JP5773937B2 - Image forming system and management server program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a management server that manages use of the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a display unit that displays information received from an external apparatus is known (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an image forming apparatus connected to a host device as an external device. This image forming apparatus stores a unique message such as an error message and a user-defined message such as an error message created by the user on the host device. When a message display request is received, the unique message and user-defined message are stored. Any one of the messages is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus itself.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 is a multifunction peripheral connected to a host computer as an external apparatus. This multifunction device displays a message registered in the host computer on the screen of the multifunction device itself.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 3 is an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine connected to a PC as an external apparatus. This image forming apparatus displays messages such as schedule information such as conference guidance, message information, and weather forecasts created by a user on a PC on the display of the image forming apparatus itself.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249781 JP 2001-358877 A JP 2004-345161 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that the information received from the external apparatus and displayed on the display unit is the same for all users.

  In general, when an image forming apparatus can execute many functions, there are too many functions that can be executed. Therefore, among the executable functions, a function suitable for the user is determined by the user. There are things that are not known.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming system capable of displaying information introducing functions suitable for a user among functions executable by the image forming apparatus on the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a management server that manages the use of the image forming apparatus, and the management server introduces functions of the image forming apparatus. A display information storage unit that stores display function information, which is information, in association with a condition for display on the image forming apparatus, and display transmission information that is the display function information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Display transmission information determining means, and usage history management means for managing a usage history that is a history of use of the image forming apparatus by a user. The display transmission information determining means includes the usage history management. When the usage history managed by the means satisfies the condition stored in the display information storage unit, the display information storage is associated with this condition. The display function information stored and determines as the display for transmission information to.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines the display transmission information based on the use history managed for the user of the image forming apparatus, and therefore, among the functions that the image forming apparatus can execute. Information that introduces a function suitable for the user can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the management server may include a display information setting receiving unit that receives the display function information and the condition settings stored by the display information storage unit.

  With this configuration, in the image forming system of the present invention, the display function information and the conditions for displaying the display function information on the image forming apparatus can be changed by the administrator, so that the image forming apparatus can be executed. Information introducing functions more suitable for the user among the functions can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, at least one of the display function information stored in the display information storage unit may include a link to a function of the image forming apparatus.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention can display on the image forming apparatus a link to a function suitable for the user among functions that the image forming apparatus can execute. Among these functions, the user can easily execute a function suitable for the user.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the display information storage unit stores the condition for each type of the image forming apparatus, and the display transmission information determining unit determines the display transmission information. In addition, among the conditions stored in the display information storage unit, conditions according to the type of the image forming apparatus that transmits the display transmission information may be used.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention is suitable for an image forming apparatus that is actually used by a user as information that introduces a function that is suitable for the user among functions that the image forming apparatus can execute. Information can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the usage history management unit may manage the usage history for each type of the image forming apparatus.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines the display transmission information based on the usage history for each type of image forming apparatus, so that the information is more suitable for the image forming apparatus actually used by the user. Can be displayed on this image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system according to the aspect of the invention, the management server may start the determination of the display function information by the display transmission information determination unit after the use history management unit starts the use history management unit. Period setting accepting means for accepting setting of a period until a period until the use history management means starts the use history management means by the use history managing means. When the period accepted by the means is reached, the display function information may be determined.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines the display transmission information based on the usage history accumulated for a predetermined period after the usage history of the user starts to be managed, so the usage history of the user is managed. Compared with the configuration in which the transmission information for display is determined based on the usage history immediately after being started, information more suitable for the user can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the usage history management unit may manage the usage history for each user of the image forming apparatus or for each group to which the user belongs.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines the display transmission information based on the usage history managed for the user of the image forming apparatus or the group to which the user belongs. Alternatively, display function information suitable for the group to which the user belongs can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system according to the aspect of the invention, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays information, an operation unit to which an operation by the user is input, and a login reception that receives a login of the user through the operation unit. A display information receiving means for receiving the display function information which is the display transmission information from the management server, and a display control means for controlling the display by the display section. If the display function information received by the display information receiving means is information addressed to the user whose login is accepted by the login acceptance means, the display function information is displayed on the display section. It may be displayed.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines display transmission information by the management server based on the usage history managed by the management server for the user of the image forming apparatus. Among the possible functions, information introducing functions suitable for the user can be displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  Further, in the image forming system of the present invention, the display control unit includes the display function information received by the display information receiving unit when the login of the user is received by the login receiving unit. When there is information addressed to the user, display function information addressed to the user may be displayed on the display unit.

