Server system, communication device, control method and communication system

Abstract

This invention provides a server system, a communication device, a control method, and a communication system. The server system includes a sending unit configured to send audio notification information based on acquired error information. This audio notification information is used to enable an audio control device to notify a user of an error occurring in the communication device via audio. Control is performed such that, in the event of multiple errors occurring in the communication device, based on the sent audio notification information, the audio control device notifies the user of information about a first error among the multiple errors via audio, and the audio control device does not notify the user of information about a second error among the multiple errors that is different from the first error via audio.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 11, 2019, with application number 201910501541.5 and the invention title "Server System, Communication Device, Control Method and Communication System". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to server systems, communication devices, control methods, and communication systems. Background Technology

[0003] A communication system is known to notify a user of information about a communication device. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-170631 discloses a technology in which, if an error occurs in the printer during printing based on a print job sent from an information processing device, a toast message for notifying the user of the printer's status is displayed on the display unit of the information processing device.

[0004] As the use of notification systems to inform users about information about communication devices increases, there is a need for notification methods with higher availability.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve the availability of notifications regarding information about communication devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A communication system including a communication device and a server system includes: a first transmitting unit configured to transmit error information about an error occurring in the communication device; an acquiring unit configured to acquire the error information; and a second transmitting unit configured to transmit audio notification information based on the acquired error information, the audio notification information being used to enable an audio control device to notify a user of the error occurring in the communication device via audio, wherein control is performed such that, in the event of multiple errors occurring in the communication device, based on the transmitted audio notification information, the audio control device notifies the user via audio about a first error among the multiple errors, and the audio control device does not notify the user via audio about a second error among the multiple errors that is different from the first error.

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

[0008] Figure 1 An example of the construction of a communication system is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of an audio control device.

[0010] Figure 3This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the management server and relay server.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of a printing device.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware structure of a terminal device.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the registration process performed by the management server to manage devices in an interconnected manner.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing steps performed by the print service.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the printing process using an audio control device.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the status confirmation process used to confirm the status information of a printing device associated with an audio control device.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the relay server in the status confirmation process.

[0018] Figure 11 An example of a priority table that defines the priority of error states is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 An example of a priority table that defines the priority of ink states is shown.

[0020] Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C An example of a notification screen displayed on a display unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments do not limit the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Not all combinations of features described in these exemplary embodiments are necessary for the solution of the present invention.

[0022] <System Structure>

[0023] Figure 1An example of the construction of a communication system according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated. For example, the communication system according to this exemplary embodiment includes an audio control device 101, an audio control device management server (hereinafter referred to as a management server) 102, a relay server 103, a printing device 104, a terminal device 105, and an access point (AP) 106. The audio control device 101 is, for example, a smart speaker. The terminal device 105 is, for example, any terminal device such as a smartphone, personal computer (PC), tablet computer, mobile phone, and personal digital assistant (PDA). In the following description, the terminal device 105 is a smartphone. The printing device 104 is a communication device according to this exemplary embodiment and is a printer for forming (printing) an image on a recording medium by applying a recording agent such as ink to a recording medium such as paper. The printing device 104 may be a multifunctional peripheral device having multiple functions including copying, faxing, and printing. In this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the printing device 104 is a device that uses inkjet printing, but the invention is not limited to this construction. Printing device 104 may be an apparatus that prints using, for example, electrophotography or thermal sublimation. In this exemplary embodiment, printing device 104 serves as an example of a communication device, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, copiers, fax machines, smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, storage devices, projectors, PCs, and other devices capable of providing services other than printing are also applicable. Access point (AP) 106 is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) router. Devices connected to AP 106 can use the Internet via AP 106. According to this exemplary embodiment, audio control device 101, printing device 104, and terminal device 105 are wirelessly connected to AP 106 using a wireless LAN communication method conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards.

[0024] Audio control device 101 and terminal device 105 can communicate with management server 102 via AP 106 and the Internet. Printing device 104 can communicate with relay server 103 via AP 106 and the Internet. Audio control device 101 and terminal device 105 can be interconnected (communicate) via AP 106. Figure 1In the illustrated communication system, the audio control device 101, printing device 104, and terminal device 105 are connected to the same access point (AP) 106 to access the Internet; however, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the audio control device 101, printing device 104, and terminal device 105 can be connected to different APs 106 to access the Internet. Alternatively, the audio control device 101, printing device 104, and terminal device 105 can access the Internet without using AP 106, for example, via mobile communication networks such as LTE and 4G.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware structure of an audio control device 101. The audio control device 101 includes a speaker 201, a central processing unit (CPU) 202, a read-only memory (ROM) 203, a microphone 204, a random access memory (RAM) 205, an external storage device 206, a communication unit 207, and a near-field wireless communication unit 208. Figures 2 to 4 The blocks shown are interconnected, for example, via an internal bus. These configurations are to be considered as examples, and in addition to those illustrated, each device may also include hardware components. Furthermore, Figures 2 to 4 The multiple blocks shown can be integrated into one block, or any block can be divided into two or more blocks. More specifically, the devices can be constructed in any way, as long as they can perform the processes described below.

