JP2020188301A - Printing business support system and printing business support program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing business support system capable of easily grasping a state of a plurality of devices or a plurality of types of recording media.SOLUTION: The printing business support system includes a detection device for detecting an operating status of a plurality of printing business devices including an image forming apparatus, a plurality of terminal devices for notifying a worker of the operating status of the plurality of printing business devices detected by the detection device, and an information processing device for extracting a terminal device to which information is transmitted from the plurality of terminal devices based on a setting and selectively transmitting detection information obtained by the detection device to the extracted terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a printing business support system and a printing business support program.

As a technique for promptly resolving an error such as a paper jam or a paper out in the image forming apparatus, the following Patent Document 1 describes information indicating the occurrence of the detected error when the occurrence of the error in the image forming apparatus is detected. A configuration is disclosed in which notification processing is executed a plurality of times so that a terminal device existing within a predetermined distance from the image forming device can receive the image. Then, when the image forming apparatus receives a response from the terminal device to the notification, the image forming apparatus notifies the information indicating that the user who cancels the error has been determined.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-147406

By the way, in the field of printing work, image formation on recording media of various brands and sizes is carried out in a plurality of devices including an image forming device. For this reason, it is required to improve the efficiency of business by grasping the state of a plurality of devices or a plurality of types of recording media.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing business support system and a printing business support program capable of easily grasping the state of a plurality of devices or a plurality of types of recording media. ..

The present invention for achieving such an object is a detection device for detecting an operating state of a plurality of printing business devices including an image forming device, and an operating status of the plurality of printing business devices detected by the detection device. Is extracted from a plurality of terminal devices for notifying the operator and a terminal device to which information is transmitted based on the settings from the plurality of terminal devices, and the extracted terminal device is obtained by the detection device. It is a printing business support system equipped with an information processing device that selectively transmits the detected detection information. Further, the present invention is a printing business support program for executing this printing business support system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing business support system and a printing business support program capable of easily grasping the state of a plurality of devices or a plurality of types of recording media.

It is an overall block diagram of the printing business support system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus in the printing business support system of 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the processing apparatus side control part in the information control apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus setting information held in the storage part of the information processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus in the printing business support system of 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the terminal side control part in the terminal apparatus of 1st Embodiment. This is a display example (No. 1) in the display unit of the terminal device. This is a display example (No. 2) in the display unit of the terminal device. This is a display example (No. 3) in the display unit of the terminal device. This is a display example (No. 4) in the display unit of the terminal device. This is a display example (No. 5) in the display unit of the terminal device. This is a display example (No. 6) in the display unit of the terminal device. It is a flowchart (the 1) of the printing business support carried out by the printing business support program of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart (2) of the printing business support carried out by the printing business support program of 1st Embodiment. It is an overall block diagram of the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the image formation control part in the image formation apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the attribute information of the recording medium used in the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus in the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the control unit on the processing apparatus side in the information processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of printing business support in the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment (the 1). It is a flowchart (No. 2) of printing business support in the printing business support system of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing business support system 1 of the first embodiment. The printing business support system 1 shown in this figure is a system for supporting printing business using a plurality of printing business devices 100. The plurality of printing business devices 100 are devices such as image forming devices 101 to 103, bookbinding device 104, and cutting device 105 for performing image forming and subsequent processing on a recording medium or the like. The image forming devices 101 to 103 may be of the same manufacturer or may be of a plurality of different manufacturers. Further, the bookbinding device 104 and the cutting device 105 may be a plurality of each, and when there are a plurality of the bookbinding device 104 and the cutting device 105, they may be of the same manufacturer or of a plurality of different manufacturers.

The printing business support system 1 used in the printing business using such a variety of other printing business devices 100 is configured to include a detection device 20, an information processing device 30, a terminal device 40, and a position information transmitter 49. ing. These are as follows.

<Detection device 20>
The detection device 20 is a device for detecting the operating state of each printing business device 100. As these detection devices 20, for example, in addition to the imaging devices 21 to 27 as shown, a vibrometer and a recording device are used. When the detection devices 20 are image pickup devices 21 to 27, these image pickup devices 21 to 27 are arranged at positions where it is easy to detect the operating state of each printing business device 100.

For example, one image pickup apparatus 21 is for overall monitoring arranged so that the entire work area in which the printing business apparatus 100 is arranged becomes an imaging region.

Further, the image pickup devices 22 to 25 arranged corresponding to the image forming devices 101 to 103 are arranged so that, for example, the paper ejection surface of the output tray of each image forming apparatus 101 to 103 or the document feeding portion becomes the imaging region. Will be done. Further, in this case, if the target printing business apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus 103 provided with a plurality of output trays such as the image forming apparatus 103, a plurality of imaging devices for one image forming apparatus 103. It is preferable to provide 24 and 25 so that the output state of all the output trays can be imaged.

Further, the image pickup device 26 arranged corresponding to the bookbinding device 104 is arranged so that, for example, the paper discharge surface of the paper discharge tray of the bookbinding device 104 is the image pickup region. Further, the imaging device 27 arranged with respect to the cutting device 105 is arranged so that the entire cutting device 105 is an imaging region.

In addition to the above, the image pickup device used as the detection device 20 is provided at a place where the operating status of the printing business device 100 can be determined by looking at the image, if necessary.

When the detection device 20 is a vibration meter (not shown here), the vibration meter is attached to each printing business device 100 and measures the vibration of the attached printing business device 10. Further, when the detection device 20 is a recording device (not shown here), the recording device is attached to each printing business device 100 or is arranged in close proximity to the corresponding printing business device 100. Record the operation sound emitted from.