  With this configuration, the image forming system according to the present invention forms information that introduces functions suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus every time a login of the user of the image forming apparatus is accepted. Since the image is displayed on the apparatus, the function suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus can be clearly recognized by the user.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus may include an operation notifying unit that notifies the management server of an operation on the display function information by the user via the operation unit.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention can allow the administrator to grasp the user's operation on the display function information displayed on the image forming apparatus via the management server.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the display function information may be a recommended function of the image forming apparatus for the user.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention can display the recommended functions of the image forming apparatus for the user on the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, a management server that manages use of the image forming apparatus, and a client computer in which a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus is installed. The management server transmits display function information, which is information for introducing the function of the printer driver, in association with a condition to be displayed on the client computer, and transmits the display information to the client computer. Display transmission information determination means for determining display transmission information that is the display function information, and use history management means for managing a use history that is a history of use of the printer driver by a user, The display transmission information determination means includes the use history management means. Therefore, when the usage history managed by the management information satisfies the condition stored in the display information storage unit, the display function stored in the display information storage unit in association with the condition Information is determined as the display transmission information.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention determines the display transmission information based on the usage history managed for the user of the printer driver. Therefore, the user among the functions that can be executed by the printer driver. Information introducing functions suitable for the client can be displayed on the client computer.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the display function information may be a recommended function of a printer driver for the user.

  With this configuration, the image forming system of the present invention can display the recommended function of the printer driver for the user on the client computer.

  The management server program of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to function as the management server.

  With this configuration, the computer that executes the management server program of the present invention determines display transmission information based on the usage history managed for the user, so that the image forming apparatus or the printer driver can execute it. Among these functions, information introducing a function suitable for the user can be displayed on the image forming apparatus or a client computer used by the user for using the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system of the present invention can display on the image forming apparatus information introducing functions suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the management server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the affiliation group information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for table selection which comprises a part of display function information data shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display function information table which comprises a part of display function information data shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display function information which comprises some display function information data shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table of the personal use log | history which comprises a part of use log | history data shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table of the usage history for groups which comprises a part of usage history data shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of PC shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 9 immediately after accepting a user login. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server shown in FIG. 2 when execution contents are transmitted from the MFP. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 9 when display transmission information is transmitted from the management server.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 10 includes a management server 20 that manages the use of an image forming apparatus, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 30 that is an image forming apparatus, and a large number of image forming units (not shown) other than the MFP 30. And a PC (Personal Computer) 40, which is a computer that executes a printer driver 44a (described later) that controls an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30, and a number of PCs (not shown) other than the PC 40. The management server 20, a large number of image forming apparatuses such as the MFP 30, and a large number of PCs such as the PC 40 are connected to each other via a network 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Many PCs such as the PC 40 are client computers of the management server 20.

  Note that the configuration of each of a large number of image forming apparatuses included in the image forming system 10 is the same as that of the MFP 30. Therefore, hereinafter, the MFP 30 will be described on behalf of a large number of image forming apparatuses included in the image forming system 10.

  Similarly, the configuration of a large number of PCs included in the image forming system 10 is the same as that of the PC 40. Therefore, in the following, the PC 40 will be described on behalf of a large number of PCs included in the image forming system 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management server 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the management server 20 includes an operation unit 21 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations by an administrator, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information. Storage such as a display unit 22 that is a display device, a network communication unit 23 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores programs and various data. A storage unit 24 that is a device and a control unit 25 that controls the entire management server 20 are provided. The management server 20 is configured by a computer such as a PC, for example.

  The storage unit 24 stores a management server program 24a, user information 24b that is identification information of a user of an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30, and a password 24c for user login. The user information 24b and the password 24c are stored in the storage unit 24 for each user. Further, the storage unit 24 displays the group information 24d indicating the correspondence between the user and the group to which the user belongs, and the image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30 or the client computer such as the PC 40. Display function information data 24e including display function information that is information on the functions of the image forming apparatus or information on functions of the printer driver 44a described later, and an image forming apparatus by the user, or The management of the usage history, which is the usage history of the printer driver 44a, is started by the usage history management means 25b, which will be described later, and the image forming apparatus used by the user, or the user uses the image forming apparatus. The display function information to be sent to the client computer used for the And information display start time 24f by determining means 25a is a period until the start, it is possible to store the use history data 24g, which include the use history of the image forming apparatus or printer driver 44a by the user. The storage unit 24 stores display function information data 24e, and constitutes a display information storage unit of the present invention.

  The management server program 24a may be installed in the management server 20 at the manufacturing stage of the management server 20, or additionally installed in the management server 20 from a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, it may be additionally installed on the management server 20 from the network 11.

  The control unit 25 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU. ing. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 24.

  The control unit 25 executes the management server program 24 a stored in the storage unit 24 to display display transmission information that is display function information to be transmitted to an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30 or a client computer such as the PC 40. Display transmission information determining means 25a for determining the use history, use history managing means 25b for managing the use history, display information setting receiving means 25c for receiving the setting of the display function information data 24e stored in the storage unit 24, and information It functions as period setting receiving means 25d that receives the setting of the display start period 24f.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the belonging group information 24d.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the correspondence between the user and the group to which the user belongs is managed by the belonging group information 24d.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table selection table that constitutes a part of the display function information data 24e.