[0026] Speaker 201 generates audio through processing (described below). CPU 202 is the system control unit and serves as a processor for controlling the entire audio control device 101. ROM 203 stores the control program to be executed by CPU 202, as well as fixed data such as data tables and embedded operating system (OS) programs. According to this exemplary embodiment, the control program stored in ROM 203 is used for scheduling, task switching, interrupt handling, and other software execution control under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 203. Microphone 204 receives audio from the surroundings of audio control device 101. For example, microphone 204 receives voice from a user. RAM 205 is, for example, static RAM (SRAM) requiring backup power. Because the data in RAM 205 is maintained by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, RAM 205 can store program control variables and data in a non-volatile manner. RAM 205 includes a storage area for storing setting information and management data of audio control device 101. RAM 205 also serves as the main memory of CPU 202 and as working memory. External storage device 206 stores application software.

[0027] The communication unit 207 includes circuitry and an antenna for communicating according to a predetermined wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit 207 can be wirelessly connected to an access point. The communication unit 207 can also operate as an access point for temporary use. The wireless communication according to this exemplary embodiment can operate according to a wireless LAN wireless communication method conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards (Wi-Fi), or it can operate according to other wireless communication methods.

[0028] The near-field wireless communication unit 208 performs near-field wireless communication with other devices located within a fixed near-field range of the audio control device 101. The near-field wireless communication unit 208 communicates using a wireless communication method different from that used by the communication unit 207. According to this exemplary embodiment, the near-field wireless communication unit 208 operates according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware structure of terminal device 105. For example, terminal device 105 includes an input interface 501, a CPU 502, a ROM 503, a display unit 504, RAM 505, an external storage device 506, a communication unit 507, and a near-field wireless communication unit 508. These blocks are interconnected, for example, via an internal bus.

[0030] CPU 502 is a system control unit used to control the entire terminal device 105. Similar to RAM 205, RAM 505 includes dynamic RAM (DRAM) that requires a backup power supply. RAM 505 also serves as the main memory and working memory of CPU 502. ROM 503 stores control programs to be executed by CPU 502, as well as fixed data such as data tables and OS programs. This exemplary embodiment is based on the premise that an application program for audio control device 101 (hereinafter referred to as the audio control application) is installed and stored in ROM 503 in terminal device 105.

[0031] Display unit 504 (including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs)) displays images based on various data. Display unit 504 may include a touchscreen and has the function of receiving various inputs from the user. More specifically, display unit 504 is an interface for receiving data input and operation commands from the user. Display unit 504 may be an operation panel including a physical keyboard, buttons, and a touch panel. Communication unit 507, having similar functions to the aforementioned communication unit 207, can wirelessly connect to other devices via AP 106. Short-range wireless communication unit 508 is a device capable of short-range wireless communication with short-range wireless communication unit 208 by using the same wireless communication method employed by short-range wireless communication unit 208.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware configuration of management server 102 and relay server 103. In this exemplary embodiment, each of management server 102 and relay server 103 includes a server, and multiple servers operating in association with each other can constitute a server system corresponding to management server 102 and relay server 103.

[0033] CPU 301 is a processor used to control the following units: Disk device 302 stores applications 312, databases 313, the OS, and various files to be read by CPU 301. External storage medium reading device 303 is a device for reading information such as files stored on external storage media (e.g., a Security Digital Card (SD) card). Memory 304, including RAM, is used by CPU 301 to temporarily store and buffer data as needed. Display unit 305 (including LED or LCD) displays images based on various data. Operation unit 306 includes a keyboard, mouse, etc., used by the user for various input operations. Network communication unit 307 is connected to a network such as the Internet via network connection unit 308 for various communications. Network communication unit 307 communicates via wired LAN or wireless LAN. When network communication unit 307 supports wired LAN, network connection unit 308 is a connector for connecting a wired LAN cable. When network communication unit 307 supports wireless LAN, network connection unit 308 is an antenna. Network connection unit 308 can support both wired and wireless LAN. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication unit 310 connects to various peripheral devices via the USB connection unit 311 for various communications based on the USB standard. These units are interconnected via bus 309. The processing of the management server 102 and the relay server 103 (described below) is implemented when the CPU 301 reads and executes the required processing program.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware structure of the printing device 104.

[0035] In the printing device 104, the printing function is implemented by the printer unit 401, the scanning function is implemented by the scanner unit 402, and the storage function is implemented by the memory card attachment unit 403 and the memory card 404.

[0036] The printer unit 401 performs printing based on image data received from an external source and image data stored in the memory card 404. The printer unit 401 also manages ink information such as the remaining ink level and paper information such as the remaining paper level.

