JP6631313B2 - program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for an information processing terminal that notifies the status of a printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a program called a status monitor for notifying the status of a printer. For example, the status monitor described in Patent Literature 1 receives information indicating out of paper from a printer, and notifies a user that paper is to be supplied to a tray.

JP 2009-256077 A

  However, the status monitor described in Patent Literature 1 merely informs the user of the current status of the printer. Therefore, for example, even if a user who does not sufficiently understand the functions of the printer uses the printer, and a printer error is frequently reported, it is difficult to notice the root cause.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a program for an information processing terminal capable of prompting a user to use a printer efficiently.

  The program described in this specification can be read by an information processing terminal including a communication interface and a notification unit. The program causes the information processing terminal to execute an acquisition process for acquiring remaining amount information and number information of a printer connected through the communication interface. The remaining amount information indicates a remaining amount of sheets stored in a tray of the printer. The number information indicates the number of prints, which is the number of sheets on which images have been recorded in the recording operation performed by the printer. The program analyzes a correlation between the remaining amount information and the number-of-sheets information acquired in the acquisition process, and estimates a usage mode of the printer, and an estimation process suitable for the usage mode estimated in the estimation process. And causing the information processing terminal to execute a first notification process for notifying the notification unit of the usage of the printer.

  According to the above configuration, the usage mode of the printer is estimated from the correlation between the remaining amount information and the number information, and the usage method of the printer suitable for the estimated usage mode is notified. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to use the printer efficiently according to the usage mode.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the analysis & notification process 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the history information extracted in the analysis & notification process 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the analysis & notification process 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the history information extracted in the analysis & notification process 2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a multifunction peripheral 10 and an information processing terminal 50. Further, the system 100 may include a single-function printer in place of the multifunction peripheral 10. The multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 are configured to be able to communicate with each other through the communication network 101. A specific example of the communication network 101 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the Internet, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 may be connected by a USB cable or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 mainly includes a printer 11, a scanner 12, a display 23, an input I / F 24, a communication I / F 25, a CPU 31, a memory 32, and a communication bus 33. Prepare for. The components constituting the multifunction peripheral 10 are interconnected via a communication bus 33.

  The printer 11 performs a recording operation of recording an image represented by image data on a sheet. As a recording method of the printer 11, a known method such as an ink jet method or an electrophotographic method can be adopted. The scanner 12 performs a scanning operation of reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data.

  The display 23 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and has a display surface on which various information is displayed.

  The input I / F 24 is a user interface for receiving an input operation by the user. More specifically, the input I / F 24 has a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the input I / F 24 may have a film-shaped touch sensor superimposed on the display surface of the display 23. An operation of designating an object displayed on the display surface of the display 23 and an operation of inputting a character string or a numeric string are examples of a user operation. The “object” is, for example, a character string, an icon, a button, a link, or the like displayed on the display 23.

  The input I / F 24 realized as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating a position on the display surface touched by the user. Note that “touch” in this specification includes all operations for bringing an input medium into contact with a display surface. In addition, even if the input medium does not touch the display surface, the “hover” or “floating touch” that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance between the input surface and the display surface is very small is based on the concept of the above “touch”. May be included. Further, the input medium may be a user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. The user operation of tapping the position of the icon displayed on the display 23 is an example of a specifying operation for specifying the icon.

  The communication I / F 25 is an interface capable of communicating with an external device via the communication network 101. That is, the MFP 10 outputs various information to the external device through the communication I / F 25 and receives various information from the external device through the communication I / F 25. Although a specific communication procedure of the communication I / F 25 is not particularly limited, for example, Wi-Fi (a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance) can be adopted. When the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 are connected by a USB cable or the like, the communication I / F 25 may be a USB interface to which a USB cable can be attached and detached.

  The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 31 acquires various programs, which will be described later, from the memory 32 based on various information output from the input I / F 24, various information acquired from the external device through the communication I / F 25, and executes the programs. The CPU 31 and the memory 32 constitute an example of a controller.

