JP2007257516A - Information processing device, image processing device, information processing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing server capable of automatically selecting application software with improved convenience for each user and presenting it. <P>SOLUTION: When the information processing server capable of communicating with an MFP through a network receives processing information of the MFP and user information of a user who instructed the MFP to execute processing (Step S101), it creates a processing history for each user (Step S102) based on the acquired processing information and the user information. It then determines whether the created processing history meets any one of the trigger conditions of the conditions regarding the processing history (Step S103). When it determines that the processing history meets the trigger condition (YES in Step S103), it notifies the user who instructed the processing of the presence of the application software associated with the trigger condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for presenting application software to a user.

A technique for presenting application software to a user is conventionally known. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a new optional function is added to the image processing apparatus, application software necessary for using the optional function is presented to the user, and the user is prompted to install the application software. Technology is disclosed.
JP 2004-54739 A

By the way, it is expected that various kinds of application software will be provided in the future by opening API (Application Program Interface). Under these trends, it will become increasingly difficult for users to fully understand the functional contents of these various application software and select only the necessary ones.
Therefore, it is desired to develop a technology that automatically selects and presents application software that is highly convenient for each user, that is, highly convenient application software for each user.

Although the technology according to Patent Document 1 presents application software necessary for using a new optional function to a user, highly convenient application software for each user is automatically selected from various application software. However, it has not yet been selected and presented.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of automatically selecting and presenting convenient application software for each user And a recording medium.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus via a network, and includes processing information of the image processing apparatus and user information of a user who instructs the image processing apparatus to perform processing. Main information acquisition means for acquiring information, history generation means for generating a processing history for each user based on the acquired processing information and user information, and storage means for storing application software information in association with conditions relating to the processing history A condition determination unit that determines whether or not the processing history created by the history creation unit satisfies any predetermined condition of the conditions related to the processing history, and the processing history is determined by the condition determination unit When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the presence of the application software associated with the predetermined condition is Characterized in that it comprises a notifying means for notifying the user who instructed the management.

In the present invention, a history when an image processing apparatus is used for each user is created, and when the history satisfies a predetermined condition, the user is notified of the presence of application software associated with the predetermined condition Therefore, more convenient application software can be presented according to the actual usage of each user.
In addition, an installation information acquisition unit that acquires information about application software installed in a terminal device of a user who has instructed processing, and application software that is associated with the predetermined condition based on the acquired installation information includes: Installation determining means for determining whether or not the software is installed in the terminal device, and the notification means has already installed application software associated with the predetermined condition in the terminal device by the installation determining means. If it is determined that the application software is used, the installation determination unit notifies the terminal device of the application software associated with the predetermined condition. If it is determined not to be installed, it is preferable that the notification is prompted to install the application software to the terminal device.

Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user of appropriate information according to the installation status of the application software in the user terminal device.
Here, it further comprises logon determination means for determining whether or not the terminal device of the user who instructed the process is logged on to the network, and the notification means determines that the terminal device is logged on to the network. If it is determined by the means, it is notified by displaying it on the display screen of the terminal device, and if it is determined by the logon determining means that the terminal device is not logged on to the network, it is sent by e-mail. It is characterized by notifying.

Thereby, the presence of the application software can be notified to the user regardless of whether or not the terminal device is logged on to the network.
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention associates user information acquisition means for acquiring information of a user who has instructed processing, history creation means for creating a processing history for each user, and application software information in association with conditions relating to the processing history. Storage means for storing the condition, condition determination means for determining whether or not the processing history created by the history creation means satisfies any one of the conditions related to the processing history, and the condition determination means When it is determined that the processing history satisfies the predetermined condition, the information processing apparatus includes notification means for notifying a user who has instructed the processing of the presence of application software associated with the predetermined condition.

