JP2009169764A - Information processor, optimal arrangement proposal system, optimal arrangement proposal method, optimal arrangement proposal program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, an optimal arrangement proposal system, an optimal arrangement proposal method, an optimal arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium, for proposing an optimal arrangement of equipment such as a printer, a copier, and a scanner device on a network. <P>SOLUTION: An optimal arrangement proposal system 1 acquires performance values of a plurality of printers ND1 to NDn connected to a network NW and calculates the number of printed sheets recommended for the printers ND1 to NDn on the basis of the performance values and a prescribed coefficient. Also, the system acquires the total actual number of printed sheets of the printers ND1 to NDn to calculate device printing status values to the performance values of the printers ND1 to NDn on the basis of the number of recommended printed sheets and the total actual number of printed sheets of devices, compares the device printing status values with a preset prescribed threshold to determine use frequency with respect to the performance values of the printers ND1 to NDn, and proposes optimal arrangement on the network NW of the printers ND1 to NDn on the basis of the use frequency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an optimum arrangement proposal system, an optimum arrangement proposal method, an optimum arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium, and more specifically, provides an optimum arrangement of devices such as a printer device, a copying device, and a scanner device on a network. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an optimum arrangement proposal system, an optimum arrangement proposal method, an optimum arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, in offices and the like, networking such as LAN (Local Area Network) has progressed, and information processing apparatuses such as personal computers and word processors, and apparatuses for image processing such as printers, copying machines, and scanners are connected via the network. As a result, sharing of files and sharing of devices have been started.

  With regard to the arrangement of devices on such a network, proper arrangement of the plurality of devices on the network is an important issue in order to appropriately use each device and improve the utilization efficiency. It takes unrealistic time and effort to determine the optimal arrangement of devices on the network by manually processing a counter value for counting the number of printed sheets of each device.

  Conventionally, the computer system of the device provider and the customer's network system are connected by a communication line such as a dedicated line or the Internet, and information on the device on the customer's network is held in a database, There is an optimal placement technology that proposes optimal placement of equipment on the customer's network.

  As such an optimal arrangement technique, for example, with respect to a device to be analyzed that can determine the optimum number of times of use of a device on the network, the actual usage status of the device already existing on the network per unit period In consideration of the above, a technique for selecting the rearrangement content has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-260447 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, the arrangement of the analysis target device is simply set based on the actual usage status of the already installed device per unit period. The analysis was inadequate, and there was a need to improve the optimal equipment placement on the network.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an optimum arrangement proposal system, an optimum arrangement proposal method, an optimum arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium that provide optimum arrangement information for optimizing the utilization efficiency of devices on a network. It is said.

  The present invention uses, as a recommended usage amount, a usage amount recommended for a device based on a performance value indicating a processing performance of an arbitrary device among a plurality of devices connected to a network and a coefficient set in advance. Calculating an actual usage amount of the device for a predetermined period as an actual usage amount, and calculating a usage status value for the performance value of the device based on the recommended usage amount and the actual usage amount, Comparing the usage status value with a predetermined threshold set in advance, determining the usage level of the device with respect to the performance value, and proposing an optimal arrangement of the device on the network based on the usage level It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention manages a plurality of devices on a network by dividing them into a predetermined group, acquires a group performance value indicating the processing performance as the group, and acquires all the devices belonging to the group The total recommended usage amount is calculated by summing the recommended usage amounts, and the actual usage amount of all devices belonging to the group is acquired, and the total recommended usage amount and all the actual usage amount acquisition processing acquired. A group usage status value for the group performance value of the group is calculated based on a total actual usage amount obtained by adding the actual usage amounts, and the group usage status value is compared with a predetermined threshold value, The degree of use of the group with respect to the group performance value may be determined, and an optimal arrangement of devices in the group may be proposed based on the degree of use.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be characterized in that the optimal arrangement of the proposed device or the determined degree of use is visualized and output.

  In addition, the present invention proposes, as the optimal arrangement, movement of an installation position of the device on the network, additional installation of the device, removal of the device, or movement of the device between the groups. May be a feature.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the device is a printing device that prints out data, and the performance value is a lifetime printing performance such as the number of prints that can be printed within the lifetime of the printing device. Also good.

  According to the present invention, a recommended usage amount is recommended for a device based on a performance value indicating a processing performance of an arbitrary device among a plurality of devices connected to the network and a preset coefficient. The actual usage amount of the device for a predetermined period is acquired as the actual usage amount, and the usage status value for the performance value of the device is calculated based on the recommended usage amount and the actual usage amount. Then, the usage status value is compared with a predetermined threshold value set in advance to determine the usage level of the device with respect to the performance value, and based on the usage level, the optimal arrangement of the device on the network is determined. Since it is proposed, it is possible to appropriately determine the equipment usage level and propose the optimal equipment installation position, new addition, disposal, etc., and improve the equipment usage efficiency. it can.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The range of this invention is unduly limited by the following description. However, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

  1 to 9 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an information processing apparatus, an optimum arrangement proposing system, an optimum arrangement proposing method, an optimum arrangement proposing program, and a recording medium according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an optimum arrangement proposal system 1 to which an embodiment of an apparatus, an optimum arrangement proposal system, an optimum arrangement proposal method, an optimum arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium are applied.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an optimum arrangement proposing system 1 includes a plurality of client terminals CT, printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn as a plurality of devices, a device information management device KS, a usage status management, in a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The device RS and the optimum arrangement proposing device SS are connected. Note that the device information management device KS, the usage status management device RS, and the optimum arrangement proposal device SS need not be configured as separate devices, and any two devices may be constructed as one device. All the apparatuses may be constructed as one apparatus.

  The optimal arrangement proposal system 1 of the present embodiment directly transmits a print job from the client terminal CT to the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn via the network NW, and the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are based on the print data from the client terminal CT. The image data of the document that is printed out and read by the scanner function of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is sent to the other printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn and printed out by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, or transmitted to the client terminal CT. Etc. are processed.