  The memory 32 has a program storage area 32A and a data storage area 32B. The area 32A stores an OS 34 and a device program 35. Note that the device program 35 may be a single program or an aggregate of a plurality of programs. Data or information necessary for executing the device program 35 is stored in the area 32B. The memory 32 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory that is attached to and detached from the multifunction peripheral 10, a buffer included in the CPU 31, or a combination thereof.

  The memory 32 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. Further, a non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electric signal that carries a program downloaded from a server or the like on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium that is a type of computer-readable medium, but is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Not included in the medium. The same applies to the memory 62 of the information processing terminal 50 described later.

  The device program 35 of the MFP 10 collects the history information and transmits the collected history information to the information processing terminal 50 via the communication I / F 25. The history information is information that can be used to estimate the use mode of the multifunction peripheral 10, such as the operation result of the print operation performed by the printer 11, the state of the multifunction peripheral 10 immediately after the execution of the print operation, and the like. The history information includes, for example, the remaining amount information and the job information among the information illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.

  The remaining amount information indicates the number of sheets stored in the sheet feed tray of the printer 11 (hereinafter, referred to as “sheet remaining amount”). The job information includes size information indicating the size of a sheet on which an image has been recorded in the recording operation, and number information indicating the number of sheets on which the image has been recorded in the recording operation (hereinafter, referred to as “number of prints”). Including. For example, the history information identified by the history ID “003” shown in FIG. 4 is obtained by recording an image on six sheets of A4 size stored in the sheet feeding tray, and as a result, 378 sheets are recorded after the end of the recording operation. Is stored in the paper feed tray.

  However, specific examples of the information included in the history information are not limited to these. For example, the paper quality of a sheet on which an image is recorded by a recording operation (for example, “plain paper” or “glossy paper”), an ink jet printer 11, the remaining amount of ink in the toner cartridge mounted on the electrophotographic printer 11, the terminal ID for identifying the information processing terminal 50 that is the source of print instruction information described below, It may be a user ID or the like for identifying a user who has logged in to the information processing apparatus 50 that has transmitted the print instruction information.

  Note that the device program 35 according to the present embodiment collects history information at the timing when the printer 11 executes a recording operation. The device program 35 may acquire the number of sheets stored in the paper feed tray of the printer 11 from a tray sensor (not shown). The device program 35 may acquire the size information and the number information from the print instruction information received from the information processing terminal 50. However, the collection timing of the history information is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the timing at which the paper feed tray is mounted on the multifunction peripheral 10, the timing at which the sheets stored in the paper feed tray are exhausted, or at a predetermined time interval And so on.

  Further, the device program 35 may unicast the history information to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 at the timing of collecting the history information or at the timing requested by the information processing terminal 50. Alternatively, the device program 35 may broadcast the history information to the communication network 101 via the communication I / F 25 at the timing of collecting the history information. Further, the device program 35 may transmit the history information to the server (not shown) connected to the communication network 101 via the communication I / F 25 at the timing of collecting the history information. However, the transmission method of the history information is not limited to the above-described example.

  The information processing terminal 50 mainly includes a display 53, an input I / F 54, a communication I / F 55, a CPU 61, a memory 62, and a communication bus 63, as shown in FIG. The display 53 included in the information processing terminal 50, the input I / F 54, the communication I / F 55, the CPU 61, the memory 62, and the communication bus 63 include the display 23, the input I / F 24, the communication I / F 25, Since the configuration is the same as that of the CPU 31, the memory 32, and the communication bus 33, the description is omitted. The CPU 61 and the memory 62 are examples of a controller.

  The information processing terminal 50 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC. An area 62A of the memory 62 stores an OS 64, a monitor program 65, and a driver program 66. The area 62B of the memory 62 can store a plurality of pieces of history information, for example, as shown in FIGS.