In the present invention, a history when the image processing apparatus is used for each user is created, and when the history satisfies a predetermined condition, the user is notified of the presence of application software associated with the predetermined condition Therefore, more convenient application software can be presented according to the actual usage of each user.
In the image processing apparatus described above, an installation information acquisition unit that acquires information about application software installed in the terminal device of the user who has instructed the processing, and the predetermined condition is associated with the predetermined condition based on the acquired installation information. Installation determining means for determining whether or not the application software being installed is installed in the terminal device, and the notifying means includes the application software associated with the predetermined condition by the installation determining means. If it is determined that the application is already installed in the terminal device, a notification is made to prompt the user to use the application software, and the application determination unit is configured to notify the application software associated with the predetermined condition. Towea is, if it is determined not to be installed in the terminal device, it is desirable that the notification is prompted to install the application software to the terminal device.

Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user of appropriate information according to the installation status of the application software in the user terminal device.
Here, the image processing apparatus is connected to a network, and further includes logon determination means for determining whether the terminal device of the user who has instructed the process is logged on to the network, and the notification means When the logon determination means determines that the terminal device is logged on to the network, the terminal device is notified by displaying on the display screen of the terminal device, and the terminal device is not logged on to the network. When it is determined by the logon determination means, it is notified by e-mail.

Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of the application software regardless of whether or not the terminal device is logged on to the network.
An information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, and obtains processing information of an image processing apparatus and user information of a user who instructs the image processing apparatus to perform processing. And a history creation step for creating a processing history for each user based on the acquired processing information and user information, and a condition regarding the processing history in which the processing history created by the history creation step is associated with the application software information A condition determination step for determining whether or not any one of the predetermined conditions is satisfied, and when the processing history is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition by the condition determination step, the condition is associated with the predetermined condition A notification step for notifying the user who has instructed the processing of the presence of the application software. And butterflies.

  Further, the program according to the present invention is based on the information acquisition step of acquiring the processing information of the image processing device and the user information of the user who instructed the image processing device to perform the processing, and the acquired processing information and user information. Whether or not a history creation step for creating a processing history for each user and the processing history created by the history creation step satisfy any one of the conditions related to the processing history associated with the application software information If the processing history is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition by the condition determining step and the condition determining step, the presence of the application software associated with the predetermined condition is notified to the user who has instructed the process. And causing the computer to execute the notification step.

Furthermore, a recording medium according to the present invention records the above program.
In the information processing method, the program, and the recording medium according to the present invention, a history when the image processing apparatus is used is created for each user, and when the history satisfies a predetermined condition, the history is associated with the predetermined condition. Since it is configured to notify the presence of application software, it is possible to present more convenient application software according to the actual usage of each user.

Hereinafter, an information processing device, an image processing device, an information processing method, a program, and a recording medium according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
(Configuration of information processing system)
First, the configuration of the information processing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system including an information processing server according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in an information processing system, an information processing server 1, a multi-function digital copier (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") 2, and terminal devices 3 to 5, for example, are connected to a LAN. (Local Area Network) 6 is connected and each device can communicate.
Although details will be described later, the information processing server 1 receives processing content data from the MFP 2 to create a processing history, and based on the processing history, the terminal device 3 indicates that there is more convenient application software. 5 is notified.

The MFP 2 can execute a scan function for reading an image of a set original and obtaining image data, a print function for receiving a print job execution instruction from the terminal devices 3 to 5 and printing.
The terminal devices 3 to 5 are general-purpose personal computers (PCs), installed with a network communication program, and other terminal devices or the like according to existing communication protocols (TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)). Data can be transmitted / received to / from the information processing server 1 and the MFP 2.

(Configuration of information processing server)
Next, the configuration of the information processing server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing server 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing server 1 includes a control unit 10, a user information storage unit 16, a processing history database 17, an application information storage unit 18, and an application software storage unit 19 as main components.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU 11, an interface (I / F) unit 12, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, and a notification unit 15 as main components.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 reads a necessary program from the ROM 14 and controls various operations in a unified manner while measuring timing to execute a smooth operation.
The interface unit 12 is a LAN card, a LAN board, or the like for connecting the CPU 11 and the LAN 6 network, and performs data transmission / reception between the MFP 2 and the terminal devices 3 to 5.

A RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 is a volatile memory and serves as a work area when the CPU 11 executes a program.
A ROM (Read Only Memory) 14 stores various programs such as a program related to a data transmission / reception operation.
When there is more convenient application software, the notification unit 15 notifies each user's terminal device of a message that prompts the user to use or install the application software.

