JP4212868B2 - Device selection support system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, in various devices such as printers, it is common to connect to a network and share it with a plurality of external terminals connected on the same network.
[0003]
That is, in the case of a printer, for example, a user selects a printer as an output destination by operating an external terminal, and printing is performed by transmitting a print job to the printer via a network.
[0004]
By the way, in order to perform processing on a device from an external terminal, a driver corresponding to the device must first be selected and installed in the external terminal (client).
[0005]
Regarding “selection”, it is difficult to technically grasp whether or not “selection” has been made, so the following explanation is given with the aspect of “installation” being easier to grasp.
[0006]
Conventionally, each client user installs using the media (flexible disk, CD-ROM, etc.) bundled with the device or the driver saved on the management server connected on the network. Had gone.
[0007]
However, there are many drivers because the drivers are often different depending on the device model, the type of operating system used, the language, the version, and the like.
[0008]
Furthermore, drivers that have been upgraded are often published on the Web (World Wide Web) site of the Internet rather than drivers stored on the enclosed media, and are frequently updated.
[0009]
For this reason, it has become difficult for general users to collect driver update information, obtain the latest driver, and install the optimum driver.
[0010]
Therefore, in a network to which a large number of clients are connected, it has become mainstream to download a driver from a driver holding unit such as a management server and install the driver (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0011]
In the device described in Patent Document 1, the position of the client and the device is displayed together with the layout data, and is displayed in the form of a layout diagram in the area where the device actually exists, thereby facilitating selection of the device.
[0012]
In addition, by comparing the driver installed on the client with the version of the driver held in the holding unit, if the version of the driver installed on the client is old, the driver is installed. Yes.
[0013]
On the other hand, a device driver and a control program for controlling the operation of the device driver are also installed while maintaining consistency so as to be functionally compatible (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
[0014]
That is, in the case of a printer, a printer driver that creates print job data in a format that can be processed by the printer is installed in the client. The printer driver is a control program that controls the operation of the printer. It has a close functional relationship.
[0015]
For this reason, the printer driver must have a version that is operatively compatible with the control program. Therefore, the compatibility between the printer driver and the control program is determined based on the compatibility information stored in the printer. However, the printer driver and control program are automatically upgraded.
[0016]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-325170 A (page 3-5)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-027940 A (3rd, 5th to 9th pages)
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the printer described in Patent Document 1 merely selects a printer that the user wants to use and installs a printer driver, the relationship between the processing states of the printers is not considered, and It cannot be said that the burden of installing a driver by a general user is sufficiently reduced.
[0018]
For example, an inefficient situation occurs in which processing is concentrated on a certain printer and other printers are not frequently used.
[0019]
In addition, for the user, in order to select a driver, it is necessary to investigate the inside of the client, the server, etc., and it takes a lot of trouble.
[0020]
Moreover, in the thing of the said patent document 2, it is trying to reduce a user's complicated work accompanying a version upgrade using information, such as the compatibility of a driver and a control program. However, since it is based on compatible information such as version information, it is not possible to flexibly cope with the usage environment of a device that changes frequently, such as the usage frequency of the device.
[0021]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device selection support system that allows a user to select a highly convenient device without knowing the usage status of the device when the user uses the device. .
[0022]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device selection support system that allows a driver to be installed if the driver needs to be installed, thereby reducing user effort.
[0023]
Furthermore, even when the device usage environment changes, such as the device usage frequency, the number of clients and the number of devices, etc., it is possible to flexibly cope with the installation of a highly convenient device, thereby reducing the user's trouble. An object of the present invention is to provide a device selection support system that reduces the number of devices.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
In order for clients to use these devices,
A determination means for determining the processing efficiency for the client for the device, and
A device selection support system comprising selection means for automatically selecting a device with good processing efficiency in accordance with the determination means.
[0025]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0026]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0027]
Furthermore, it is possible to automatically determine a device having a high processing efficiency for each client used by the user, and automatically select a device having a high processing efficiency from the plurality of devices based on the result.
[0028]
In other words, when a client intends to use a device, a selection that has been difficult in the past, such as which one of a plurality of devices is the most efficient, can be selected based on past device usage conditions and This can be done automatically based on the usage environment.
[0029]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to select an appropriate device for each client (as a result, each user) without having to be particularly aware of the processing efficiency, and the user's effort can be reduced.
[0030]
The determination and selection may be executed at least partially using software, and the system may be simplified and the cost may be reduced.
[0031]
In addition, according to the above configuration, since “device is automatically selected”, when a user uses a device, it is not necessary to know which device is actually used among a plurality of same type devices. In addition, a history of which device is used may be displayed on the client using the device.
[0032]
The “device” indicates a device such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, or a facsimile, but is not limited to these image forming devices. Further, a so-called multifunction machine including the above-described device may be used.
[0033]
Further, the “plural types of devices” refers to a case where a plurality of printers are connected, for example, when attention is paid to a type of device called a printer.
[0034]
That is, for example, when a printer of manufacturer A and a printer of manufacturer B are connected, a plurality of (two in this case) printers of the same type device are connected. It corresponds to.
[0035]
Further, even if the driver versions corresponding to the two printers are different, it corresponds to the “plural types of devices”.
[0036]
Further, even when two types of printers of manufacturer A are connected, they correspond to the “plural types of devices”.
[0037]
On the other hand, when there is only one printer and one scanner, it is not generally applicable because there are not a plurality of devices of the same type.
[0038]
The “management server” manages clients connected to the network. For example, when a client accesses a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to the management server, it is described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or the like. The displayed Web page is displayed, and various drivers can be selected and downloaded from the Web page.
[0039]
Therefore, any user can access the management server uniformly to install the driver, and an easy-to-use and easy-to-use environment for the user can be realized.
[0040]
The “network” may be various signal transmission means (lines) such as the Internet, an intranet, and radio.
[0041]
Therefore, an easy-to-use signal transmission means can be used according to the usage environment of the device.
[0042]
Since these definitions are the same in the following description, they will be omitted in the following description in order to simplify the description.
[0043]
Further, the present invention provides a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
Determining means for determining the average number of times the device is used in a predetermined period; and
A selection means for automatically selecting a device based on the determination means,
It is a device selection support system characterized by having.
[0044]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0045]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0046]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a device that improves processing efficiency can be automatically determined from the plurality of devices, and a device that improves processing efficiency is determined based on the result. Can be selected automatically from other devices.
[0047]
Here, the average number of times the device has been used in the past predetermined period is used as a criterion for improving the processing efficiency.
[0048]
In other words, when a client intends to use a device, a selection that has been difficult in the past, such as which of the plurality of devices to use the most efficient, is used as the past device usage frequency. Can be done automatically based on.
[0049]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to select an appropriate device for each client (as a result, each user) without having to be particularly aware of the processing efficiency, and the user's effort can be reduced.
[0050]
Further, the present invention provides a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
A determination means for determining an average number of times the device is used in a predetermined period and a processing speed of the device; and
A selection means for automatically selecting a device based on the determination means,
It is a device selection support system characterized by having.