[0037] The scanner unit 402 optically reads the original document placed on the document table (not shown), converts the read data into electronic data, converts the electronic data into image data with a specified file format, and transmits the image data to an external device via a network, or stores the image data in a storage area (not shown) such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The copying function is implemented as follows: the scanner unit 402 reads the original document placed on the document table to generate image data and sends the generated image data to the printer unit 401, which then prints the image based on the image data on a printing sheet.

[0038] The memory card 404, attached to the memory card attachment unit 403, stores various file data. This file data can be read from an external device via a network and then edited. Alternatively, file data can be stored from an external device to the memory card 404.

[0039] The printing device 104 includes a CPU 405, a program memory 406, a working memory 407, a display unit 408, an operation unit 409, a network communication unit 410, a network connection unit 411, and a flash memory 412. The CPU 405 is a processor used to control the aforementioned units in the printing device 104. The program memory 406 (including ROM) stores various program codes and an application 415 for communicating with the relay server 103. The application 415 accesses the printer unit 401 to obtain ink and paper information. The working memory 407 (including RAM) is used to temporarily store and buffer image data during various services. The display unit 408 (including LED or LCD) displays a screen based on various data. The operation unit 409 includes switches used by the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 410 connects to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 411 for various communications. The network communication unit 410 communicates via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. When the network communication unit 410 supports wired LAN, the network connection unit 411 is a connector for connecting the wired LAN cable. When the network communication unit 410 supports wireless LAN, the network connection unit 411 is an antenna. The network connection unit 411 can support both wired LAN and wireless LAN. According to this exemplary embodiment, the network communication unit 410 supports wireless LAN and connects to the AP 106 according to a wireless communication method conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series.

[0040] Flash memory 412 is a non-volatile memory used to store image data received by network communication unit 410. These units are interconnected via bus 413. Processing of the printing device 104 (described below) is implemented when CPU 405 reads and executes the program required for processing.

[0041] <Printing Processing Using Audio Control Device 101>

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the system shown, printing is performed using audio control device 101. For printing to be performed using audio control device 101, registration is required so that management server 102 can manage the devices in an interconnected manner. The following will refer to... Figure 6 The sequence diagram shown describes the registration process. In this sequence, the processing performed by each device is implemented when the device's CPU executes a program stored in the device's ROM. The program executed by terminal device 105 is an audio control application.

[0043] The following describes the registration process that enables the management server 102 to manage devices in an interconnected manner.

[0044] Before registration, the user logs into a user account (hereinafter referred to as the first account) for the audio control device 101, managed by the management server 102, using the audio control application of the terminal device 105. Therefore, the management server 102 manages the terminal device 105 and the first account in an associated manner. As a result, the management server 102 identifies information related to the audio control application of the terminal device 105 associated with the first account. The terminal device 105 identifies information about the first account, including the username, identifier (ID), and password.

[0045] In step S601, the audio control device 101 enters a mode for registration processing upon receiving a predetermined operation from the user. More specifically, the audio control device 101 activates its own access point.

[0046] In step S602, the terminal device 105 receives a registration processing execution instruction from the user as input to the screen displayed by the audio control application.

[0047] In step S603, the terminal device 105 connects to the access point of the audio control device 101 via Wi-Fi.

[0048] In step S604, terminal device 105 identifies an external access point to be connected to audio control device 101. More specifically, terminal device 105 searches for surrounding external access points and displays a list of found external access points. Then, terminal device 105 identifies the external access point selected by the user from the list. The method for identifying external access points is not limited to this. For example, terminal device 105 may receive a list of external access points found in a search performed by audio control device 101 via a Wi-Fi connection. Then, terminal device 105 may identify the external access point selected by the user from the list. For example, when terminal device 105 receives a registration processing execution instruction from the user, terminal device 105 may identify the external access point connected to terminal device 105.

[0049] In step S605, terminal device 105 sends information about the external access point identified in step S604 and the aforementioned information about the first account to audio control device 101 via Wi-Fi connection. After sending the information in step S605, terminal device 105 can disconnect the Wi-Fi connection with audio control device 101 and establish a Wi-Fi connection with the external access point identified in step S604.

[0050] In the above description, the audio control device 101 receives the information required for the first registration process via Wi-Fi, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the mode for performing the first registration process, the audio control device 101 may enable Bluetooth and receive the information required for the first registration process via a Bluetooth connection with the terminal device 105.

[0051] In step S606, the audio control device 101 disables its own access point to disconnect from the Wi-Fi connection with the terminal device 105. Then, based on information received from the terminal device 105 regarding the external access point, the audio control device 101 connects to the target external access point via Wi-Fi. When the Wi-Fi connection to the external access point is successful, the audio control device 101 can notify the user of the connection via audio.

[0052] In step S607, the audio control device 101 accesses the management server 102 via an external access point and sends the information about the first account received from the terminal device 105 and its own identification information to the management server 102.