<Information processing device 30>
The information processing device 30 is a device for providing appropriate information to each terminal device 40 based on the information from each detection device 20 and the information from the terminal device 40 described below. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 30 in the printing business support system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information processing device 30 includes a processing device side control unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a network interface 303. These are connected to each other by the bus 300 and are configured as follows.

[Processing device side control unit 301]
The processing device side control unit 301 extracts the terminal device 40 to which the information is transmitted and transmits the information to the extracted terminal device 40 based on the information received in the network interface 303. Such a processing device side control unit 301 is configured by a computer. The computer is hardware used as a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301-1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 301-2, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 301-3. ..

The control performed by the processing device side control unit 301 will be described in detail in the printing business support method described below. The control procedure performed by the processing device side control unit 301 is a program stored in ROM 301-2 as a printing business support program, or is loaded into RAM 301-3 or storage unit 302 from an external terminal device. It is a saved program. This printing business support program causes the computer to perform the steps described in the subsequent printing business support methods.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the processing device side control unit 301 in the printing business support system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the processing device side control unit 301 includes an information processing unit 301a, a terminal device extraction unit 301b, and an information transmission processing unit 301c. Next, the configuration of these functional elements will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 1 and 2 above.

-Information processing unit 301a-
The information processing unit 301a is a part that determines whether or not each printing business device 100 is operating normally based on the information from the detection device 20. The details of the determination by the information processing unit 301a will be described in detail in the subsequent printing business support method.

-Terminal device extraction unit 301b-
The terminal device extraction unit 301b serves as a transmission destination of information from the plurality of terminal devices 40 based on the information from the information processing unit 301a and the device setting information stored in the storage unit 302 described below. The process of extracting the terminal device 40 is performed. The procedure for extracting the terminal device 40 by the terminal device extraction unit 301b will be described in detail in the subsequent printing business support method.

-Information transmission processing unit 301c-
The information transmission processing unit 301c transmits information to the terminal devices 41, 42, 44 extracted by the terminal device extraction unit 301b.

[Storage 302]
The storage unit 302 shown in FIG. 2 holds device setting information that the terminal device extraction unit 301b refers to when extracting the terminal device 40 to which the information is transmitted. Here, FIG. 4 shows an example of device setting information held by the storage unit 302 of the information processing device 30 of the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the device setting information stored in the storage unit 302 is the detection device information [D1] and the terminal device information [D2]. These are the following information.

-Detector information [D1]-
The detection device information [D1] is information for knowing which printing business device 100 each detection device 20 corresponds to, and is the identification information of the printing business device 100 and each printing business device. This is information associated with the identification information of the detection device 20 provided corresponding to 100. As an example, since the image pickup device 21 (see FIG. 1) of the detection device 20 is for overall monitoring arranged so that the entire work area becomes the image pickup area, all of the printing business devices 100. Is associated with. Further, the image forming apparatus 22 (see FIG. 1) is associated with the image forming apparatus 101 in the printing business apparatus 100, the imaging apparatus 23 is associated with the image forming apparatus 102, and so on. A detection device 20 is associated with each of ~ 105.

The detection device information [D1] as described above is obtained in advance by, for example, being operated from the terminal device 44 of the management worker [W4] among the workers [W], or from another terminal device (not shown here). It shall be the set information.

-Terminal device information [D2]-
The terminal device information [D2] is information that associates the identification information of each worker [W], the identification information of the terminal device 40 held by each worker [W], and the working hours of each worker [W]. It includes work shift information of the worker [W]. Such terminal device information [D2] can be obtained from, for example, the terminal device 44 of the management worker [W4] of the workers [W], the terminal device 40 of each worker [W], or an external terminal. It is assumed that the information is updated and set each time by the operation from the device.

[Network Interface 303]
Returning to FIG. 2, the network interface 303 is for exchanging information between the detection device 20 and the terminal device 40 and the information processing device 30.

<Terminal device 40>
Returning to FIG. 1, each terminal device 40 is for each worker [W] who performs a printing business using the printing business device 100 to confirm the operating state of the printing business device 100. The terminal device 40 is also for inputting various setting information for these confirmations. The setting information includes device setting information such as the detection device information [D1] and terminal device information [D2] described above, and notification setting information described below.

Such a terminal device 40 is associated with each worker [W], and is typically a portable type, but may not be a portable type. As the portable terminal device 40, for example, a smartphone can be used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the terminal device 40 in the printing business support system of the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the terminal device 40 includes a terminal side control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a network interface 403, an operation unit 404, a display unit 405, a speaker 406, and a vibration motor 407. These are connected to each other by the bus 400 and are configured as follows.

[Terminal side control unit 401]
The terminal-side control unit 401 controls the display of the display unit 405 and the operation of the speaker 406 and the vibration motor 407 based on the operation of the operation unit 404 or the information received by the network interface 403. Such a terminal-side control unit 401 is configured by a computer. As described above, the computer is hardware used as a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU 401-1, a ROM 401-2, and a RAM 401-3.

The control performed by the terminal-side control unit 401 will be described in detail in the printing business support method described later. The control procedure performed by the terminal-side control unit 401 is a program saved in the ROM 401-2 as a printing business support program, or is loaded and saved in the RAM 401-3 or the storage unit 402 from an external terminal device. It is a program that has been printed. This printing business support program causes the computer to perform the steps described in the subsequent printing business support methods.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the terminal side control unit 401 in the terminal device 40 of the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the terminal side control unit 401 includes a notification determination unit 401a and a notification processing unit 401b. The configuration of these functional elements below will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 1 and 5 above.