  In FIG. 4, “MFP-A”, “MFP-B”, and “MFP-C” are the types of image forming apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 4, in the display function information table, a personal table and a group table are assigned for each type of image forming apparatus. In the display function information table, a personal table and a group table are also assigned to the printer driver.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display function information table that constitutes a part of the display function information data 24e.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display function information table stores display function information in association with conditions for displaying the display function information on an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30 or a client computer such as the PC 40. ing. Each condition has a priority. For example, when the number of color prints per month is less than 200 and the number of prints per month is 100 or more, the display transmission information determined by the display transmission information determination unit 25a is given priority. Is not the first image quality enhancement function introduction information but the second priority paper consumption reduction function introduction information. Here, the image quality improvement function introduction information is information that introduces a function for setting image quality in color printing. The paper consumption reduction function introduction information is information that introduces functions that can reduce paper consumption, such as a duplex printing function and an aggregate printing function. The toner consumption reduction function introduction information is information that introduces a function that can reduce toner consumption, such as eco-printing for printing thinner than usual. Fax communication cost reduction function introduction information is, for example, a function for reducing the communication time during FAX transmission by reducing the resolution when reading a document for FAX transmission, or by increasing the communication speed during FAX transmission. This information introduces functions that can reduce the communication cost of FAX transmission, such as the function of reducing communication time during transmission.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display function information that constitutes a part of the display function information data 24e.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display function information includes a function name, a description of the function, a procedure for setting the function, and a link to the setting screen for the function. The display function information shown in FIG. 6 is an example of image quality improvement function introduction information, and is information that introduces a function named “bright mode” that makes the image quality in color printing vivid. Thus, the function introduced by the display function information is preferably a recommended function of the image forming apparatus for the user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a personal use history table that forms part of the use history data 24g.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the personal use history is managed for each user and for each type of image forming apparatus. The personal use history is also managed for the printer driver for each user.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use history table for a group that constitutes a part of the use history data 24g.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the group use history is managed for each group and for each type of image forming apparatus. The group usage history is also managed for each group of printer drivers.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the MFP 30.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the MFP 30 includes an operation unit 31 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations by a user, a display unit 32 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information, and the like. A fax machine that performs fax communication via a communication line such as a public telephone line such as a printer 33 that is a printing device that performs printing on paper, a scanner 34 that is a reading device that reads an image from a document, and an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) A fax communication unit 35 that is a device, a network communication unit 36 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) that stores various data. And a control unit 38 that controls the entire MFP 30.

  The storage unit 37 stores an image forming apparatus program 37 a that is a program for the MFP 30. The storage unit 37 can store display function information 37b.

  The image forming apparatus program 37a may be installed in the MFP 30 at the manufacturing stage of the MFP 30, or may be additionally installed in the MFP 30 from a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD card. 11 may be additionally installed in the MFP 30 from above.

  The control unit 38 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU is configured to execute a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 37.

  The control unit 38 executes the image forming apparatus program 37 a stored in the storage unit 37, thereby executing login acceptance means 38 a that accepts a user login via the operation unit 31, and displays the display function information on the management server 20. Display information receiving means 38b received from the display section, display control means 38c for controlling display by the display section 32, and operation notification means for notifying the management server 20 of operations on the display function information by the user via the operation section 31. It functions as 38d.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the PC 40.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the PC 40 includes an operation unit 41 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations by a user, and a display unit 42 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A network communication unit 43 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, a storage unit 44 that is a storage device such as an HDD that stores programs and various data, and the entire PC 40 And a control unit 45.

  The storage unit 44 stores a printer driver 44 a that controls an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30. The storage unit 44 can store display function information 44b.

  The printer driver 44a may be installed in the PC 40 at the manufacturing stage of the PC 40, or may be additionally installed in the PC 40 from a storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, or from the network 11.

  The control unit 45 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various types of data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 44.

  The control unit 45 executes the printer driver 44 a stored in the storage unit 44, thereby receiving log-in accepting means 45 a that accepts a user login via the operation unit 41 and display function information from the management server 20. Functions as display information receiving means 45b, display control means 45c for controlling display by the display section 42, and operation notifying means 45d for notifying the management server 20 of operations on display function information by the user via the operation section 41. To do.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

  First, registration of various data in the management server 20 will be described.

<Registration of display function information>
When the administrator instructs the management server 20 to register the display function information data 24e via the operation unit 21 of the management server 20, the display information setting receiving unit 25c of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 receives the information from the administrator. The display function information data 24e is registered according to the instruction. The administrator can also instruct the management server 20 to register the display function information data 24e from the PC (not shown) via the network 11.