[0051]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0052]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0053]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a device that improves processing efficiency can be automatically determined from the plurality of devices, and a device that improves processing efficiency is determined based on the result. Can be selected automatically from other devices.
[0054]
Here, as a determination criterion for improving the processing efficiency, the average number of times the device is used in the past predetermined period and the processing speed of the device are used.
[0055]
In other words, when a client intends to use a device, the selection of which device among the plurality of devices is the most efficient in processing, which has been difficult in the past, is determined based on the frequency of use of past devices. This can be done automatically based on the processing capabilities of the device.
[0056]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to select an appropriate device for each client (as a result, each user) without having to be particularly aware of the processing efficiency, and the user's effort can be reduced.
[0057]
Further, the present invention provides a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
A determination means for determining the number of clients installed with a driver corresponding to the device; and
Based on the above determination means, a selection means for automatically selecting a device,
It is a device selection support system characterized by having.
[0058]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0059]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0060]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a device that improves processing efficiency can be automatically determined from the plurality of devices, and a device that improves processing efficiency is determined based on the result. Can be selected automatically from other devices.
[0061]
Here, the number of clients in which a driver corresponding to the device is installed is used as a criterion for improving the processing efficiency.
[0062]
In other words, when a client intends to use a device, the number of clients that can use the device is a difficult selection of which device is the most efficient from among a plurality of devices. Can be done automatically based on.
[0063]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to select an appropriate device for each client (as a result, each user) without having to be particularly aware of the processing efficiency, and the user's effort can be reduced.
[0064]
Further, the present invention provides a system having a client and a plurality of similar devices connected to a network.
A determination means for determining the number of clients installed with a driver corresponding to the device and the processing speed of the device; and
A selection means for automatically selecting a device based on the determination means,
It is a device selection support system characterized by having.
[0065]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0066]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0067]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a device that improves processing efficiency can be automatically determined from the plurality of devices, and a device that improves processing efficiency is determined based on the result. Can be selected automatically from other devices.
[0068]
Here, the number of clients installed with a driver corresponding to the device and the processing speed of the device are used as a criterion for improving the processing efficiency.
[0069]
In other words, when a client intends to use a device, the number of clients that can use the device is a difficult selection of which device is the most efficient from among a plurality of devices. And can be done automatically based on the processing capabilities of the device.
[0070]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to select an appropriate device for each client (as a result, each user) without having to be particularly aware of the processing efficiency, and the user's effort can be reduced.
[0071]
In addition, the present invention is a device selection support system in which the selection unit periodically checks device usage information of each client and automatically selects a device having a high processing efficiency for the client.
[0072]
According to the above configuration, the selection unit investigates the usage status of the device for each client every arbitrary period, for example, the status of driver installation, the usage frequency of the device, and the like.
[0073]
In addition, the above selection means can be used in the device usage environment such as information that no client has been connected to the network until now, or that a new client has been added, etc. Investigate such information.
[0074]
Therefore, for example, a device with high processing efficiency can be automatically selected without requiring the user to access the selection means via the client and without the user being particularly conscious.
[0075]
Even if the user individually installs the driver, the driver installation status can be confirmed, and the device can be selected according to the driver installation status.
[0076]
Therefore, even when the usage environment of the device changes, it is possible to respond flexibly and reduce the user's effort.
[0077]
In the present invention, in the case where the driver corresponding to the device selected by the selection unit is not installed in the client,
A device selection support system, wherein the driver is automatically installed on the client.
[0078]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0079]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0080]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a driver corresponding to a device that improves processing efficiency can be selected from drivers stored on the network and automatically installed.
[0081]
In other words, it is possible to automatically select which device has the best processing efficiency among a plurality of devices.
[0082]
In addition, when there are a plurality of drivers corresponding to the same device, it is possible to automatically select which version of the driver has the highest processing efficiency (generally, which version is the newest).
[0083]
If the driver selected in the above selection is not installed in the client who intends to use the device, the driver can be automatically installed.
[0084]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to install an appropriate driver for each client (as a result, each user) without being bothered by driver selection, and as a result, the optimum device can be used. become able to.
[0085]
In addition, since the driver of the device with high processing efficiency is installed in advance, the possibility that the driver will not be installed and processing by the device cannot be performed quickly when using the device is reduced. Is done.
[0086]
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user.
[0087]
In the present invention, the driver corresponding to the device selected by the selection unit is installed in the client.
If the driver version is older than the driver version that is stored and installable on the network,
A device selection support system, wherein a driver stored on the network is installed in the client.
[0088]
According to the above configuration, there are devices connected to the network, and a plurality of the same types of devices are connected.
[0089]
In addition, at least one client is connected to the network, and the device can be operated from the client.
[0090]
Furthermore, for each client used by the user, a driver corresponding to a device that improves processing efficiency can be selected from drivers stored on the network and automatically installed.
[0091]
In other words, it is possible to automatically select which device has the best processing efficiency among a plurality of devices.
[0092]
When there are a plurality of drivers corresponding to the same device, it is possible to automatically select which version of the driver has the highest processing efficiency.
[0093]
If the driver selected in the above selection is installed on the client trying to use the device, but the driver version is older than the driver version stored on the network, Saved drivers (ie newer versions of drivers) can be installed automatically.
[0094]
Therefore, it is possible for each user to install an appropriate driver for each client (as a result, each user) without being bothered by driver selection, and as a result, the optimum device can be used. become able to.
[0095]
In addition, since the driver of the device with high processing efficiency is installed in advance, the possibility that the driver will not be installed and processing by the device cannot be performed quickly when using the device is reduced. Is done.
[0096]
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user.
[0097]
Further, the present invention provides a device that is commonly used for each client.
A device selection support system, wherein a driver corresponding to the common device is installed in each of the clients.
[0098]
According to the above configuration, a device commonly used by each client, for example, a device having a special function not found in other devices, that is, each client can be commonly used. There are devices that are desirable.
[0099]
The commonly used device should not be switched between use and non-use in consideration of device processing efficiency and the like, and must always be usable from any client.
[0100]
For example, if only one color printer is connected in a network to which a plurality of monochrome printers are connected, it can be said that the color printer is desirably usable from all clients.
[0101]
Therefore, the driver for the device used in common is unconditionally installed on all clients separately from the driver for the device (in this case, monochrome printer) that is determined by selecting the processing efficiency. .
[0102]
Therefore, the device used in common can be used from any client, and the trouble of installing the driver when the user uses the device used in common can be reduced.
[0103]
When installing a driver corresponding to the commonly used device, it is determined whether or not the driver is already installed, and the version of the driver is compared with the latest driver version stored on the network or the like. Then, the driver may be automatically installed by determining whether or not it is new, so that the installation can be forgotten or the version can be reliably updated.
[0104]
Note that if multiple identical devices are not connected to the network, but a single device is connected, that single device should be treated as a common device and used by each client. May be.