-Notification judgment unit 401a-
The notification determination unit 401a executes the notification by the display unit 405 based on the notification setting information stored in the storage unit 402 and the information from the position information transmitter 49 described later, or the speaker 406 and the vibration motor. Judgment as to whether or not to operate 407 is carried out. The determination procedure by the notification determination unit 401a will be described in detail in the subsequent printing business support method.

-Notification processing unit 401b-
The notification processing unit 401b operates the display unit 405, the speaker 406, and the vibration motor 407 based on the instruction from the notification determination unit 401a and the information from the network interface 403.

[Storage unit 402]
Returning to FIG. 5, the storage unit 402 holds the notification setting information. One of the notification setting information is "conversation notification setting information" regarding another terminal device 40 that allows conversation via the network interface 403. Further, one of the other notification setting information is "notification setting information of device status" in which the detection device 20 for knowing the operating status of the printing business device 100 is designated. These notification setting information are individually set in each terminal device 40 as described in detail in the configuration of the display unit 405 below.

[Network interface 403]
The network interface 403 is for exchanging information with the information processing device 30, another terminal device 40, and the position information transmitter 49.

[Operation unit 404]
The operation unit 404 is a part operated by the operator [W], and is also for inputting the above-mentioned device setting information and notification setting information. Such an operation unit 404 may be, for example, an operation key or a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 405.

[Display unit 405]
The display unit 405 displays an operation screen for inputting device setting information and notification setting information. Further, the display unit 405 displays the image acquired by the imaging devices 21 to 27 as the detection device 20 and the result recorded by the vibration meter or the recording device as the detection device 20 as detection information. The display on such a display unit 405 is as follows.

FIG. 7 is a display example (No. 1) on the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, which is an example of displaying the printing process management menu screen 405A. As shown in this figure, the print process management menu screen 405A is displayed on the display unit 405 as an operation screen. On the print process management menu screen 405A, each menu of [conversation notification setting], [device status notification setting], [conversation], [overall VIEW], and [specific location VIEW] is displayed so as to be selectable.

FIG. 8 is a display example (No. 2) on the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, and is an example in which the conversation notification setting screen 405B is displayed as the operation screen. The conversation notification setting screen 405B is displayed when [Conversation notification setting] is selected on the print process management menu screen 405A of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, on the conversation notification setting screen 405B, the workers [W1] to [W4] associated with each terminal device 40 are selectably displayed. As a result, each worker [W] can select workers [W1] to [W4] who are allowed to have a conversation via the terminal device 40 possessed by each worker [W].

The information of the workers [W1] to [W4] selected here is converted into the identification information of the terminal device 40 associated with the workers [W1] to [W4]. Then, the converted identification information of the terminal device 40 is stored in the storage unit 402 as information about another terminal device 40 that allows conversation, that is, notification setting information of conversation.

FIG. 9 is a display example (No. 3) on the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, and is an example in which the device status notification setting screen 405C is displayed as the operation screen. The device status notification setting screen 405C is displayed when [device status notification setting] is selected on the print process management menu screen 405A of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 9, on the device status notification setting screen 405C, image forming devices 101 to 103, bookbinding device 104, cutting device 105, and imaging devices 22 to 27 provided corresponding thereto can be selected. Is displayed. As a result, each worker [W] selects the device and the image pickup device to be notified of the device status from the image forming devices 101 to 103, the bookbinding device 104, the cutting device 105, and the image pickup devices 22 to 27. be able to.

The identification information of the imaging devices 22, 25, and 26 selected here is stored in the storage unit 402 as information about the detection device 20 for knowing the operating status of the printing business device 100, that is, as notification setting information of the device status. ..

FIG. 10 is a display example (No. 4) on the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, and is an example in which the conversation screen 405D is displayed as the operation screen. The conversation screen 405D is displayed when [Conversation] is selected on the print process management menu screen 405A of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 10, a conversation with another worker [W] is displayed on the conversation screen 405D, and input of the conversation, image forming devices 101 to 103, bookbinding device 104, and cutting device 105. The selection menu of is displayed. As a result, each worker [W] can have a conversation with another worker [W] selected on the conversation notification setting screen 405B shown in FIG. 8, and further, the image forming devices 101 to 103 and the bookbinding device. It is possible to select which of 104 and 105 the cutting device is the conversation.

FIG. 11 is a display example (No. 5) of the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, which is an example of displaying the entire image pickup screen 405E of the work area. The entire imaging screen 405E is displayed when [Overall VIEW] is selected on the printing process management menu screen 405A of FIG. 7. The entire image pickup screen 405E shown in FIG. 11 displays the image pickup screen obtained by the image pickup device 21 as the detection device 20 shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a display example (No. 6) on the display unit 405 of the terminal device 40, in which an image pickup screen 405F at a specific location is displayed as an operation screen. The image pickup screen 405F of the specific location is displayed when [Specific location VIEW] is selected on the printing process management menu screen 405A of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming devices 101 to 103, the bookbinding device 104, the cutting device 105, and the image pickup devices 22 to 27 provided corresponding thereto are selectively displayed on the image pickup screen 405F of the specific location. Will be done. Here, only the imaging devices 22, 25, and 26 selected on the device status notification setting screen 405C shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed in a selectable manner.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the image pickup screen 405F at the specific location displays the image pickup screen obtained by the image pickup device 25 selected from the image pickup devices 22 to 27.

[Speaker 406]
Returning to FIG. 5, the speaker 406 is for notifying the incoming call of the detection information obtained by the detection device 20 and the conversation information input from another terminal device by voice.