  The user information storage unit 16 stores user information. FIG. 3 is a table showing user information stored in the user information storage unit 16. In this example, as user information, a user name, an IP address of a terminal device dedicated to the user, an e-mail address of each user, and information about application software installed in each terminal device are stored. These pieces of information may be configured to be input by each user or network administrator, and information about the IP address and installed application software is obtained by the information processing server 1 accessing each terminal device. It is good also as a structure.

The processing history database 17 creates a processing history for each user and stores the processing history. 4A to 4C show the processing history for each user stored in the processing history database 17. As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, the user name, the processing target, the processing content, and the processing date and time are recorded as the processing history.
The application information storage unit 18 stores information related to application software. FIG. 5 is a table showing information stored in the application information storage unit 18. As shown in FIG. 5, in this example, information about application software to be proposed to the user and information about the proposal content is stored in association with a trigger condition that triggers the proposal. The application information may be configured by an administrator who is familiar with each function of the application, or when information about trigger conditions or information about proposals is stored in each application software, use this information. It may be configured to. Since the trigger condition is a condition relating to the processing history, in this example, the application software information is stored in association with the condition relating to the processing history.

The application software storage unit 19 actually stores application software on which information is posted in the application information storage unit 18.
(Operation of information processing system)
Next, the operation of the information processing system will be described with the following three specific examples.
[Example 1]
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to the first example.

  First, in the terminal device 3, when an instruction to print word processing data (file name: “abc.doc”) is sent from the user A to the MFP 2 together with the user name (FIGS. 6A and 6B), the MFP 2 Then, the information regarding the processing contents and the user name are transmitted to the information processing server 1 (FIGS. 6C and 6D). The information processing server 1 that has received the processing content information (processing information) updates the processing history of the user A and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. At this time, the information processing server 1 stands by as it is, assuming that the processing history of the user A does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions.

  Subsequently, in the terminal device 3, when an instruction to print the spreadsheet software data (file name: “abc.xsl”) is transmitted from the user A to the MFP 2 together with the user name (FIGS. 6E and 6F). The MFP 2 transmits the processing content information and the user name to the information processing server 1 (FIGS. 6G and 6H). The information processing server 1 that has received the processing content information updates the processing history of the user A and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. The processing history of the user A at this time is in a state as shown in FIG.

  That is, the processing history of the user A is in a state where files having the same name but different extensions are continuously printed. This is because of the presentation no. This corresponds to the first trigger “when files with the same or similar names with different extensions are printed continuously” and satisfies the trigger condition. Therefore, the information processing server 1 notifies the user of the presence of the application software “PageScope (registered trademark) Workware” associated with the trigger condition (FIG. 6 (i)).

  “PageScope Workware” has a file combining function for combining files with different extensions into one file. If you want to print out multiple related files created with different application software to create a single document, if you do not know the existence of the file merge function, print out the files for each application software and manually work on them. It is necessary to make a single document and copy the required number of copies. On the other hand, the user who has received the above notification will use the “PageScope Workware” file combination function described above to combine the documents electronically into one document, and then the required number of copies with a single print instruction. You only need to print out the document, which can greatly reduce the time and labor of document creation. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the convenience for the user is further increased.

[Example 2]
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to the second example.
When the user B logs in by inputting the user name and password to the MFP 2 and scans the document in the MFP 2, the MFP 2 transmits the processing content information and the user name to the information processing server 1 (FIG. 7A). (B)). The information processing server 1 that has received the processing content information updates the processing history of the user B and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. The processing history of user B at this time is in a state as shown in FIG.

  Here, in the processing content history, when it is determined that the scanning process is the first time, the presentation number in FIG. Since this corresponds to the second trigger “when image data is scanned for the first time”, the processing history satisfies the trigger condition. Therefore, the information processing server 1 notifies the terminal device 4 of the user B that the application software “PageScope Workware” associated with the trigger condition exists (FIG. 7C).