<Registration of information display start period>
When the administrator instructs the management server 20 to register the information display start period 24f via the operation unit 21 of the management server 20, the period setting reception unit 25d of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 responds to the instruction from the administrator. Thus, the information display start period 24f is registered. The administrator can also instruct the management server 20 to register the information display start period 24f via the network 11 from a PC (not shown).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the user uses the MFP 30 via the operation unit 31 of the MFP 30 will be described.

<Login by User via Operation Unit 31 of MFP 30>
When the combination of user information and password is input via the operation unit 31, the log-in reception unit 38 a of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 manages the input combination of user information and password via the network communication unit 36. Send to server 20.

  When control unit 25 of management server 20 receives the combination of user information and password from MFP 30 via network communication unit 23, the combination of user information and password received from MFP 30 is registered in storage unit 24. It is determined whether or not it exists in the combination of the person information 24b and the password 24c. When the control unit 25 determines that the combination of user information and password received from the MFP 30 exists in the combination of user information 24b and password 24c registered in the storage unit 24, the use corresponding to the user information 24b is performed. Accepts login. On the other hand, when the control unit 25 determines that the combination of user information and password received from the MFP 30 does not exist in the combination of user information 24b and password 24c registered in the storage unit 24, the control unit 25 responds to the user information. Does not accept the login of the user. Then, the control unit 25 transmits to the MFP 30 via the network communication unit 23 whether or not a user login has been accepted.

  When the login reception unit 38a of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 receives from the management server 20 via the network communication unit 36 that the login of the user has been received, the login reception unit 38a receives the login of the user.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 30 immediately after accepting a user login.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the display control unit 38 c of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 determines whether the display function information 37 b registered in the storage unit 37 includes the display function information of the logged-in user. (S101).

  When the display control unit 38c determines in S101 that the display function information 37b registered in the storage unit 37 includes the display function information of the logged-in user, the display function information registered in the storage unit 37 is displayed. The display function information of the logged-in user among 37b is displayed on the display unit 32 (S102). For example, the display control unit 38c displays the display function information shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation notifying unit 38d of the control unit 38 causes the display unit 32 to display the display function information in S102 until it determines that an operation on the display function information displayed on the display unit 32 in S102 is input via the operation unit 31. It is determined whether an operation for the display function information has been input via the operation unit 31 (S103).

  When the operation notifying unit 38d determines in S103 that an operation for the display function information is input via the operation unit 31, the operation notification unit 38d notifies the management server 20 of the operation input via the operation unit 31 via the network communication unit 36. (S104). Here, the management server 20 records the operation transmitted from the MFP 30 in the storage unit 24 and notifies the administrator by notification means such as an e-mail addressed to the administrator.

  After the process of S104, the operation notifying unit 38d determines whether the operation input via the operation unit 31 is an operation for ending display of the display function information (S105).

  If the operation notification unit 38d determines in S105 that the operation input via the operation unit 31 is not an operation for ending display of the display function information, the operation notification unit 38d returns to the process of S103 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S105 that the operation input via the operation unit 31 is an operation for ending display of the display function information, the display control unit 38c displays the display function information on the display unit 32. The process ends (S106).

  When the control unit 38 determines in S101 that the display function information 37b registered in the storage unit 37 does not include the display function information of the logged-in user or ends the process in S106, the process illustrated in FIG. Exit.

<Use of MFP 30 by User via Operation Unit 31 of MFP 30>
When the user operates the MFP 30 via the operation unit 31 of the MFP 30, the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 executes the processing according to the user's instruction and the user information of the logged-in user and the MFP 30 itself. Are transmitted to the management server 20 via the network communication unit 36. For example, when a plurality of color prints are executed in accordance with a user instruction, the control unit 38 forms the user information of the logged-in user and the image formation of the MFP 30 itself each time one color print is executed. The type of the apparatus and the execution content that “one color printing has been executed” are transmitted to the management server 20 via the network communication unit 36.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server 20 when the execution content is transmitted from the MFP 30.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the usage history management unit 25b of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 registers the execution content transmitted from the MFP 30 in the personal usage history shown in FIG. 7 in the usage history data 24g (see FIG. 12). S131).

  For example, when a combination of user information of the user a, “MFP-B” as the type of the image forming apparatus, and an execution content “executed one color print” is transmitted, use history management Based on the personal use history table shown in FIG. 7, the means 25 b executes “one color printing has been executed” in the use history a <b> 2 that is the use history of “MFP-B” of the user a. Add content.

  Next, the usage history management unit 25b registers the execution content transmitted from the MFP 30 in the usage history for the group shown in FIG. 8 in the usage history data 24g (S132).

  For example, when a combination of user information of the user a, “MFP-B” as the type of the image forming apparatus, and an execution content “executed one color print” is transmitted, use history management The means 25b determines that the group to which the user a belongs is the group B based on the belonging group information 24d shown in FIG. Then, the usage history management unit 25b executes “one color printing” on the usage history B2 which is the usage history of “MFP-B” of the group B based on the group usage history table shown in FIG. Add the execution contents.