[Vibration motor 407]
The vibration motor 407 vibrates to notify the incoming detection information obtained by the detection device 20 and the conversation information input from another terminal device.

<Location information transmitter 49>
Returning to FIG. 1, the position information transmitter 49 detects that the worker [M] holding the terminal device 40 is close to a specific printing business device 100 among the plurality of printing business devices 100. It is a device of. The specific printing business device 100 is, for example, a device that requires concentration during operation, and here, it is a cutting device 105. Such a position information transmitter 49 is a beacon that transmits a signal used in short-range wireless communication, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, and is attached to the cutting device 105.

The position information transmitter 49 is close to the cutting device 105 to the extent that the worker [W] carrying the terminal device 40 operates the cutting device 105, and the network interface 403 of the terminal device 40 (see FIG. 5). ) Sends a receivable signal. As a result, it is detected that the terminal device 40 that has received the signal transmitted from the position information transmitter 49 is close to the cutting device 105, and the position information transmitter 49 and the terminal device 40 form a position information detection mechanism. Will be done.

Note that such a position information detection mechanism is not limited to the combination of the position information transmitter 49 and the terminal device 40, and may be, for example, a mechanism using Wi-Fi positioning.

<Printing business support method>
Next, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support system 1 having the above configuration will be described. In the support method described here, the processing device side control unit 301 of the information processing device 30 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and each terminal side control unit 401 of the plurality of terminal devices 40 form a printing business support program. It is realized by executing.

[Support method in information processing device 30]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart (No. 1) of the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program of the first embodiment, and is a procedure of the printing business support method implemented by the processing device side control unit 301 of the information processing device 30. It is a figure which shows. Hereinafter, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and, if necessary, other diagrams according to the flowchart of FIG.

− Step S101−
In step S101, the information processing unit 301a of the processing device side control unit 301 processes the detection information transmitted from the detection device 20 and determines whether or not each printing business device 100 is operating normally. At this time, the information processing unit 301a compares, for example, each image obtained by the image pickup devices 21 to 27 of the detection device 20 with a reference image for each image, and the difference (for example, the position of a specific part). If it is within a predetermined range, it is judged to be normal (YES). On the other hand, when the difference in comparison exceeds a predetermined range, it is determined that it is not normal (NO).

Further, the information processing unit 301a determines that the vibration obtained by the vibrometer in the detection device 20 is normal (YES) if it is within a predetermined range, and is not normal if it exceeds the predetermined range (YES). NO) is judged. Further, the information processing unit 301a determines that the sound obtained by the recording device of the detection device 20 is normal (YES) if it is within a predetermined volume and range, and when it exceeds the predetermined volume or range. Judge that it is not normal (NO).

The information processing unit 301a executes the above determinations in parallel, and as a result, proceeds to step S102 when all are determined to be normal (YES), and when even one is determined to be normal (NO). To step S103.

− Step S102−
In step S102, the information processing unit 301a of the processing device side control unit 301 determines whether or not there is a request for information notification from the terminal device 40 via the network interface 303. The request for information notification from the terminal device 40 occurs, for example, when each menu of [Conversation], [Overall VIEW], or [Specific location VIEW] is selected on the printing process management menu screen 405A shown in FIG. To do.

At this time, if any of the plurality of terminal devices 40 is operated to request information notification, the information processing unit 301a determines that the request has been made (YES) and proceeds to step S103. move on. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 301a has not performed an operation for requesting information notification in all of the plurality of terminal devices 40, the information processing unit 301a determines that there is no request (NO) and returns to step S101.

− Step S103−
In step S103, the terminal device extraction unit 301b refers to the terminal device information [D2] among the device setting information stored in the storage unit 302, and extracts the terminal device [W] to be notified. At this time, the terminal device extraction unit 301b extracts the terminal device whose current time is within the working hours by comparing the real-time clock of the processing device side control unit 301 with the working hours of the terminal device information [D2]. .. For example, if the current time is 13:00, the terminal device extraction unit 301b extracts the terminal devices 41, 42, 44 corresponding to the workers [W1], [W2], and [W4].

− Step S104−
In step S104, the information transmission processing unit 301c transmits information to the terminal devices 41, 42, 44 extracted by the terminal device extraction unit 301b. Here, the information transmitted to the terminal devices 41, 42, 44 is the information determined to be abnormal (NO) in step S101, or the information related to the notification requested in step S102.

If it is determined that the detection information is not normal (NO) in step S101, the information transmission processing unit 301c inputs information that combines the detection information determined to be abnormal and the identification information of the detection device that transmitted the detection information. , Is transmitted to the extracted terminal devices 41, 42, 44.

If the information notification is requested in step S102, the information transmission processing unit 301c transmits the requested information to the extracted terminal devices 41, 42, 44. For example, in the printing process management menu screen 405A shown in FIG. 7, when the notification of [conversation] is requested, the conversation information input from the terminal device 40 and the input identification information of the terminal device 40 are combined. Send information. When the notification of [Overall VIEW] is requested, the imaging information obtained by the imaging device 21 shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted in association with the identification information of the imaging device 21. Further, when the notification of [Specific location VIEW] is requested, the imaging information obtained by the detection device selected from the imaging devices 22 to 27 can be transmitted in association with the identification information of the detection device.

− Step S105−
After that, in step S105, the processing device side control unit 301 determines whether or not to terminate the printing business support program. At this time, the processing device side control unit 301 has an end operation in, for example, the terminal device 44 of the management worker [W4] among the workers [W], or another terminal device (not shown here). If the information processing device 30 is turned off, or when the power of the information processing device 30 is turned off, it is determined to end (YES). In other cases, the process returns to step S101, and the processes after step S101 described above are repeated.