  As the client terminal CT, a normal personal computer or the like is used. When a user makes a print request for a document or the like created using the client terminal CT, a print job of the document is designated via the network NW as a designated printing device ND1. To NDn to be printed by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. Further, for example, if this client terminal CT is a client terminal CT used by an administrator who manages the network NW, a request for optimum placement proposal is made to the optimum placement proposal device SS as will be described later. Then, the optimum arrangement proposing device SS is caused to propose the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW.

  As the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a printer, a multifunction apparatus (MFP: Multi Functional Products) or the like is used, and each unit necessary for executing print processing as each of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, For example, a control unit, a paper feeding unit, a printing unit (image forming unit), a paper discharge unit, an operation display unit, and the like are provided, and a printing process is performed according to a print job from the client terminal CT. Further, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn acquire their own usage status information (usage amount), and use the usage status information of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn when there is a usage status information request from the usage status management device RS. Notify the status device RS. The printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn have, as the usage status information, at least the total number of printed sheets obtained by a method such as counting with a counter or the like, and the total actual number of printed sheets printed by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. Total actual number of printed sheets after installation), for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the total number of printed sheets is counted, and this total actual number of printed sheets is held as usage status information. Notify RS. Further, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are assigned identification information for identifying the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, for example, device IDs as shown in FIG. 2, and the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 is provided with each printing apparatus ND1. ... NDn are identified and managed by this device ID, and the optimum placement proposal process described later is executed.

  As the device information management device KS, for example, a computer having a normal hardware configuration and at least software necessary for managing device information is used, and the printing devices ND1 to NDn are managed by managing the printing devices ND1 to NDn. The device information necessary for optimizing the layout of the device is stored and managed in a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. As the device information, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the device-specific information indicating the number of prints (how many sheets can be printed per minute) per predetermined unit period (in this embodiment, 1 minute). Use performance values. Further, the device information management device KS stores a group ID for identifying a group to which the printing devices ND1 to NDn belong and a device ID that is an ID of a device belonging to the group, as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to propose optimal placement for each group. In this group, for example, an office, a department, and the like are set as one group.

  As the usage status management device RS, for example, a computer having a normal hardware configuration and at least software necessary for managing the usage status of each printing device ND1 to NDn is used, and each printing device ND1 is used at a predetermined timing. The usage status information of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is acquired from the NDn, and the acquired usage status information is stored and managed. The usage status management device RS obtains this usage status information from each of the printing devices ND1 to NDn by making a usage status information request by polling, for example, to all the printing devices ND1 to NDn on the network NW. Get usage information.

  The optimum arrangement proposing device SS includes, for example, an optimum arrangement proposing program which is software necessary for executing an optimum arrangement proposing method for proposing an optimum arrangement of the normal hardware configuration and at least the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network. In response to a request from the client terminal CT, an optimal placement proposal method described later is executed. Further, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW are grouped according to the group information stored in the device information management apparatus KS, and the optimum arrangement proposal method is executed for each group.

  That is, the device information management device KS, the usage status management device RS, and the optimum arrangement proposal device SS are ROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM, flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read). Device information recorded on computer-readable recording media such as Only Memory (CD), Compact Disc Rewritable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk (DVD), Secure Digital (SD) card, and Magneto-Optical disc (MO). The optimum arrangement proposal program for executing the optimum arrangement proposal method necessary for each of the management apparatus KS, the utilization situation management apparatus RS, and the optimum arrangement proposal apparatus SS is read, and the device information management apparatus KS, the utilization situation management apparatus RS, and the optimum arrangement proposal are read. By introducing it into the non-volatile memory or hard disk of the device SS, it will be described later. It is constructed as an information identification apparatus that performs an optimal arrangement proposed method proposed optimal arrangement of the printing apparatus ND1~NDn on the network NW. This optimum layout proposal program is a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark) or an object-oriented programming language, and is stored in the recording medium. And can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 is implemented by installing and executing the optimum arrangement proposal program necessary for each of the device information management device KS, the usage status management device RS, and the optimum arrangement proposal device SS. Functional block is constructed, and the optimum arrangement proposing device SS includes a request reception processing function unit SS1, an optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2, a usage situation determination information function part SS3, a usage situation acquisition function part SS4, and a device information acquisition function part SS5. Is constructed in the utilization status management device RS, and a utilization information storage / management function unit RS1 is constructed in the utilization information management device RS, and a device information storage / management function unit KS1 is constructed in the device information management device KS.

  In addition, among the client terminals CT, the client terminal CT that makes an optimum placement proposal request to the optimum placement proposal device SS includes a display unit 11 and an information acquisition unit 12, as shown in FIG. The display unit 11 uses an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various information, in particular, an optimum arrangement proposal processed by the optimum arrangement proposal device SS. The information acquisition unit 12 makes an optimal placement proposal request to the optimal placement proposal device SS, and acquires the optimal placement proposal information of the processing result from the optimal placement proposal device SS.

  The request acceptance processing function unit SS1 of the optimum arrangement proposal device SS accepts the optimum arrangement proposal request from the information acquisition unit 12 of the client terminal CT, passes the optimum arrangement proposal request to the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2, and performs optimum arrangement calculation. The optimum arrangement proposal information of the processing result is received from the function unit SS2, and is transmitted to the information acquisition unit 12 of the client terminal CT.

  The optimum arrangement calculation function unit (recommended usage amount calculation means, usage status value calculation means, determination means, optimum arrangement proposal means) SS2 is a network according to the optimum arrangement request from the request reception processing function unit SS1, as will be described later. The optimum arrangement proposal processing of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the NW is executed, and the optimum arrangement proposal information of the processing result is passed to the request reception processing function unit SS1. In order to execute the optimum arrangement proposal process, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 makes a use state acquisition request to the use state income function SS4, makes a device information acquisition request to the apparatus information acquisition function unit SS5, and uses it. The usage status information passed from the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 and the device information passed from the device information acquisition function unit SS5 are stored in the usage status determination information function unit SS3 in the status determination information function unit SS5, and the usage A usage situation is determined based on the situation information and device information, and an optimum arrangement is proposed.