  Next, the display transmission information determination unit 25a of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 determines whether or not the period after the start of management of the personal use history targeted in S131 is equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f. Is determined (S133).

  When the display transmission information determination unit 25a determines in S133 that the period after the start of management of the personal use history targeted in S131 is equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f, the display transmission information determination unit 25a Based on the conditions in the function information data 24e, personal display transmission information is determined (S134).

  For example, when the personal use history targeted in S131 is the use history a2, the display transmission information determination unit 25a displays “MFP-B”, which is the type of image forming apparatus associated with the use history a2. On the other hand, the personal table 2 which is the personal table associated in the display function information data 24e shown in FIG. 4 is selected. Next, when the personal table 2 is, for example, the display function information table shown in FIG. 5, the display transmission information determination means 25a determines that the number of color prints per month is 200 or more based on the usage history a2. When the determination is made, the image quality improvement function introduction information is determined as display transmission information. The display transmission information determination unit 25a determines that the number of color prints per month is less than 200 and the number of prints per month is 100 or more based on the usage history a2. The paper consumption reduction function introduction information is determined as display transmission information. Further, the display transmission information determination means 25a has less than 200 color prints per month, less than 100 prints per month, and the cumulative value of toner coverage for one month. When it is determined that it is 400% or more based on the use history a2, the toner consumption reduction function introduction information is determined as display transmission information. Further, the display transmission information determination means 25a has less than 200 color prints per month, less than 100 prints per month, and the cumulative value of toner coverage for one month. When it is determined based on the usage history a2 that the number of FAX sheets per month is less than 400% and 50 or more, FAX communication cost reduction function introduction information is determined as display transmission information.

  The display transmission information determination unit 25a determines in S133 that the period from the start of management of the personal use history targeted in S131 is not equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f, or ends the process in S134. Then, it is determined whether or not the period after the start of management of the usage history for the target group in S132 is equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f (S135).

  When the display transmission information determination unit 25a determines in S135 that the period from the start of management of the group usage history for the target in S132 is equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f, the display transmission information determination unit 25a Based on the conditions in the function information data 24e, the display transmission information for the group is determined as in S134 (S136).

  The display transmission information determination unit 25a determines in S135 that the period from the start of management of the group use history targeted in S132 is not equal to or longer than the information display start period 24f, or ends the process in S136. It is determined whether display transmission information has been determined in at least one of S134 and S136 (S137).

  When the display transmission information determining unit 25a determines in S137 that the display transmission information has been determined in at least one of S134 and S136, the network communication unit 23 uses the determined display transmission information as the display transmission information of the target user. (S138), and the process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the display transmission information determining unit 25a determines in S137 that the display transmission information has not been determined in either of S134 and S136, the display transmission information is not transmitted to the MFP 30, and the processing shown in FIG. finish.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 30 when display transmission information is transmitted from the management server 20.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the display information receiving unit 38b of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 receives the display transmission information from the management server 20 via the network communication unit 36, the received display transmission information is used as a target. Is registered in the storage unit 37 as the display function information 37b of the user (S161).

  Next, the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 operates in the same manner as the operation shown in FIG. That is, the display control means 38c of the control unit 38 displays the registered display function information 37b on the display unit 32 when the registered display function information 37b is the display function information of the logged-in user (YES in S162). (S163). Further, the operation notifying unit 38d of the control unit 38 receives the operation input via the operation unit 31 when the operation for the display function information is input via the operation unit 31 (YES in S164). The management server 20 is notified through (S165). Here, the management server 20 records the operation transmitted from the MFP 30 in the storage unit 24 and notifies the administrator by notification means such as an e-mail addressed to the administrator. Further, when the operation input via the operation unit 31 is an operation for ending display of the display function information (YES in S166), the display control unit 38c ends the display of the display function information on the display unit 32. (S167).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the user uses the MFP 30 as the image forming apparatus via the printer driver 44a of the PC 40 will be described.

<Login by User via Operation Unit 41 of PC 40>
When the combination of user information and password is input via the operation unit 41, the login receiving unit 45a of the control unit 45 of the PC 40 manages the input combination of user information and password via the network communication unit 43. Send to server 20.

  When the control unit 25 of the management server 20 receives the combination of user information and password from the PC 40, the control unit 25 operates in the same manner as when the combination of user information and password is received from the MFP 30, and whether or not the login of the user has been accepted. Is transmitted to the PC 40 via the network communication unit 23.

  When the log-in accepting means 45a of the control unit 45 of the PC 40 receives from the management server 20 via the network communication unit 43 that the user's log-in has been accepted, it accepts the user's log-in.