[Support method in terminal device 40]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart (No. 2) of the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program of the first embodiment, and shows the procedure of the printing business support method implemented by the terminal side control unit 401 of each terminal device 40. It is a figure which shows. Hereinafter, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 to 6 and other figures as necessary according to the flowchart of FIG.

The procedure shown in FIG. 14 is started by receiving the information transmitted from the information transmission processing unit 301c of the information processing device 30 in step S104 of FIG. 13 described above by the network interface 403 of each terminal device 40. Will be done.

−Step S201−
In step S201, the notification determination unit 401a of the terminal side control unit 401 determines whether or not the information received by the network interface 403 is information from the device set in the terminal device 40. At this time, the notification determination unit 401a makes this determination with reference to the notification setting information stored in the storage unit 402.

That is, in the notification determination unit 401a, the identification information of the device (detection device or terminal device) associated with the received information is the notification setting information (see FIG. 8) of the conversation stored in the storage unit 402 or the notification of the device status. If it is saved as the setting information (see FIG. 9), it is determined that the device is the set device (YES), and the process proceeds to step S202.

On the other hand, when the notification determination unit 401a does not store the identification information of the device (detection device or terminal device) associated with the received information in the notification setting information stored in the storage unit 402, the notification determination unit 401a It is determined that the device is not the set device (NO), and the process is terminated.

Even if the information received by the network interface 403 is the conversation information transmitted from the terminal device 40 selected on the conversation notification setting screen 405B shown in FIG. 8, the notification setting information stored in the storage unit 402 If it is a conversation about a printing business device of identification information that is not stored in the device, it is determined that the device is not the set device (NO). In this determination, in the terminal device 40 that is the transmission side of the conversation information, the identification information of the image forming devices 101 to 103, the bookbinding device 104, and the cutting device 105 selected on the conversation screen 405D shown in FIG. 10 is the conversation information. It is determined by whether or not it is stored in the storage unit 402 of the terminal device 40 on the receiving side.

− Step S202−
In step S202, the notification determination unit 401a of the terminal side control unit 401 determines whether or not the worker [W] holding the terminal device 40 is in a position where the incoming call notification can be permitted. At this time, the notification determination unit 401a performs this determination depending on whether or not the network interface 403 has received the signal from the position information transmitter 49.

That is, in the notification determination unit 401a, when the network interface 403 does not receive the signal from the position information transmitter 49, the worker [W] needs to concentrate on the operation (here, the cutting device). It is determined that the user is in a good position (YES) to allow the incoming call notification, not during the work in 105), and the process proceeds to step S203.

On the other hand, in the notification determination unit 401a, when the network interface 403 receives the signal from the position information transmitter 49, the worker [W] needs to concentrate on the operation (here, the cutting device). It is determined that the work in 105) is in progress and the position is not good for allowing the incoming call notification (NO), and the process proceeds to step S204.

− Step S203−
In step S203, the notification processing unit 401b of the terminal-side control unit 401 causes the display unit 405 to display the request information from each device received by the network interface 403. At this time, the incoming call information for notifying that the request information has been received is notified by using the speaker 406 and the vibration motor 407. With the above, a series of processing is completed.

− Step S204−
On the other hand, in step S204, the notification processing unit 401b of the terminal-side control unit 401 causes the display unit 405 to display the request information from each device received by the network interface 403. However, the speaker 406 and the vibration motor 407 are not driven, the notification of the incoming information for notifying that the request information has been received is not performed, and the notification process limited to the display is performed. With the above, a series of processing is completed.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, when the printing business using the plurality of printing business devices 100 is performed by a plurality of workers [W], the terminal devices 40 owned by each worker [W] are respectively. Only the information required by the worker [W] can be selectively notified. Therefore, each worker [W] can easily grasp the state of the printing business apparatus that he / she is in charge of by notifying only the necessary information.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 15 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing business support system of the second embodiment. The printing business support system 2 shown in this figure is a system for supporting a printing business using a plurality of image forming devices 50, and includes a plurality of image forming devices 50 and an information processing device 60.

<Image forming device 50>
The plurality of image forming apparatus 50 may be of the same manufacturer or different manufacturers, and each of them is an apparatus capable of performing image forming on various types of recording media. is there. These plurality of image forming apparatus 50 are arranged at a common printing work site, and a wide variety of recording media prepared at the site are jointly used.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 50 in the printing business support system 2 of the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, each image forming apparatus 50 includes an image forming control unit 501, a storage unit 502, a network interface 503, an operation unit 504, and an image forming unit 505. These are connected to each other by the bus 500 and are configured as follows.

[Image formation control unit 501]
The image forming control unit 501 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 50 based on the external information received in the network interface 503, the information stored in the storage unit 502, and the operation information from the operation unit 504. .. Such an image formation control unit 501 is configured by a computer. The computer is hardware used as a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501-1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 501-2, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 501-3. ..

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the image formation control unit 501 in the image forming apparatus 50 of the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image formation control unit 501 includes an image processing unit 501a, an attribute imparting unit 501b, and an information transmission processing unit 501c. The configuration of these functional elements will be described below.

-Image processing unit 501a-
The image processing unit 501a creates image data for printing by rasterizing the original data of the image formed on the recording medium by executing the job. The original data of the image processed by the image processing unit 501a is information input from an external terminal device via the network interface 503, or the image forming apparatus 50 is a platen and a document placed on the platen. When having a reading device for reading an image, the information may be read from this reading device.

