Printing system, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method, and a storage medium. The printing system includes a client terminal, a server system that provides predetermined allocation information to the client terminal, and at least one printing device that is communicatively connected to the server system. The server system includes a notification unit that notifies the client terminal of notification information indicating that there is a printable print content based on the allocation information provided to the client terminal. The client terminal includes a print request unit that transmits a print request requesting printing to the server system in a case where the notification information is notified. The server system further includes a job issuing unit that issues a print job for printing the print content to a printing device identified by the print request from the client terminal. The printing device prints the print content according to the print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Advances in information and communication technology have enabled various types of information communication between remote locations using network-connected tools. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-207337 discloses a technology for conducting video conferencing via a network connection using devices installed in multiple locations. Furthermore, educational institutions such as schools and cram schools now offer online courses: a client-server system distributes course content to the client terminals of multiple participants. For such online courses, learning materials are printed or bound and distributed or mailed to students or participants. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-207337 does not describe a process for situations requiring printing. Furthermore, in meetings and courses conducted online as described above, necessary documents, learning materials, etc., are sometimes distributed in printed form. In such cases, organizers and educational institutions print or bind the documents and learning materials and mail or courier them to the target individuals, a process that requires significant cost and time. Moreover, in courses, meetings, etc., participants cannot print learning materials and documents in real time.

[0004] The objective of the various embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a technology that enables timely and easy access to printed products using a client terminal connected to a server system.

[0005] Various embodiments provide a printing system comprising: a client terminal 100; server systems 200, 300, and 400, the server systems providing predetermined allocation information to the client terminal 100; and at least one printing device 500 or 720 communicatively connected to the server systems 200, 300, and 400. The server systems include a notification unit 200 that, based on the allocation information provided to the client terminal 100, notifies the client terminal 100 of the existence of printable content. The client terminal includes print request units 110 and 6000, which, upon being notified of the notification information, can send a print request to the server system to request printing. The server system further includes a job publishing unit 420 that publishes a print job for printing the content to the printing devices 500 and 720 identified by the print request from the client terminal 100, and the printing devices 500 and 720 print the content according to the print job.

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present invention, printed products can be obtained promptly and easily by using a client terminal connected to a server system.

[0007] Other features will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a client-server network system;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a video distribution system;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer's hardware configuration;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the sequence of connection ID publishing processes;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration for connecting to the ID management table;

[0014] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an example diagram illustrating a screen used for connecting ID publishing processing;

[0015] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating the sequence of the registration process;

[0016] Figures 9A to 9C This is an example of a message dialog screen during the registration process;

[0017] Figures 10A to 10I This is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table;

[0018] Figure 11 This is an example image illustrating the login screen;

[0019] Figure 12 This is an example image illustrating a video viewing screen;

[0020] Figure 13 This is an example image illustrating an online course management screen;

[0021] Figure 14 This is an example of a screen showing the management interface for online course participants;

[0022] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 15A and Figure 15B A diagram showing the relationships between them;

[0023] Figure 15A and Figure 15B It is a sequence diagram related to printing processing; and

[0024] Figures 16A to 16D It is a diagram used to explain the printing operation. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the features of the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solutions provided by the features of the invention.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is described in which a network print server, a video distribution system, and a robot application server collaborate. An example is given where a user specifies target learning material content (file) to be printed and an instruction to print the target learning material content (file) is issued via a video distribution service application. It should be noted that the target file to be printed in this embodiment can be image data or document data. The target file can also be referred to as the target content. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the video distribution service application can also be simply referred to as the video distribution app.

[0027] [System Configuration]

[0028] First, the configuration of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0029] The printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured as a client-server network system. Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a client system 10, which includes a client terminal 100 and a printing device (hereinafter referred to as a "printer") 500; and a client system 20, which includes a client terminal 6000 and a printer 720. The network system also includes a server system capable of communicating with the client systems. The server system includes a video distribution system 200 (application server (first server)), a robot application server (second server) 300, and a network printing server (third server) 400.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In this system, video distribution system 200 is connected to each of client terminal 100 and robot application server 300 via network 1000. Video distribution system 200 is also connected to client terminal 6000 via network 1400 and to billing system 5000 via network 1700. Billing system 5000 is a system for managing the collection of tuition fees, learning material fees, etc., from students, as well as managing deposits and withdrawals. Billing system 5000 includes database 5100, and the information managed by billing system 5000 is stored in database 5100.

[0031] Furthermore, the robot application server 300 and the network print server 400 are interconnected via network 1100. The network print server 400 is interconnected with the client terminal 100 via network 1300 and with the client terminal 6000 via network 1600. Additionally, the network print server 400 is interconnected with the printer 720 of the client system 20 via network 1500 and with the printer 500 of the client system 10 via network 1200. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The diagram shows two client systems, 10 and 20, but the number of client systems is not limited to this. Figure 1 The example illustrated may also include three or more servers. Furthermore, both the robot application server 300 and the network print server 400 can be formed by a server system with multiple servers to distribute the load among them. Additionally, the video distribution system 200 can also be a server system including one or more servers. Furthermore, some functions of the video distribution system 200, robot application server 300, and network print server 400 can be implemented by other servers. Alternatively, a configuration using servers equipped with all the functions of the video distribution system 200, robot application server 300, and network print server 400 can be employed.

[0032] Networks 1000 to 1700 can be, for example, LANs or WANs such as the Internet, telephone lines, dedicated digital lines, ATM or Frame Relay lines, cable television lines, or radio lines used for data broadcasting. Alternatively, they can simply be networks capable of sending and receiving data, such as so-called communication networks implemented through the above combinations, and can be wired or wireless. Furthermore, the configuration allows networks 1000 to 1700 to be different networks or to use the same network.

[0033] The configuration of each client system will be described using client system 10 as an example. Client terminal 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), smartphone, or tablet terminal, and is operated by a user. Client terminal 100 includes client application 110 and web browser 120. Note that client application 110 is also referred to as client app 110 in this embodiment of the invention. Client application 110 can send messages containing strings input by the user, print requests for printing target learning materials (files), etc., to video distribution service application 220 via network 1000. Client application 110 also notifies the user of messages received from video distribution service application (hereinafter referred to as "video distribution application") 220 via network 1000. Note that messages are generally notified to the user by being displayed on the screen of user client application 110, but can also be notified by voice and sound. Client application 110 is also used to participate in online courses distributed by video distribution application 220 of video distribution system 200.

[0034] Web browser 120 is an application that displays web pages. Web browser 120 displays web pages provided by web application 430 included in web print server 400 via network 1300. Web browser 120 also receives operations from users using client terminal 100. It should be noted that the web pages to be displayed by web browser 120 are not limited to those provided by web application 430 of web print server 400. For example, a screen related to video distribution system 200 can be displayed on web browser 120. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, it is assumed that the web page description language is Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), but this is not particularly limited. Client system 20 has a similar configuration to client system 10.

[0035] The video distribution system 200 includes a file storage device 210, a video distribution application 220, and a database 230. The file storage device 210 stores video content (files), learning materials (files), etc., as distribution information to be distributed by the video distribution application 220. The video distribution system 200 is a network service existing on the Internet and provides video distribution services.

[0036] In order to connect to the video distribution system 200 and participate in online courses, a client application 110 suitable for the video distribution system 200 needs to be installed on the client terminal 100 or similar device of the online course participants. Note that the client application 110 will also be abbreviated as "client app" below.

[0037] Participants in the online course can participate by installing client application 110 on client terminal 100 and executing the client application 110. Video distribution application 220 receives messages sent from client application 110 on client terminal 100, print requests for target learning materials (files), etc. Then, in response to receiving content sent from client application 110, video distribution application 220 sends a message reception event to robot application 310 on robot application server 300 via network 1000. In response to receiving the reception event, robot application 310, for example, requests for learning materials (described later), etc. (S1107). Figure 15A Print it.

[0038] Furthermore, based on a request from the robot application 310, the video distribution application 220 sends a message to the client application 110. Additionally, the video distribution application 220 sends information about the print target learning material content stored in the file storage device 210 (the path (URI) to the area where the print content is stored) to the robot application 310. It should be noted that although in Figure 1 Although not illustrated, the video distribution system 200 performs message relay processing when multiple client terminals exchange messages with each other. For example, a message sent from client application 110 is sent to client application 610 via video distribution application 220.

[0039] The robot application server 300 includes a robot application 310, a database 330, and a file storage device 340. The robot application 310 receives event notifications from the video distribution application 220 of the video distribution system 200 and performs processing corresponding to the content of the received events. Furthermore, the robot application 310 sends message sending requests to the video distribution application 220 via the network 1000 as needed. The robot application 310 is processed by the video distribution system 200 as a virtual user of the video distribution application 220 or a virtual participant in an online course. Additionally, the robot application 310 is capable of sending (receiving) messages to (from) client applications 110 and 610 of the client terminals 100 and 6000 connected to it. It should be noted that the robot application 310 can automatically create and send messages in response to messages sent from client applications. For example, if client application 110 sends the message "Hello" to robot application 310, robot application 310 can respond with a response message "Hello". Furthermore, the database 330 of the robot application server 300 stores information about the printers owned by each user.