  Here, “PageScope Workware” has an image correction function for correcting a scanned image. When the image data scanned by the user B is taken into the terminal device 4 and used, the image is slanted, show-through, or an unnecessary background is read when scanned. There may be a malfunction. Upon receiving the above notification, the user B can correct the above-described problem by using an inclination correction function, a show-through correction function, a background removal function, etc., among the image correction functions of “PageScope Workware”. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the convenience for the user is further increased.

[Example 3]
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to the third example. In this example, it is assumed that two MFPs, MFP (α) and MFP (β), are connected to the LAN 6 in the information processing system. The application software “PageScope WebConnection” has a function that allows various settings of the MFP to be changed by remote operation in a terminal device connected to the MFP via a network.

  First, when the user C changes the setting content of the MFP (α) by using the application software “PageScope WebConnection” in the terminal device 5, the setting change content and the user name are transmitted from the terminal device 5 to the MFP (α). (FIGS. 8A and 8B). Then, the MFP (α) transmits the processing content information that the setting has been changed by “PageScope WebConnection” and the user name to the information processing server 1 (FIGS. 8C and 8D). The information processing server 1 that has received the processing content information updates the processing history of the user C and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. At this time, the processing history of the user C does not satisfy the trigger condition, so the information processing server 1 stands by as it is.

  Subsequently, in the terminal device 5, when the user C changes the setting content of the MFP (β) using the application software “PageScope WebConnection”, the setting change content and the user name are transferred from the terminal device 5 to the MFP (β). Is transmitted (FIGS. 6E and 6F). Then, the MFP (β) transmits the processing content information and the user name that the setting has been changed by “PageScope WebConnection” to the information processing server 1 (FIGS. 6G and 6H). The information processing server 1 that has received the processing content information updates the processing history of the user C and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. The processing history of user C at this time is in a state as shown in FIG.

  Here, in the processing history, if it is extracted that the same setting is made using the remote operation function of “PageScope WebConnectio” for MFPs with different user C, the presentation No. in FIG. Since this corresponds to the third trigger “when the same setting is continuously made for a plurality of MFPs by PageScope WebConnection”, the processing history satisfies the trigger condition. Therefore, the information processing server 1 notifies the terminal device 5 of the user C of the presence of the application software “PageScope NetCare” associated with the trigger condition (FIG. 8 (i)).

  “PageScope NetCare” has a function that can collectively change the settings of a plurality of MFPs. Therefore, when using “PageScope WebConnection”, when changing the same setting for a plurality of MFPs, it is necessary to access and change the settings one by one. By using “PageScope NetCare” in the future, multiple MFPs can be changed to the same setting all at once, greatly reducing the time and effort required for changing MFP settings. it can. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the convenience for the user is further increased.

(Operation of information processing server)
Next, the operation of the information processing server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing server 1.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the information processing server 1 receives the processing content information and the user name from the MFP 2 (step S101: YES), the information processing server 1 creates / updates the processing history of the user based on the received processing content. (Step S102).

  Then, it is determined whether the processing history created / updated in step S102 satisfies any of the trigger conditions in FIG. 5 (step S103). If the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions (step S103: NO), the process ends as it is. If the processing history satisfies any of the trigger conditions (step S103: YES), the user is notified of the presence of application software associated with the trigger condition (step S104).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the subroutine of step S104 of FIG. First, with reference to “installed software information” of the user information in FIG. 3, the application software installed in the terminal device of the user who instructed the process is recognized (step S201).
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the application software associated with the trigger condition is installed in the terminal device of the user who has instructed the process (step S202).

If the application software is installed (step S202: YES), it is determined by using, for example, ping or the like whether or not the terminal device of the user who instructed the process is logged on to the network configured by the LAN 6 (step S202). S203).
When the terminal device is logged on to the network (step S203: YES), a pop-up window is launched on the display of the terminal device to notify the presence of application software associated with the trigger condition, A message prompting the use of the application software is displayed and notified to the user (step S204).

  If the terminal device is not logged on to the network (step S203: NO), there is application software associated with the trigger condition with the e-mail address registered in the user information table of FIG. 5 as the destination. The user is notified by sending a message instructing to use the application software by e-mail (step S205).

