquire the operation result of the second printer apparatus 2a as it is and use the data for the prediction of the operation status.

Further, the printer device 1 can acquire the operation result data of the second printer device 2a via a storage medium such as a memory card 34 as shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which operation result data is recorded from the second printer device 2 a to the printer device 1 via the memory card 34.

  That is, when the memory card 34 is inserted in the second printer device 2a, the card recording unit 23 reads the operation result data of the second printer device 2a from the own device operation status management table 28 in the storage unit 24, and stores it. Record in the memory card 34.

Next, when the memory card 34 in which the operation result data is recorded is inserted into the printer device 1, the card reading unit 6 reads out the operation result data of the second printer device 2 a recorded in the memory card 34. Recorded in the storage unit 7 as other device operation result data 14. Then, the own device operation status prediction unit 20 uses this operation result data to predict its own operation status.
The prediction of the operation status is the same as that in the case of the “embodiment in which the printer apparatus 1 is newly added in the present system” described above, and will not be described.

  As described above, even when the printer device 1 is used by being replaced with the predetermined second printer device 2, the printer device 1 acquires the operation result data of the second printer device 2 through the memory card 34. And based on this data, the setting and management according to the prediction of its own operation status can be performed.

  As described above, the printer apparatus 1 has the card reading unit 6 and the own apparatus operation status prediction unit 20, reads the operation result data recorded in the memory card 34, and determines the operation status based on the operation result data. It is the structure which can perform prediction. On the other hand, the second printer device 2 can read the operation result data recorded by the own device operation status recording unit 30 from the own device operation status management table 28 in the storage unit 24 and record it on the memory card 34. is there.

  Therefore, even when the printer device 1 and the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are not connected to each other by the communication cable 4, each device information and operation result data are recorded in the memory card 34. The printer device 1 can predict the operation status of the printer device 1 based on the operation result data of the appropriate second printer device 2.

  Further, the storage medium for distributing operation result data and the like from the second printer device 2 to the printer device 1 is not limited to the memory card 34. In other words, the recording medium used to distribute the operation results or the like may be any recording medium that can be removed and can be rewritten (written). Examples of recording media include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks and hard disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks (MO), mini-discs (MD) and digital A disk such as a video disk (DVD) may be mentioned. The recording medium may be a card such as an IC card or an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash ROM.

  Further, the present system is configured such that the printer device 1, the second printer devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and the client machines 3a, 3b are connected to each other via the communication cable 4, but the second printer device The number of 2 and the number of installed client machines 3 are not limited to this, and are preferably selected as appropriate according to the number of users using the system and the frequency with which the user uses the printer device.

  The communication medium for interconnecting the second printer device 2, the printer device 1, and the client machines 3 is the communication cable 4. However, the communication medium is not limited to this, and transmission paths such as radio waves and infrared rays are used. Each device may be interconnected by the wireless LAN.

  In the operation status prediction system 100 according to the present embodiment, one printer device 1 is newly added or replaced with one of the existing second printer devices 2. Is not limited to this, and a plurality of units may be used.

  In addition, the printer device 1 is used as a reference device from among the second printer devices, and the own device information data 29 (other device information) or the operation result that matches or most closely matches the own device information data 13 or the operation result of the own device. However, the number of the second printer device 2 selected as the reference device is not limited to one. That is, a plurality of reference devices may be selected as reference devices for the printer device 1.

  In the operation status prediction system 100, the printer apparatus 1 selects a second printer apparatus that matches or is similar to the own printer apparatus from the second printer apparatuses 2 in the same local area, and selects the selected second printer apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, device information and operation results of each second printer device 2 are managed by, for example, a server in the same local area, and the printer device 1 is device information that matches or is similar to its own device from this server. The configuration may be such that the operation results of the second printer device can be acquired. That is, the other device information acquisition unit 17 acquires the device information of each of the second printer devices 2a, 2b, and 2c managed by the server from this server, and based on the acquired device information, the other device selection unit 18 selects the second printer device 2 that matches or is similar to the device information of the own device. And the structure which the operation performance data acquisition part 19 acquires the operation performance of the selected 2nd printer apparatus 2 from a server may be sufficient.