  The usage status acquisition function unit SS4 makes a usage status information acquisition request by polling or the like to the usage status management device RS in response to the usage status acquisition request from the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2.

  In the usage status management device RS, a usage status information storage / management function unit RS1 is constructed. For example, the usage status information storage / management function unit RS1 is configured to print all the printing devices ND1 on the network NW at a predetermined timing. Acquisition of usage status information (number of printed sheets) for a predetermined period (for example, the period from installation to the present) of each printing apparatus ND1 to NDn by a method such as requesting usage status information by polling or the like. To store and manage. Then, when there is a usage status information acquisition request from the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, the usage status information storage / management function unit RS1 uses the printing devices ND1 to NDn that are stored and managed. The status information is passed to the usage status acquisition function unit SS4.

  When the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 acquires the usage status information from the usage status management device RS, the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 passes the acquired usage status information to the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2. The usage status information storage / management function unit RS1 of the usage status management device RS and the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS function as an actual usage amount acquisition unit as a whole.

  The device information acquisition function unit SS5 makes a device information acquisition request by polling or the like to the device information management device KS in response to the device information acquisition request from the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2.

  The device information management device KS includes a device information storage / management function unit KS1, and the device information storage / management function unit KS1 includes each printing device necessary to optimize the arrangement of the printing devices ND1 to NDn. The device information unique to ND1 to NDn, in particular, the performance value such as the number of prints possible per unit period (for example, 1 minute) is stored and managed in correspondence with the ID of each printing device ND1 to NDn. When the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are managed in groups, the group ID is stored and managed in association with the IDs of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group.

  When there is a device information acquisition request from the device information acquisition function unit SS5 of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, the device information storage / management function unit KS1 stores all the information on the network NW stored and managed according to the device information acquisition request. The device information (performance value) and device ID of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, and the group ID as necessary are passed to the device information acquisition function unit SS5.

  When the device information acquisition function unit SS5 acquires the device information from the device information management device KS, the device information acquisition function unit SS5 passes the acquired device information to the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2. The device information storage / management function unit KS1 of the device information management device KS and the device information acquisition function unit SS5 of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS function as a performance value acquisition unit and a group management unit.

  Then, the optimal arrangement calculation function unit SS2 stores the usage status information received from the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 and the device information received from the device information acquisition function unit SS5 in the usage status determination information function unit SS5. Is used to propose the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The optimum arrangement proposal system 1 of the present embodiment obtains the degree of use based on the recommended number of prints obtained from the performance values of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network and the usage status, and holds the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. To do.

  First, an optimum arrangement proposal process for making an optimum arrangement proposal for the entire network NW of the individual printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, each processing step is indicated by S11 to S18.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, in the optimum arrangement proposal system 1, the client terminal CT has predetermined printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn (in FIG. 4, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are clearly indicated as devices). When the optimum placement proposal program SS is started by making an optimum placement proposal request based on the degree of use of the printing devices ND1 to NDn designating the printing device ND1 to NDn (S11), the optimum placement proposal device SS The arrangement proposal request is received by the request reception function unit SS1, and the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 is activated. The optimal arrangement calculation function unit SS2 makes a usage status information acquisition request specifying the requested printing devices ND1 to NDn to the usage status acquisition function unit SS4, and the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 makes a usage status management device RS. A usage status information acquisition request is made to request acquisition of usage status information of the designated printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. When there is a usage status information acquisition request specifying the printing devices ND1 to NDn from the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, the usage status management device RS receives total usage status information (total actual printing) of the printing devices ND1 to NDn stored and managed. The total usage status information (total actual number of printed pages) of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn designated in the usage status information acquisition request is acquired and passed to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS (S12).

  Next, in the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 makes a device information acquisition request specifying the requested printing devices ND1 to NDn to the device information acquisition function unit SS5, and the device information acquisition function unit SS5 makes a device information acquisition request for the designated printing devices ND1 to NDn to the device information management device KS. When there is a device information acquisition request specifying the printing devices ND1 to NDn, the device information management device KS stores device information (ND1 to NDn) of the printing devices ND1 to NDn stored and managed by the device information storage / management function unit KS1. Device information of the printing devices ND1 to NDn specified in the device information acquisition request, and passes them to the device information acquisition function unit SS5 of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS (S13).

  The optimal arrangement calculation function unit SS2 determines the usage status of the usage status information of the corresponding printing devices ND1 to NDn acquired by the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 and the device information of the corresponding printing devices ND1 to NDn acquired by the device information acquisition function unit SS5. First, the recommended number of prints (recommended number of printed devices) of the corresponding printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is calculated by the following formula (1) (S14).

Recommended number of printed devices = device performance value x coefficient (1)
As can be seen from the equation (1), the recommended number of prints for this device is a unique performance value of the corresponding printing device ND1 to NDn as the corresponding device (printing performance of how many sheets can be printed per predetermined unit period such as 1 minute). Is multiplied by a coefficient and is recommended as the number of sheets actually printed by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn that are the devices, for example, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. This is the number of copies printed throughout the lifetime. This coefficient can be appropriately set by a user such as a network administrator in accordance with the weighting or priority for each of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, and this coefficient can be set by the input unit (coefficient setting) of the optimum arrangement proposing apparatus SS. The input coefficient may be input from the operation unit (coefficient setting means) of the client terminal CT and sent to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS for setting.

  Next, the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 calculates a device printing status value with respect to a performance value indicating how much printing is actually performed with respect to the recommended number of prints by the following equation (2) (S15).

Device print status value = total device actual print number / recommended device print number (2)
For example, the device printing status value is recommended as the printing devices ND1 to NDn calculated by the above formula (1), where the total number of printing devices, which is the total number of printing since the printing devices ND1 to NDn are installed, is 10,000. If the device recommended print number such as the lifetime print number is 50,000, 10000/50000 = 20% from the device print status value, the device total actual print number is 60000, and the device recommended print number is 30000. If it is a sheet, it becomes 200%.