[0053] In step S608, the management server 102 manages the audio control device 101 and the first account in an associated manner based on the received information. At this time, the management server 102 has already managed the terminal device 105 and the first account in an associated manner. In this way, in step S608, the audio control device 101, the terminal device 105, and the first account are managed in an associated manner.

[0054] In step S609, terminal device 105 registers the service (skill) to be used using audio control device 101. According to this exemplary embodiment, since the printing service using audio control device 101 is used, the printing service applicable to printing device 104 needs to be registered. Therefore, terminal device 105 sends information indicating that the user has selected the printing service applicable to printing device 104 to management server 102.

[0055] In step S610, the management server 102 manages the printing services applicable to the printing device 104 and the first account in association based on the received information. More specifically, it registers the printing services applicable to the printing device 104.

[0056] In step S611, terminal device 105 displays a login screen that allows the user to log in to a user account (hereinafter referred to as the second account) managed by relay server 103 associated with the printing service. Terminal device 105 obtains the information for displaying the login screen, for example, by accessing relay server 103 associated with the printing service. Since the user has already logged into the second account via the PC controlling printing device 104, it is assumed that relay server 103 has pre-associated the second account and printing device 104 with each other.

[0057] In step S612, the terminal device 105 sends the login information (including ID and password) entered on the login screen, information about the first account, and information about the management server 102 to the relay server 103.

[0058] In step S613, relay server 103 determines whether the received login information is correct. If the received login information is correct and the second account logs in successfully, relay server 103 accesses management server 102 based on the received information about management server 102. Then, relay server 103 sends an access token used to authorize access using the first account and information about the second account to management server 102.

[0059] In step S614, the management server 102 manages the first account and the second account in association based on the received information.

[0060] This enables the management server 102 to manage accounts and devices in relation to each other, making it possible to identify which message to send to which device during notification processing according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0061] The aforementioned processing performed by terminal device 105 may be performed not through an audio control application, but through, for example, a web browser on terminal device 105.

[0062] The following describes the print service execution process using the print service via the audio control device 101. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the execution of print service processes. The processes performed by each device in this sequence are implemented when the device's CPU executes a program stored in the device's ROM. It is assumed that the processes performed by each device in this sequence are referenced... Figure 6 The registration process described is carried out after it has been completed.

[0063] First, the user emits a first wake word corresponding to the audio control device 101 near the device. Then, the audio control device 101 enters a mode for receiving voice commands from the user. Next, the user emits a second wake word as a print service execution command to perform the registered print service.

[0064] In step S701, the audio control device 101 receives the user's voice through the microphone 204 to receive the print service execution instruction (second wake-up word).

[0065] In step S702, the audio control device 101 sends audio data based on the language command received in step S701 to the management server 102 via the Internet. When sending audio data, the audio control device 101 can send the user's voice received through the microphone 204 as audio data as is, or it can convert the user's voice into text data and send the text data as audio data.

[0066] In step S703, the management server 102 analyzes the received audio data. More specifically, the management server 102 analyzes the audio data corresponding to the second wake word to identify the registered printing service, the relay server 103 associated with the registered printing service, and the second account associated with the printing service.

[0067] In step S704, the management server 102 notifies the relay server 103 associated with the printing service of the receipt of the printing service execution instruction. The information sent at this time includes information representing a second account associated with the registered printing service.

[0068] In step S705, relay server 103 identifies a request to perform a print service. Relay server 103 identifies a second account associated with the registered print service and identifies which printing device 104 to use for the print service.

[0069] In step S706, relay server 103 sends notification information to management server 102 to notify management server 102 of the functions that can be performed using printing device 104 in the printing service. According to this exemplary embodiment, since notification is made by both audio control device 101 and terminal device 105, relay server 103 sends notification information for audio control device 101 and notification information for terminal device 105. According to this exemplary embodiment, the content of the message to be notified to the user by audio control device 101 is determined by the notification information for audio control device 101. More specifically, relay server 103 controls the content of the message to be notified to the user by audio control device 101. Similarly, the content of the message and graphics to be notified to the user by terminal device 105 via screen is determined by the notification information for terminal device 105. More specifically, relay server 103 controls the content of the message and graphics to be notified to the user by terminal device 105 via screen.

[0070] In step S707, the management server 102 sends audio notification information to the audio control device 101 based on the received notification information. This audio notification information is used to notify the user of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service.

[0071] In step S708, the audio control device 101, based on the received audio notification information, notifies the user via speaker 201 of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service. According to this exemplary embodiment, the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service include a printing function that causes the printing device 104 to print, and a status confirmation function that confirms the status of the printing device 104. Thus, the audio control device 101 notifies the user via audio that the printing function and the status confirmation function are available.

[0072] In step S709, the management server 102, based on the received notification information, sends a screen notification to the terminal device 105 associated with the first account. This screen notification is used to inform the user via screen display of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service. Step S709 can be performed before step S707.