[0105]
In addition, the present invention has information holding means for holding the license information of the device,
When a client that is not registered in the information holding unit uses the device,
A device selection support system, wherein processing of the client on the device is stopped.
[0106]
According to the above configuration, when each client uses a device, there is an information holding unit that manages use permission information, which is information as to whether or not the device can be used.
[0107]
When a client who has received a license according to the license information uses the device, the selection unit confirms the usage status of the client and determines the processing efficiency.
[0108]
At this time, if a client that is not licensed according to the license information can use the device, a device that is frequently used by a client that is not licensed can be processed efficiently by another client. Although it may be a bad device, it is highly possible that the usage status of a client who is not licensed cannot be grasped.
[0109]
For this reason, if an unlicensed client recognizes that the device is to be used without registration, the accuracy of selection by the selection means is reduced, making it difficult to select an efficient device.
[0110]
Therefore, by limiting the use of the device to registered clients, the accuracy of the selection means is ensured, and as a result, a device with high processing efficiency can be selected. it can.
[0111]
In the present invention, in the client and the device, the correspondence between the client and the device is set as a group,
A device selection support system in which a device is selected from the same group when a client uses the device.
[0112]
According to the above configuration, a group is set for the client, and a group is set for the device.
[0113]
The grouping is performed based on the actual positional relationship between the client and the device, for example.
[0114]
That is, among devices of the same type, a device far from a certain client is not easy to use when actually used, even if the selection means determines that the processing efficiency is good.
[0115]
That is, for example, if a company uses a plurality of printers, a printer with high processing efficiency for a certain client may be a printer in another department far away, and it is always easy to use. It may not be possible.
[0116]
Therefore, by performing grouping, it is possible to make the client and the device easy to use, and it is possible to reduce the labor of the user.
[0117]
In addition, according to the present invention, when a device used by the client is automatically selected,
Which device is selected,
A device selection support system that displays an image including position information of a device.
[0118]
According to the above configuration, when one specific device is selected from among a plurality of devices, which device is selected can be displayed on the client, and the user who intends to use the device can know. be able to.
[0119]
Therefore, even if the device is automatically selected, the user can be confused and a use environment with good operability can be realized.
[0120]
In the above display, only the devices that can be used by the client can be displayed together with the layout of the place where the device is arranged, and the client can easily know which devices can be used. The operability can be improved.
[0121]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0122]
Note that the following description does not limit the present invention, but is an example of an embodiment. For example, the embodiment may be a combination of the following embodiments.
[0123]
In addition, although the present embodiment will be described based on the case where a printer is employed as the device, the device is not limited to the printer, and may be another image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a copying machine, a facsimile, Also, a so-called multi-function machine that combines them may be used.
[0124]
Further, the device is not limited to the image forming apparatus, and may be an information processing apparatus or the like.
The basic configuration of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.
[0125]
(Basic configuration of the present invention)
As a basic configuration of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a system 1 that supports device selection includes a management server 3, a color printer 4 (CPRT4: code 4), and monochrome printing via a network 2. Printers 11 to 14 (PRT11 to PRT14: reference numerals 11 to 14) and clients 21 to 25 (PCs 21 to 25: reference numerals 21 to 25) are provided.
[0126]
The color printer 4 and the printers 11 to 14 for monochrome printing are grouped into two groups indicated by reference numerals 31 and 32.
[0127]
In addition, the description which concerns on the said basic structure attaches | subjects a same sign about the same location, and abbreviate | omits in the following description for the simplification of description.
[0128]
The network 2 is composed of a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and connects a configuration such as a client, a device, and a management server 3 to be described later. For example, the network 2 serves as a signal transmission means for transmitting a signal from the client to the device. Is responsible.
[0129]
The network 2 does not necessarily need to be a LAN line, and may use other signal transmission means such as a telephone line or wireless, or may be via an intranet or the Internet.
[0130]
Therefore, it is possible to appropriately connect the connecting means according to the use environment of the printer.
[0131]
The management server 3 has a function of holding a driver corresponding to a device connected via the network 2 and distributing the driver to a client.
[0132]
Details of the management server 3 will be described later.
[0133]
The color printer 4 fixes a plurality of colors of ink on a recording medium such as plain paper or paper coated with a medicine in advance, and prints color image information (including characters, images, etc.).
[0134]
The color printer 4 can use various methods such as an ink jet method, an electrophotographic method, and a heat sensitive method, and is not limited to any method.
[0135]
Since only one color printer 4 is connected to the network 2 in this embodiment, it is necessary to use the color printer 4 when each client described later performs color printing.
[0136]
Therefore, even when a printer with high processing efficiency is selected from among a plurality of printers, the color printer 4 does not enter the selection candidate.
[0137]
That is, in the case shown in FIG. 1, candidates for selecting a printer with high processing efficiency are printers 11 to 14 described later.
[0138]
Similarly to the color printer 4, the printers 11 to 14 fix the ink on a recording medium such as plain paper or paper coated with a medicine in advance and display image information (including characters, images, etc.) displayed in black and white. Printing is performed, and various methods such as an inkjet method, an electrophotographic method, and a thermal method can be used, and the method is not limited to any one of them.
[0139]
Unlike the case of the color printer 4, the printers 11 to 14 are connected to a plurality of printers having substantially the same functions. Have the option to use the desired printer.
[0140]
Note that the printers 11 to 14 do not need to have exactly the same function, and generally have different processing capabilities.
[0141]
The clients 21 to 25 are external terminals used by the user who intends to use the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 to operate them.
[0142]
As the clients 21 to 25, all external terminals can be used, and devices such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a mobile phone, and the like can be used.
[0143]
When a user uses the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 or tries to install a driver corresponding to them, the user uses one of the clients 21 to 25 (generally, The color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 can be operated from a Web page displayed at that time by accessing a predetermined URL (corresponding to the management server 3).
[0144]
It is also possible to send a job directly from the clients 21 to 25 to the printer color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 and operate the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14.
[0145]
In this case, since the management server 3 is not required, the system can be simplified.
[0146]
Groups 31 and 32 indicate the range of groups when the printers 11 to 14 or the clients 21 to 25 are grouped.
[0147]
That is, the printers 11 and 12 and the clients 21 to 23 belong to the group 31, and the printers 13 and 14 and the clients 24 and 25 belong to the group 32.
[0148]
Therefore, clients belonging to the group 31 use printers belonging to the group 31 and do not use printers belonging to the group 32 in principle.
[0149]
Similarly, clients belonging to the group 32 use printers belonging to the group 32 in principle.
[0150]
Groups 31 and 32 may be grouped, for example, based on the actual location where clients 21-25 are located, so that users using the clients need not travel far away, When used in a company or the like, it may be grouped by department to which the user belongs.
[0151]
When the grouping is performed based on the actual position where the client is arranged, for example, in the case of a printer, the printed recording sheet is printed by a device arranged in another room, and the recording sheet is This eliminates the time and effort required to pick up the printer, and allows the printer (ie, device) to be used efficiently.