  The optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 compares the calculated device printing status value with a predetermined threshold value, and determines that the usability of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is poor if the device printing status value is smaller than the threshold value. Then, the optimum arrangement proposal to be proposed as a discard target is made (S16), and the contents of the optimum arrangement proposal are created and transmitted from the request receiving function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT (S17).

  When the content of the optimum arrangement proposal is transmitted from the optimum arrangement proposal device SS, the client terminal CT displays the contents of the optimum arrangement proposal as, for example, an optimum arrangement proposal screen G1 as shown in FIG. It is visually output by a method such as transmitting to any printing device ND1 to NDn, etc., and printing on paper with the printing devices ND1 to NDn (S18). In the optimum arrangement proposal screen G1 in FIG. 5, a proposal has been made that among the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn having poor usage efficiency are discarded candidates.

  In the above description, the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 compares the calculated device printing status value with a predetermined threshold value, and determines that the usability is poor when the device printing status value is smaller than the threshold value. However, the proposal is not limited to the above case. For example, if the device print status value exceeds the threshold, the device print status value is The optimum placement proposal is made with the addition of a printing device having the same function as the printing devices ND1 to NDn exceeding the threshold value, and the content of the optimum placement proposal is created and sent from the request receiving function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT. It may be transmitted to display a new introduction candidate printing device on the optimum arrangement proposal screen G1.

  Further, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 performs processing for comparing the device printing status value with a predetermined threshold value for the plurality of printing devices ND1 to NDn, and the printing device ND1 with the device printing status value larger than the threshold value. If there are printing devices ND1 to NDn whose NDn and the device printing status value are smaller than the threshold value, the printing devices ND1 to NDn whose device printing status value is larger than the threshold value and the device printing status value are smaller than the threshold value. An optimal arrangement proposal is proposed in which the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are moved to and from the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, and the apparatus printing status values in both of the moved printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are proposed to move closer to the threshold value. The content of the optimal arrangement proposal is prepared and transmitted from the request receiving function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT (S17).

  For example, as in the above example, the printing device ND1 to NDn having a device printing status value of 20% in which the total device actual printing number is 10,000 and the device recommended printing number is 50,000, and the device total actual printing number is 60000. If there are printing devices ND1 to NDn with a device printing status value of 200%, the recommended number of printed devices is 30,000, and the printing status value of the printing devices ND1 to NDn with a device printing status value of 200 is 20 % Of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, the optimal arrangement proposal is made to bring the device printing status values of both the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn closer to 100%.

  Further, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 may send the determination result to the client terminal CT and visually output the determination result as being overused, overused, or the like.

  Further, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 displays the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW as a schematic arrangement diagram on the client terminal CT, and the optimum movement arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the arrangement drawing is displayed. You may make it output visually as an arrangement | positioning proposal.

  As described above, the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the performance value indicating the processing performance of the plurality of printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn connected to the network NW, and the performance value and the preset coefficient Based on the above, the recommended number of printed sheets (usage amount) for the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is calculated as the recommended apparatus number of printed sheets (recommended usage amount), and the actual use of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn for a predetermined period A device total actual print number (actual usage amount) that is a quantity, and a device print status value (usage status value) for the performance value of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn based on the device recommended print number and the total device actual print number ) Is calculated, the device printing status value is compared with a predetermined threshold value set in advance, the degree of use of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn with respect to the performance value is determined, and the printing apparatus is based on the degree of use N We propose an optimal arrangement on the network NW 1～NDn.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately determine the usage level of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn and propose the installation positions, new additions, and disposal of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn that are optimal for the usage level, and the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. The utilization efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 of the present embodiment visualizes the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn proposed by the optimum arrangement proposing apparatus SS or the use degree determined by the optimum arrangement proposing apparatus SS on the client terminal CT, The image is displayed on the display or visually output by a method such as print output by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn.

  Therefore, the user can visually confirm the degree to which the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are used in relation to the performance of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, and promptly arrange the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn more appropriately. be able to.

  Further, in the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 of the present embodiment, the optimum arrangement proposing apparatus SS moves the installation positions of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW as the optimum arrangement, and additionally installs and prints the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. The removal of the devices ND1 to NDn is proposed.

  Therefore, the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network can be specifically and promptly examined, and more appropriate arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn can be quickly performed.

  Further, the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily set a coefficient used for obtaining the recommended number of printed sheets from the performance values of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn.

  Therefore, the usage degree with respect to the performance value of each of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn can be appropriately set according to the user's intention, and the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn can be proposed, and the usability can be improved.

  Further, the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 according to the present embodiment targets the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn as devices, and as the performance value, the number of prints that can be printed within a predetermined period such as 1 minute of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. Yes.

  Therefore, the optimal arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn can be appropriately proposed, and the utilization efficiency of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn on the network NW can be improved.

  Next, an optimum arrangement proposal process for making an optimum arrangement proposal for the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn of each group when the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are grouped will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, each processing step is indicated by S21 to S29.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 has an optimum arrangement based on the use degree of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group in which the client terminal CT designates a predetermined group of printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. When a proposal request is made to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS and the optimum arrangement proposing program is activated (S21), the optimum arrangement proposing device SS receives the optimum arrangement proposal request by the request reception function unit SS1, and calculates the optimum arrangement. The function unit SS2 is activated, and the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 makes a use state information acquisition request specifying the group of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn that has made the request to the use state acquisition function unit SS4. The unit SS4 makes an acquisition request for the device IDs of all the printing devices ND1 to NDn belonging to the group designated in the usage status management device RS. Cormorant. The optimum arrangement proposal device SS obtains group information in which the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 specifies the group of the printing devices ND1 to NDn requested to the device information acquisition function unit SS5 and requests the device IDs belonging to the group. The device information acquisition function unit SS5 makes a request for group information acquisition of the designated group to the device information management device KS. When there is a group information acquisition request, the device information management apparatus KS acquires the IDs of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group specified in the group information acquisition request from the group information stored and managed as group information. Then, it is passed to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS (S22).