[0073] In step S710, the terminal device 105 displays a notification screen on the display unit 504 based on the received screen notification information, to notify the user of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service. More specifically, such as Figure 13A As shown, terminal device 105 displays notification screen 1300. According to this exemplary embodiment, the content notified to the user by terminal device 105 via the notification screen is more detailed than the content notified to the user by audio control device 101 via audio. Notification screen 1300 includes areas 1301 and 1302. Area 1301 is used to notify the user of the functions that can be performed using printing device 104 in the printing service, and area 1302 is used to notify the user of the content that can be printed via the printing function. According to this exemplary embodiment, the message included in area 1301 is also notified to the user via audio in step S708. However, the message included in area 1302 is not notified to the user via audio in step S708, but is only notified to the user via screen notification in step S710. Notification screen 1300 may include not only messages (similar to the messages displayed in areas 1301 and 1302) for notifying the user of information about printing device 104, but may also include graphics for notifying the user of information about printing device 104.

[0074] This enables users to understand the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service and to begin using the printing service.

[0075] The printing process using audio control device 101 will be described below. Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the printing process using audio control device 101. The processing performed by each device in this sequence is implemented when the device's CPU executes a program stored in the device's ROM. It is assumed that the processing performed by each device in this sequence occurs in the following states: (Refer to above) Figure 7 The described printing service execution process is completed and the user is aware of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service.

[0076] In order to use the printing function among the functions that can be executed by the printing device 104 in the printing service, the user issues a third wake word corresponding to the printing function as a printing command.

[0077] In step S801, the audio control device 101 receives the user's voice through the microphone 204 to receive the printing instruction (third wake-up word).

[0078] In step S802, the audio control device 101 sends audio data based on the language instructions received in step S801 to the management server 102 via the Internet.

[0079] In step S803, the management server 102 sends information based on the received audio data to the relay server 103.

[0080] In step S804, the relay server 103 analyzes the information received in step S803 to identify a request to perform the printing function.

[0081] In step S805, the relay server 103 sends a notification message to the management server 102 for the audio control device 101. This notification message is used to inform the user, via audio, of the types of content that can be printed via the printing function. In this exemplary embodiment, the types of content that can be printed via the printing function are only notified to the user via audio by the audio control device 101; however, the types of content can also be notified to the user via screen notification by the terminal device 105. More specifically, the relay server 103 may also send a notification message for the terminal device 105, which is used to inform the user via screen display of the types of content that can be printed via the printing function.

[0082] In step S806, the management server 102 sends audio notification information to the audio control device 101 based on the received notification information, which is used to notify the user of the type of content that can be printed through the printing function.

[0083] In step S807, the audio control device 101, based on the received audio notification information, uses the speaker 201 to notify the user of the type of content that can be printed via the printing function.

[0084] Once the user learns the type of content that can be printed using the print function, they provide the name of the target content to select what they want to print. At this point, the user can also provide print settings for that content (number of copies, print colors, etc.).

[0085] Then, in step S808, the audio control device 101 receives the user's voice through the microphone 204 to receive the selected content to be printed via the printing function and the printing settings.

[0086] In step S809, the audio control device 101 sends audio data based on the language instructions received in step S808 to the management server 102 via the Internet.

[0087] In step S810, the management server 102 sends information based on the received audio data to the relay server 103.

[0088] In step S811, the relay server 103 analyzes the information received in step S810 to identify the content to be printed via the printing function.

[0089] In step S812, the relay server 103 generates binary format print data for printing the target content, and a print job for instructing the printing device 104 associated with the second account to print the target content. The generated print data is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the relay server 103. The generated print job includes information for retrieving the print data stored in the predetermined storage area of ​​the relay server 103, such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

[0090] In step S813, the relay server 103 sends the generated print job to the printing device 104 associated with the second account via the Internet.

[0091] In step S814, the printing device 104 sends a request to the relay server 103 to retrieve print data stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the relay server 103 based on the received print job.

[0092] In step S815, in response to the request received in step S814, relay server 103 sends the print data generated in step S812 to printing device 104. Instead of sending the print job and print data separately to printing device 104, relay server 103 can send the print job including print data in step S813.

[0093] In step S816, the printing device 104 begins printing based on the received print job and print data. If an error occurs during printing, the printing device 104 sends a status message indicating that the printing device 104 is in an error state to the relay server 103.

[0094] In step S816, when the printing device 104 starts printing, then in step S817, the relay server 103 sends a notification message to the management server 102 to notify the user that the selected content is currently being printed by the printing device 104. According to this exemplary embodiment, since the notification is given by both the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105, the relay server 103 sends notification messages for both the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105.

[0095] In step S818, the management server 102 sends an audio notification to the audio control device 101 based on the received notification information, which is used to notify the user that the selected content is currently being printed by the printing device 104.