[0152]
The grouping method is not limited to these, and any grouping that is normally performed can be applied.
[0153]
Next, the configuration of the management server 3 will be described in detail.
[0154]
FIG. 2 shows functional blocks for the management server 3, and the management server 3 includes a system control unit 51, a printer driver holding unit 52, a printer driver distribution unit 53, and a printer management unit 54.
[0155]
The printer management unit 54 includes a printer use permission information holding unit 55 and a selection unit 56.
[0156]
The system control unit 51 performs overall control of each configuration (reference numerals 52 to 54 (including 55 and 56)) included in the management server 3.
[0157]
The printer driver holding unit 52 holds a printer driver corresponding to the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14, and drivers such as a model name of a printer to which the printer driver can be applied, an applicable operating system, and the like. Holds information on the usage environment.
[0158]
When the driver corresponding to the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 is updated to the latest version on the network, the system administrator or the like holds the latest driver in the printer driver holding unit 52 each time. So that each client can download the latest driver at any time.
[0159]
The printer driver distribution unit 53 installs a printer driver corresponding to the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 in the client that has transmitted the request signal in response to the request signals of the clients 21 to 25.
[0160]
At this time, for the distributed driver, the installer may be remotely activated so that it can be automatically installed, and the driver installation can be completed without bothering the user.
[0161]
The printer management unit 54 controls the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14 and the clients 21 to 25.
[0162]
As a main function, the printer management unit 54 first holds, as registration information, the version of a preinstalled driver installed in the clients 21 to 25.
[0163]
As a second function, parameters used for printer selection are registered and held. That is, position information of the printers 11 to 14 (relative position information for each client or absolute position information corresponding to the layout), path information, usage frequency, minimum operating rate, printing speed, etc. of the printers 11 to 14 Is registered. These pieces of information may be updated periodically.
[0164]
As a third function, for each client, use permission information, that is, information relating to accessibility is set and registered for the color printer 4 or the printers 11 to 14.
[0165]
This usage permission information is not directly related to the installation status of the printer driver, and is information indicating whether the system administrator or the like prohibits access to the printer.
[0166]
This third function is realized exclusively by the printer use permission information holding means 55 in the printer management unit 54, and is generally set and registered as digital information in the form of a management table.
[0167]
As a fourth function, in order to allocate an optimum printer for the user who intends to use the printer, an optimum printer for the client used by the user is automatically selected.
[0168]
The fourth function is realized exclusively by the selection means 56 in the printer management unit 54, and selects an optimum printer using various determination criteria.
In the following, examples of embodiments according to the present invention will be described.
[0169]
As a fifth function, after the printer to be used is determined, data for displaying the position where the printer is arranged on the client screen is generated.
[0170]
The fifth function is generally for displaying a browser on the screen of the client, and for generating data in the HTML format.
(First embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7.
[0171]
FIG. 3 shows an example of information managed by the printer management unit 54, and columns 101 to 105 are stored in the management server 3 corresponding to the printers 11 to 14 and the color printer 4. The status of the latest version of the driver, the installation status of the driver, the usage permission information (accessibility), the group to which the printer belongs (reference numeral 106) is shown.
[0172]
On the other hand, the rows denoted by reference numerals 111 to 115 indicate the status of items (reference numerals 116 and 117) such as the group to which the clients belong and the average number of printed sheets of each client, corresponding to the respective clients 21 to 25.
[0173]
In the access permission / non-accessibility column, ◯ indicates an accessible printer, ◎ is a printer that is preferably accessible by all clients, is a printer that can be accessed by all clients, and × is a printer that cannot be accessed. Is shown.
[0174]
In other words, since the printer marked with ◎ is used by all clients, it is not selected by the process of selecting a printer with high processing efficiency, but selected in the process of selecting a printer with high processing efficiency. It will not be considered as a candidate.
[0175]
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, for example, the printer 11 represented by the column denoted by reference numeral 101 is a printer belonging to group A, and the average number of printed sheets is 100 sheets / day, which is accessible to the clients 21 to 23. In addition, it can be seen that the driver of the printer 11 is installed only in the client 21, the version is Ver1.0, and the latest version stored on the network is Ver1.0.
[0176]
Further, for example, the client 21 represented by the line denoted by reference numeral 111 is a client belonging to group A, and the average number of printed pages per day is 100 sheets / day, and the printer 11, the printer 12, and the color printer 4 can be accessed. Drivers for the printer 11 and the color printer 4 are installed.
[0177]
The printer 11 has the latest version Ver1.0 installed, but the color printer 4 may have an older version Ver1.0 installed instead of the latest version Ver1.3. Recognize.
[0178]
In the description of information managed by the printer management unit 54, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted in the following description.
[0179]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0180]
When the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 3, a certain client, for example, the client 23 uses the printer (S1) and accesses the management server 3 (the following processing is performed by accessing an arbitrary printer). (S2) A case is considered where a print job may be transmitted or a print job may be transmitted (S2).
[0181]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case), among the printers accessible by the client 23 (in this case, the color printer 4 is Since it is confirmed that all clients share and use it, it is excluded from the following selections (the following is omitted), and the average number of printed pages is inquired and the printer with the smallest average number of printed pages is extracted (S3). .
[0182]
This extraction does not consider the driver installation status.
[0183]
In other words, the printer with the smallest average number of printed pages is given a star, the printer with the smallest number of printed averages is registered, or the printer with the smallest number of average printed pages is temporarily selected.
[0184]
Therefore, out of the printers 11 and 12 that can be accessed by the client 23, the printer 12 with a small average number of prints (100 for the printer 11 and 60 for the printer 12) is extracted.
[0185]
Next, assuming that the client has selected the printer extracted in S3, the average print number of the client is added to the average print number of the extracted printer, and the printer that the client has used so far However, even after this change, the average number of printed pages of the extracted printer is the smallest among the accessible printers. It is determined whether or not (S4).
[0186]
In this case, according to FIG. 3, since the average number of prints of the client 23 is 0 (when connected to the system of the present embodiment for the first time), even if the client temporarily selects the printer 12, the printer 11 and the average number of printed sheets of the printer 12 do not change, the average number of printed sheets of the printer 11 is 100 sheets, and the average number of printed sheets of the printer 12 remains 60 sheets.
[0187]
Therefore, even if the client 23 selects the printer 12, the average number of prints of the printer 12 is the smallest among the printers accessible by the client 23.
[0188]
Next, if it is determined by the determination in S4 that the average number of printed sheets of the extracted printer is the minimum, the extracted printer is determined as the printer used by the client 23 (S5).
[0189]
If this is the case, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of clients, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S5 on the client screen. (S6).
[0190]
Details of the processing in S6 will be described later.
[0191]
In this case, since the average number of printed sheets of the printer 12 is the smallest, the printer used by the client 23 is the printer 12 (S7).