On the other hand, when the application software associated with the trigger condition is not installed in the terminal device of the user who has instructed the process (step S202: NO), the LAN 6 is configured by the terminal device of the user who has instructed the process. It is determined whether or not the user is logged on to the network (step S206).
If the terminal device is logged on to the network (step S206: YES), a pop-up window is launched on the display of the terminal device to notify the presence of application software associated with the trigger condition, The user is notified by displaying a message prompting the installation of the application software (step S207).

  If the terminal device is not logged on to the network (step S206: NO), the application software associated with the trigger condition is sent to the e-mail address registered in the user information table of FIG. The user is notified by sending an e-mail message indicating the presence and prompting the installation of the application software (step S208).

The user who has received the notification in step S207 and step S208 can access the information processing server 1 and download the presented application software from the application software storage unit 19.
The information processing server 1 according to the present embodiment creates a history when the user uses the MFP 2 for each user, and when the history satisfies the trigger condition, the information processing server 1 stores the application software associated with the trigger condition. It is configured to notify existence. Here, the trigger condition is associated with application software that is expected to improve the user's convenience, and the trigger condition relates to the processing history of each user, so the information processing server according to the present embodiment According to 1, it is possible to present more convenient application software in accordance with the actual usage of the user.

In step S202, since it is determined whether or not the application software to be presented is installed in the terminal device, the user is notified of appropriate information according to the installation status of the application software in the user terminal device. be able to.
Further, when the user's terminal device is logged on to the network, a popup window is launched to notify, and when the user's terminal device is not logged on to the network, notification is made by e-mail. Regardless of whether or not the user is logged on, the user can be notified of the presence of the application.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is characterized by having the function of the information processing server 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted here, and only the difference will be described.

(MFP configuration)
The configuration of an image processing apparatus (MFP) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the MFP according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the MFP 2 includes, as main components, a control unit 20, a processing unit 26, an operation unit 27, a user information storage unit 28, a processing history database 29, an application information storage unit 30, and an application software storage unit 31. It has.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21, an interface (I / F) unit 22, a RAM 23, a ROM 24, and a notification unit 25 as main components.
The CPU 21 reads a necessary program from the ROM 24 and controls various operations in a unified manner while measuring the timing so as to execute a smooth operation.
The interface unit 22 is a LAN card, a LAN board, or the like for connecting the CPU 21 and the LAN 6 network, and performs data transmission / reception with the terminal devices 3 to 5.

The RAM 23 is a volatile memory and serves as a work area when the CPU 21 executes a program.
The ROM 24 stores various programs such as programs related to data transmission / reception operations.
When there is more convenient application software, the notification unit 25 notifies the user of a message that prompts the user to use or install the application software.

The processing unit 26 includes a printer unit 261, a scanner unit 262, and a FAX unit 263 as main components.
The printer unit 261 is a known image forming apparatus such as a laser method or an ink jet method.
The scanner unit 262 is a known device that obtains image data by reading an image of a set original.

The FAX unit 263 is a known facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives an image using a line.
The operation unit 27 includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a liquid crystal display panel, and the like, and accepts input of instructions from the user. When each key is pressed by the user, the information is transmitted to the CPU 21.

The user information storage unit 28 stores user information. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 28 is the same as the table shown in FIG.
The processing history database 29 creates a processing history for each user and stores the processing history. Note that the processing history for each user stored in the processing history database 17 is the same as the table shown in FIGS.

The application information storage unit 30 stores information related to application software. The application information stored in the application information storage unit 30 is the same as the table shown in FIG.
The application software storage unit 31 actually stores the application software on which information is posted in the application information storage unit 18.

(Operation of information processing system)
Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with the following specific example.
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment.

  First, in the terminal device 3, when an instruction to print word processing data (file name: “abc.doc”) is transmitted from the user A to the MFP 2 together with the user name (FIGS. 12A and 12B), the processing contents The MFP 2 that has received the information updates the processing history of the user A and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions in FIG. At this time, the processing history of the user A does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions, so the MFP 2 stands by as it is.