[0040] Network print server 400 provides printing services. Printing services, as used herein, refer to the service of sending externally received print / scan instructions to registered printers (e.g., printers 500 and 720) via networks 1200 and 1500, and causing the registered printers to execute said instructions. Network print server 400 includes file storage device 410, printing service 420, network application 430, database 440, temporary storage database 450, and authentication service 460.

[0041] The authentication service 460 of the network print server 400 is a service that authenticates the access source by using registered account information when receiving access from client terminals 100 and 6000 or printers 500 and 720. Printing service is only permitted if authentication by the authentication service 460 is successful. It should be noted that each piece of account information in this embodiment includes at least a user ID and a password. Furthermore, it is assumed that users of client applications 110 and 610 have registered information about the respective printers 500 and 720 that they own (can use). Although this embodiment is described under the assumption that each user owns one printer, each user can own multiple printers.

[0042] The database 440 of the network print server 400 stores account information registered in the print service 420, information about printers associated with the account information, and information about applications using the print service. In this embodiment of the invention, the application using the print service is only the robot application server 300, but it is not limited to this, and other applications may also use the print service. The print service 420 serves as a job publishing unit that receives print requests from the robot application 310 of the robot application server 300, generates print jobs, and sends the print jobs to the printer 500. The file storage device 410 of the network print server 400 stores print jobs, each print job containing print data converted in a format that the printer 500 can process and information such as its path (URI).

[0043] Network application 430 has the function of providing web pages to web browsers 120 and 620 of client terminals 100 and 6000 or web browsers 510 and 730 of printers 500 and 720 in response to user operations, and publishing and displaying connection IDs. Network application 430 also has the function of receiving connection IDs entered by users using client applications 110 and 610 via their respective networks to verify the validity of the connection IDs. Details of the connection IDs will be described later. Temporary storage database 450 is a database used by network application 430 to temporarily store published connection IDs, etc.

[0044] Printers 500 and 720, provided in their respective client systems 10 and 20, will be described. Since printers 500 and 720 have the same configuration, printer 500 will be used as an example in the description.

[0045] Printer 500 includes a web browser 510. Printer 500 receives print job notifications from the print service 420 of network print server 400. According to the content described in the print job notification, printer 500 accesses the file storage device 410 of network print server 400, obtains the print job, and executes printing. Web browser 510 is an application that displays web pages. Web browser 510 displays web pages provided by a web application (not shown) of robot application server 300 and receives operations from users using client terminal 100.

[0046] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of client terminals 100 and 6000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since client terminals 100 and 6000 have similar configurations, client terminal 100 will be described here as an example. Client terminal 100 includes a CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, a display device 104, an input device 105, a communication module 106, and an external storage device 107.

[0047] The CPU 101 performs calculations, determinations, and control of data and commands based on programs stored in RAM 102 and ROM 103. RAM 102 is a volatile storage area and serves as temporary storage during various types of processing by the CPU 101. ROM 103 is a non-volatile storage area and stores the operating system (OS), client application 110, web browser 120, and other application software. The display device 104 includes a liquid crystal display and a graphics controller, and displays web pages downloaded from the server, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. To display a web page, the web browser 120 downloads the web page to RAM 102 and displays it on the display device 104. In general, the processing to be performed in the client terminal 100 is implemented by the CPU 101 executing programs stored in ROM 103.

[0048] Input device 105 is a device operated by the user to give various instructions to client terminal 100, such as a keyboard. Input device 105 is also a device for acquiring images, such as a camera. It should be noted that input device 105 is not limited to these and can be an external component. Client terminal 100 receives various instructions given by the user via input device 105 and performs various types of control in response to the instructions.

[0049] For example, communication module 106 is an interface for communicating with external devices, each of which is connected, for example, to a LAN cable or telephone line. Communication module 106 connects to a communication tool (not shown) such as a router and communicates with video distribution system 200 and robot application server 300 via network 1000. It should be noted that this data communication can be performed wirelessly, for example, via a wireless-enabled interface. External storage device 107 is a non-volatile storage area. For example, in the case where client terminal 100 is a smartphone, flash memory is typically used as external storage device 107. System bus 108 is used for data exchange within client terminal 100.

[0050] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the display device 104 and input device 105 of the client terminal 100. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and a touch panel display combining a display device and an input device may be used. In this case, a camera is provided separately from the touch panel display as a camera device. Furthermore, although Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a client terminal 100, but according to embodiments of the present invention, a client application can send and receive messages between multiple client terminals. For example, client terminal 100 can also send messages to (from)... Figure 1 The client terminal 6000 shown in the diagram sends (receives) messages. Furthermore, although... Figure 1The example shown is of client terminals 100 and 6000 having the same configuration, but multiple client terminals that send and receive messages to each other can have the same configuration or different hardware configurations.

[0051] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a video distribution system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video distribution system 200 includes a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, a communication module 204, and an external storage device 206. It should be noted that the processing to be performed in the video distribution system 200 in this embodiment is assumed to be executed by a single server, but it can also be implemented by multiple cooperating servers.

[0052] The CPU 201 performs calculations, determinations, and control based on programs stored in RAM 202 and ROM 203. RAM 202 is a volatile storage area and is used as temporary storage during various types of processing by the CPU 201. ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage area. For example, the communication module 204 is an interface for communicating with external devices, each connected to a LAN cable. The communication module 204 connects to a communication tool (not shown) such as a router and communicates with the client terminal 100 and the robot application server 300 via network 1000. It should be noted that this data communication can be performed wirelessly, for example, via a wireless-enabled interface. External storage device 206 stores various data such as the operating system (OS) and applications. System bus 205 is used for data exchange within the video distribution system 200. In general, the processing to be performed in the video distribution system 200 is implemented by the CPU 201 executing programs stored in ROM 203.

[0053] The hardware configurations of the robot application server 300 and the network print server 400 are similar to those of the video distribution system 200 described above, therefore their detailed descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that these servers are not limited to the configurations described above. For example, they may share a common information processing device configuration or they may each have different configurations.

[0054] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates examples of the hardware configurations of printers 500 and 720 according to embodiments of the present invention. Since printers 500 and 720 are similar, the hardware configuration of printer 500 will be described here. Printer 500 includes a CPU 501, RAM 502, ROM 503, a communication module 504, an output device 506, an input device 508, and a display device 509.

[0055] CPU 501 performs calculations, determinations, and control of data and commands based on programs stored in RAM 502 and ROM 503. RAM 502 is a volatile storage area and serves as temporary storage during various types of processing by CPU 501. ROM 503 is a non-volatile storage area and stores the operating system (OS), web browser 510, and other application software. Furthermore, ROM 503 can be a data-rewritable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory. For example, communication module 504 is an interface for communicating with external devices connected to a LAN cable. Communication module 504 connects to a communication tool (not shown), such as a router, and communicates with network print server 400 via network 1200. It should be noted that this data communication can be performed wirelessly, for example, via a wireless-enabled interface. In summary, the processing to be performed in printer 500 is implemented by CPU 501 executing programs stored in ROM 503.

[0056] Output device 506 is a device that forms an image on a printing sheet (printing medium) such as paper, for example, a printing unit. Input device 508 is a panel operated by the user to give various instructions to printer 500, for example, a set of hardware keys. Display device 509 displays a graphical user interface (GUI), etc. Display device 509 may be a full-color liquid crystal display or include a small number of LEDs. Note that a touch panel display combining input device 508 and display device 509, etc., may be used. Data is exchanged between the components included in printer 500 via system bus 507.

[0057] As described above, it is assumed that the printer 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a network printer capable of communicating with external devices via a network. The configuration of the printer 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above configuration and may also include components corresponding to its functions. For example, a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) can be used as the printer 500. Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, examples of providing printers 500 and 720 with similar functions in the system have been presented. However, each printer may have different functions.

[0058] [Processing Order]

[0059] (Connection ID publishing processing)

[0060] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the issuance process of the printer's connection ID in an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 7A and 7BThe illustration shows an example of a screen for network application 430 related to connection ID publication processing. It should be noted that the processes performed on printer 500 and printer 720 are similar in this processing sequence. Therefore, the connection ID publication processing for printer 500 will be described here as an example.

[0061] In S501, in response to receiving a start command for a user operation to publish a connection ID, the web browser 510 of printer 500 sends a start request to the web application 430 of web print server 400.

[0062] In S502, network application 430 returns Figure 7A The connection ID publishing request screen 701 shown in the figure is a response to the startup request.

[0063] Based on the response in S502, the web browser 510 displays a connection ID publishing request screen 701 on the display device 509. Then, in response to receiving a publishing instruction from the user via the publishing request button 702 in the connection ID publishing request screen 701, the web browser 510 sends a connection ID publishing request to the web application 430 (S503). This connection ID publishing request includes printer ID and printer model information, wherein the printer ID is a unique identifier (second identification information) assigned to the printer 500 in the printing service.