[0192]
That is, if the average number of printed sheets processed by the printer is small, it is considered that the printer has a sufficient capacity. If the printer is used, efficient processing can be performed by utilizing the capacity. it is conceivable that.
[0193]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on the average number of printed sheets, it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
[0194]
Now, consider the case where the client 21 accesses the management server 3.
[0195]
In this case, the printers accessible by the client 21 are the printers 11 and 12, and the printer 12 has the smallest average number of printed sheets (S1 to S3).
[0196]
In this case, since the average print number of the client 21 is 100, the average print number of the printers 11 and 12 after the temporary selection of the printer 12 is 100 for the printer 11 and 160 for the printer 12 (S4). .
[0197]
However, as another method, based on information (not shown) indicating which client has printed the number of prints processed by each printer, the printer conventionally used by the client 21 is a printer. 11, the client 21 thinks that only the printer 11 was used, and the average number of prints of the printers 11 and 12 may be considered to be 0 for the printer 11 and 160 for the printer 12. However, in this case, it is necessary to hold the above-mentioned “information about which client has printed the number of prints processed by each printer”.
[0198]
From the result of S4, as a result of the temporary selection of the printer 12 by the client 21, the average number of printed sheets of the printer 11 becomes smaller than the average number of printed sheets of the printer 12.
[0199]
Therefore, even if the client 21 actually selects the printer 12, it is considered that there is no effect in improving the processing efficiency, and the printer that the client 21 has been using conventionally is determined as the printer that the client 21 should use. (However, since it is a conventional printer, no special processing is required.) (S8).
[0200]
If this is the case, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of clients, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S8 on the client screen. (S6).
[0201]
In this case, the printer used by the client 21 is the printer conventionally used by the client 21 (S7).
[0202]
That is, if the client 21 determines the printer extracted in S3 as a printer to be used without performing the process in S4, it is highly likely that a printer with high processing efficiency has already been selected. ) There is a possibility that the processing efficiency of other clients that have conventionally used the printer is unnecessarily deteriorated.
[0203]
Therefore, by performing the branching process in S4, the printer can be used with high processing efficiency not only for the client 21 but also for other clients.
[0204]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on the average number of printed sheets, it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
[0205]
Next, the process in S6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0206]
Note that the processing in S6 is for transmitting to the client which printer the client has selected, and is not limited to the processing mode described below.
[0207]
That is, various forms such as a message displayed on a display screen of a client by a message box or the like, a message transmitted by E-mail, a message transmitted by a voice signal, or the like may be suitable.
[0208]
As shown in FIG. 13, the printer management unit 54 manages the arrangement information (layout information) of the printers 11 to 14, the color printer 4, and the clients 21 to 25.
[0209]
That is, in the arrangement information shown in FIG. 13, the clients 21 to 25 are displayed with solid lines, the color printer 4 is displayed with double lines, and the printers 11 to 14 are displayed with hatched parts. A dotted line portion indicates a position where no device is arranged.
[0210]
In S6, information for discriminating the automatically selected device is displayed on the client screen based on the arrangement information. FIG. 14 shows a display example.
[0211]
FIG. 14 is a display example displayed on the screen of the client 25 when the client 25 accesses the management server 3 in the state shown in FIG.
[0212]
That is, when the client 25 accesses the management server 3, a printer with high processing efficiency is selected. In this case, the printer 13 is selected.
[0213]
On the other hand, the client 25 can also use the color printer 4 which is a commonly used printer.
[0214]
Therefore, in FIG. 14, the printer 13 and the color printer 4 are displayed along the arrangement information display (solid line, double line, and hatched portion) shown in FIG.
[0215]
Therefore, even when the printer is automatically selected, it is not lost which client (and consequently the user) has selected, and a user-friendly use environment can be realized.
[0216]
Note that FIG. 14 is generally described in the HTML format and can be confirmed by a browser, but is not limited thereto.
[0217]
In addition, the description of the processing in S6 can be similarly applied to the “processing for transmitting to the client which printer the client has selected” in the following description. In the following, it is omitted.
(Second embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0218]
FIG. 4 is obtained by adding a line denoted by reference numeral 118 in addition to the information managed in the same manner as in FIG.
[0219]
Each printer has a different printing capability (for example, printing processing speed, power consumption, print image quality, etc.).
[0220]
Therefore, when there are a plurality of printers having different printing capabilities, it may be possible to select a printer with higher processing efficiency if the printer is selected in consideration of the printing capability.
[0221]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printing processing speed is used as an example of the printing capability, and an item “PPM (Page Per Minute)” is added to the line denoted by reference numeral 118. Of course, you may process based on other printing capabilities.
[0222]
Here, the PPM is a value indicating the print processing speed of how many pages can be printed per minute.
[0223]
The printer management unit 54 may manage (average number of printed sheets / PPM) instead of managing PPM as indicated by reference numeral 118 so that an efficient printer can be easily understood.
[0224]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0225]
When the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 4, since a certain client, for example, the client 23 uses the printer (S11), the management server 3 is accessed (the following processing is performed by accessing an arbitrary printer). (S12) A case is considered where a print job may be transmitted or a print job may be transmitted (S12).
[0226]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 4 in this case), and the printer 23 accessible by the client 23 (in this case, the color printer 4 is Because it is confirmed that all clients share and use it, it is excluded from the following selections. (The following is omitted.) From this, the average number of printed sheets and PPM are inquired, and the printer with the smallest (average number of printed sheets / PPM) Is extracted (S13).
[0227]
In other words, give a star to the printer with the smallest (average number of prints / PPM), register a printer with the smallest (average number of prints / PPM), or have the smallest (average number of prints / PPM) Temporarily select a printer.
[0228]
That is, the printers accessible by the client 23 are the printers 11 and 12, and the average number of prints is 100 for the printer 11 and 60 for the printer 12. The PPM has 30 for the printer 11 and 10 for the printer 12.
[0229]
Therefore, (average number of printed sheets / PPM) is 3.33 for the printer 11 and 6 for the printer 12.
[0230]
That is, for convenience, the printer 11 has a smaller (average print number / PPM) corresponding to the “operating time of the printer necessary to process the average print number”. ÷ Extract the printer with the smallest PPM).
[0231]
Next, assuming that the client has selected the printer extracted in S13, the average print number of the client is added to the average print number of the extracted printer, and the printer that the client has used so far Since the average number of printed pages decreases, the relationship of (average number of printed pages / PPM) changes between printers.Even after this change, (average number of printed pages / PPM) of the extracted printer is still It is determined whether the printer is the smallest of the possible printers (S14).
[0232]
In this case, according to FIG. 4, since the average number of prints of the client 23 is 0 (when it is connected to the system of the present embodiment for the first time), even if the client temporarily selects the printer 11, the printer 11 and the average number of printed sheets of the printer 12 do not change, (average number of printed sheets ÷ PPM) of the printer 11 is 3.33, and (average number of printed sheets ÷ PPM) of the printer 12 remains 6.
[0233]
Therefore, even if the client 23 selects the printer 11, the (average number of printed pages ÷ PPM) of the printer 11 is the smallest among the printers that the client 23 can access.