-Attribute addition unit 501b-
The attribute-giving unit 501b is a portion that assigns attributes classified by type and size to a recording medium that forms an image by executing a job. The attribute assignment by the attribute assignment unit 501b is input from an external terminal device via the network interface 503, or is stored in the storage unit 502 together with the job information input by the operation of the operation unit 504 described below. It is carried out based on the attribute information about the recording medium.

-Information transmission processing unit 501c-
The information transmission processing unit 501c performs processing for transmitting the attributes given to the recording medium used in the job and the information about the job from the network interface 603 to the information processing device 60 in the attribute giving unit 501b. .. The information about the job transmitted by the information transmission processing unit 501c is the information about the number of recording media (the number of prints) for forming an image in the job.

[Storage unit 502]
Returning to FIG. 16, the storage unit 502 stores the information received by the network interface 503, the information input from the operation unit 504, the control program of the image forming apparatus 50, and the attribute information related to the recording medium.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing attribute information of the recording medium used in the printing business support system 2 of the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the attribute information of the recording medium is [0] brand, [1] basis weight (thickness), [2] initial size, [3] paper passing size, and [4] whether or not to print again. , [5] Whether or not to bring in, and [6] Information for identifying the recording medium by assigning attributes to each of the other items.

Here, [2] the initial size is the initial size of the recording medium at the time of being delivered to the printing business site, typically at the time of purchase, and is a record before cutting at the printing business site. The size of the medium. [3] The paper passing size is the size of the recording medium used for image formation in each image forming apparatus 50, and is the size of the recording medium used in each image forming apparatus. When the initial size recording medium at the time of purchase is cut and used at the time of image formation, different sizes of [2] initial size and [3] paper passing size are used for the recording medium used in the same job. Granted.

[4] Whether or not the printing is reprinting is a classification of whether or not the recording medium used in the job has already formed an image at the site of the printing business. Further, [5] whether or not to bring in is classified as to whether or not the recording medium used in the job is not the recording medium originally prepared at the site of the printing business but the recording medium brought in from the outside.

For example, the items of [0] brands are classified into five types: [0] J paper, [1] OK top, [2] Prince high quality, [3] PODGC, and [4] Shiraoi. Further, the item of [1] basis weight (thickness) is classified into each type of [0] 60 g / m ² , [1] 100 g / m ² , ....

Here, in the attribute-giving unit 501b (see FIG. 17) described above, the attributes are attributed to the recording medium that forms an image in the job based on the attribute information stored in the storage unit 502 and the input job information. Is given. As an example, in the attribute imparting unit 501b, [0] brand- [0] J paper, [1] basis weight (thickness)-[1] 100 g / m ² , with respect to the recording medium on which the image is formed in the job. [2] Initial size- [1] A2, [3] Paper size- [0] A3, [4] Reprint or not-[0] No, [5] Bring in- [0] No, The attribute of is given.

[Network interface 503]
Returning to FIG. 16, the network interface 503 is for exchanging information between the information processing device 60 and the external terminal device. Such a network interface 503 also serves as an input unit for inputting information about the recording medium that is the target of the job.

[Operation unit 504]
The operation unit 504 is an input unit for inputting the setting of the job to be executed by using the image forming apparatus 50, and has a display panel and operation buttons. The operation button may be a touch panel provided integrally with the display panel.
[Image forming unit 505]
The image forming unit 505 is a portion that forms an image by printing on the main surface of the selected recording medium according to the instruction from the image forming control unit 501. The image forming unit 505 may be of an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method, and the method of image forming is not limited.

<Information processing device 60>
Returning to FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus 60 performs a process for ordering replenishment of a wide variety of recording media prepared at the printing business site based on the information from the plurality of image forming apparatus 50. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 60 in the printing business support system 2 of the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information processing device 60 includes a processing device side control unit 601, a storage unit 602, and a network interface 603. These are connected to each other by a bus 600 and are configured as follows.

[Processing device side control unit 601]
The processing device side control unit 601 calculates the number of sheets of recording media consumed based on the information received by the network interface 603, and executes a process of ordering replenishment of the shortage. Such a processing device side control unit 601 is configured by a computer. As described above, the computer is hardware used as a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU 601-1, a ROM 601-2, and a RAM 601-3.

The control performed by the processing device side control unit 601 will be described in detail in the printing business support method described below. The control procedure to be executed by the processing device side control unit 601 is a program stored in the ROM 601-2 as a printing business support program, or is loaded and stored in the RAM 601-3 or the storage unit 602 from an external device. It is a program. This printing business support program causes the computer to perform the steps described in the subsequent printing business support methods.

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of the processing device side control unit 601 in the information processing device 60 of the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the processing device side control unit 601 includes an integration processing unit 601a, an integration value holding unit 601b, an order determination unit 601c, and a reset processing unit 601d. Next, the configuration of these functional elements will be described.

-Integration processing unit 601a-
The integration processing unit 601a integrates the number of sheets of recording media consumed for each type of recording medium based on the information received at the network interface 603 (see FIG. 19). Here, the type of recording medium is the type of recording medium before cutting, and is the type of recording medium at the time of purchase. With reference to the attribute information of the recording medium shown in FIG. 18, the type of the recording medium is, among the attribute information of the recording medium, [0] brand, [1] basis weight (weight), and [2] initial size. It is a classification about. The procedure of the integration processing by the integration processing unit 601a will be described in detail in the subsequent printing business support method.
-Integrated value holding unit 601b-
The integrated value holding unit 601b holds the integrated result by the integrated processing unit 601a as an integrated value [n] for each type of recording medium.