[0096] In step S819, the audio control device 101, based on the received audio notification information, notifies the user via speaker 201 that the selected content is currently being printed by the printing device 104.

[0097] In step S820, based on the received notification information, the management server 102 sends a screen notification to the terminal device 105 associated with the first account, notifying the user via a screen display that the selected content is currently being printed by the printing device 104. Step S820 can be executed before step S818.

[0098] In step S821, the terminal device 105, based on the received screen notification information, displays a notification screen on the display unit 504 to inform the user that the selected content is currently being printed by the printing device 104. More specifically, as... Figure 13B As shown, terminal device 105 displays notification screen 1303. According to this exemplary embodiment, the content notified to the user by terminal device 105 via the notification screen is more detailed than the content notified to the user by audio control device 101 via audio. Notification screen 1303 includes areas 1304 and 1305. Area 1304 is used to notify the user that the selected content is currently being printed by printing device 104, and area 1305 is used to notify the user of a wake-up word different from the third wake-up word used to execute the printing instruction. According to this exemplary embodiment, the message included in area 1304 is also notified to the user via audio in step S819. However, the message included in area 1305 is not notified to the user via audio in step S819, but is only notified to the user via screen notification in step S821.

[0099] When printing based on a print job is completed, then in step S822, the printing device 104 sends print completion status information indicating that printing is complete to the relay server 103.

[0100] Therefore, when a language command for printing is issued to the audio control device 101 as a trigger, the printing device 104 can start printing.

[0101] After step S822, the relay server 103 can send a notification message to the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105 to notify the user that printing is complete, based on the printing completion status information.

[0102] The status confirmation process for confirming the status information of the printing device 104 associated with the audio control device 101 will now be described. Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the status confirmation process. The processing performed by each device in this sequence is implemented when the device's CPU executes a program stored in the device's ROM. The program executed by terminal device 105 is an audio control application. It is assumed that the processing performed by each device in this sequence occurs in the following states: (Refer to above) Figure 7 The described printing service execution process is completed and the user is aware of the functions that can be performed using the printing device 104 in the printing service.

[0103] In order to use the status confirmation function among the functions that can be performed by the printing device 104 in the printing service, the user issues a fourth wake-up word corresponding to the status confirmation function as an instruction to confirm the status of the printing device 104 (an instruction to obtain the status information of the printing device 104).

[0104] Then, in step S901, the audio control device 101 receives the user's voice through the microphone 204 to receive an instruction (fourth wake-up word) for confirming the status of the printing device 104.

[0105] In step S902, the audio control device 101 sends audio data based on the language instructions received in step S901 to the management server 102 via the Internet.

[0106] In step S903, the management server 102 sends information based on the received audio data to the relay server 103.

[0107] In step S904, the relay server 103 analyzes the information received in step S903 to identify a request to perform the status confirmation function.

[0108] According to this exemplary embodiment, whenever the state of the printing device 104 or the state of the ink provided in the printing device 104 changes, the printing device 104 sends information related to its own state (state information) to the relay server 103. According to this exemplary embodiment, the state information includes error information indicating that the printing device 104 is in an error state and ink information (recording agent information) indicating the state of the ink provided in the printing device 104.

[0109] For example, whenever the state of the printing device 104 changes from a normal state (no error occurs) to an error state, the printing device 104 sends a status message indicating that the printing device 104 is in an error state to the relay server 103. For example, whenever the state of the printing device 104 changes from an error state to a normal state, the printing device 104 sends a status message indicating that the printing device 104 is in a normal state to the relay server 103.

[0110] For example, whenever the status of the ink in the printing device 104 changes from a normal state (sufficient ink remaining) to a low ink state (low ink remaining), the printing device 104 sends status information indicating the status of the ink in the printing device 104 to the relay server 103.

[0111] Then, whenever the relay server 103 receives status information, the relay server 103 updates the currently maintained status information and identifies the latest status of the printing device 104 associated with the second account.

[0112] In step S905, the relay server 103 generates notification information based on the currently maintained state information. According to this exemplary embodiment, since both the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105 issue notifications, the relay server 103 generates notification information for the audio control device 101 and notification information for the terminal device 105.

[0113] Upon receiving a request for notification information, relay server 103 can request the latest status information from printing device 104 and obtain the new status information. In this case, notification information is generated based on the obtained new status information.

[0114] According to this exemplary embodiment, when the relay server 103 identifies multiple errors occurring in the printing device 104 based on status information, the notification information to be generated varies depending on the priority set for each error. A specific method for generating the notification information will be described below.

[0115] In step S906, the relay server 103 sends the generated notification information to the management server 102.

[0116] In step S907, the management server 102 sends an audio notification message to the audio control device 101 based on the received notification information, which is used to notify the user of the status of the printing device 104 via audio.

[0117] In step S908, the audio control device 101, based on the received audio notification information, notifies the user of the status of the printing device 104 via the speaker 201. The specific notification method will be described below.