[0234]
Next, if it is determined by the determination in S14 that the (average number of printed sheets / PPM) of the extracted printer is the minimum, the extracted printer is determined as the printer used by the client 23 (S15).
[0235]
If this is the case, it may become difficult to determine which printer has been selected from among multiple printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S15 above on the client screen. (S16).
[0236]
In this case, since the average number of printed sheets of the printer 11 is the smallest, the printer used by the client 23 is the printer 11 (S17).
[0237]
That is, if the printer processes less (average number of printed pages / PPM), the printer is considered to have more capacity. If the printer is used, efficient processing is performed by utilizing the capacity. Is considered possible.
[0238]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on (average number of printed sheets / PPM), it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
[0239]
Now, consider the case where the client 21 accesses the management server 3.
In this case, the printers accessible by the client 21 are the printers 11 and 12, and the printer 11 has the smallest (average number of printed sheets / PPM) (S11 to S13).
[0240]
In this case, since the average print number of the client 21 is 100, the average print number of the printers 11 and 12 after the temporary selection of the printer 11 is 200 for the printer 11 and 60 for the printer 12.
[0241]
For this reason, (average number of printed pages / PPM) of the printer 11 is 6.67 and (average number of printed pages / PPM) of the printer 12 is 6. Therefore, the printer 11 is a printer that minimizes (average number of printed pages / PPM). It will disappear (S14).
[0242]
Therefore, even if the client 21 actually selects the printer 11, it is considered that there is no effect in improving the processing efficiency, and the printer that the client 21 has been using conventionally is determined as the printer that the client 21 should use. (However, since this is a conventional printer, no special processing is required.) (S18)
[0243]
If this is the case, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of printers, so the printer determined in S18 is displayed on the client screen. (S16).
[0244]
In this case, the printer used by the client 21 is the printer conventionally used by the client 21 (S17).
[0245]
That is, if the printer extracted by the client 21 in step S13 is determined as a printer to be used without performing the processing in step S14, it is highly likely that a printer with high processing efficiency has already been selected. ) There is a possibility that the processing efficiency of other clients that have conventionally used the printer is unnecessarily deteriorated.
[0246]
Therefore, by performing the branching process in S14, the printer can be used with high processing efficiency not only for the client 21 but also for other clients.
[0247]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on the average number of printed sheets, it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
(Third embodiment of the present invention)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 9.
[0248]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0249]
When the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 3, since a certain client, for example, the client 23 uses the printer (S21), the management server 3 is accessed (the following processing is performed by accessing an arbitrary printer). (S22) A case where a print job may be transmitted or a print job may be transmitted) is considered.
[0250]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case), among the printers accessible by the client 23 (in this case, the color printer 4 is Since it is confirmed that all clients share and use it, it is excluded from the following selections. (The following is omitted.) From this, the number of clients that have installed drivers corresponding to each printer is inquired. The printer having the smallest number of clients having “installed” is extracted (S23).
[0251]
That is, the printer with the smallest “number of clients that have the driver installed” is rated, the printer with the smallest “number of clients with the driver installed” is registered, or “ Temporarily select the printer with the smallest number of clients that have the driver installed.
[0252]
Therefore, out of the printers 11 and 12 that can be accessed by the client 23, the printer 12 having a small “number of clients having a driver installed” (one printer 11 and three printers 12) is extracted.
[0253]
Next, assuming that the client has selected the printer extracted in S23, the number of clients (ie, one person) is added to the “number of clients installing the driver” of the extracted printer. The magnitude relationship of the “number of clients that have installed drivers” between printers will change. Even after this change, the “number of clients that have installed drivers” of the extracted printers will change. It is determined whether the printer is the smallest among accessible printers (S24).
[0254]
In this case, since the client 23 newly installs the driver of the printer 11, the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the printer 11 is two clients 21 and 23, and the driver of the printer 12 is installed. The installed clients are three clients 21 to 23.
[0255]
Therefore, even if the client 23 selects the printer 11, the “number of clients having a driver installed” of the printer 11 is the smallest among the printers that the client 23 can access.
[0256]
Next, if it is determined by the determination in S24 that the “number of clients having a driver installed” of the extracted printer is the minimum, the extracted printer is determined as a printer used by the client 23 (S25). ).
[0257]
If this is the case, it may become difficult to determine which printer has been selected from among a plurality of printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S25 above on the client screen. (S26).
[0258]
In this case, since the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the printer 11 is the smallest, the printer used by the client 23 is the printer 11 (S27).
[0259]
That is, if the “number of clients that have installed drivers” is small, it is considered that the printer has sufficient capacity, and if the printer is used, the capacity is utilized and the efficiency is improved. Processing is considered possible.
[0260]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on “the number of clients having the driver installed”, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
[0261]
Now, the printer and client are in the situation shown in FIG. 5, and for example, the case where the client 22 accesses the management server 3 to use the printer (S21) is considered (S22).
[0262]
In this case, the printers accessible by the client 22 are the printers 11 and 12, and the printer having the smallest “number of clients having the driver installed” is selected (S23).
[0263]
In this case, the printers that minimize the “number of clients that have installed drivers” are the printer 11 and the printer 12 that have one “number of clients that have installed drivers”.
[0264]
As in this example, when the same number of printers are arranged, it is preferable to give some priority to the printers. In this case, the description will be continued assuming that the printer 11 has priority.
[0265]
In this case, since the client 22 temporarily selects the printer 11 and the client 22 newly installs the driver of the printer 11, the “number of clients having the driver installed” varies, and the printer 11, the number of clients having the driver installed is two (clients 21 and 22), and the number of clients having the driver of the printer 12 installed is one (client 22).
[0266]
Therefore, the printer that minimizes the number of clients installed with the driver is the printer 12 (S24).
From the result of S24, as a result of the client 22 temporarily selecting the printer 11, the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the printer 12 becomes smaller than the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the printer 11. .
[0267]
Therefore, even if the client 22 actually selects the printer 11, it is considered that there is no effect in improving the processing efficiency, and the printer that the client 22 has been using conventionally is determined as the printer that the client 22 should use. (However, since this is a conventional printer, no special processing is required.) (S28)
[0268]
If this is the case, it may become difficult to determine which printer has been selected from among a plurality of printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S28 on the client screen. (S26).
[0269]
In this case, the printer used by the client 22 is the printer conventionally used by the client 22 (S27).
[0270]
That is, if the printer extracted by the client 22 in S23 is determined as a printer to be used without performing the processing in S24, it is highly likely that a printer with high processing efficiency has already been selected. ) There is a possibility that the processing efficiency of other clients that have conventionally used the printer is unnecessarily deteriorated.
[0271]
Therefore, by performing the branching process in S24, the printer can be used with high processing efficiency not only for the client 22 but also for other clients.
[0272]
Thus, by selecting a printer with high processing efficiency for the client based on the average number of printed sheets, it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0273]
FIG. 6 is obtained by adding a row denoted by reference numeral 118 in addition to the information managed in the same manner as in FIG.