  Next, the control unit 45 of the PC 40 operates in the same manner as the operation of the MFP 30 shown in FIG. That is, the display control unit 45c of the control unit 45 displays the display registered in the storage unit 44 when the display function information 44b registered in the storage unit 44 includes the display function information of the logged-in user. The display function information of the logged-in user among the function information 44b is displayed on the display unit 42. Further, the operation notifying unit 45d of the control unit 45, when an operation for the display function information is input via the operation unit 41, the operation input via the operation unit 41 is managed via the network communication unit 43. 20 is notified. Here, the management server 20 records the operation transmitted from the PC 40 in the storage unit 24 and notifies the administrator by notification means such as an e-mail addressed to the administrator. Further, when the operation input via the operation unit 41 is an operation for ending display of the display function information, the display control unit 45c ends the display of the display function information by the display unit 42.

<Use of MFP 30 via Printer Driver 44a of PC 40 by User>
When the user operates the MFP 30 via the printer driver 44a of the PC 40, the control unit 45 of the PC 40 executes the process according to the user's instruction and the user information of the logged-in user and the printer driver. And the execution contents of the process are transmitted to the management server 20 via the network communication unit 43.

  When the execution content is transmitted from the PC 40, the control unit 25 of the management server 20 operates in the same manner as the operation illustrated in FIG. That is, the usage history management means 25b of the control unit 25 uses the execution contents transmitted from the PC 40 as the personal usage history shown in FIG. 7 in the usage history data 24g, and the group usage history shown in FIG. Register with. For example, when a combination of the user information of the user a, “printer driver”, and an execution content “executed one color printing” is transmitted, the use history management unit 25b displays the combination shown in FIG. Based on the personal usage history table shown, an execution content “one color printing has been executed” is added to the usage history ax which is the usage history of the “printer driver” of the user a. Further, the display transmission information determination means 25a of the control unit 25 displays the use history and the display when the period after the start of management of the personal use history targeted is the information display start period 24f or more. The display display information for personal use is determined based on the conditions in the function information data for use 24e, and the period after the management of the use history for the target group is started is the information display start period 24f or more. In this case, the display transmission information for the group is determined based on the usage history and the conditions in the display function information data 24e. For example, if the target personal use history is the use history ax, the display transmission information determination unit 25a displays the display printer shown in FIG. 4 for the “printer driver” associated with the use history ax. The personal table 5 which is a personal table associated in the function information data 24e is selected, and the display transmission information is determined based on the personal table 5 and the usage history ax. The display transmission information determination unit 25a displays the determined display transmission information for the target user when at least one of the personal display transmission information and the group display transmission information is determined. As transmission information for use, it transmits to PC40 via the network communication part 23. FIG.

  When receiving the display transmission information from the management server 20 via the network communication unit 43, the control unit 45 of the PC 40 operates in the same manner as the operation of the MFP 30 shown in FIG. That is, the display information receiving means 45b of the control unit 45 registers the received display transmission information in the storage unit 44 as the display function information 44b of the target user. Further, the display control means 45c of the control unit 45 causes the display unit 42 to display the registered display function information 44b when the registered display function information 44b is the display function information of the logged-in user. Further, the operation notifying unit 45d of the control unit 45, when an operation for the display function information is input via the operation unit 41, the operation input via the operation unit 41 is managed via the network communication unit 43. 20 is notified. Here, the management server 20 records the operation transmitted from the PC 40 in the storage unit 24 and notifies the administrator by notification means such as an e-mail addressed to the administrator. Further, when the operation input via the operation unit 41 is an operation for ending display of the display function information, the display control unit 45c ends the display of the display function information by the display unit 42.

  As described above, the display transmission information determination unit 25a of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 is used for a user who is using an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 30 or a client computer such as the PC 40. When the usage history (see FIGS. 7 and 8) managed by the management unit 25b satisfies the condition (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage unit 24, the storage unit is associated with this condition. The display function information stored in 24 is determined as display transmission information (S134, S136). That is, the management server 20 determines the display transmission information based on the usage history managed for the user. The display control unit 38c of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 determines that the display function information that is the display transmission information received by the display information receiving unit 38b is information addressed to the logged-in user (S101). If YES, YES in S162, the display function information is displayed on the display unit 32 (S102, S163). Similarly, the display control unit 45c of the control unit 45 of the PC 40 determines that the display function information that is the display transmission information received by the display information receiving unit 45b is information addressed to the logged-in user. The display function information is displayed on the display unit 42. Therefore, the image forming system 10 and the management server 20 cause the MFP 30 itself to display information introducing functions suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30, and among the functions that the printer driver 44 a can execute. Information introducing functions suitable for the user can be displayed on the PC 40.

  Among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30, information that introduces functions that are suitable for the user is displayed on the MFP 30, and information that introduces functions that are suitable for the user among functions that can be executed by the printer driver 44 a is displayed on the PC 40. The user presses a help button prepared in the MFP 30 or the printer driver 44a to search for functions of the MFP 30 or the printer driver 44a, or examines a manual prepared as paper or electronic data. Even without it, you can check information that introduces the function you want to use. Therefore, the image forming system 10 and the management server 20 can improve the work efficiency of the user.