  The monitor program 65 is a program for notifying a user of the state of the MFP 10. More specifically, the monitor program 65 receives the history information collected by the MFP 10, analyzes the correlation between various types of information included in the received history information, estimates the use mode of the MFP 10, and estimates The user is notified of a method of using the multifunction device 10 that is suitable for the usage mode. More specifically, the monitor program 65 determines a correlation between the history information collected after the execution of the first recording operation and the history information collected after the execution of the second recording operation performed after the first recording operation. Is analyzed to estimate the usage mode of the MFP 10. Details of the processing executed by the monitor program 65 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The driver program 66 is a program for instructing the MFP 10 to execute a recording operation. More specifically, the driver program 66 accepts, through the input I / F 54, image data to be subjected to a recording operation and a user operation for designating an execution condition of the recording operation, and transmits print instruction information to the multifunction peripheral 10 through the communication I / F 55. Send. The print instruction information is information for instructing that a recording operation for specified image data be executed according to specified execution conditions. The image data may include only an image to be recorded on one sheet, or may include an image to be recorded on a plurality of sheets. The execution condition may include, for example, size information indicating the size of the sheet on which the image is to be recorded, image quality information indicating the image quality of the image to be recorded on the sheet, and the like.

  The monitor program 65 may notify only the state of one multifunction device 10 or may notify the status of a plurality of multifunction devices 10. Similarly, the driver program 66 may be capable of transmitting print instruction information to only one multifunction peripheral 10, or may be capable of transmitting print instruction information to a plurality of multifunction peripherals 10. Further, the monitor program 65 may notify the state of the MFP 10 according to the setting information stored in the area 62B. The setting information may include, for example, communication information for communicating with the MFP 10 and a model name indicating a model of the MFP 10. The monitor program 65 may store, in the area 62B, the setting information whose input has been received through the input I / F 54. Further, the monitor program 65 and the driver program 66 may be a single program.

  The operation of the system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The flowchart in this specification basically shows the processing of the CPUs 31 and 61 according to the instructions described in the program. That is, the processes such as “determination”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, and “control” in the following description represent the processes of the CPUs 31 and 61. The processing by the CPU 61 also includes hardware control via the OS 64. Further, “data” in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Then, data having substantially the same meaning and different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to “information” in this specification.

  The monitor program 65 of the information processing terminal 50 can execute the main processing shown in FIG. First, the monitor program 65 receives history information from the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 55 (S11). Then, the monitor program 65 stores the history information and the date and time information received in S11 in the area 62B in association with each other (S12). The date and time information is, for example, information indicating the date and time of receiving the history information, and may be obtained from a system clock (not shown). The process of S11 is an example of a reception process, the process of S12 is an example of a storage process, and the processes of S11 and S12 are an example of an acquisition process.

  As an example, the monitor program 65 transmits transmission request information for requesting transmission of history information to the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 55, and transmits the history information transmitted from the MFP 10 as a response to the transmission request information to the communication I / F. It may be received through F55. As another example, the monitor program 65 may receive, via the communication I / F 55, history information that the multifunction peripheral 10 voluntarily transmitted at a predetermined timing. As still another example, the monitor program 65 transmits the transmission request information to a server (not shown) through the communication I / F 55, and receives the history information transmitted from the server as a response to the transmission request information through the communication I / F 55. Is also good. Further, the monitor program 65 may acquire the job information from the history information from the driver program 66 that transmits the print instruction information.

  Next, the monitor program 65 determines whether or not the execution condition of the analysis & notification process is satisfied (S13). Then, in response to determining that the execution condition is satisfied (S13: Yes), the monitor program 65 executes the analysis & notification process (S14). On the other hand, when determining that the execution condition is not satisfied (S13: No), the monitor program 65 skips the process of S14 and ends the main process. Then, the monitor program 65 waits until the history information is received again (S11).