  Next, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 uses usage status information for requesting acquisition of usage status information of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group based on the group information acquired from the device information management device KS. An acquisition request is sent to the usage status acquisition function unit SS4, and when there is a usage status acquisition request, the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 requests acquisition of usage status information for all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the specified group. Make a usage status information acquisition request. When there is a usage status information acquisition request specifying all the printing devices ND1 to NDn belonging to the above group from the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, the usage status management device RS stores each of the printing devices ND1 to NDn stored and managed. Of the total usage status information (total actual number of printed sheets), the total usage status information (total actual number of printed sheets) of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn specified in the usage status information acquisition request is acquired, and the optimum arrangement proposing apparatus SS is obtained. (S23).

  Next, the optimum arrangement proposing device SS makes a device information acquisition request in which the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 designates all the printing devices ND1 to NDn belonging to the requested group to the device information acquisition function unit SS5, The device information acquisition function unit SS5 makes a device information acquisition request for all the printing devices ND1 to NDn designated to the device information management device KS. When there is a device information acquisition request specifying the printing devices ND1 to NDn, the device information management device KS requests the device information acquisition among the device information (performance values) of the printing devices ND1 to NDn stored and managed. The device information of all the printing devices ND1 to NDn specified in is acquired and passed to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS (S24).

  The optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 uses the usage status information of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the corresponding group acquired by the usage status acquisition function unit SS4 and all the belonging to the corresponding group acquired by the device information acquisition function unit SS5. The device information of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn is stored and managed in the usage status determination function unit SS3, and first, the recommended number of printed sheets (recommended number of printed sheets) of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn that are the devices belonging to the corresponding group. If the recommended number of prints of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group is calculated sequentially according to the above equation (1), the recommended number of prints of the equipment of all the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group is calculated. The total is calculated (S25).

  Next, the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 calculates a group printing status value for a performance value indicating how much printing is actually performed in the entire group with respect to the total recommended number of printed devices (3) ) (S26).

Group printing status value = Group actual number of prints / Group recommended number of prints (3)
Note that this group actual print number is the sum of the total use status information (total actual print number) of the printing devices ND1 to NDn of all the printing devices ND1 to NDn belonging to the group acquired from the usage status management device RS. It is the number of sheets.

  The optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 compares the calculated group printing status value with a predetermined threshold value, and proposes a new introduction of a printing apparatus for the group when the group printing status value is larger than the threshold value. The optimum arrangement proposal is made (S27), and the contents of the optimum arrangement proposal are created and transmitted from the request receiving function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT (S28).

  When the content of the optimal layout proposal is transmitted from the optimal layout proposal device SS, the client terminal CT optimizes the optimal layout proposal content for proposing a new introduction of the printing device to the group, which is the content of the optimal layout proposal. It is displayed on the display as an arrangement proposal screen, or is transmitted visually to any printing device ND1 to NDn, etc., and printed on paper using the printing devices ND1 to NDn (S29).

  Further, the proposal content at this time is not limited to the proposal for newly introducing a printing apparatus to the group. For example, the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 has the group printing status value exceeding the threshold value. If it is determined, it may be proposed to output the group as an overused group (overuse group).

  Further, the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2 compares the calculated group printing status value with a predetermined threshold value, and if the group printing status value is smaller than the threshold value, the group is not used much (use The optimum arrangement proposal to be output as an under-group is performed (S27), and the contents of the optimum arrangement proposal are created and transmitted from the request receiving function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT (S28).

  When the content of the optimal layout proposal is transmitted from the optimal layout proposal device SS, the client terminal CT indicates the optimal layout proposal content indicating that the group of the printing apparatus which is the content of the optimal layout proposal is an underutilized group Is displayed on the display as an optimum layout proposal screen, or is transmitted to any printing device ND1 to NDn and printed on paper using the printing devices ND1 to NDn (S29).

  Further, the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 performs a process of comparing the group printing status value with a predetermined threshold value for a plurality of groups, and the group having the group printing status value larger than the threshold value and the group printing status value. If there is a group smaller than the threshold, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are moved between the group having the group printing status value larger than the threshold and the group having the group printing status value smaller than the threshold. An optimum placement proposal is made to propose a move so that the group printing status value in both of the moved groups approaches the threshold (S27), and the contents of the optimum placement proposal are created and sent from the request reception function unit SS1 to the client terminal CT. (S28).

  For example, the group total printing number is 10000, the group recommended printing number is 50000, the group printing status value group of 20%, the group total actual printing number is 60000, and the group recommended printing number is 30000. If there is a group of 200% group printing status values that are sheets, by moving some of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn from the 200% group to the 20% group, the group printing status value of the group is set to 100%. Propose the optimal placement approach.

  When the content of the optimum arrangement proposal is transmitted from the optimum arrangement proposal device SS, the client terminal CT proposes the movement of the printing devices ND1 to NDn, which is the content of the optimum arrangement proposal, between the groups. Is displayed on the display as an optimal arrangement proposal screen, or is transmitted visually to any printing device ND1 to NDn, etc., and printed on paper using the printing devices ND1 to NDn (S29).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the optimum arrangement proposal is made by obtaining the optimum arrangement only for the printing situation. However, the optimum arrangement proposal is not limited to the one based on the above printing situation. You may make the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal based on the apparatus lifetime of apparatus ND1-NDn.

  In this case, the device information management device KS stores and manages the manufacturing year of each of the printing devices ND1 to NDn and the device life information of the printing devices ND1 to NDn on the network NW as device life related information, and the optimum arrangement proposal device SS. When there is an optimal placement request from the client terminal CT, it makes a device life related information acquisition request to the device information management device KS, and when the device information management device KS has a device life related information acquisition request, The device life related information is transmitted to the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, and the optimum arrangement proposing device SS calculates the elapsed years of each of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn based on the device life related information.