[0064] In S504, in response to receiving a connection ID publishing request, the network application 430 searches the database 440 based on the printer ID included in the request to determine whether the printer ID has been registered. If the printer ID has not been registered, the network application 430 publishes a random value with a fixed number of bits as the connection ID. It should be noted that the user can register the printer ID in the network print server 400 before requesting the connection ID. The connection ID will be used as verification information for printer registration. Furthermore, the network application 430 records the published connection ID, printer ID, printer information obtained from the database 440 using the printer ID as the key, and the validity date and time of the connection ID in a temporary storage database 450. Here, the generation of a 9-digit random value as the connection ID is described as an example. However, the connection ID is not limited to this, and the method of generating the random value is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a preset value can be used as the validity date and time of the connection ID, or a time period between predetermined times can be used.

[0065] Figure 6 The illustration shows a configuration example of a connection ID management table 600 managed in a temporary storage database 450 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the connection ID management table 600, connection IDs, printer IDs, printer models, and validity dates and times are managed in a correlated manner. It should be noted that... Figure 6In this example, two connection IDs (“amskri6ej” and “abdbdc612”) are managed under the same printer ID (“05001”). This is because the connection ID is issued twice to a single printer. For example, if a user operates printer 500 to request a connection ID for robot application 310, a connection ID is issued for robot application 310 (and for robot application server 300). If the user subsequently operates printer 500 to request a connection ID for another robot application (another robot application server), another connection ID is issued for that other robot application. Therefore, two connection IDs are issued to the same printer. It should be noted that this type of processing can also be performed in... Figure 6 Management in the table Figure 6 Application IDs not included in the list (BOT0001, BOT0002, etc.). In this embodiment of the invention, even if the user is the same, a different connection ID should be published if the connection ID has expired. It should be noted that the configuration can be configured such that if the same user requests to publish a connection ID again before the expiration date and time, a different connection ID is published (updating the connection ID). Alternatively, the configuration can be configured such that if the same user requests to publish a connection ID again before the expiration date and time, only the expiration date and time are updated.

[0066] In S505, the web application 430 returns the connection ID display screen 710 containing the connection ID of the webpage generated in S504 to the web browser 510 as a response to the connection ID publishing request. For example... Figure 7B As illustrated, the Connection ID display screen 710 is configured to display information about the Connection ID 711 and its validity date and time 712. It should be noted that the Connection ID display screen 710 may also include information about the printer.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the registration process performed by the client system 10 (or 20) in an embodiment of the present invention. The process of registering client application 110 and printer 500 in client system 10 will be described here in a representative manner.

[0068] For example, in the case where a user requests registration processing from client terminal 100, the process begins... Figure 8 The order shown in the diagram. Figures 9A to 9C This is an example of a message dialog screen from a client application 110 related to the registration process in this embodiment of the invention. In the message dialog screen 1410 provided by the client application 110, messages and files sent from the user and message conversation partners are displayed chronologically from top to bottom. It should be noted that this message dialog screen 1410 is displayed as described later. Figure 14 The image shows an area within the video viewing frame 1450. Figures 9A to 9C In the message conversation screen 1410, the balloons on the left side of the screen represent messages and images sent from the conversation partner, while the balloons on the right side represent messages and images sent from the user of the client application 110. Figures 9A to 9C In the example, the conversation partner is robot application 310, which acts as a virtual user and is displayed here as "Print Robot User". Furthermore, the conversation partner is displayed as "Print Robot" in the icon on the upper left side of the screen.

[0069] The user launches client application 110 and selects "Printing Robot User" as the dialogue partner to display the message exchange screen. Figures 9A to 9C (The screen in each of the videos). At this time, the video distribution application 220 sends an event to the robot application 310 indicating that the dialogue screen has been displayed. Upon sending this event, the robot application 310 notifies the client application 110 via the video distribution application 220 of a message containing the choice of whether to perform registration processing. If the user chooses to perform registration processing by operating the client application 110, then... Figure 8 S801 in the middle.

[0070] In S801, robot application 310 sends a connection ID input message request to video distribution application 220.

[0071] In S802, in response to receiving a connection ID input message request, the video allocation application 220 sends a connection ID input message to the client application 110. For example... Figure 9A As illustrated in the diagram, in response to receiving a connection ID input message, client application 110 displays connection ID input message 901 in the dialog box. The content of connection ID input message 901 is not specifically restricted and is displayed based on the content of the message received from client application 110.

[0072] Assuming Figure 9A The diagram illustrates a user inputting a connection ID (“r52wud6rz” in this example) from client application 110 on client terminal 100 as message 902. After inputting the connection ID, the user issues a command to send the connection ID. Therefore, in S803, client application 110 sends the input connection ID to video allocation application 220. It should be noted that in S803, client application 110 is given identification information (first identification information) to make it identifiable, and user identification information about client application 110 is sent along with the connection ID.

[0073] In S804, the video distribution application 220 sends a notification to the robot application 310 containing information received from the client application 110. Specifically, the video distribution application 220 sends a notification to the robot application 310 containing a connection ID received from the client application 110, identification information about the client application 110, or the sender of the message in S803, and user identification information about the client application 110. This identification information about the client application 110 is unique information about the client application 110. Furthermore, if the client application 110 is configured to require a user to log in, this identification information can be the unique identification information of the user to be logged in. In this embodiment of the invention, a user (hereinafter also referred to as a "client user") is allowed to log in via... Figure 11 The login screen shown in the image logs you in to use the video distribution service.

[0074] In S805, robot application 310 sends a request to network application 430 to verify the connection ID contained in the notification received in S804. This verification request includes at least the connection ID entered in S803 and the application ID assigned to robot application 310 by printing service 420. The following description assumes that the application ID assigned to robot application 310 is “BOT0001”.

[0075] In S806, network application 430 refers to connection ID management table 600 stored in temporary storage database 450. Figure 6 The network application 430 verifies the connection ID indicated in the verification request. Specifically, it determines whether the connection ID indicated in the verification request exists in the connection ID management table 600 and has not expired. If these conditions are met, the network application 430 determines that the connection ID is valid and legitimate. If the connection ID has expired, the network application 430 deletes the connection ID from the connection ID management table 600. It should be noted that, as mentioned earlier, it is also possible to... Figure 6 The application ID is managed in the middle. The processing of S806 in this case will be described below. Network application 430 can determine whether the application ID (e.g., BOT001) and connection ID indicated in the authentication request in S805 exist. Figure 6 The connection ID is the same as the record in the management table 600 and has not expired.

[0076] In S807, network application 430 returns the verification result from S806 to robot application 310 as a response to the verification request. If the connection ID is valid, network application 430 returns printer information (such as printer ID and printer model name) retrieved from temporary storage database 450 along with the verification result to robot application 310. On the other hand, if the connection ID is invalid, robot application 310 interrupts the registration process and requests video allocation application 220 to send a registration error message to client application 110. In this case, as... Figure 9B As shown in the image, client application 110 displays registration error message 904.

[0077] In S808, the robot application 310 is notified that its connection ID is valid in S807. In response to this notification, the robot application 310 stores the received printer ID and printer information (model name), along with the identification information and user identification information received in S804 regarding the client application 110, in database 330 in a correlated manner. Note that this will be used later... Figure 10A This describes an example of a management table provided in database 330. Here, if the same set of client application identification information and printer ID has already been registered in the management table, robot application 310 sends a message indicating that registration has been completed to client application 110 via video distribution application 220. In this case, as... Figure 9C As shown in the diagram, client application 110 displays message 905 in the dialog screen indicating that registration has been completed.

[0078] In S809, robot application 310 sends a registration completion notification to network application 430. This notification includes at least the connection ID and application ID of robot application 310.

[0079] In response to receiving the registration completion notification, network application 430 stores the printer ID and robot application application ID in database 440 (S810). Specifically, network application 430 retrieves the printer ID and robot application application ID from database 440. Figure 6 The connection ID management table 600 obtains the printer ID corresponding to the connection ID contained in the registration completion notification in S809. The network application 430 then stores the printer ID obtained from the connection ID management table 600 and the robot application ID contained in the registration completion notification in the database 440 (management table 1002). Figure 10B Here, we will use it later. Figure 10B The management table 1002 in the database describes the configuration of the management tables provided in the database 440. Additionally, the network application 430 retrieves the connection ID from the connection ID management table 600 in the temporary storage database 450. Figure 6 ) should be deleted.

[0080] In S811, the network application 430 notifies the robot application 310 of the registration result.

[0081] In S812, in response to receiving the registration result, the robot application 310 sends a registration completion message request to the video allocation application 220.

[0082] In S813, in response to receiving the registration completion message request, the video allocation application 220 sends a registration completion message to the client application 110. For example... Figure 9A As shown in the diagram, in response to receiving the registration completion message, client application 110 displays registration completion message 903 in the dialog box. Then, the sequence terminates.