  As an example, the monitor program 65 may determine that the execution condition is satisfied in response to the lapse of the threshold time from the execution of the latest analysis and notification processing. As another example, the monitor program 65 may determine that the execution condition is satisfied in response to receiving the threshold number of pieces of history information from the latest execution of the analysis and notification processing. As yet another example, the monitor program 65 may determine that the execution condition is satisfied in response to receiving, via the input I / F 54, a user operation instructing execution of the analysis and notification process. Note that the execution timing of the process of S13 is not limited to the timing at which the history information is received.

  Next, the details of the analysis & notification process 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the monitor program 65 extracts, from the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the area 62B, history information received during a target period that is retroactive from the present to the past (S21). More specifically, the monitor program 65 reads history information including date and time information indicating the date and time within the target period from the area 62B. The process in S21 is an example of an extraction process. The target period is, for example, one week. The target period may be set or changed by the developer of the monitor program 65 or the user of the information processing terminal 50. In the analysis & notification process 1 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the history information illustrated in FIG. 4 has been extracted. Note that the history ID shown in FIG. 4 is added for convenience in the following description to facilitate identification of history information, and can be omitted.

Then, the monitor program 65, among the plurality of history information extracted in S21, calculates the number M ₁ of the history information that matches the condition of the seat remaining amount is large immediately before the history information (S22). More specifically, the monitor program 65 compares the values of the remaining amount information of two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, and sets a value larger than the sheet remaining amount of the immediately preceding history information in the remaining amount information. Count the number of. In the present embodiment, tabulation is treated as a type of calculation. In the two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, the case where the remaining sheet amount increases means, for example, that there is no sheet stored in the sheet feed tray during the recording operation (hereinafter, referred to as “sheet empty”). It is conceivable that a user of the multifunction peripheral 10 replenishes a new sheet to the sheet feed tray. In the example of FIG. 4, two pieces of history information identified by history IDs “002” and “048” satisfy the condition of S22.

Then, the monitor program 65, among the history information matches the condition of S22, the number of prints to calculate the number M ₂ of the history information that matches the condition that more than a first threshold value (S23). The first threshold value may be, for example, the remaining sheet amount of the immediately preceding history information. More specifically, the monitor program 65 compares the number of pieces of history information of two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, and totals the number of pieces of history information in which a value larger than the number of prints of the immediately preceding history information is set in the number of pieces of information. . When the number of prints is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the possibility that sheet empty has occurred during the recording operation increases. In the example of FIG. 4, the two pieces of history information identified by the history IDs “002” and “048” satisfy the condition of S23.

Then, the monitor program 65, among the history information matches the condition of S23, the history information and the sheet size of the immediately preceding calculates the number M ₃ of the history information that matches the condition of the same (S24). More specifically, the monitor program compares the size information of two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, and totals the number of pieces of history information having the same size information as the previous history information. If the sheet sizes are the same in two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, the possibility that a sheet empty has occurred during the recording operation is further increased. In the example of FIG. 4, one piece of history information identified by the history ID “002” satisfies the condition of S24. S22 to S24 are an example of a first calculation process. However, the execution order of S22 to S24 is not limited to the example of FIG.

Then, the monitor program 65, the number _{M 3} calculated in S24 second threshold value (e.g., 5) or more determines whether (S25). Further, the monitor program 65 determines whether or not a large-capacity tray can be mounted on the MFP 10 (S26). Then, in response to the determination that M ₃ <second threshold (S25: No), the monitor program 65 skips the processing of S26 to S28 to be described later and ends the analysis & notification processing 1. The process of S25 is an example of a first determination process, and the process of S26 is an example of a second determination process.

  The large capacity tray is a paper feed tray capable of storing more sheets than the standard tray. The standard tray is a paper feed tray included when the MFP 10 is purchased. That is, the multifunction peripheral 10 to which a large capacity tray can be attached is a model in which a standard tray attached at the time of purchase can be replaced with a separately sold large capacity tray. The monitor program 65 may determine, for example, in step S26, whether or not the MFP 10 can mount a large capacity tray based on the model name of the MFP 10.