  The optimum arrangement proposing device SS multiplies the age of each printing device ND1 to NDn by a predetermined coefficient to calculate the recommended age for each of the printing devices ND1 to NDn, and calculates the recommended age of each of the printing devices ND1 to NDn. Compared with a preset threshold value, an optimum arrangement proposal is made for proposing whether or not the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are candidates for discard / replacement.

  In this way, for each group, the degree of use of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn belonging to the group is appropriately determined, the installation positions of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn that are optimum for the degree of use in the group, new additions, An arrangement such as disposal can be proposed, and the utilization efficiency of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the optimum arrangement proposal apparatus SS of the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 optimizes useful information that is various information necessary for the optimum arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, for example, the performance value, the threshold value, The total actual printing number (actual usage amount), the group total actual printing number (actual usage amount) for each group, and the recommended printing number (device recommended printing number, group recommended printing number) are obtained from the apparatus in the optimum arrangement proposal system 1. Although acquired or calculated, these pieces of information are not limited to those processed in the optimum arrangement proposal system 1, and are installed in a site operated and managed by the provider of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, for example. You may make it acquire from the information provision apparatus currently provided.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 includes a plurality of client terminals CT similar to the above, printing devices ND1 to NDn as a plurality of devices, a device information management device KS, and a network NW. The status management device RS and the optimum arrangement proposing device SS are connected, and the information acquisition device JS is connected. Note that the device information management device KS, the usage status management device RS, the optimum arrangement proposing device SS, and the information acquisition device JS do not have to be configured as separate devices, and any two devices are considered as one device. It may be constructed, any three devices may be constructed as one device, or all devices may be constructed as one device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the information acquisition device JS is connected to an information providing device MS installed at a site operated and managed by a provider of the printing devices ND1 to NDn via the Internet, a dedicated line, or the like.

  And this optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system 1 is added to said ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, device information management apparatus KS, utilization condition management apparatus RS, and optimal arrangement proposal apparatus SS. Optimal placement for executing the optimum placement proposal method necessary for each of the device information management device KS, usage status management device RS, and optimum placement proposal device SS recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD, SD card, or MO The proposed program is read and introduced into the device information management device KS, the usage status management device RS, and the non-volatile memory or the hard disk of the optimum arrangement proposal device SS, and the information acquisition device JS and the information providing device MS are provided with the information acquisition device. The optimal layout proposal method necessary for JS and the information providing device MS is implemented. By reading and introducing the optimal arrangement proposal program to be executed, a functional block as shown in FIG. 8 is constructed, and the optimum arrangement proposal apparatus SS includes a request reception processing function unit SS1, an optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2, and a usage status determination. The information function unit SS3, the usage status acquisition function unit SS4, and the device information acquisition function unit SS5 are used in the usage status management device RS. The usage status information storage / management function unit RS1 is stored in the device information management device KS. The management function unit KS1 is constructed, the information obtaining function unit JS1 is constructed in the information obtaining device JS, and the optimized useful information management function unit MS1 is constructed in the information providing device MS.

  The functional units of the optimal arrangement proposing device SS, the usage status management device RS, and the device information management device KS have the same functions as described above, but the optimal arrangement calculating function unit SS2 of the optimal arrangement proposing device SS is optimal. Instead of calculating the useful information as described above, an acquisition request is made to the information acquisition device JS.

  When there is an optimization useful information acquisition request from the optimum layout calculation function unit SS2, the information acquisition device JS is operated and managed by the provider of the printing devices ND1 to NDn connected by the Internet or the like. The optimized useful information acquisition request is made to the information providing apparatus MS installed at the site.

  The information providing apparatus MS optimizes useful information which is various information necessary for the optimal arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, for example, performance value, threshold value, total actual print number, group total actual print number for each group, recommended print number (device (Recommended number of prints, recommended number of prints for group) is stored and managed, and when there is an acquisition request for optimized useful information from the information acquisition device JS, the information acquisition device displays the optimized useful information requested by the acquisition request. Give it to JS.

  When the information acquisition device JS acquires the optimization useful information from the information providing device MS, the information acquisition device JS passes the acquired optimization useful information to the optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 of the optimum arrangement proposal device SS.

  The optimum arrangement calculation function unit SS2 of the optimum arrangement proposal device SS causes the utilization status determination information management function unit SS3 to store and manage the optimization useful information acquired from the information acquisition device JS, and uses it for the optimum arrangement proposal processing.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 provides necessary optimization useful information to the operation / management of the providers of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn when performing the optimum arrangement proposal processing. Optimized useful information acquisition processing acquired from the information providing apparatus MS is performed. In FIG. 9, each processing step of the optimization useful information acquisition processing is shown as S31 to S34.

  In FIG. 9, when the optimum arrangement proposing device SS performs the optimum arrangement proposing process, the optimum arrangement calculating function unit SS2 requests the information obtaining device JS to obtain optimized useful information (S31), and the information obtaining device JS When there is an optimization useful information acquisition request, the optimization useful information acquisition request requested by the optimization useful information acquisition request is installed at a site operated and managed by the provider of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. An acquisition request for the optimized useful information requested to be acquired is sent to the information providing apparatus MS (S32).

  When there is an optimization useful information acquisition request, the information providing apparatus MS optimizes useful information requested by the acquisition request out of the optimization useful information stored and managed by the optimization useful information management function unit MS1. Information is acquired and passed to the information acquisition device JS (S33).

  When the information acquisition device JS acquires the optimization useful information from the information providing device MS, the information acquisition device JS passes the optimization useful information to the optimal arrangement proposal device SS (S34).