[0083] Figures 10A to 10I This is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10A The management table 1001 illustrated in the diagram maintains a relational relationship between the identification information (user ID) of each client application 110, the client username of the client application 110, and the printer ID and corresponding printer model name. Management table 1001 is stored in the database 330 of the robot application server 300. For example, in... Figure 8 In S808, the management table 1001 is updated. It should be noted that in S808, if matching client application identification information exists in management table 1001, the record corresponding to that identification information can be deleted from management table 1001 and registration processing can continue, or registration can be interrupted. Furthermore, copying user identification information can be allowed to register multiple printers.

[0084] Figure 10B The management table 1002 shown in the diagram maintains an association between the application ID and the printer ID. Figure 8 In S810, the management table 1002 is stored in the database 440 of the network print server 400. It should be noted that in the case where the user performs registration processing for another robot application and printer 500, different from robot application 310, the execution is essentially the same as... Figure 8 The processing is the same as in the previous process. Therefore, when a user executes an action for another robot application... Figure 8 In the case of processing, for example, the application ID corresponding to the other robot application (e.g., BOT0002) and the input printer ID will be managed in management table 1002.

[0085] Figure 10C The management table 1003 shown in the diagram maintains a correlation between multiple pieces of identification information (user ID), password, client username, grade, and printed learning material content ID. Management table 1003 is stored in the database 230 of the video distribution system 200.

[0086] Figure 10D The management table 1004 maintains a correlation between course ID, date and time, grade, subject, teacher, video content ID, learning material content ID, and allocation time. Management table 1004 is stored in the database 230 of the video allocation system 200.

[0087] Figure 10E The management table 1005 maintains a correlation between the learning material content ID, file, title, description, page number, and price. Each file stores the filename of the learning material content and the path (URI) to the storage file area. The management table 1005 is stored in the database 230 of the video distribution system 200.

[0088] Figure 10F The management table 1006 maintains a correlation between video content ID, file, title, description, and teacher. Each file stores the filename of the video content and the path (URI) to the storage file area. It should be noted that storing data "live" as a file indicates that the online course is not a pre-recorded course but is to be distributed live. Management table 1006 is stored in database 230 of the video distribution system 200.

[0089] Figure 10G The management table 1007 maintains a correlation between identification information (user ID), courses, tuition fees (monthly), and learning material fees. Management table 1007 is stored in database 5100 of the billing system 5000.

[0090] Figure 10H The management table 1008 maintains a correlation between print request ID, print settings, identification information (user ID), file, learning material content ID, application ID, and printer ID. Each file stores the filename of the learning material content and the path (URI) to the storage file area. The management table 1008 is stored in the database 330 of the robot application server 300.

[0091] Figure 10I The management table 1009 maintains a correlation between print job ID, print settings, file, identification information (user ID), learning material content ID, print data, and print results and page count. Each file stores the filename of the learning material content and the path (URI) to the storage file area. The management table 1009 is stored in the database 440 of the network print server 400.

[0092] Through the above process, users of client systems 10 and 20 register for printers 500 and 720 using their respective user accounts for each client application. Through this user operation, in this embodiment of the invention, as... Figure 10A As described in management table 1001, information about printers is stored in association with each client username. For example, information about printer 500 is stored in association with the client username "Natsu Abe", and information about printer 720 is stored in association with another client username "Koichi Osaka".

[0093] Next, we will use Figure 11 and Figure 12 An example of a screen depicting a client application 110 (or 610) in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is an example diagram illustrating a login screen. Login screen 1250 is provided by client application 110 (or 610). Login screen 1250 includes a user ID input section 1201 for the client user to enter their user ID and a password input section 1202 for the client user to enter their password. Login screen 1250 also includes a login button 1203 for logging into the video distribution service and an exit button 1204 for exiting the video distribution service.

[0094] Client users need to log in to the video distribution service to participate in online courses. For example, for client user "Natsu Abe" who wants to participate in an online course, the client user enters "C0001" in the user ID input field 1201 and "Kirachu" in the password input field 1202, and presses the login button 1203. In response to pressing the login button 1203, client application 110 sends the user ID "C0001" and password "Kirachu" to video distribution application 220. (Video distribution application 220 reference...) Figure 10C The system manages table 1003 and authenticates the user's ID and password combination. If the user's ID and password combination is determined to be correct and authentication is successful, the video distribution application 220 allows the client user Natsu Abe to log in to the video distribution service. The client user Natsu Abe can now participate in online courses.

[0095] Figure 12 This is an example diagram illustrating a video viewing screen. Video viewing screen 1450 is provided by client application 110 (or 610) and video distribution application 220. Area 1401 is the video display portion used for video content distributed from video distribution application 220. A message dialog screen is displayed in area 1402 to show messages exchanged between robot application 310 and the client user. For example, in area 1402... Figures 9A to 9Cor Figures 16A to 16D One of the screens in the video. Button 1403 is a button that jumps back to the immediately preceding video content. Button 1404 is a play button that plays back the video content. Button 1405 is a forward button that jumps to the next video content. Slider 1406 indicates the playback position of the video content, and the user can change the playback position of the video content by specifying the playback position. Volume device 1407 is a volume controller for adjusting the volume of a speaker (not shown). A slider (not shown) is displayed in response to the client user pressing volume device 1407, and the volume can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the slider. Area 1408 is a notification display section for displaying notifications from the video distribution application 220. Next, we will use... Figure 13 and Figure 14 An example describing a screen to be operated by an administrator of a video distribution service in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is an example diagram illustrating an online course management screen. The online course management screen 1550 is provided by the video distribution application 220. Administrators of the video distribution service can open and operate the online course management screen 1550 on a web browser (not shown) installed on a PC (not shown). Figure 13 The illustration shows an example of two courses already registered with course IDs "A00101" and "B00104". In each of the video content information display sections (course description display sections) 1501 and 1511, the filename or description of the video content is displayed. (Video allocation application 220 reference) Figure 10F The management table 1006 displays information about the video content in each video content information display section 1501 and 1511.

[0096] The course with course ID "A00101" is an online course using video content from a file named "file1.mp4". The course with course ID "B00104" is an online course to be live-streamed. Sections 1502 and 1512 display descriptions for each online course, such as the course date and time, target audience's grade level, subject, and teacher. Here, video assignment application 220 is referenced. Figure 10D The course description is obtained from management table 1004, and displayed in course description display sections 1502 and 1512. The filenames of the learning materials are displayed in learning material content information display sections 1504, 1507, and 1514. Here, video allocation application 220 is referenced. Figure 10EThe filename of the learning material content is obtained from the management table 1005, and the obtained filename is displayed in the learning material content information display sections 1504, 1507, and 1514. The learning material content description display sections 1505, 1508, and 1515 display a description of the learning material content, such as its title and price. Here, video allocation application 220 is referenced. Figure 10E The management table 1005 and the description of the learning material content are displayed in the learning material content description display sections 1505, 1508 and 1515.

[0097] In addition, the course deletion buttons (Delete) 1503 and 1513 are used to delete registered courses. Administrators of the video allocation service can delete registered courses by pressing these buttons. For example, when an administrator of the video allocation service presses... Figure 13 In the case of course deletion button 1503, video allocation application 220 from Figure 10D The course with course ID "A00101" is deleted from management table 1004. Therefore, the course with course ID "A00101" stops being displayed on the online course management screen 1550. Furthermore, when the administrator of the video allocation service presses the course deletion button 1513, the video allocation application 220 deletes the course with course ID "B00104" from management table 1004. Therefore, the course with course ID "B00104" stops being displayed on the online course management screen 1550. This prevents users of client terminal 100 or client terminal 6000 from attending the deleted courses (e.g., courses with course ID "B00104").

[0098] In addition, buttons 1506, 1509, and 1516 are for deleting learning material content. By pressing these buttons, the administrator of the video allocation service can delete the learning material content registered and associated with the course (course ID) from these courses. For example, when the administrator of the video allocation service presses... Figure 13 When the "Delete Learning Material Content" button 1506 is pressed, the video assignment application 220 deletes the learning material content with the ID "A002" from the learning material content ID in the management table 1004. Therefore, the learning material content with the ID "A002" stops being displayed on the online course management screen 1550. This prevents users of client terminal 100 or client terminal 6000 from referencing or printing the deleted learning material content (e.g., the learning material content with the ID "A002").

[0099] Furthermore, when the administrator of the video distribution service presses the delete button 1509, the video distribution application 220 deletes the learning material content with the ID "A003" from the learning material content ID field in the management table 1004. Therefore, the learning material content with the ID "A003" stops being displayed on the online course management screen 1550. Similarly, when the administrator of the video distribution service presses the delete button 1516, the video distribution application 220 deletes the learning material content with the ID "B002" from the learning material content ID field in the management table 1004. Therefore, the learning material content with the ID "B002" stops being displayed on the online course management screen 1550.