  More specifically, the monitor program 65 compares the model name included in the setting information with the correspondence information in which the performance information indicating whether the multifunction peripheral 10 can mount the large-capacity tray and the model name. . Then, the monitor program 65 may determine whether or not a value indicating that a large-capacity tray can be mounted is set in the performance information corresponding to the model name of the MFP 10. Further, the monitor program 65 may inquire the MFP 10 of the model name through the communication I / F 55 and make the above-described determination based on the model name returned from the MFP 10. Further, the monitor program 65 may inquire of the MFP 10 about the performance information through the communication I / F 55, and may make the above-described determination based on the performance information returned from the MFP 10.

When the monitor program 65 determines that M ₃ ≧ the second threshold value and that the large-capacity tray can be mounted (S25: Yes & S26: Yes), the “monitor sheet can be used to suppress sheet emptying. Is displayed on the display 53 (S27). The process of S27 is an example of a first notification process for notifying the notification unit of the presence of the large-capacity tray. The display 53 is an example of a notification unit.

Further, in response to the determination that M ₃ ≧ the second threshold value and that the large capacity tray cannot be mounted (S25: Yes & S26: No), the monitor program 65 determines “the MFP“ MFP-XX capable of mounting the large capacity tray ”. A message such as "Use to suppress sheet emptying" is displayed on the display 53 (S28). The process of S28 is an example of a second notification process for notifying the notification unit of the presence of a printer to which a large capacity tray can be mounted.

  Next, the details of the analysis and notification process 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. The detailed description of the common points with the analysis & notification process 1 is omitted, and the description focuses on the differences.

  First, the monitor program 65 extracts, from the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the area 62B, history information received within a target period that is retroactive from the present to the past (S31). The process in S21 is an example of an extraction process. In the analysis & notification process 2 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the history information illustrated in FIG. 6 has been extracted.

Next, the monitor program 65 determines, from among the plurality of pieces of history information extracted in S31, the number N of pieces of history information that match the condition that the difference in the remaining sheet amount from the immediately preceding history information is equal to or greater than a third threshold (for example, 200). ₁ is calculated (S32). More specifically, the monitor program 65 compares the values of the remaining amount information of the two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, and determines that the difference from the sheet remaining amount of the immediately preceding history information is equal to or greater than the third threshold value. Totals the number of history information set in the information. In the case where the difference in the remaining amount of sheets is large in two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, the case where all the first sheets stored in the sheet feed tray are removed before the execution of the recording operation, A case in which different types of second sheets are replenished to the sheet feed tray (hereinafter, referred to as “sheet replacement”) may be considered. The type of sheet indicates, for example, the size of the sheet or the paper quality. In the example of FIG. 6, the four pieces of history information identified by the history IDs “002”, “003”, “004”, and “073” satisfy the condition of S32.

Then, the monitor program 65, among the history information matches the condition of S32, the number of prints fourth threshold value (e.g., 20) calculates the number N ₂ of the history information that meet the criterion of less than (S33). The fourth threshold may be, for example, 1/10 of the third threshold. More specifically, the monitor program 65 totals the number of pieces of history information in which a value less than the fourth threshold is set as the number information. When the number of prints is less than the fourth threshold value, the possibility of changing sheets before the recording operation is higher than the sheet empty during the recording operation. In the example of FIG. 6, three pieces of history information identified by history IDs “002”, “003”, and “073” satisfy the condition of S33.

Then, the monitor program 65, among the history information matches the condition of S33, the history information and the sheet size of the immediately preceding calculates the number N ₃ of the history information that matches the condition that different (S34). More specifically, the monitor program compares the size information of two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, and totals the number of pieces of history information having different size information values from the immediately preceding history information. When the sheet sizes are different between two pieces of history information that are temporally adjacent to each other, the possibility of sheet replacement before the printing operation is further increased than the sheet empty during the printing operation. In the example of FIG. 6, the two pieces of history information identified by the history IDs “002” and “003” satisfy the condition of S34. S32 to S34 are an example of a second calculation process. However, the execution order of S32 to S34 is not limited to the example of FIG.