[0118] In step S909, based on the received notification information, the management server 102 sends a screen notification message, used to notify the user of the status of the printing device 104 via a screen display, to the terminal device 105 associated with the first account. Step S909 can be executed before step S907.

[0119] In step S910, the terminal device 105 displays a notification screen on the display unit 504 based on the received screen notification information, which is used to notify the user of the status of the printing device 104. The specific notification method will be described below.

[0120] Therefore, when a language command is issued to the audio control device 101 as a trigger, the user can confirm the status of the printing device 104.

[0121] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by relay server 103 in the status confirmation process. The process illustrated in this flowchart is implemented when the CPU 301 of relay server 103 executes a program stored in disk device 302 of relay server 103.

[0122] In step S1001, CPU 301 receives information from management server 102 based on language instructions sent to audio control device 101 for status confirmation.

[0123] In step S1002, the CPU 301 analyzes the currently held state information of the printing device 104 to identify the state of the printing device 104. The state of the printing device 104 includes an error state (error occurs), a normal state (no error occurs), and a state based on the current printing job. According to this exemplary embodiment, an error state refers to a state where the printing device 104 cannot print. Error states include a cover open state, a paper jam state, a paperless state, a busy state, and an offline state. A cover open state refers to a state where the cover (not shown) is open when the ink cartridge is attached to the printhead included in the printing device 104. A paper jam state refers to a state where paper (recording medium) is jammed in the transport path. A paperless state refers to a state where the printing device 104 does not hold paper. A busy state refers to a state where the printing device 104 is performing non-printing processing (e.g., scanning processing for reading originals and generating image data). An offline state refers to a state where power is not supplied to the printer unit 401 (or the power supply is limited). Error states may include a low ink state where the printing device 104 retains a small amount of remaining ink (recording agent), an inkless state where the printing device 104 does not retain ink, and a low paper state where the printing device 104 retains a small amount of paper. If multiple errors occur in the printing device 104, multiple error states are identified in step S1004.

[0124] In step S1003, CPU 301 determines whether the state of the printing device 104 identified in step S1002 is an error state. If CPU 301 determines that the state of the printing device 104 is an error state ("Yes" in step S1003), the process proceeds to step S1004. On the other hand, if CPU 301 determines that the state of the printing device 104 is not an error state ("No" in step S1003), the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0125] In step S1004, CPU 301 determines whether multiple errors have occurred in printing device 104 (whether multiple error states were identified in step S1002). If CPU 301 determines that multiple errors have occurred in printing device 104 ("Yes" in step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if CPU 301 determines that no multiple errors have occurred in printing device 104 ("No" in step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0126] In step S1005, CPU 301 identifies the priority of each of the multiple error states identified in step S1002. More specifically, CPU 301 first refers to, as follows: Figure 11 The priority table is shown. The priority table is stored in database 313. The priority table defines the priority of each error state. CPU 301 identifies the priorities of the multiple error states identified in step S1002 based on the priorities defined in the priority table. According to this exemplary embodiment, higher priorities are assigned in the order of lid open state, paper jam state, paperless state, busy state, and offline state. For example, if multiple error states include lid open state, paperless state, and offline state, then lid open state has the highest priority, paperless state has the second highest priority, and offline state has the lowest priority. The priorities and error states defined in the priority table are not limited to the above configuration and can be arbitrarily defined.

[0127] In step S1006, based on the state of the printing device 104 identified in step S1002 and the priority of each error state identified in step S1005, the CPU 301 generates notification information regarding the error states of the printing device 104. More specifically, the CPU 301 generates notification information such that error states assigned a higher priority can be notified to the user more preferentially by the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105. More specifically, the CPU 301 generates notification information such that only the error state assigned the highest priority among the multiple error states identified in step S1002 is notified to the user, and other error states other than the error state assigned the highest priority are not notified to the user. As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, notifications are made by both the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105 based on notification information. Therefore, the CPU 301 generates notification information for the audio control device 101 to notify the user of the state of the printing device 104 via audio and notification information for the terminal device 105 to notify the user of the state of the printing device 104 via screen display. Figure 11As shown in the table, messages for notifying the user of the error status are defined for each notified error status. The notification information for the audio control device 101 is the notification information used by the audio control device 101 to issue a target message. The notification information for the terminal device 105 is the notification information used by the printing device 104 to display a notification screen including the target message. The target message may include not only a message for notifying the user of the error status of the printing device 104, but also a message for clearing the error status of the printing device 104. For example, the message issued by the audio control device 101 may be different from the message displayed by the terminal device 105. Then, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0128] This invention is not limited to this configuration. All error states can be notified to the user, provided that error states assigned a higher priority are notified to the user by the audio control device 101 and the terminal device 105. More specifically, for example, notification information can be generated such that error states assigned a higher priority are notified to the user audio before error states assigned a lower priority, or that a screen indicating a higher priority error state is displayed before a screen indicating a lower priority error state.