  The optimal arrangement proposing device SS stores and manages the optimization useful information received from the information acquisition device JS in the usage status determination status function unit SS3, and uses the optimization useful information to print the printers ND1 to ND1 on the network NW. The optimal placement proposal process for NDn is performed.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS and to facilitate the storage and management of the optimized useful information. With the inexpensive system configuration, the printing devices ND1 to NDn. Can be proposed, and management and operation of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS can be facilitated. In addition, by obtaining the optimized useful information from the information providing apparatus MS of the site operated and managed by the provider of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn, the optimized useful information can be made more appropriate and more appropriate. Optimal placement proposals can be made.

  The optimized useful information acquired in this optimized useful information acquisition process includes the recommended number of prints (recommended number of printed devices, recommended number of printed groups), a threshold value to be compared with the recommended number of printed pages, and the progress of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn. For example, the printing cost / sheet required for printing one sheet for each printing device ND1 to NDn, the printing device ND1 to NDn is charged by the provider of the printing devices ND1 to NDn for printing When performing the above, information such as a counter value of a charging counter for performing the charging may be acquired, and an optimal arrangement may be proposed based on the information.

  In this way, it is possible to propose an optimal arrangement of the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn based on the printing cost and billing.

  Further, as the optimization useful information acquired in this optimization useful information acquisition process, in the above description, the usage status information and device information (including group information) acquired from the usage status management device RS and the device information management device KS. .) May be acquired from the information providing apparatus MS via the information acquiring apparatus JS.

  In this way, the usage status management device RS and the device information management device KS can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified.

  In the above description, the optimal arrangement proposal system 1 has been described on the assumption that the device information management device KS and the usage status management device RS are connected to the network NW separately from the optimal arrangement proposal device SS. The system configuration of the optimum arrangement proposing system 1 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the optimum arrangement proposing device SS includes one of the device information management device KS and the usage status management device RS as its functional unit. It is also possible that both are incorporated as respective functional units.

  In the above description, the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn are described as the devices. However, the devices are not limited to the printing devices. For example, various devices that are connected to a network such as a scanner and execute various processes. Devices may be used, and optimal placement proposals on the network of these devices may be performed based on the usage status and performance values of these devices.

  Furthermore, in the optimum arrangement proposal system 1 of the above embodiment, the optimum arrangement proposal device SS performs the optimum arrangement proposal process in response to the optimum arrangement proposal request from the client terminal CT, and the optimum arrangement of the processing result is displayed on the display of the client terminal CT. Or printing output by the printing apparatuses ND1 to NDn and outputting it visually. However, an optimal layout proposal process is performed in response to an optimal layout proposal request from the operation unit of the optimal layout proposal apparatus SS itself. Alternatively, it may be displayed on the display or the like of the optimum arrangement proposing device SS itself, or may be visualized and output by printing out with a printing device.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an information processing apparatus that proposes an optimum arrangement of devices on a network, an optimum arrangement proposal system, an optimum arrangement proposal method, an optimum arrangement proposal program, and a recording medium.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an optimal layout proposal system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The figure which shows an example of the various information used with the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG. The functional block block diagram of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG. The figure which shows the process sequence of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal process by the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal screen displayed in a client terminal by the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal process of FIG. The figure which shows the process sequence of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal process in a group unit by the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG. The system block diagram of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system in the case of acquiring optimization useful information from the information provision apparatus of a site. The functional block block diagram of the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG. The figure which shows the process sequence of the optimization useful information acquisition process by the optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optimal arrangement proposal system NW network CT Client terminal 11 Display part 12 Information acquisition part ND1-NDn Printing device KS Equipment information management apparatus KS1 Equipment information storage / management function part RS Usage condition management apparatus RS1 Usage condition information storage / management function part SS Optimal layout proposing device SS1 Request acceptance processing function unit SS2 Optimal layout calculation function unit SS3 Usage status determination information function unit SS4 Usage status acquisition function unit SS5 Device information acquisition function unit JS Information acquisition device JS1 Information acquisition function unit MS Information provision device MS1 Optimal Useful information management function

Claims (23)