Then, the monitor program 65, the number _{N 3} calculated in S34 fourth threshold value (e.g., 5) or more determines whether (S35). Further, the monitor program 65 determines whether or not a plurality of trays can be mounted on the MFP 10 (S36). Then, in response to the determination that N ₃ <fourth threshold (S35: No), the monitor program 65 skips the processing of S36 to S38 described later and ends the analysis & notification processing 2. The process of S35 is an example of a third determination process, and the process of S36 is an example of a fourth determination process.

  The multifunction device 10 to which a plurality of trays can be mounted is a model to which a second tray (sold separately) can be mounted in addition to the first tray attached at the time of purchase. In other words, the MFP 10 to which a plurality of trays can be mounted is a model in which a paper feed tray can be added. The monitor program 65 may determine, for example, in S36, whether or not a paper feed tray can be added based on the model name of the MFP 10.

  More specifically, the monitor program 65 compares the model name included in the setting information with the corresponding information that associates the performance information indicating whether the multifunction peripheral 10 can mount a plurality of trays with the model name. . Then, the monitor program 65 may determine whether or not a value indicating that a plurality of trays can be mounted is set in the performance information corresponding to the model name of the MFP 10. Further, the monitor program 65 may inquire the MFP 10 of the model name through the communication I / F 55 and make the above-described determination based on the model name returned from the MFP 10. Further, the monitor program 65 may inquire of the MFP 10 about the performance information through the communication I / F 55, and may make the above-described determination based on the performance information returned from the MFP 10.

Then, in response to the determination that N ₃ ≧ the fourth threshold value and that it is possible to increase the number of paper feed trays (S35: Yes & S36: Yes), the monitor program 65 determines “a plurality of paper feed trays accommodating sheets of different sizes. Message is displayed on the display 53 (S37). The process of S37 is an example of a first notification process for notifying the notification unit that a plurality of trays each containing sheets of different sizes are to be mounted on the printer.

Further, in response to the determination that N ₃ ≧ the fourth threshold value and that it is not possible to increase the number of paper feed trays (S35: Yes & S36: No), the monitor program 65 reads “MFP“ MFP capable of mounting multiple paper feed trays ”. A message such as "-YY" can be used to suppress sheet replacement. "Is displayed on the display 53 (S38). The process of S38 is an example of a third notification process for notifying the notification unit of the presence of a printer to which a plurality of trays can be mounted.

[Operation and effect of the present embodiment]
According to the above embodiment, the usage mode of the MFP 10 is estimated from the correlation between the remaining amount information and the number information, and the printer usage method suitable for the estimated usage mode is notified. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to use the MFP 10 efficiently according to the usage mode. In addition, the estimation accuracy of the current usage mode is improved by using the history information in the target period that is retroactive from the present to the past as the target of the calculation process. Furthermore, the history information collected after the end of the recording operation is highly likely to differ greatly depending on the usage mode of the multifunction peripheral 10. Therefore, it is suitable as a collection timing of history information for estimating a use mode.

As an example, the monitor program 65, in response to a M ₃ ≧ second threshold value, and "due to the number of prints in a single recording operation is large, the sheet empty is frequently" MFP Ten usage patterns are estimated. Then, the monitor program 65 may prompt the user to replace the standard tray with a large-capacity tray as a method of using the multifunction peripheral 10 suitable for such a usage mode. As a result, the frequency of sheet empty during the recording operation can be reduced. On the other hand, when the large capacity tray cannot be mounted on the multifunction peripheral 10, the monitor program 65 may prompt the purchase of another multifunction peripheral capable of mounting the large capacity tray.