-Ordering decision unit 601c-
Based on the integration result in the integration processing unit 601a, the order determination unit 601c determines whether or not to place an order for replenishment of the recording medium of the type to be integrated in the integration processing unit 601a.

-Reset processing unit 601d-
The reset processing unit 601d resets the integrated value [n] held in the integrated value holding unit 601b for each type of recording medium based on the information received in the network interface 603, and sets the integrated value [n] = 0. To do.

[Storage unit 602]
Returning to FIG. 19, the storage unit 602 may store the information received by the network interface 603 and the printing business support program executed by the processing device side control unit 601.

[Network interface 603]
The network interface 603 is for exchanging information with each image forming apparatus 50 and an external device.

<Printing business support method>
Next, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support system 2 having the above configuration will be described. In the support method described here, the image formation control unit 501 of each image forming apparatus 50 described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 21 and the processing apparatus side control unit 601 of the information processing apparatus 60 form a printing business support program. It is realized by executing.

[Support method in image forming apparatus 50]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart (No. 1) of the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program of the second embodiment, and is a procedure of the printing business support method implemented by the image formation control unit 501 of each image forming apparatus 50. It is a figure which shows. The procedure shown in this figure is executed when a job is input to each image forming apparatus 50. Hereinafter, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 according to the flowchart of FIG. 21.

− Step S301−
In step S301, the attribute assigning unit 501b of the image formation control unit 501 refers to the information regarding the job input from the operation unit 504 or the network interface 503 and the attribute information of the recording medium stored in the storage unit 502, and this is referred to. Attribute is given to the recording medium that performs image formation in the job. For example, [0] brand- [0] J paper, [1] basis weight (weight)-[1] 100 g / m ² , [2] initial size- [1] A2, [3] paper size- [ The attributes of 0] A3, [4] whether or not to reprint- [0] or not, and [5] whether or not to bring in- [0] or not are added.

− Step S302−
In step S302, the information transmission processing unit 501c causes the information processing device 60 to transmit information on the assigned attributes and information on the job from the network interface 603. The information regarding the job transmitted here is information regarding the number of recording media (number of prints) for which an image is formed in the job. The process is completed by the above.

[Support method in information processing device 60]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart (No. 2) of the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program of the second embodiment, and is a procedure of the printing business support method implemented by the processing device side control unit 601 of the information processing device 60. It is a figure which shows. The procedure shown in this figure is executed when the information transmission processing unit 501c of the image forming apparatus 50 inputs the attribute information and the information about the job to the information processing apparatus 60. Hereinafter, the printing business support method implemented by the printing business support program according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 20 according to the flowchart of FIG. 22.

− Step S401−
In step S401, the integration processing unit 601a of the processing device side control unit 601 is then executed by the image forming device 50 based on the attribute information given to the recording medium among the information transmitted from the image forming device 50. Determine if the job is a reprint. If it is determined that the printing is a follow-up printing (YES), the processing is terminated without performing the integration processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing is not a follow-up printing (NO), the process proceeds to the next step S402.

-Step S403-
In step S403, the integration processing unit 601a of the processing device side control unit 601 is then executed by the image forming device 50 based on the attribute information given to the recording medium among the information transmitted from the image forming device 50. Determine whether the recording medium used in the job is brought in from the outside. If it is determined that the item is brought in (YES), the process is terminated without performing the integration process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the item is not brought in (NO), the process proceeds to the next step S403.

-Step S403-
In step S403, the integration processing unit 601a of the processing device side control unit 601 cuts the number of recording media used in the job based on the attribute information given to the recording medium among the information transmitted from the image forming device 50. Is calculated. That is, here, the ratio of the initial size to the paper size is calculated based on the attribute information given to the recording medium, and the recording medium that forms an image in this job is the original recording medium cut into several sheets. Is calculated.

− Step S404−
In step S404, the integration processing unit 601a of the processing device side control unit 601 calculates a value obtained by dividing the number of printed jobs by the number of cut sheets calculated in step S403. Next, a new integrated value [n] is calculated by further integrating the calculated value with respect to the integrated value [n] held in the integrated value holding unit 601b.

-Step S405
In step S405, the order determination unit 601c of the processing device side control unit 601 compares the integrated value [n] calculated in step S404 with the threshold value [N], and the integrated value [n] is equal to or greater than the threshold value [N]. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that the threshold value is [N] or more (YES), it is determined that the number of remaining sheets of the recording medium of that type is low, and the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, when it is determined that the threshold value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value [N] (NO), it is determined that the remaining number of recording media of that type is sufficient, and the process is terminated. The threshold value [N] is set to a value equal to or less than the maximum value of the number of recording media of each type prepared in the field of printing work.

-Step S406-
In step S406, the order determination unit 601c of the processing device side control unit 601 transmits information from the network interface 603 to order the replenishment of the recording medium of the type used in the job to the external device. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, information on the type of recording medium used in the job and the required number are transmitted to the robotic process automation (RPA) apparatus 202. Further, the same information is transmitted to the terminal device 201 owned by the worker [W], or information notifying the order is transmitted. With the above, the process is completed.

<Effect of the second embodiment>
According to the second embodiment described above, consumption of each type of recording medium is performed in the field of printing work using a plurality of image forming devices 50 capable of performing image formation on many types of recording media. It is possible to accurately grasp the number of sheets. As a result, it becomes possible to replenish a wide variety of recording media for each type without excess or deficiency.