  Further, the management server 20 receives the display function information and the setting of the condition stored as the display function information data 24e by the storage unit 24 by the display information setting receiving means 25c, so that the display function information and the display function information are displayed. The condition for displaying the function information on the MFP 30 or the PC 40 can be changed by the administrator. Accordingly, the management server 20 causes the MFP 30 itself to display information that introduces functions more suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30, or is suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the printer driver 44a. It is possible to display on the PC 40 information that introduces the functions. For example, when the MFP 30 is installed in a company, the administrator reduces the paper consumption by setting the display function information data 24e according to the goal of the entire company or the goal of the group in the company. The operation cost of the MFP 30 can be reduced through display of function introduction information, toner consumption reduction function introduction information, FAX communication cost reduction function introduction information, and the like.

  The management server 20 can set various display function information and conditions in addition to the display function information and conditions shown in the present embodiment. For example, the management server 20 uses the so-called “Scan to PC”, which is a function of causing the MFP 30 to read an image from a document by the scanner 34 and transmitting the image to the PC 40 for a predetermined period of time or more. On the other hand, the MFP 30 displays information introducing so-called “Scan to BOX”, which is a function of causing the MFP 30 to read an image from a document by the scanner 34 and storing the image in a predetermined storage area of the MFP 30. May be. In addition, the management server 20 causes the MFP 30 to read an image from an original by the scanner 34 and transmits a so-called “Scan to FTP” function that transmits the image to an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server for a predetermined period. Information that introduces so-called “Scan to SMB”, which is a function of causing the MFP 30 to read an image from a document by the scanner 34 and transmitting the image to a shared folder of the PC 40 to a user who has used more than once, is sent to the MFP 30. It may be displayed. When the management server 20 is configured to display information that introduces functions that are suitable for the user but not used by the user among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30, the management server 20 displays the information about the user of the MFP 30. Satisfaction can be improved.

  In addition, the management server 20 can execute the MFP 30 because the display function information stored in the storage unit 24 includes a link to the function of the MFP 30 and the function of the printer driver 44a (see FIG. 6). A link to a function suitable for the user among certain functions is displayed on the MFP 30 (S102, S163), or a link to a function suitable for the user among functions executable by the printer driver 44a is displayed on the PC 40. Can be. Therefore, the management server 20 can cause the user to easily execute a function suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30 and the printer driver 44a. The function introduced by the display function information is preferably a recommended function of the MFP 30 or the printer driver 44a for the user.

  Further, the display transmission information determination unit 25a of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 determines the type of MFP 30 among the conditions stored in the storage unit 24 when determining display transmission information (S134, S136). The corresponding conditions are used (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the management server 20 can display information suitable for the MFP 30 that is actually used by the user on the MFP 30 itself as information that introduces a function suitable for the user among the functions that the MFP 30 can execute. it can.

  Further, the use history management unit 25b of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 manages the use history for each type of MFP 30 used by the user (see FIGS. 7 and 8) (S131, S132). The display transmission information determination unit 25a of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 uses the usage history managed by the usage history management unit 25b for the user and the type of the MFP 30 used by the user. (See FIGS. 7 and 8) satisfies the condition (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage unit 24, the display function information stored in the storage unit 24 in association with this condition is displayed. The transmission information for display is determined (S134, S136). That is, the management server 20 determines display transmission information based on the usage history for each type of MFP 30. Therefore, the management server 20 can cause the MFP 30 to display information more suitable for the MFP 30 that is actually used by the user.

  In addition, the display transmission information determination unit 25a of the control unit 25 of the management server 20 has received the period after the management of the user's usage history is started by the usage history management unit 25b by the period setting reception unit 25d. When the information display start period 24f is reached (YES in S133, YES in S135), the determination of display transmission information is started (S134, S136). That is, the management server 20 determines the display transmission information based on the use history accumulated for the information display start period 24f or more, which is a predetermined period after the user's use history starts to be managed. Therefore, the management server 20 displays information more suitable for the user on the MFP 30 and the PC 40 as compared with the configuration in which the display transmission information is determined based on the usage history immediately after the usage history of the user starts to be managed. Can be made.

  Further, the management server 20 manages the usage history for each group to which the user belongs, using the usage history management unit 25b of the control unit 25 (see FIG. 8). The display transmission information is determined based on the usage history (S136). Therefore, the management server 20 can display display transmission information suitable for the group to which the user belongs on the MFP 30 or the PC 40 (S102, S163).