[0100] In addition, buttons 1510 and 1517 are used to add learning material content. By pressing these buttons 1510 and 1517, the video allocation service administrator can add learning material content associated with the course (course ID). For example, when the video allocation service administrator presses... Figure 13 When the "Add Learning Materials" button 1510 is pressed, the video allocation application 220 displays a learning materials addition screen (not shown). By operating this screen, the video allocation service administrator can add learning materials associated with the course ID "A00101". Based on the administrator's actions, the video allocation application 220 updates... Figure 10D Management table 1004 and Figure 10E The management table 1005 in the system. This prevents users of client terminal 100 or client terminal 6000 from referencing or printing deleted learning materials (e.g., learning materials with the learning material content ID "A002").

[0101] Furthermore, when the administrator of the video distribution service presses the "Add Learning Materials" button 1517, the video distribution application 220 displays a learning materials content addition screen (not shown). By operating this screen, the administrator can add learning materials associated with the course ID "B00104". Based on this action by the administrator, the video distribution application 220 updates. Figure 10D Management table 1004 and Figure 10E Management table 1005 in the middle.

[0102] The online course management screen 1550 also features a course addition button 1518. By pressing this course addition button 1518, the video distribution service administrator can add courses. Specifically, when the video distribution service administrator presses the course addition button 1518, the video distribution application 220 displays a course addition screen (not shown). By operating this course addition screen, the video distribution service administrator can add courses. Then, based on the administrator's actions, the video distribution application 220 updates the data stored in... Figure 10D Management table 1004 in Figure 10E Management table 1005 and Figure 10F The information in management table 1006.

[0103] Figure 14 This is an example diagram illustrating an online course participant management screen. The online course participant management screen 1650 is provided by a video distribution application 220, and the administrator of the video distribution service can open and operate the screen on a web browser (not shown) installed on a PC (not shown).

[0104] Figure 14 The illustration shows an example of two participants registered with user ID "C0001" (Natsu Abe) and user ID "C0673" (Koichi Osaka). The names of the online course participants are displayed in sections 1601 and 1607. Here, video assignment application 220 is referenced. Figure 10C The management table 1003 in the middle is used to obtain the names of the two online course participants respectively, and the two obtained names are displayed in the name display sections 1601 and 1607.

[0105] In sections 1602 and 1608, the user IDs of the online course participants are displayed. Here, video assignment application 220 is referenced. Figure 10C The management table 1003 is used to obtain the user IDs of the two online course participants respectively, and the obtained user IDs are displayed in the user ID display sections 1602 and 1608.

[0106] Sections 1603 and 1609 display the grade level of the online course participants. Here, video assignment application 220 is referenced. Figure 10C The management table 1003 in the document obtains the grades of the two online course participants, and the obtained grades are displayed in the grade display sections 1603 and 1609.

[0107] In the schedule display sections 1604 and 1610, the schedules of online course participants are displayed. Here, the video assignment application 220 refers to a management table (not shown) that manages the schedules of each online course participant to obtain the schedules of two online course participants, and displays the obtained schedules in the schedule display sections 1604 and 1610.

[0108] Edit buttons 1605 and 1611 are used when editing the management information of online course participants. By pressing these buttons, the management information about online course participants displayed in sections 1601 to 1604 and 1607 to 1610 can be edited. For example, if the administrator of the video distribution service presses edit button 1605, an edit mode is enabled that allows editing of the management information about Natsu Abe with user ID "C0001". In this edit mode, the administrator of the video distribution service can edit the content in sections 1601 to 1604. Then, in response to pressing the registration content update button (not shown) after editing, the video distribution application 220 stores the current setting value in the corresponding management table.

[0109] Furthermore, when the administrator of the video distribution service presses the edit button 1611, an edit mode is enabled for the management information of Koichi Osaka, whose user ID is "C0673". In this edit mode, the administrator of the video distribution service can edit the content in sections 1607 to 1610. Then, in response to pressing the registration content update button (not shown) after editing, the video distribution application 220 stores the settings at this time in the corresponding management table.

[0110] Delete buttons 1606 and 1612 are used to delete information about online course participants. For example, if the administrator of the video allocation service presses delete button 1606, the video allocation application 220 deletes information about Natsu Abe with user ID "C0001" from the relevant management table. Similarly, if the administrator of the video allocation service presses delete button 1612, the video allocation application 220 deletes information about Koichi Osaka with user ID "C0673" from the relevant management table.

[0111] The "Add Participant" button (1613) is used to add participants to online courses. By pressing this button, the administrator of the video distribution service can add participants to online courses. Figure 14When the "Add Participant" button 1613 is pressed, the video distribution application 220 displays a participant addition screen (not shown). Then, by operating this participant addition screen, the administrator of the video distribution service can add online course participants. Based on the administrator's actions, the video distribution application 220 updates the information stored in the relevant management tables.

[0112] (Printing process)

[0113] Figure 15A and 15B This diagram illustrates the sequence of processes by which users (client users) participating in an online course use a printer (i.e., a printer included in the client system that the client user is using) to print their learning materials.

[0114] In S1101, video assignment application 220 assigns videos for online courses. For example, if the course is Grade 8 Mathematics with Course ID A00101 in Management Table 1004, video assignment application 220 assigns the video with Video Content ID A001 on December 28, 2017, from 17:00 to 17:50.

[0115] Furthermore, in S1102, the video allocation application 220 also functions as a notification unit to notify the user of the existence of printable learning materials while allocating the video. This notification information includes the learning materials content ID. Examples of this notification information regarding the learning materials content include the following:

[0116] [Notification Example 1] "You can print Grade 8 Math Review Workbook 2 (A002)".

[0117] [Notification Example 2] "You can print the Grade 8 Math Preview Workbook 2 (A003)".

[0118] [Notification Example 3] "You can print Grade 12 English Advanced Workbook 3 (B002) (Price: ¥10,000 / book)."

[0119] This describes a scenario where the course assigned in S1101 is an 8th-grade math course with course ID A00101. In this case, based on the learning material content ID and the assignment time, the video assignment application 220 notifies the user at 17:30 on December 28, 2017, of the existence of printable learning material content with learning material content ID A002. For example, in Figure 12The notification display section 1408 showed "You can print Grade 8 Math Review Workbook 2 (A002)". Then, at 17:35 on December 28, 2017, the video distribution application 220 notified the user via the client terminal that printable learning material content with content ID A003 existed. This notification message... Figure 12 The notification display section 1408 shows, for example, "You can print Grade 8 Math Preview Workbook 2 (A003)".

[0120] Here, while the online course video is being played on the client application 110, the client user operates the input device 105 of the client terminal 100 to input commands to print the printable learning materials displayed in the notification display section 1408. Therefore, in S1103, the client application 110 sends a learning materials printing request to the video distribution application 220. This learning materials printing request includes identification information (user ID) and learning materials content ID. In this embodiment of the invention, using the client application 110 requires the user to log in to the video distribution system 200. Therefore, the identification information (user ID) of each user to be logged in is set to a unique value.

[0121] In S1104, in response to the aforementioned operation by the client user, the video distribution application 220 obtains the learning material content ID contained in the learning material content print request. Here, the video distribution application 220 uses the obtained learning material content ID as a key for reference. Figure 10E The video distribution application 220 then sends the identification information (user ID) and information about the learning materials content contained in the learning materials content printing request to the robot application 310.

[0122] In S1105, in response to receiving identification information (user ID) and information about the learning material content, robot application 310 uses the identification information (user ID) as a key for reference. Figure 10A The management table 1001 is used. Then, the robot application 310 obtains the printer ID of the printer to be printed. For example, if the identification information (user ID) is "C0001", the robot application 310 refers to the management table 1001 to identify the printer ID "03679" corresponding to the identification information (user ID) "C0001" and obtains that printer ID. It should be noted that the above information about the learning material content includes the path (URI) to the area where the printed content is stored, the learning material content ID, etc. In addition, although not in Figure 15A and 15BAs illustrated in the diagram, if the printer ID is successfully obtained in S1105, the robot application 310 sends messages 1301, 1321, or 1331 and waits for messages 1302, 1322, or 1332. Note that if a message indicating a printing refusal is received (such as message 1322), the robot application 310 sends message 1323 to the client terminal.

[0123] If print request message 1302 is received, robot application 310 publishes a print request ID and generates print request information in S1106. Note that the print request information includes print settings information, identification information (user ID) included in the learning material content print request in S1103, and information about the target learning material content received in S1105 (the path to the area where the print content is stored). The print request information also includes the learning material content ID, application ID, and printer ID identified in S1105. Note that the print request information generated in S1106 is managed in association with the print request ID.

[0124] In S1107, robot application 310 sends the aforementioned print request information as a print request to network application 430. In this example, the application ID is... Figure 10B The process in S1107, as shown in "BOT0001", is for use with the method contained in Figure 16A , 16B The print request processing involves printing the target learning material content using the printing device corresponding to the identification information (user ID) in print request messages 1301, 1321, or 1331 in the 16D. Here, the printing device corresponding to the identification information (user ID) included in print request messages 1301, 1321, or 1331 is printer 500 or 720.