1 ... Printing business support system 20 ... Detection device 20, 21-24 ... Terminal device 21-27 ... Imaging device (detection device)
30 ... Information processing device 49 ... Position information transmitter (position information detection mechanism)
100 ... Printing business equipment 101-103 ... Image forming equipment (printing business equipment)
104 ... Bookbinding equipment (printing business equipment)
105 ... Cutting device (specific printing business device)
[D1] ... Detection device information (device setting information)
[D2] ... Terminal device information (device setting information)
[W], [W1] to [W4] ... Worker 2 ... Printing business support system 50 ... Image forming device 501b ... Attribute addition unit 501c ... Transmission processing unit 502 ... Storage unit 503 ... Network interface (input unit)
504 ... Operation unit (input unit)
60 ... Information processing device 601a ... Integration processing unit 601c ... Order judgment unit

Claims (14)

A detection device for detecting the operating status of a plurality of printing business devices including an image forming device, and
A plurality of terminal devices for notifying the operator of the operating status of the plurality of printing business devices detected by the detection device, and
An information processing device that extracts a terminal device to which information is transmitted based on settings from the plurality of terminal devices and selectively transmits the detection information obtained by the detection device to the extracted terminal device. Printing business support system equipped with. The printing business support system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is at least one of an image pickup device, a vibrometer, and a recording device. Claim 1 or 2 in which the information processing device selectively transmits conversation information transmitted by one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices to another terminal device to the extracted terminal device. The printing business support system described in. Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes only the conversation information related to the printing business device selected based on the setting among the conversation information transmitted by one terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices to the other terminal device. The printing business support system according to claim 3, which selectively notifies. Each of the plurality of terminal devices has a display unit for notifying information transmitted from the information processing device by display, and at least one of a vibration motor and a speaker for notifying an incoming call of the information. The printing business support system according to any one of 4. A position information detection mechanism for detecting that the terminal device is close to a specific printing business device among the plurality of printing business devices is provided.
Claim that each of the plurality of terminal devices stops the notification of the incoming call of the information by the vibration motor and the speaker when the position information detection mechanism detects that the device is close to the specific printing business device. The printing business support system according to 5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information processing device extracts a terminal device to which the information is transmitted based on the working hours of a worker holding each of the plurality of terminal devices. Printing business support system. Printing business for detecting the operating status of a plurality of printing business equipment including an image forming device by a detection device and notifying an operator of the operating status of the plurality of printing business equipment detected by the detection device by a plurality of terminal devices. It ’s a support program,
A process of extracting a terminal device to which information is transmitted based on a setting from the plurality of terminal devices, and a process of selectively transmitting the detection information obtained by the detection device to the extracted terminal device. Printing business support program to carry out. With multiple image forming devices,
It is provided with an information processing device that manages information on a recording medium that forms an image in the plurality of image forming devices.
Each of the plurality of image forming devices
An input section for inputting information about the recording medium that is the target of the job,
A storage unit that holds the attribute information of the recording medium,
An attribute-giving unit that assigns attributes to the recording medium that is the target of the job based on the information about the recording medium input from the input unit and the attribute information held in the storage unit.
It has a transmission processing unit that transmits information about a recording medium input from the input unit and information about attributes assigned by the attribute assigning unit to the information processing apparatus.
The information processing device
An integration processing unit that calculates an integrated value of the number of sheets consumed for each type of recording medium based on the information transmitted from the transmission processing unit.
When the integrated value of the number of sheets consumed for each type of the recording medium calculated by the integration processing unit reaches the threshold value, an order determination unit that transmits information on the recording medium whose integrated value reaches the threshold value to an external device Printing business support system. The printing business support system according to claim 9, wherein the integration processing unit integrates the number of sheets of recording media of the initial size before cutting for each type of recording medium. The storage unit stores, as attribute information of the recording medium, information for identifying the brand, basis weight, initial size, paper size at the time of image formation, whether or not it is for additional printing, and whether or not it is a carry-on medium. The printing business support system according to claim 10. At least one of the attributes that the recording medium that is the target of the job is for the additional printing is the additional printing, and that the recording medium that is the target of the job is the carry-on medium. If,
The printing business support system according to claim 11, wherein the integration processing unit does not integrate the number of sheets consumed. When the integrated value of the number of consumption sheets for each type of the recording medium accumulated by the integration processing unit reaches the threshold value, the order determination unit replenishes the type of recording medium in which the integrated value of the number of consumption sheets reaches the threshold value. , The printing business support system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, which is ordered from an external device. A plurality of image forming devices having an input unit for inputting information about a recording medium to be a job, and a storage unit for holding attribute information of the recording medium.
It is a printing business support program to be executed by an information processing device that manages information on a recording medium that forms an image in the plurality of image forming devices.
Based on the information about the recording medium input from the input unit and the attribute information held in the storage unit, the process of assigning attributes to the recording medium to be the target of the job is performed by the plurality of image forming apparatus. Let the attribute assignment department carry it out
A process of transmitting the information about the recording medium input from the input unit and the information about the attribute given by the attribute assigning unit to the information processing apparatus is performed by the transmission processing unit of the plurality of image forming apparatus.
Based on the information transmitted from the transmission processing unit, the integration processing unit of the information processing apparatus is made to perform a process of calculating the integrated value of the number of sheets consumed for each type of the recording medium.
Information processing is a process of transmitting information about a recording medium whose integrated value has reached the threshold value to an external device when the integrated value of the number of sheets consumed for each type of the recording medium calculated by the integration processing unit reaches the threshold value. A printing business support program to be implemented by the ordering judgment department of equipment.