  Since the printer device 1 and the second printer device 2 and the system constituted by these printer devices share each other's information and can select and use the information in each printer device, many printer devices and copy devices It can be applied as a system in an environment such as an office where a computer is installed, a copy service, or a printing service.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the function relevant to the printer apparatus control process of the printer apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd printer apparatus. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system in which a printer device and a client machine are connected to each other in a local area network. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system in which the printer apparatus is newly added in the network system illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the printer device acquires operation result data from the second printing device. It is a figure which shows one structural example of the apparatus information of a printer apparatus and a 2nd printer apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed the apparatus information of each 2nd printer apparatus and printer apparatus on the display part. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial operation result of a printer device and an operation result of a selected second printer device, and FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a monthly operation result of the selected second printer device. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the weekly operation results of the selected second printer device, and FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of the initial operation results of the printer device. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an example of the operation result of the printer device predicted based on the operation result data of the printer device, and FIG. 8E shows an example of the initial operation result of the printer device. FIG. 5F is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation results of the printer apparatus 1 predicted based on only the operation results of the printer recorded during the trial period. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation results in each of the printer device and the second printer device, and FIGS. (A), (b), and (c) are the second printer devices (a), (b), and (c). It is a figure which shows an example of each operation | movement record, The same figure (d) is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement record of a printer apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment when the printer device is replaced with an existing second printer device. It is a figure which shows the example which records operation performance data from a 2nd printer apparatus to a printer apparatus via a memory card. It is a block diagram which shows the other schematic structure of the function relevant to the printer apparatus control processing of the printer apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd printer apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer apparatus 2 2nd printer apparatus 6 Card reading part 7 Memory | storage part 8 Control part 11 Display part (display means)
13 Own device information data (own device information)
14 Other device operation result data 15 Self-device operation status management table 16 Other device recognition unit 17 Other device information acquisition unit (other device information acquisition means)
18 Other device selection unit (device selection means)
19 Operation result data acquisition unit (operation result acquisition means)
20 Self-device operation status prediction section (operation status prediction means)
21 Self-device operation status recording unit (self-device operation status recording means)
22 Manual selection unit (user device selection means)
23 Card recording unit 24 Storage unit 26 Control unit 28 Own device operating status management table 29 Own device information data (other device information)
30 Self-device operation status recording unit (self-device operation status recording means)
31 Operation result transmission part (operation result transmission means)
32 Device information transmission unit (device information transmission means)
33 Transmission requesting device specifying unit 34 Operation result selection unit (operation result selection means)
100 Operation status prediction system

Claims (11)

A printer device connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network,
Other device information acquisition means for acquiring other device information that is information relating to the performance of the other printer device from the other printer device;
Compare the own device information, which is information related to the performance of the own device, with the other device information, and select the other printer device having other device information that matches or is similar to the own device information as the reference device. Device selection means to perform,
A printer apparatus comprising: an operation result acquisition means for acquiring a reference device operation result that is history information of an operation status of the reference device from the reference device. Display means for displaying other device information of the other printer device;
2. The printer device according to claim 1, further comprising user device selection means for selecting the reference device from a selection of the other printer device by a user. A printer device interconnected with one or more other printer devices via a communication network,
An operation result acquisition means for acquiring the other device operation result which is the history information of the operation status of the other printer device from the other printer device;
Own device operation status recording means for recording own device operation results, which is history information of the operation status of the own device;
A printer device comprising: device selection means for selecting, as a reference device, another printer device having another device operation record that matches or resembles the own device operation record from the other device operation record. Display means for displaying other device operation results of the other printer devices;
4. The printer device according to claim 3, further comprising user device selection means for selecting the reference device from among the other printer devices by a user's selection.   The printer apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation state prediction unit that predicts an operation state of the own device based on an operation result of the reference device.   6. The printer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operating status predicting unit determines whether or not to make a prediction based on the operating performance of the reference device according to the operating history of the device in a predetermined period. A device information transmitting means for transmitting the device information to the other printer device when receiving a request for transmitting device information from another printer device;
An operation result transmission means for transmitting the own device operation result to the other printer device when a request for transmission of the own device operation result held in advance in the own device is received from another printer device; The printer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An operation status prediction method for a printer device connected to one or more other printer devices via a communication network,
Other device information acquisition step for acquiring other device information, which is information relating to the performance of the other printer device, from the other printer device;
The self-device information, which is information related to the performance of the self-device, is compared with the other device information, and a device having other device information that matches or is similar to the self-device information is selected as the reference device from the other printer devices A device selection step;
An operation result acquisition step for acquiring a reference device operation result that is history information of an operation status of the reference device of the reference device from the reference device;
An operation status prediction method comprising: an operation status prediction step for predicting the operation status of the device itself based on the operation performance of the reference device.   An operation status prediction system comprising the printer device according to claim 5 and a reference device.   8. A printer apparatus control program for operating the printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer apparatus causes the computer to function as each means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program for the printer apparatus according to claim 10 is recorded.

Images