[0125] In S1108, network application 430 stores the received print request information. At this time, network application 430 publishes a print job ID generated based on the print request ID contained in the print request information, and stores the print job ID and print request information in association. Network application 430 also searches for... Figure 10B The management table 1002 in the document. Then, the network application 430 checks whether the combination of the application ID and printer ID contained in the print request is stored in the document. Figure 10B In, for example, in S1122, the instruction is sent in Figure 10BA notification is registered that combines the ID of robot application 310 with the printer ID (e.g., 03679). In response to receiving this notification, in S1123, robot application 310 sends message 1303 to the client terminal via video distribution application 220 (S1124). Alternatively, if an instruction is sent in S1122... Figure 10B If a notification is registered using a combination of the robot application 310's ID and the printer ID (e.g., 35126), then the following will be performed: Figure 16D The communication of messages 1331 to 1333 is illustrated in the figure.

[0126] Here, it is assumed that the client user has issued a printing instruction via button 1304 or 1334 in the print operation message 1303 or 1333 displayed on the client terminal 100 (or 6000). In this case, in S1125, S1126, and S1127, a message indicating the print request is sent from the client terminal 100 (or 6000) to the network application 430 via the video distribution application 220 and the robot application 310.

[0127] Network application 430 identifies the print request information stored in S1108 based on the user ID and print request ID included in the notification in S1127. The print request ID and print job ID share the same information (e.g., "0088"). This allows network application 430 to identify the print request information based on the user ID and print request ID. Then, in S1109, based on the information about the target learning material content to be printed (the path (URI) to the area where the print content file is stored) included in the identified print request information, network application 430 downloads the print content file. Then, network application 430 converts the print content file into print data in a format that can be processed by the printer (printer 500 or 720) specified in the print request information, and stores the print data and information such as its path (URI) in file storage device 410.

[0128] Subsequently, in S1110, network application 430 stores information about the print data stored in S1109. Figure 10IThe management table 1009 is then used. Then, in S1109, the web application 430 generates a print job based on the path (URI) to the print data stored in the file storage device 410 and the print settings information included in the print request information. In a specific example, the web application 430 generates a color print job when the color mode is "color," and a black and white print job when the color mode is "black and white." Furthermore, the web application 430 generates an A3 print job when the paper size is "A3," and a B5 print job when the paper size is "B5." Here, the web application 430 stores the print job ID in the database 440, associating it with identification information (user ID) and learning material content ID.

[0129] In S1111, the network application 430 sends the generated print job to the print service 420.

[0130] In S1112, in response to receiving a print job notification, print service 420 sends the print job notification to the associated printer 500 or 720.

[0131] In S1113, in response to receiving a print job notification, printer 500 or 720 sends a print job request to print service 420.

[0132] In S1114, in response to receiving a print job request, print service 420 sends the print job to printer 500 or 720 as a response to the request.

[0133] In S1115, in response to receiving a print job, printer 500 or 720 prints based on the print job. Specifically, in this process in S1115, print data is converted into a format that can be processed by printer 500 or 720 specified in the print request information and sent to that printer. This print data is generated based on the print content file of the learning materials downloaded by web application 430 in S1109, and printer 500 or 720, having received the print data, prints it. In this way, the client user can obtain a printout of the requested learning materials.

[0134] After completing the processing of the output learning materials, in S1116, printer 500 or 720 sends a print result notification to print service 420. The print result notification includes: print job ID, an indication of whether printing has been completed correctly, ended due to an error, or canceled, and the actual number of pages correctly printed by printer 500 or 720.

[0135] In S1117, in response to receiving a print result notification, print service 420 sends a print result notification to network application 430. The print result notification includes: a print job ID, an indication of whether printing has been completed correctly, ended due to an error, or canceled, and the actual number of pages correctly printed by printer 500 or 720. Here, network application 430 stores information about... Figure 10I The information includes the printout results and the number of pages printed.

[0136] In S1118, network application 430 sends a print result notification to robot application 310. The print result notification includes: print job ID, an indication of whether printing has been completed correctly, ended due to an error, or canceled, and the actual number of pages correctly printed by printer 500 or 720.

[0137] In S1119, in response to receiving a print result notification, the robot application 310 creates a print result message to notify the printing result by using information about the learning material content that can be referenced using the learning material content ID as a key and the print result notification. Then, the robot application 310 sends information such as the created print result notification message and the actual number of pages correctly printed by printer 500 or 720, along with the user ID, to the video allocation application 220. At this time, the robot application 310 issues a request to send this information to the client terminal.

[0138] In S1120, in response to receiving a request to send a print result message, the video distribution application 220 sends a print result message to the client application 110 or 610. Therefore, as... Figure 16A or Figure 16D As illustrated, client application 110 or 610 displays print result message 1307 or 1337 in the dialog box. In S1121, video distribution application 220 obtains the price of the learning material content from information about the learning material content that can be referenced using the learning material content ID as a keyword. Subsequently, video distribution application 220 obtains identification information (user ID) associated with the print job ID. For example, video distribution application 220 sends a request to network application 430 to obtain the user ID. Note that this request includes the print job ID. In response to receiving the request, network application 430 identifies the user ID corresponding to the print job ID and sends it to video distribution application 220. Through the above processing, video distribution application 220 obtains the identification information (user ID) associated with the print job ID. Then, video distribution application 220 sends the identification information (user ID), the price of the learning material content, the number of pages in the learning material content, and the number of pages correctly printed to billing system 5000.

[0139] The billing system 5000 stores the received identification information (user ID), the price of the learning materials, the number of pages in the learning materials, and the number of correctly printed pages in the database 5100. In this process, the billing system 5000 can recalculate the price of the learning materials using information about the number of pages in the learning materials and the number of correctly printed pages, and store the adjusted result in the database 5100. For example, in the case where learning materials with the ID B002 have been printed, the billing system 5000 accesses the video allocation application 220 and... Figure 10E The management table 1005 obtains information indicating that the number of pages of the learning materials is 100. Then, if all 100 pages have been printed correctly, the billing system 5000 stores a pre-set price (e.g., 10,000 yen) in the database 5100 as the learning materials fee for the client user with identification information (user ID). Now, suppose that 80 pages have been printed correctly, and then the client user cancels the printing due to running out of paper. In this case, the billing system 5000 stores a price of 8,000 yen for 80 out of 100 pages in the database 5100 as the learning materials fee for the client user with identification information (user ID). The processing sequence then terminates. It should be noted that the billing system 5000 may employ the following scheme: where the billing system 5000 calculates the usage amount of other services provided by the video distribution system to each client, as well as the amount of the learning materials content (learning materials fee) as described above, and presents the calculation result to the client.

[0140] (Printing operation)

[0141] Will use Figures 16A to 16D This describes the screen display during a printing operation.

[0142] Figure 16A An example of a message conversation screen displayed by client application 110 on display device 104 of client terminal 100 is illustrated. Note that in this embodiment of the invention, the username of client application 110 is "Natsu Abe". In the message conversation screen 1410 provided by client application 110, messages and files sent from Natsu Abe and her message conversation partners are displayed chronologically from top to bottom. Here, the balloons on the left side of the screen represent messages sent by participants other than the person participating in the online course (Natsu Abe). The balloons on the right side of the screen represent messages sent by the person (Natsu Abe) using client application 110. Figure 16AIn the example, the online course participants other than Natsu Abe are robot applications 310 acting as virtual users, and they are displayed at the top of the screen as "Natsu Abe: Printing Robot". Furthermore, robot application 310 is displayed as "Printing Robot" in the icon on the left side of the screen.

[0143] exist Figure 16A In this process, robot application 310 sends a print request message 1301 regarding whether printing the target learning material content (file) should begin. Specifically, robot application 310 obtains information about the title and price of the learning material from video distribution application 220 using the learning material content ID obtained in S1104. Robot application 310 generates message 1301, for example, using the information obtained from video distribution application 220. Because the learning material content (learning material content ID A002)... Figure 10E The price of 0 yen is a special case; therefore, the price of this learning material is not included in print request message 1301 and is therefore not displayed in print request message 1301. Natsu Abe sends print request message 1302, which includes identification information (printing robot) and the text message "Yes," as a message addressing the robot, according to the preset format. Figure 15A The sending and receiving of the aforementioned print request messages 1301 and 1302 are performed between S1105 and S1106. It should be noted that... Figure 15A In S1106, robot application 310 issues a unique print request ID to identify the print request. Figure 10H ), and the print request ID is matched with print request message 1302 ( Figure 16A The print request message 1302 is associated with the robot. Since the print request message 1302 contains identification information (printing robot) and the text information "yes" as a message addressing the robot, the robot application 310 determines that printing processing is required in response to receiving the print request message 1302.