[0274]
Each printer has a different printing capability (for example, printing processing speed, power consumption, print image quality, etc.).
[0275]
Therefore, when there are a plurality of printers having different printing capabilities, it may be possible to select a printer with higher processing efficiency if the printer is selected in consideration of the printing capability.
[0276]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printing processing speed is used as an example of the printing capability, and an item “PPM (Page Per Minute)” is added to the line denoted by reference numeral 118. Of course, you may process based on other printing capabilities.
[0277]
Here, the PPM is a value indicating the print processing speed of how many pages can be printed per minute.
[0278]
The printer management unit 54 does not manage the PPM as indicated by reference numeral 118, but manages the following explanation (PPM / number of clients having the driver installed). You may make it easy to understand.
[0279]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0280]
When the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 6, a certain client, for example, the client 21 uses the printer (S31) and accesses the management server 3 (the following processing is performed by accessing an arbitrary printer). (S32) A case where a print job may be transmitted or a print job may be transmitted (S32).
[0281]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 6 in this case), among the printers accessible by the client 21 (in this case, the color printer 4 is Since it is determined that all clients will share and use it, exclude it from the following selections. (The following is omitted.) From PPM and “Number of clients with driver installed”, query (PPM ÷ Driver The printer with the largest number of installed clients) is extracted (S33).
[0282]
In other words, give a star to the printer with the largest (PPM ÷ number of clients with installed drivers), or identify the printer with the largest (PPM ÷ number of clients with installed drivers). Or, temporarily select the printer with the largest (PPM ÷ number of clients with driver installed).
[0283]
Accordingly, the printers accessible by the client 21 are the printers 11 and 12, and the “number of clients having the driver installed” is one for the printer 11 and three for the printer 12. The PPM is 10 for the printer 11 and 20 for the printer 12.
[0284]
Therefore, the printer 11 is 10 and the printer 12 is 6.67 in (PPM ÷ number of clients having the driver installed).
[0285]
That is, for the sake of convenience, the printer 11 is equivalent to “the share of the print processing speed of each client when the print processing speed is allocated to each client” (PPM ÷ the number of clients having the driver installed). You can see it grows.
[0286]
Next, when the client makes the provisional selection, the number of the clients (one person) is added to the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the selected printer. The size relationship of PPM divided by the number of clients that have drivers installed changes, but even after this change, (PPM divided by the number of clients that have installed drivers) is an accessible printer. Among these, it is determined whether or not it is the maximum (S34).
[0287]
In this case, since the driver of the printer 11 is already installed in the client 21, the number of clients that have installed the driver of the printer 11 is one, and the number of clients that have installed the driver of the printer 12 is three. Remains.
[0288]
Therefore, even if the client 21 selects the printer 11, the printer 11 and the printer 12 (PPM divided by the number of clients installed with the driver) do not change, the printer 11 is 10, and the printer 12 is 6.67. Therefore, (PPM ÷ number of clients installed with driver) of the printer 11 is the largest among the printers that the client 21 can access.
[0289]
Next, when it is determined that the printer extracted by the determination in S34 (PPM ÷ number of clients installed with the driver) is the maximum, the extracted printer is determined as the printer used by the client 23. (S35).
[0290]
If this is the case, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S35 above on the client screen. (S36).
[0291]
In this case, since the printer 11 has the maximum (PPM ÷ number of clients having the driver installed), the printer used by the client 23 is the printer 11 (S37).
[0292]
That is, if the printer processes (PPM ÷ number of clients that have installed the driver) is large, the printer is considered to have sufficient capacity. If the printer is used, the capacity is It is considered that efficient processing is possible.
[0293]
Thus, by selecting a printer with a high processing efficiency for the client based on (PPM ÷ the number of clients having the driver installed), it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
[0294]
Now, consider the case where the client 23 accesses the management server 3.
[0295]
In this case, the printers accessible by the client 23 are the printers 11 and 12, of which the printer 11 has the largest (PPM / number of clients having the driver installed) (S31 to S33). .
[0296]
In this case, since the client 23 newly installs the driver of the printer 11 in this case, the “number of clients having the driver installed” of the printer 11 is two clients 21 and 23, and the printer 12 The “number of clients having a driver installed” is three clients 21 to 23.
[0297]
Therefore, (PPM ÷ number of clients having drivers installed) of the printer 11 is 5, and (PPM ÷ number of clients having drivers installed) of the printer 12 is 6.67.
[0298]
Therefore, as a result of the client 23 selecting the printer 11, (PPM ÷ number of clients having drivers installed) of the printer 11 is smaller than (PPM ÷ number of clients having drivers installed) of the printer 12. (S34).
[0299]
Therefore, even if the client 23 actually selects the printer 11, it is considered that there is no effect in improving the processing efficiency, and the printer that the client 23 has been using conventionally is determined as the printer that the client 23 should use. (However, since this is a conventional printer, no special processing is required.) (S38)
[0300]
If this is the case, it may become difficult to determine which printer has been selected from a plurality of printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S38 above on the client screen. (S36).
[0301]
In this case, the printer used by the client 21 is the printer conventionally used by the client 21 (S37).
[0302]
In other words, if the printer extracted by the client 21 in S33 is determined as a printer to be used without performing the process of S34, it is highly likely that a printer with high processing efficiency has already been selected. ) There is a possibility that the processing efficiency of other clients that have conventionally used printers will be deteriorated more than necessary.
[0303]
Therefore, by performing the branching process in S34, the printer can be used with high processing efficiency not only for the client 23 but also for other clients.
[0304]
Thus, by selecting a printer with a high processing efficiency for the client based on (PPM ÷ the number of clients having the driver installed), it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to investigate and select the printer.
(Fifth embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 11.
[0305]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0306]
In the case where the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 3, for example, the case where the client 21 accesses the management server 3 to use the printer (S41) is considered (S42).
[0307]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case) to extract a printer with high processing efficiency from the printers accessible by the client 21. (S43).
[0308]
As a result of the selection, it is assumed that the printer 11 is determined to be a printer with high processing efficiency.
[0309]
Next, an inquiry is made as to whether a driver corresponding to the printer with the high processing efficiency is installed on the client (S44).
[0310]
In this case, the driver for the printer 11 is already installed in the client 21.
[0311]
Therefore, the printer 11 is determined as a printer that uses the printer 11 (S45).
[0312]
Therefore, when using the printer, the driver corresponding to the printer 11 is automatically installed without the user being aware of it, so that the printer 11 can be used immediately (S46).
[0313]
In this way, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to investigate and select a printer with a processing efficiency for the client, and the installation can be automatically completed.
[0314]
Now, consider the case where the client 22 accesses the management server 3 (S41 to S42).
[0315]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case) to select a printer with high processing efficiency from the printers accessible by the client 22. .
[0316]
As a result of the selection, it is assumed that the printer 11 is determined to be a printer with high processing efficiency (S43).