The method of estimating the occurrence of the sheet empty is not limited to the example of S22. For example, the history information may further include an empty flag. Then, the apparatus program 35 may set the empty flag to the first value “ON” in response to occurrence of a sheet empty during the recording operation. On the other hand, the apparatus program 35 may set the empty flag to the second value “OFF” in response to no sheet empty occurring during the recording operation. The monitor program 65, in S22, may be calculated number _{M 1} of the history information including the empty flag "ON". Further, S23, by omitting one or both of S24, may be compared S25 in the _{M 1} or _{M 2} and a second threshold value. However, by combining S21 to S24, the estimation accuracy of the sheet empty is improved.

As another example, when the monitor program 65 determines that N ₃ ≧ the fourth threshold value, “the sheet is replaced every time an image is recorded on a sheet of a different size”, the monitor program 65 uses the MFP 10. Estimate the mode. Then, the monitor program 65 may prompt the user to mount a plurality of paper feed trays each containing sheets of different sizes on the multifunction peripheral 10 as a method of using the multifunction peripheral 10 suitable for such a usage mode. In addition, when it is not possible to increase the number of paper feed trays in the multifunction peripheral 10, the monitor program 65 may prompt the purchase of another multifunction peripheral capable of mounting a plurality of paper feed trays.

Incidentally, S33, by omitting one or both of S34, may be compared with S35 _{N 1} or _{N 2} and the fourth threshold value. However, by combining S31 to S34, the estimation accuracy of sheet replacement is improved. Furthermore, the history information may further include the terminal ID of the information processing terminal 50 that has transmitted the print instruction information. The monitor program 65, among the history information matches the conditions of S32 to S34, calculates the number N ₄ of the previous history information and history information terminal ID is different, by comparing the N ₄ and the fourth threshold value Is also good. Thereby, the estimation accuracy of the sheet replacement is further improved.

  Further, the information processing terminal 50 may have a browser program capable of displaying a web page installed. Then, in S27, S28, S37, and S38, the monitor program 65 may cause the browser program to display a mail order web page of a product (for example, a paper feed tray or a multifunction peripheral) recommended for purchase.

  In S14, the monitor program 65 may execute both the analysis and notification processes 1 and 2, or may execute only one of them. Further, the analysis and notification processes 1 and 2 may be executed at the same timing or may be executed at different timings.

  Further, in the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 of the above-described embodiment, the various programs stored in the areas 32A and 62A of the memories 32 and 62 are executed by the CPUs 31 and 61, whereby the controller of the present invention is executed. The example in which each process is realized has been described. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and part or all of the controller may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  Further, the present invention can be realized not only as the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 but also as a program for causing the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 to execute a process. The program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a memory mounted on a server that can be connected to the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 via the communication network 101, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. Then, the program stored in the memory of the server may be distributed as information or a signal indicating the program through the communication network 101 such as the Internet.

10 Multifunction machine 11 Printer 23, 53 Display 24, 54 Input I / F
25, 55 ... Communication I / F
31, 61 ... CPU
32, 62 ... memory 35 ... device program 50 ... information processing terminal 65 ... monitor program

Claims (9)