[0144] The robot application 310 stores the initial print setup information in the file storage device 340 in association with the print request ID. It should be noted that the robot application 310... Figure 15A The processing in S1105 (destination printer check processing) identifies Natsu Abe as the print destination client user. Then, the robot application 310 sends print operation message 1303 ( Figure 16A The print operation message 1303 is sent to Natsu Abe (S1123 and S1124), who is identified as the client user of the print destination. The print operation message 1303 includes buttons 1304 and 1305, and button 1306. Figure 16AThe system also includes a text line indicating that the learning materials have been received. Additionally, print operation message 1303 is associated with a print request ID. Using these buttons, settings can be configured to, in response to a client user pressing one of the buttons, send a fixed message to the conversation partner or launch web browsers 120 and 620 and access a specific URL. It should be noted that... Figure 16A The text line shown in print operation message 1303 illustrated in the diagram is an example and could be another string. Furthermore, Figure 16A The example has been presented as an example of providing a button in a message, but the message is not limited to this. Messages that include objects can be used. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, button 1304 can also be referred to as a printing object that receives instructions to perform printing, and button 1305 can also be referred to as a settings object that receives printing settings information.

[0145] Press Natsu Abe Figure 16A When button 1304 is pressed, a message indicating a print request is sent from client application 110 to video distribution application 220 (S1125 and S1126). This message indicating the print request includes a print request ID. Therefore, robot application 310 performs printing processing by using the file corresponding to the print request ID. Furthermore, when button 1305 is pressed by Natsu Abe, an instruction to access a webpage and update the print settings URL, contained in the open print operation message 1303, is issued. In this case, an instruction to launch web browser 120 on client terminal 100 is issued from client application 110.

[0146] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, a configuration has been described in which pressing button 1305 initiates the operation of launching a web browser 120 with a specific URL. However, a similar effect can be achieved even in a configuration where, for example, a URL link is displayed directly in a message and the web browser 120 is launched in response to a client user selecting the link, rather than via a button.

[0147] Press Figure 16A In the case of button 1305 as illustrated, the web browser 120 of the client terminal 100 requests a webpage (not shown) from the web application (not shown) of the robot application server 300 to update print settings. It should be noted that, for example, in... Figure 15AProcessing for the case where button 1305 is pressed is performed between steps S1124 and S1125. The web application (not shown), having received the webpage request, obtains the corresponding print request ID from database 330 based on information about the requested URL. The web application (not shown) generates a webpage for print settings based on the initial print settings information stored in association with the obtained print request ID, and returns the webpage to client terminal 100 as a response to the aforementioned request. In summary, when the client user operates button 1305, the web application of robot application server 300 provides a print settings screen to client terminal 100. Furthermore, when button 1306 for canceling printing is pressed, a message for canceling the print request is sent from client application 110 to video distribution application 220. This cancellation message contains the print request ID. Therefore, robot application 310 cancels the print instruction sent to robot application 310 via print request message 1302.

[0148] In response to Figure 15B In S1120, the video distribution application 220 sends the print result message to the client application 110, and the client application 110 displays the print result message 1307 in the message dialog screen 1410. Figure 16A In the example shown in the figure, the printout message 1307 indicates that the printing of the learning material content with ID A002 has been completed.

[0149] Figure 16B Another example of a message dialog screen 1410 displayed by client application 110 on display device 104 of client terminal 100 is illustrated. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, the username of client application 110 is "NatsuAbe". In the message dialog screen 1410 provided by client application 110, messages and files sent from NatsuAbe and message dialog partners are displayed chronologically from top to bottom. Here, the balloons on the left side of the screen represent messages sent by participants other than the person participating in the online course (NatsuAbe). The balloons on the right side of the screen represent messages sent by the person (NatsuAbe) using client application 110. Figure 16B In the example, the participants in the online course are the user (Natsu Abe) and the robot application 310 as a virtual user. Here, the participant is displayed at the top of the screen as "Natsu Abe: Printing Robot". Furthermore, the robot application 310 is displayed as "Printing Robot" in the icon on the left side of the screen.

[0150] exist Figure 16BIn this process, robot application 310 sends a print request message 1321 regarding whether printing the target learning material content (file) should begin. Since the price of the learning material content (learning material content ID A003) is 0 yen, this is a special case, and therefore the price of the learning material content is not included in the print request message 1321 and is therefore not displayed in it. Here, it is assumed that Natsu Abe sends a print request message 1322, containing identification information (printing robot) and the text information "No," as an address to the robot according to a preset format. In this case, since print request message 1322 contains identification information (printing robot) and the text information "No" as an address to the robot, in response to receiving print request message 1322, robot application 310 determines that printing is not required. Then, robot application 310 sends a message 1323 to client user Natsu Abe indicating that printing has stopped.

[0151] Figure 16D An example of a message conversation screen displayed by client application 610 on display device 104 of client terminal 6000 is illustrated. Note that in this embodiment of the invention, the username of client application 610 is "Koichi Osaka". In the message conversation screen 1410 provided by client application 610, messages and files sent from Koichi Osaka and his / her message conversation partners are displayed chronologically from top to bottom. Here, the balloons on the left side of the screen represent messages sent by participants other than the person participating in the online course (Koichi Osaka). The balloons on the right side of the screen represent messages sent by the person (Koichi Osaka) using client application 610. Figure 16D In the example, the participants in the online course, besides Koichi Osaka, are robot applications 310 acting as virtual users, and the participants are displayed at the top of the screen as "Koichi Osaka: Printing Robot". Furthermore, robot application 310 is displayed as "Printing Robot" in the icon on the left side of the screen.

[0152] exist Figure 16D In this context, robot application 310 sends a print request message 1331 regarding whether to start printing the target learning materials (file). Here, Koichi Osaka sends a print request message 1332, containing identification information (printing robot) and the text message "yes," as a message addressing the robot, according to a preset format. It should be noted that robot application 310 has already... Figure 15AIn step S1106, a unique print request ID is published to identify the print request, and this print request ID is associated with print request message 1332. Since print request message 1322 contains identification information (printing robot) and the text information "yes" as a message addressing the robot, in response to receiving print request message 1322, robot application 310 determines that printing processing is required.

[0153] The robot application 310 also stores the initial print settings information in the file storage device 340 in association with the print request ID. It should be noted that the robot application 310... Figure 15A In step S1105, the destination printer check process identifies Koichi Osaka as the printing destination client user. Then, the robot application 310 sends a print operation message 1333 to Koichi Osaka, who is identified as the printing destination client user. Print operation message 1333 includes buttons 1334 and 1335, button 1336, and a text line indicating that the file (data) containing the learning materials has been received. Furthermore, print operation message 1333 is associated with a print request ID. Settings can be configured so that by operating one of these buttons, the client user can send a fixed message to a conversation partner or launch a web browser and access a specific URL in response to pressing a button. It should be noted that the text line shown in print operation message 1333 is an example and could be another string. Furthermore, Figure 16D The illustration shows an example of providing a button in print operation message 1333, but print operation message 1333 is not limited to this and may include other objects. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, button 1334 may also be referred to as a print object that receives instructions to perform printing, and button 1335 may also be referred to as a settings object that receives print settings information.

[0154] Press Koichi Osaka Figure 16D When button 1334 is pressed, a message indicating a print request is sent from client application 610 to video distribution application 220. This message indicating the print request includes a print request ID. Therefore, robot application 310 performs printing processing by using the file corresponding to the print request ID. Furthermore, when Koichi Osaka presses button 1335, an instruction containing the URL for accessing a webpage and updating print settings, included in the open print operation message 1333, is issued. In this case, an instruction is issued from client application 610 to launch web browser 620 on client terminal 6000.

[0155] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, a configuration has been described in which a web browser 620 with a specific URL is launched in response to pressing button 1335. However, a similar effect can be achieved even in a configuration where the web browser 620 is launched in response to a client user selecting a link, for example, instead of via a button.

[0156] Press Figure 16D When button 1335 is pressed as shown in the diagram, the web browser 620 of the client terminal 6000 requests a webpage (not shown) from the web application (not shown) of the robot application server 300 for updating print settings. The web application (not shown), having received the webpage request, obtains the corresponding print request ID from the database 330 based on information about the requested URL. The web application (not shown) generates a webpage for print settings based on the initial print settings information stored in association with the obtained print request ID, and returns the webpage to the client terminal 6000 as a response to the aforementioned request. In summary, when the client user operates button 1335, the web application of the robot application server 300 provides the print settings screen to the client terminal 6000. Furthermore, when button 1336 for canceling printing is pressed, a message for canceling the print request is sent from the client application 610 to the video distribution application 220. This cancellation message contains the print request ID. Therefore, the robot application 310 cancels the print instruction sent to the robot application 310 via print request message 1332.

[0157] In response to Figure 15B In S1120, the video distribution application 220 sends the print result message to the client application 610, and the client application 610 displays the print result message 1337 in the message dialog screen 1410. Figure 16D In the example shown in the figure, the printout message 1337 indicates that the printing of the learning material content with ID B002 has been completed and that 10,000 yen will be charged as a learning material fee.