  Subsequently, when an instruction to print the spreadsheet software data (file name: “abc.xsl”) is transmitted from the user A to the MFP 2 together with the user name in the terminal device 3 (FIGS. 12C and 12D). The MFP 2 that has received the processing content information updates the processing history of the user A and determines whether the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions shown in FIG. The processing history of the user A at this time is in a state as shown in FIG.

  That is, the processing history of the user A is in a state where files having the same name but different extensions are continuously printed. This is because of the presentation no. This corresponds to the first trigger “when files with the same or similar names with different extensions are printed continuously” and satisfies the trigger condition. Therefore, the MFP 2 notifies the terminal device 3 of the user A of the existence of the application software “PageScope Workware” having the file combination function, which is associated with the trigger condition (FIG. 12E).

(MFP operation)
Next, the operation of the MFP 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 2.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the MFP 2 receives the processing instruction (step S301: YES), the MFP 2 creates and updates a processing history for each user based on the received processing content (step S302).

  Then, it is determined whether the processing history created / updated in step S302 satisfies any of the trigger conditions in FIG. 5 (step S303). If the processing history does not satisfy any of the trigger conditions (step S303: NO), the process ends as it is. If the processing history satisfies any of the trigger conditions (step S303: YES), the user is notified of the presence of the application software associated with the trigger condition (step S304).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step S304 in FIG. Since the flowchart of FIG. 10 has been described in the first embodiment, a description thereof is omitted here.
The MFP 2 according to the present embodiment creates a history when the user uses the MFP 2 for each user, and notifies the presence of application software associated with the trigger condition when the history satisfies the trigger condition. It is configured to do. Here, the trigger condition is associated with application software that is expected to improve the convenience of the user, and the trigger condition relates to the processing history of each user. Therefore, according to the MFP 2 according to the present embodiment. For example, more convenient application software can be presented according to the actual usage of the user.

<Modification>
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the content of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples shown in the above-described embodiments. For example, the following modifications are possible. Can think.
(1) In the above description, the configuration in which the user is notified by a pop-up window or e-mail has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a document in which the user name and the presentation content are described is printed out in the MFP 2 or a configuration in which the user name and the presentation content are displayed on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 27 of the MFP 2 to be notified may be adopted.

(2) In the above description, as shown in FIG. 4, a configuration has been described in which a processing history is created by dividing a table for each user, but is not limited thereto. For example, a processing history common to all users may be created without dividing a table for each user, and the processing history for each user may be extracted when determining the trigger condition.
(3) In the above description, the configuration in which the information processing server 1 or the MFP 2 stores the application software has been described. However, the application software is stored in a device other than the information processing server 1 or the MFP 2, such as application software storage. The configuration may be stored in a dedicated server.

  (4) When presenting application software, if it is necessary to attach new hardware such as a finisher to the MFP 2 when using the application software, it is desirable to notify the fact as well. In this case, it is desirable that the information processing server 1 accesses the MFP 2 to acquire the hardware information of the MFP 2 and determines whether or not the notification is necessary.

  (5) The present invention is not limited to an information processing apparatus such as a server or an image processing apparatus such as an MFP, and may be an information processing method. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program may be a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape or a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, or PD, a flash memory recording medium, or the like. It can be recorded on various readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium. Various wired and wireless networks including the Internet in the form of programs, broadcasting, electricity In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via a communication line, satellite communication, or the like.

  Further, the program need not include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is installed in an information processing apparatus separately. The various processes of the present invention may be executed by a computer using various general-purpose programs that can be executed. Therefore, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Furthermore, there are cases where it is possible to execute predetermined processing using dedicated hardware.