A program readable by an information processing terminal including a communication interface and a notification unit,
The program causes the information processing terminal to execute an acquisition process for acquiring remaining amount information and number information of a printer connected through the communication interface, and the remaining amount information indicates a remaining amount of sheets stored in a tray of the printer. The number information indicates the number of prints that is the number of sheets on which images are recorded in the recording operation performed by the printer,
The program is
Analyzing the correlation between the remaining amount information and the number-of-sheets information acquired in the acquiring process, an estimation process of estimating a use mode of the printer,
A program for causing the information processing terminal to execute a first notification process of notifying the notification unit of a usage method of the printer suitable for a use mode estimated in the estimation process. The information processing terminal includes a memory,
The program includes:
A receiving process of receiving the printer or al history information through the communication interface,
And causing the information processing terminal to execute a storage process of storing the history information received in the reception process in the memory each time the printing operation is performed by the printer. The remaining amount information indicating the remaining sheet amount after, including the number information indicating the number of prints in the recording operation,
The program analyzes the correlation between the history information of the first recording operation and the history information of the second recording operation executed after the first recording operation in the estimation process, and The program according to claim 1, which estimates the following. The program is
In the estimation process,
A first calculation process of calculating the number M of pieces of the history information in which the remaining sheet amount is larger than the immediately preceding history information and the number of prints is equal to or greater than a first threshold value among the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the memory; When,
Causing the information processing terminal to execute a first determination process of determining whether the number M calculated in the first calculation process is equal to or greater than a second threshold value,
The first notification processing for notifying the notification unit of the presence of a large-capacity tray in which the number of sheets that can be stored is larger than the standard tray in accordance with the determination made in the first determination processing that is equal to or more than the second threshold value is the information. The program according to claim 2, which is executed by a processing terminal. The history information includes size information indicating a sheet size of a sheet on which an image is recorded,
In the first calculation process, in the first calculation process, the sheet remaining amount is larger than the immediately preceding history information, the number of prints is equal to or more than the first threshold, and the sheet size is the same as the immediately preceding history information. The program according to claim 3, wherein the number M of history information is calculated. The program is
Causing the information processing terminal to execute a second determination process of determining whether the large capacity tray can be mounted on the printer;
The first determination processing is performed by the first determination processing when the first notification processing is performed, and the first notification processing is performed by the information processing terminal,
When the first determination process determines that the value is equal to or more than the second threshold value and the second determination process determines that the printer cannot be mounted, the notification unit notifies the presence of a printer to which the large capacity tray can be mounted. The program according to claim 3, wherein the program causes the information processing terminal to execute a second notification process. The program is
In the estimation process,
The number of pieces of the history information in which the difference between the remaining amount of the sheet and the immediately preceding piece of the history information is greater than or equal to a third threshold value and the number of printed sheets is less than a fourth threshold value among the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the memory. A second calculation process for calculating N;
Causing the information processing terminal to execute a third determination process of determining whether the number N calculated in the second calculation process is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value,
The first notification processing for notifying the notification unit that a plurality of trays each containing a different type of sheet are to be mounted on the printer in accordance with the determination made in the third determination processing that is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold value. The program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, which causes the information processing terminal to execute: The history information includes size information indicating a sheet size of a sheet on which an image is recorded,
In the second calculation processing, the difference between the remaining sheet amount and the immediately preceding history information is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the number of prints is less than the fourth threshold, and 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the program calculates a number N of the pieces of history information having different sheet sizes. The program is
Causing the information processing terminal to execute a fourth determination process of determining whether a plurality of trays can be mounted on the printer;
Determining the fifth threshold value or more in the third determination process, and in response to the fourth determination process determining that attachment is possible, causing the information processing terminal to execute the first notification process;
A third unit for notifying the notification unit of the presence of a printer to which a plurality of trays can be mounted in response to the third determination process determining that the printer is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold value and determining that the printer cannot be mounted in the fourth determination process. The program according to claim 6, wherein the program causes the information processing terminal to execute three notification processes. The program is
Among the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the memory, the information processing terminal performs an extraction process of extracting the history information received in the reception process within a target period that is retroactive from the present,
For the history information extracted in the extraction process, among the plurality of pieces of history information stored in the memory, the sheet remaining amount is larger than the immediately preceding history information, and the number of prints is equal to or greater than a first threshold. A first calculation process for calculating the number M of the history information , or a difference between the remaining sheet amount and the immediately preceding history information among a plurality of the history information stored in the memory is equal to or more than a third threshold value; The program according to any one of claims 3 to 8, further causing the information processing terminal to execute a second calculation process of calculating the number N of pieces of the history information in which the number of prints is less than a fourth threshold value .

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