[0158] Figure 16C An example of a print settings screen 1310 for configuring print settings returned from a web application (not shown) of a robot application server 300 is illustrated. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, print settings screen 1310 is a webpage. In print settings screen 1310, client users can use fields provided as settings item 1311 to change the settings values ​​of print settings items such as paper size, paper type, layout, quantity, and color mode. It should be noted that the print settings included in settings item 1311 are examples, and other print settings may be included, for example, depending on the functionality of printer 500 or 720.

[0159] Specifically, for example, in the case of a color printer, the color mode may display both "color" and "black and white" options, while in the case of a black and white printer, only "black and white" is displayed. Furthermore, in one printer, the print quality may display three options: "high quality," "normal," and "draft," while in another printer, it may display only "normal" and "draft." Similarly, the selection of paper size and paper type may differ from printer to printer.

[0160] When button 1312, located at the bottom of print setup screen 1310, is pressed, the setting value of each currently selected print setting item is fixed and print setup screen 1310 is closed. In other words, robot application 310 updates the initial print setup information stored with the print request ID and corresponding to print setup screen 1310 to the value obtained by using... Figure 16C The set values. Pressing button 1314 discards all changes to the print settings made so far. Additionally, the web browser 120 is terminated and closed.

[0161] In response to receiving a message from the client user, such as Figure 16C In the setting operation shown on the print settings screen 1310, the robot application 310 associates information about the target learning material content to the information set in the print settings screen 1310 and the print request ID. Then, the robot application 310 stores the information associated with the print request ID in the database 330. Here, the information about the learning material content is the path (URI) indicating the area where the print content is stored. It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the processing and use of sending the print operation message 1303 are performed between S1124 and S1125. Figure 16C The operation. However, it is possible, for example, in Figure 15A These processes are performed between S1104 and S1106.

[0162] In response to performing the above operation, the following will be displayed again on client terminal 100 or 6000: Figure 16AOr, as illustrated in Figure 16D, a message dialog screen 1410 includes print operation messages 1303 or 1333. Here, when Natsu Abe or Koichi Osaka presses button 1304 or 1334, a message indicating a print request is sent from client application 110 or 610 to video distribution application 220 (S1125). Since this message indicating the print request contains a print request ID, robot application 310 performs printing processing using the file and print settings information associated with the print request ID. Specifically, if the print settings information has been updated using print settings screen 1310, robot application 310 generates print request information for printing a file associated with the print request ID that has updated print settings information. Therefore, the print settings information included in the print request information is changed to use... Figure 16C Changes to print settings. Note that this has already been mentioned earlier. Figure 15A The subsequent processing, or the processing in and after S1127, is described, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0163] Through with Figure 15B The process of sending the print result message request and the print result message shown in S1119 and S1120 is similar to that of sending the message by the robot application 310. Figure 16A , 16B And each message in 16D. Specifically, each message sent by the robot application 310 is sent in this order to the video distribution application 220 and the client application 110 or 610 and displayed in the message dialog screen 1410.

[0164] As described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, printed materials can be obtained promptly and easily using a client terminal connected to a server system. Furthermore, as a comparative example of embodiments of the present invention, a system is known in which a user can access an online store and purchase target books, goods, etc., by clicking on an advertisement displayed on a website or similar screen in a web browser. However, using the system of this comparative example, delivering the target books or goods to the user takes time. Conversely, according to embodiments of the present invention, as described above, the necessary printed materials can be obtained promptly and easily. Convenience is significantly improved compared to the comparative example.

[0165] [Other Embodiments]

[0166] In the above embodiments, an example has been presented of using a video distribution application 220 of a video distribution system to exchange messages to print learning materials (print target files). However, an alternative configuration can be used. For example, instead of the application for the video distribution system, client applications 110 and 610 could be applications for the video distribution application 220 or web browsers 120 and 620. In this case, the participants in the online course are dialogue partners.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, when the video allocation application 220 allocates video information such as courses with video content, live courses, etc., printable learning material content is notified at the time specified in the learning material content ID and allocation time in the management table 1004. Then, the learning material content is printed using a printer owned by the participant (client user) (a printer installed in the same client system). However, the configuration is not limited to the above one, and a configuration that provides another type of allocation information can be adopted. For example, instead of courses with video content or live courses, courses with still image content (still image information) and audio information can be allocated, and in the course, printable learning material content can be notified at the time specified in the above manner. In addition, the timing of notifying printable learning material content is not limited to a specified time. For example, the learning material content can be notified based on the timing of a specific frame in the reproduced video content. Another option is that the learning material content can be notified at the timing of a specific page in the still image content. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present invention, the notification of information regarding the learning material content is completed when the allocation information is provided.

[0168] Furthermore, there is no particular limit to the number of printers provided in each client system. Multiple printers can be provided in a single client system. These printers can have the same or different functions. When multiple printers are provided to client terminal 100, a specific printer selected from these printers can be used to print learning materials. The specific printer is not limited to one printer, but can be multiple printers. In other words, multiple printers can print the same learning materials. In this case, multiple printers can output the same learning materials in the same or different output formats. For example, the first printer can output a black and white image, while the second printer can output a color image. Furthermore, each printer can output images of different sizes. Moreover, when multiple printable learning materials are notified from the server, the printer for printing can be assigned according to the printable learning materials. For example, printers can be assigned so that the first printer prints the first learning material and the second printer prints the second learning material. This assignment of printers remains effective even when each printer differs in function and performance.

[0169] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0170] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The appended claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to encompass all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing system, the printing system comprising: Client terminal; A server system that provides predetermined allocation information to the client terminal; as well as At least one printing device, which is communicatively connected to the server system, The server system includes a notification unit that, based on the allocation information provided to the client terminal, notifies the client terminal of the existence of printable content. The client terminal includes a print request unit. Upon receiving the notification information, the print request unit can send a print request to the server system to initiate printing. The server system further includes a job publishing unit that publishes print jobs for printing the content to a printing device identified by the print request from the client terminal. The printing device prints the content according to the print job. The server system provides the client terminal with at least one of the online course's video information or still image information as the allocation information. The notification message indicates that printable learning materials for the online course exist as the printable content, and The job publishing unit publishes a print job for printing the learning materials.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, While providing the allocation information to the client terminal, the notification unit also notifies the client terminal of the notification information.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The print request issued from the client terminal includes first identification information corresponding to the client terminal and second identification information corresponding to the printing device, in order to execute the printing of the content. The server system publishes the print job to the printing device corresponding to the second identification information based on the first identification information and the second identification information.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein The client terminal and at least one printing device form a client system, and The client terminal sends a print request to the server system to print the content using a printing device present in the same client system as the client terminal.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein The printing system is connected to multiple client systems, and Different first identification information is assigned to the client terminals in the plurality of client systems, and different second identification information is assigned to the printing devices in the plurality of client systems.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The allocation information includes at least one of video information or still image information.

7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein The server system is connected to a billing system, which calculates the cost of the services used by the client terminal by the server system. The server system sends the usage fee calculated by the billing system to the client terminal.

8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein, The usage fee is determined based on the amount of printed content produced using the printing device.

9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein The client terminal includes a display unit that displays the video viewing screen sent from the server system. The notification information is displayed in one area of ​​the video viewing screen.

10. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The server system includes A first server provides the allocation information and the notification information to the client terminal. A second server, the second server having messages to be sent to the client terminal, and A third server sends the print job to the printing device.

11. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, Upon providing the allocation information, the notification unit completes the notification of the notification information.

12. A control method for controlling a printing system, the printing system comprising a client terminal, a server system providing predetermined allocation information to the client terminal, and at least one printing device communicatively connected to the server system, the control method comprising: Based on the allocation information provided to the client terminal, a notification message indicating that printable content exists is sent to the client terminal; Upon being notified of the notification information, a print request is sent to the server system as a request to print using a specific printing device; The client terminal receives the print request and sends the print job for printing the content to the printing device identified by the print request. as well as Print the content according to the print job. The course's video data or still image data is provided to the client terminal as the allocation information. The notification information is used to inform the client terminal of learning materials related to the course, and The print job for printing the learning materials is sent to the specific printing device.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the following steps: Provide pre-allocation information to the client terminal; Based on the allocation information provided to the client terminal, a notification message indicating that printable content exists is sent to the client terminal; as well as The client terminal receives a print request for printing the content via a specific printing device and sends a print job for printing the content to the specific printing device. The course's video data or still image data is provided to the client terminal as the allocation information. The notification information is used to inform the client terminal of learning materials related to the course, and The print job for printing the learning materials is sent to the specific printing device.

14. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein, While providing the allocation information to the client terminal, the notification information is also sent to the client terminal.

15. The storage medium according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The print request issued from the client terminal includes identification information corresponding to the printing device to execute the printing of the content. The print job is issued to the printing device corresponding to the identification information.

Images