  An information processing apparatus that proposes an optimal arrangement of a plurality of devices connected to a network, wherein a performance value acquisition unit that acquires a performance value indicating a processing performance of the device, and the performance value are set in advance Recommended usage amount calculation means for calculating the recommended usage amount for the device based on the coefficient as the recommended usage amount, and actual usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the actual usage amount of the device for a predetermined period as the actual usage amount And a usage status value calculating means for calculating a usage status value for the performance value of the device based on the recommended usage amount and the actual usage amount, and comparing the usage status value with a predetermined threshold set in advance. And determining means for determining the degree of use of the device with respect to the performance value, and optimum placement proposing means for proposing an optimum placement of the device on the network based on the degree of use. Information processing Location.   The information processing apparatus includes group management means for dividing and managing a plurality of the devices on the network into predetermined groups, and the performance value acquisition means acquires a group performance value indicating processing performance as the group The recommended usage calculation means calculates a total recommended usage that is the sum of the recommended usage of all the devices belonging to the group, and the actual usage acquisition means The actual usage amount of the device is acquired, and the usage status value calculating unit is based on a total actual usage amount obtained by adding up the total recommended usage amount and all the actual usage amounts acquired by the actual usage amount acquisition unit. A group usage status value for the group performance value of the group is calculated, and the determination means compares the group usage status value with a predetermined threshold value set in advance, and Determines the order of use for the value, the optimum arrangement proposed means, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein to propose an optimal placement of the instrument in the group based on the order of the usage.   The information processing apparatus further includes an output unit that visualizes and outputs the optimum arrangement of the device proposed by the optimum arrangement proposal unit or the usage degree determined by the determination unit. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The optimum arrangement proposing means proposes movement of an installation position of the device on the network, additional installation of the device, removal of the device, or movement of the device between the groups as the optimum arrangement. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising coefficient setting means for arbitrarily setting the coefficient.   The information processing apparatus is a printing apparatus in which the device prints out data, and the performance value is a printing performance such as the number of prints that can be printed within a predetermined period of the printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The information processing apparatus includes the performance value, the threshold value, the actual usage amount, the actual usage amount for each group, the charge for processing in the device, the processing cost in the device, and the age of the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one piece of information from an information providing apparatus managed by a provider of the device.   A performance value indicating a processing performance of the device, wherein the device is connected to a plurality of devices and an information processing device, and the information processing device proposes an optimal placement of the plurality of devices on the network. A performance value acquisition unit that acquires a recommended usage amount for the device based on the performance value and a preset coefficient, and a predetermined usage amount of the device. Actual usage amount acquisition means for acquiring an actual usage amount for a period as an actual usage amount, and usage status value calculation means for calculating a usage status value for the performance value of the device based on the recommended usage amount and the actual usage amount A determination means for comparing the usage status value with a predetermined threshold value set in advance to determine a usage level of the device with respect to the performance value, and based on the usage level, the device on the network Optimal placement Optimal arrangement proposed system, characterized in that it comprises a, and optimal placement offering means proposed.   The optimal arrangement proposal system includes group management means for managing a plurality of the devices on the network by dividing them into a predetermined group, and the performance value acquisition means includes a group performance value indicating processing performance as the group. And the recommended usage amount calculating means calculates a total recommended usage amount obtained by summing up the recommended usage amounts of all the devices belonging to the group, and the actual usage amount acquiring means calculates all the usage amounts belonging to the group. The actual usage amount of the device is acquired, and the usage status value calculation unit is based on a total actual usage amount obtained by adding up the total recommended usage amount and all the actual usage amounts acquired by the actual usage amount acquisition unit. The group usage status value for the group performance value of the group is calculated, and the determination unit compares the group usage status value with a predetermined threshold value set in advance to determine the group usage status value. Determining the degree of utilization for-loop performance value, the optimum arrangement proposed means, optimum arrangement proposed system of claim 8, wherein to propose an optimal placement of the instrument in the group based on the order of the usage.   The said optimal arrangement | positioning proposal system is further equipped with the output means which visualizes and outputs the optimal arrangement | positioning of the said apparatus which the said optimal arrangement | positioning proposal means proposed, or the said use degree determined by the said determination means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The optimal arrangement proposing system according to claim 8 or 9.   In the optimum arrangement suggestion system, the optimum arrangement suggesting means moves the installation position of the equipment on the network, adds the equipment, removes the equipment, or between the groups as the optimum placement. The optimal arrangement proposal system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the movement of the device is proposed.   The optimal arrangement proposal system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the optimum arrangement proposal system includes coefficient setting means for arbitrarily setting the coefficient.   In the optimum arrangement proposal system, the device is a printing apparatus that prints out data, and the performance value is a printing performance such as the number of prints that can be printed within a predetermined period of the printing apparatus. The optimal arrangement proposal system according to any one of claims 8 to 12.   The optimum arrangement proposal system includes information on the performance value, the threshold value, the actual usage amount, the actual usage amount for each group, a charging fee for processing in the device, a processing cost in the device, and an age of the device. 14. The optimal arrangement proposal according to claim 8, further comprising an information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one piece of information from an information providing apparatus managed by a provider of the device. system.   A performance value indicating a processing performance of the device, wherein a plurality of devices and an information processing device are connected to the network, and the information processing device proposes an optimal placement of the plurality of devices on the network. A performance value acquisition process for acquiring a usage amount recommended for the device based on the performance value and a preset coefficient, a recommended usage amount calculation process for calculating the recommended usage amount for the device, Actual usage amount acquisition processing for acquiring the actual usage amount for the period as the actual usage amount, and usage status value calculation processing for calculating the usage status value for the performance value of the device based on the recommended usage amount and the actual usage amount A determination process for comparing the usage status value with a predetermined threshold value to determine a usage level of the device with respect to the performance value, and based on the usage level, the device on the network Provide optimal placement Optimal arrangement proposed method, characterized by the optimum arrangement proposed process for the execution.   The optimal placement proposal method further executes group management processing for managing the plurality of devices on the network by dividing them into predetermined groups, and the performance value acquisition processing indicates group performance indicating processing performance as the group The value is acquired, and the recommended usage calculation processing calculates the total recommended usage total of all the devices that belong to the group. The actual usage acquisition processing belongs to the group. The actual usage amount of all the devices to be acquired is acquired, and the total actual usage amount obtained by adding the total recommended usage amount and all the actual usage amounts acquired in the actual usage amount acquisition process in the usage state value calculation process A group usage status value for the group performance value of the group is calculated based on the amount, and in the determination process, the group usage status value is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Determining the degree of utilization for the group performance value, the at optimum arrangement proposed process, optimal placement proposed method of claim 15, wherein the propose optimal placement of the instrument in the group based on the order of the usage.   The optimal layout proposal method further executes an output process for visualizing and outputting the optimal layout of the device proposed in the optimal layout proposal process or the usage degree determined in the determination process. Item 17. The optimal arrangement proposing method according to claim 15 or 16.   In the optimum placement proposal method, the optimum placement suggestion process includes, as the optimum placement, movement of an installation position of the device on the network, additional installation of the device, removal of the device, or between the groups. The optimal arrangement proposal method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the movement of the device is proposed.   The optimal arrangement proposing method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the optimal arrangement proposing method executes a coefficient setting process for arbitrarily setting the coefficient.   The optimum layout proposal method is characterized in that the device is a printing device that prints out data, and the performance value is a printing performance such as the number of prints that can be printed within a predetermined period of the printing device. The optimal arrangement proposal method according to any one of claims 15 to 19.   The optimum arrangement proposal method includes information on the performance value, the threshold value, the actual usage amount, the actual usage amount for each group, a charging fee for processing in the device, a processing cost in the device, and an age of the device. 21. The optimal arrangement proposing method according to claim 15, further comprising: executing information acquisition processing for acquiring at least one piece of information from an information providing apparatus managed by a provider of the device. .   An optimal arrangement proposing program for causing a computer to execute the optimal arrangement proposing method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.   23. A computer-readable recording medium on which the optimum arrangement proposing program according to claim 22 is recorded.

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