  Further, the display control unit 38c of the control unit 38 of the MFP 30 displays the display function information that is the display transmission information received by the display information receiving unit 38b when the login of the user is received by the login reception unit 38a. If there is information addressed to this user (YES in S101), display function information addressed to this user is displayed on the display unit 32 (S102). Similarly, the display control unit 45c of the control unit 45 of the PC 40 is a display function that is display transmission information received by the display information receiving unit 45b when the login of the user is received by the login receiving unit 45a. When the information includes information addressed to the user, display function information addressed to the user is displayed on the display unit 42. That is, every time a user login is accepted, the image forming system 10 causes the MFP 30 itself to display information that introduces a function suitable for the user among the functions that the MFP 30 can execute, or the printer driver 44a executes. Among the possible functions, information introducing functions suitable for the user is displayed on the PC 40. Therefore, the image forming system 10 can make the user clearly recognize a function suitable for the user among the functions that can be executed by the MFP 30 and the PC 40.

  In addition, the MFP 30 notifies the management server 20 of the operation on the display function information by the user via the operation unit 31 by the operation notification unit 38d (S104, S165). Similarly, the PC 40 notifies the management server 20 of an operation on the display function information by the user via the operation unit 41 by the operation notifying unit 45d. Therefore, the image forming system 10 allows the administrator to perform an operation by the user on the display function information, for example, that a link in the display function information displayed on the MFP 30 or the PC 40 is clicked. It can be grasped.

  The user authentication method is realized by manually inputting user information and a password in the present embodiment, but other authentication methods may be used. For example, the user authentication method may be an authentication method using an ID card.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an MFP in the present embodiment, but may be an image forming apparatus other than the MFP, such as a dedicated printer.

10 Image Forming System 20 Management Server 24 Storage Unit (Display Information Storage Unit)
24a Management server program 24f Information display start period (period accepted by period setting accepting means)
25a display transmission information determination means 25b use history management means 25c display information setting reception means 25d period setting reception means 30 MFP (image forming apparatus)
31 operation unit 32 display unit 37b display function information 38a login acceptance means 38b display information reception means 38c display control means 38d operation notification means 40 PC (client computer)
41 Operation unit 42 Display unit 44a Printer driver 44b Display function information 45a Login reception means 45b Display information reception means 45c Display control means 45d Operation notification means

Claims (9)

An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; a management server that manages use of the image forming apparatus; and a client computer in which a printer driver that controls the image forming apparatus is installed .
The management server is
Display function information that is information that introduces the function of the image forming apparatus is stored in association with conditions for display on the image forming apparatus, and display function information that is information that introduces the function of the printer driver is stored. A display information storage unit for storing the information in association with the conditions to be displayed on the client computer ;
Display transmission information determining means for determining display transmission information that is the display function information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and for determining display transmission information that is the display function information to be transmitted to the client computer ; ,
Usage history management means for managing a usage history that is a history of use of the image forming apparatus by a user, and for managing a usage history that is a history of use of the printer driver by the user ;
Period setting accepting means for accepting setting of a period from when the use history management is started by the use history managing means until the determination of the display function information is started by the display transmission information determining means. And
The display information storage unit stores the condition for each type of the image forming apparatus and the condition for the client computer for each user and for each group to which the user belongs,
The usage history management means manages the usage history for each type of the image forming apparatus and the usage history of the printer driver for each user and each group,
When the use history managed by the use history managing means satisfies the condition stored in the display information storage unit, the display transmission information determining means is associated with this condition and The display function information stored in the display information storage unit is determined as the display transmission information ,
The display transmission information determination unit transmits the display transmission information among the conditions stored in the display information storage unit when determining the display transmission information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Use conditions according to the type of image forming device
The display transmission information determination means uses the conditions of the printer driver stored in the display information storage unit when determining the display transmission information to be transmitted to the client computer,
The transmission information determination means for display, when the period after the management of the usage history of the user is started by the usage history management means reaches the period accepted by the period setting acceptance means, Start determining the display function information for the user,
The display transmission information determination unit is configured to detect the group when the period from the start of the management of the use history of the group by the use history management unit reaches a period received by the period setting reception unit. 3. An image forming system for starting the determination of the display function information for use .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management server includes a display information setting receiving unit configured to receive the setting of the display function information and the condition stored by the display information storage unit. system. 2. The display function information for at least one of the image forming apparatuses stored in the display information storage unit includes a link to a function of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming system according to 2.   The image forming apparatus includes: a display unit that displays information; an operation unit that receives an operation by the user; a login reception unit that receives a login of the user via the operation unit; and the transmission information for display Display information receiving means for receiving the display function information from the management server, and display control means for controlling display by the display unit,
  The display control means, when the display function information received by the display information receiving means is information addressed to the user whose login is accepted by the login acceptance means, The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image is displayed on the display unit.   The display control means, when the login of the user is accepted by the login acceptance means, the display function information received by the display information receiving means, when there is information addressed to the user, The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the display function information addressed to the user is displayed on the display unit.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an operation notifying unit that notifies the management server of an operation on the display function information by the user via the operation unit. The image forming system described.   7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display function information for the image forming apparatus is a recommended function of the image forming apparatus for the user.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display function information for the printer driver is a recommended function of the printer driver for the user.   A management server program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images