  Also, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The present invention can be widely applied to information processing apparatuses and image processing apparatuses. In addition, since the present invention can provide an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can present more convenient application software to the user, its industrial utility value is extremely high.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the user information which the user information storage part 16 has stored. (A)-(c) is the processing history for every user which the processing history database 17 stores. It is a table which shows the application information which the application information storage part 18 has stored. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the information processing system according to Example 1. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the information processing system according to Example 2. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to Example 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information processing server 1. It is a flowchart which shows a notification routine. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP according to a second embodiment. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of operation | movement of the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information processing server 2 MFP
3, 4, 5 Terminal devices 15, 25 Notification unit 16, 28 User information storage unit 17, 29 Processing history database 18, 30 Application information storage unit 19, 31 Application software storage unit

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus via a network,
Main information acquisition means for acquiring processing information of the image processing device and user information of a user who has instructed the image processing device to perform processing;
Based on the acquired processing information and user information, history creation means for creating a processing history for each user;
Storage means for storing application software information in association with conditions relating to processing history;
Condition determining means for determining whether the processing history created by the history creating means satisfies any predetermined condition of the conditions related to the processing history;
A notification means for notifying a user who has instructed the process of the presence of application software associated with the predetermined condition when the condition determination means determines that the processing history satisfies the predetermined condition. A characteristic information processing apparatus. Installation information acquisition means for acquiring information related to application software installed in the terminal device of the user who instructed the processing;
An installation determining unit that determines whether application software associated with the predetermined condition is installed in the terminal device based on the acquired installation information;
The notification means includes
If it is determined by the installation determination means that the application software associated with the predetermined condition has already been installed in the terminal device, a notification is made to prompt use of the application software,
If the installation determining unit determines that the application software associated with the predetermined condition is not installed in the terminal device, the installation determining unit notifies the terminal device to install the application software. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Logon determination means for determining whether the terminal device of the user who instructed the process is logged on to the network;
The notification means includes
If it is determined by the logon determination means that the terminal device is logged on to the network, it is notified by displaying it on the display screen of the terminal device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the logon determination unit determines that the terminal apparatus is not logged on to the network, the terminal apparatus notifies the user by electronic mail. User information acquisition means for acquiring information of a user who has instructed processing;
A history creation means for creating a processing history for each user;
Storage means for storing application software information in association with conditions relating to processing history;
Condition determining means for determining whether the processing history created by the history creating means satisfies any predetermined condition of the conditions related to the processing history;
A notification means for notifying a user who has instructed the process of the presence of application software associated with the predetermined condition when the condition determination means determines that the processing history satisfies the predetermined condition. A featured image processing apparatus. Installation information acquisition means for acquiring information related to application software installed in the terminal device of the user who instructed the processing;
An installation determining unit that determines whether application software associated with the predetermined condition is installed in the terminal device based on the acquired installation information;
The notification means includes
If it is determined by the installation determination means that the application software associated with the predetermined condition has already been installed in the terminal device, a notification is made to prompt use of the application software,
If the installation determining unit determines that the application software associated with the predetermined condition is not installed in the terminal device, the installation determining unit notifies the terminal device to install the application software. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4. When the image processing device is connected to the network,
Logon determination means for determining whether the terminal device of the user who instructed the process is logged on to the network;
The notification means includes
If it is determined by the logon determination means that the terminal device is logged on to the network, it is notified by displaying it on the display screen of the terminal device,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the logon determination unit determines that the terminal apparatus is not logged on to the network, the terminal apparatus is notified by electronic mail. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus,
An information acquisition step of acquiring processing information of the image processing apparatus and user information of a user who has instructed the image processing apparatus to perform processing;
A history creation step for creating a processing history for each user based on the acquired processing information and user information;
A condition determination step for determining whether or not the process history created by the history creation step satisfies a predetermined condition of any of the conditions related to the process history associated with the application software information;
A notification step of notifying the user who has instructed the process of the presence of the application software associated with the predetermined condition when the condition determination step determines that the processing history satisfies the predetermined condition. A characteristic information processing method. An information acquisition step of acquiring processing information of the image processing apparatus and user information of a user who has instructed the image processing apparatus to perform processing;
A history creation step for creating a processing history for each user based on the acquired processing information and user information;
A condition determination step for determining whether or not the process history created by the history creation step satisfies a predetermined condition of any of the conditions related to the process history associated with the application software information;
When the condition determination step determines that the processing history satisfies the predetermined condition, the computer executes a notification step of notifying the user who has instructed the process of the presence of the application software associated with the predetermined condition. A program characterized by letting A recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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