[0317]
Next, an inquiry is made as to whether a driver corresponding to the printer with the high processing efficiency is installed on the client (S44).
[0318]
In this case, the driver of the printer 11 is not installed in the client 22.
[0319]
Therefore, the printer management unit 54 installs the latest driver corresponding to the printer 11 (Ver1.0) and installs it in the client 22 through the printer driver distribution unit 53 (S48).
[0320]
Then, the printer 11 is determined as a printer to be used (S45).
[0321]
The installation in S48 is automatically performed by starting the installer by remote processing from the management server 3.
[0322]
If this is the case, there is a possibility that it will not be possible to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of clients, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S45 above on the client screen. (S46).
[0323]
In this case, since it is determined that the printer 11 is used, the printer used by the client 22 is the printer 11 (S47).
[0324]
Therefore, when using the printer, the driver corresponding to the printer 11 is automatically installed without the user being aware of it, so that the printer 11 can be used immediately.
[0325]
In addition, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user investigating and selecting a printer having a high processing efficiency for the client, and the installation can be automatically completed.
(Sixth embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0326]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0327]
In the case where the printer and the client are in the situation shown in FIG. 3, for example, the case where the client 21 accesses the management server 3 to use the printer (S51) is considered (S52).
[0328]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case) to extract a printer with high processing efficiency from the printers accessible by the client 21. (S53).
[0329]
As a result of the selection, it is assumed that the printer 12 is determined to be a printer with high processing efficiency.
[0330]
Next, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the driver version corresponding to the printer having the high processing efficiency is newer than the latest driver version of the printer held in the printer driver holding unit 52 (S54).
[0331]
In this case, the version of the driver corresponding to the printer 12 of the client 21 is Ver2.0, while the version of the latest driver of the printer 12 held in the printer driver holding unit 52 is also Ver2.0.
[0332]
Therefore, it can be determined that the driver of the printer 12 installed in the client 21 is the latest driver and is efficient.
[0333]
Then, the printer 11 is determined as a printer to be used (S55).
[0334]
Therefore, when the printer is used, the latest driver corresponding to the printer 12 is automatically installed without the user being aware of it, so that the printer 12 can be used immediately (S56).
[0335]
In this way, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to investigate and select a printer with a processing efficiency for the client, and the installation can be automatically completed.
[0336]
Now, consider the case where the client 22 accesses the management server 3 (S51 to S52).
[0337]
In this case, the system 1 according to the present invention uses the information managed by the printer management unit 54 (that is, FIG. 3 in this case) to select a printer with high processing efficiency from the printers accessible by the client 22. .
[0338]
As a result of the selection, it is assumed that the printer 12 is determined to be a printer with high processing efficiency (S53).
[0339]
Next, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the driver version corresponding to the printer having the high processing efficiency is newer than the latest driver version of the printer held in the printer driver holding unit 52 (S54).
[0340]
In this case, the driver version of the printer 12 installed in the client 22 is Ver1.5, while the latest driver version of the printer 12 held in the printer driver holding unit 52 is Ver2.0. is there.
[0341]
Therefore, the printer management unit 54 uninstalls the old driver (Ver1.5) installed in the client 22 (S57), and then sends the latest driver corresponding to the printer 12 (Ver2. 0), installed in the client 22 (S58).
[0342]
The installation in S58 is automatically performed by starting the installer by remote processing from the management server 3.
[0343]
Then, the printer 12 is determined as a printer to be used (S55).
[0344]
If this is the case, it may become difficult to know which printer has been selected from among a plurality of printers, so it is possible to determine which printer is the printer determined in S55 above on the client screen. (S56).
[0345]
In this case, since it is determined that the printer 12 is used, the printer used by the client 22 is the printer 12 (S57).
[0346]
Therefore, when the printer is used, the latest driver corresponding to the printer 12 is automatically installed without the user being aware of it, so that the printer 12 can be used immediately (S56).
[0347]
In this way, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user investigating and selecting a printer having a processing efficiency for the client, and the driver update can be automatically completed.
[0348]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the user uses the device, the user can select a convenient device without knowing the usage status of the device, and the driver needs to be installed. If there is, there is an advantage that a device selection support system capable of installing the driver can be provided.
[0349]
In addition, even if the device usage environment changes, such as the frequency of use of the device, the number of clients and devices, etc., it is possible to flexibly respond and use a highly convenient device, reducing the user's effort. There is an advantage that a device selection support system can be provided.
[0350]
Furthermore, the latest driver can be automatically installed even if the driver corresponding to the above device is not installed or the old driver is installed, resulting in troublesome use of the device. There is an advantage that it is possible to provide a device selection support system that can be recommended.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a system configuration and connection status according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1;
3 is an example of information managed by a printer management unit 54 shown in FIG.
4 is an example of information managed by the printer management unit 54 shown in FIG.
5 is an example of information managed by the printer management unit 54 shown in FIG.
6 is an example of information managed by the printer management unit 54 shown in FIG.
7 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing in the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
13 is an example of device arrangement information processed by the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.
14 is an example of a display method of a selected device processed by the management server 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 system
2 network
3 Management server
4 Color printer
11-14 Printer
21-25 clients
31-32 groups
51 System controller
52 Printer Driver Holding Unit
53 Printer Driver Distribution Department
54 Printer Manager
55 Printer usage permission information holding means
56 selection means

Claims (10)

In a system having a plurality of clients and a plurality of devices connected to a network,
For each device, a determination means for determining the number of clients in which the driver of the device is installed ;
A device selection support system comprising: selection means for selecting a device having the smallest number of clients . In a system having a plurality of clients and a plurality of devices connected to a network,
The device is an image forming apparatus having a printing function,
Determining means for determining , for each device, the number of clients in which the driver of the device is installed and the print capability value indicating the number of printable pages per unit time ;
A device selection support system comprising: a selection unit that calculates the following Equation 1 for each device based on a determination result of the determination unit, and selects a device having a maximum value obtained by the calculation .
(Printing capacity value ÷ number of clients with driver installed)   3. The device selection support system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit periodically checks device usage information of each client and automatically selects a device having a high processing efficiency for the client. When the driver corresponding to the device selected by the selection means is not installed on the client,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driver is automatically installed on the client. A driver corresponding to the device selected by the selection means is installed on the client,
If the driver version is older than the driver version that is stored and installable on the network,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a driver stored on the network is installed in the client. When there is a device that is commonly used by each client,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a driver corresponding to the commonly used device is installed in each of the clients. Having information holding means for holding use permission information of the device,
When a client that is not registered in the information holding unit uses the device,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein processing of the client on the device is stopped. In the client and the device, the correspondence between the client and the device is set as a group,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the client uses the device, the device is selected from the same group. When the device used by the client is automatically selected,
Which device is selected,
The device selection support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device selection support system is displayed as an image including device position information. The device selection support system according to claim 1, wherein the device is an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is any one of a scanner, a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine.

Images