[0129] In step S1007, executed when CPU 301 determines that no multiple errors have occurred in printing device 104 (No in step S1004), CPU 301 generates notification information about the error status of printing device 104 based on the status of printing device 104 identified in step S1002. Because only one error has occurred in printing device 104, both notification information for audio control device 101 and notification information for terminal device 105 are generated, so that the user is notified of the error status associated with one error. Then, the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0130] In step S1008, executed when CPU 301 determines that the state of printing device 104 is not an error state ("No" in step S1003), CPU 301 generates notification information regarding the error state of printing device 104 based on the state of printing device 104 identified in step S1002. Since no error has occurred in printing device 104, both notification information for audio control device 101 and notification information for terminal device 105 are generated, thus notifying the user of the non-error state (normal state) of printing device 104. Then, the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0131] According to this exemplary embodiment, when the printing device 104 is in an error state, the error state of the printing device 104 is notified to the user via audio, and then information about the inks equipped in the printing device 104 is notified to the user via audio. According to this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the printing device 104 is equipped with four colors of ink: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Therefore, for each color, information about the inks equipped in the printing device 104 is notified to the user.

[0132] In step S1009, the CPU 301 identifies the state (ink state) of each color ink included in the printing device 104. The ink states include no ink, low ink state 1, low ink state 2, and normal state. No ink state refers to a state where the ink volume is less than a first quantity. Low ink state 1 refers to a state where the ink volume is greater than the first quantity but less than the second quantity. Low ink state 2 refers to a state where the ink volume is greater than the second quantity but less than the third quantity. Normal state refers to a state where the ink volume is greater than the third quantity. Therefore, the normal state, low ink state 2, low ink state 1, and no ink state, in this order, indicate that the amount of ink supplied in the printing device 104 is greater. No ink, low ink state 1, and low ink state 2 can also be considered as error states related to the ink in the printing device 104.

[0133] In step S1010, the CPU 301 identifies the priority of each color ink. More specifically, the CPU 301 first refers to... Figure 12 The priority table is shown. The priority table is stored in database 313. The priority table defines the priority of ink states. CPU 301 identifies the priority of each color ink based on the priorities defined in the priority table. According to this exemplary embodiment, higher priorities are assigned in the order of no ink state, low ink state 1, low ink state 2, and normal state. For example, when black ink is in the no ink state, cyan and magenta inks are in the low ink state 1, and yellow ink is in the normal state, black ink is assigned the highest priority, cyan and magenta inks are assigned the next highest priority, and yellow ink is assigned the lowest priority. The priorities and error states defined in the priority table are not limited to the above configuration and can be arbitrarily defined. When inks other than black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are held by the printing device 104, priorities are also identified for inks other than black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0134] In step S1011, CPU 301 generates notification information about the inks equipped in printing device 104 based on the ink status and priority of each color ink identified in step S1007. More specifically, CPU 301 generates notification information such that the ink status of ink colors assigned higher priority is notified to the user by audio control device 101 and terminal device 105 with greater priority. More specifically, CPU 301 generates notification information such that the ink status of ink colors assigned higher priority is notified audio before the ink status of ink colors assigned lower priority. CPU 301 generates notification information such that the ink status of ink colors assigned higher priority is displayed higher in the notification screen than the ink status of ink colors assigned lower priority. CPU 301 can generate notification information such that only the ink status of the ink color assigned the highest priority is notified to the user, and the ink status of other ink colors besides the ink color assigned the highest priority is not notified to the user. As notification information regarding each color ink, both notification information for the audio control device 101 and notification information for the terminal device 105 are generated. For example... Figure 12 As shown in the table, for each ink status notification, a message is defined to notify the user of the ink status. The notification information for the audio control device 101 is the notification information used by the audio control device 101 to issue a target message and ink color notification. The notification information for the terminal device 105 is the notification information used by the printing device 104 to display a notification screen including the target message and ink color. The target message may include not only a message to notify the user of the ink status of the printing device 104, but also a message to notify the user of identification information such as the ink part number. For example, the message issued by the audio control device 101 may be different from the message displayed by the terminal device 105. In this exemplary embodiment, the message to notify the user of the ink part number is not included in the message issued by the audio control device 101, but is included in the message displayed by the terminal device 105. This is because, in many cases, information about the ink part number includes a list of alphanumeric characters, making it difficult for the user to correctly grasp the ink part number notified via audio.

[0135] This invention is not limited to this construction. Notification information can be generated such that the user is notified only of the ink status of ink colors assigned higher priority, and not of the ink status of ink colors assigned lower priority.

[0136] According to this exemplary embodiment, when the ink state of all ink colors is in a normal state, the CPU 301 generates notification information indicating that the ink state of all ink colors is in a normal state. When the ink state of any ink color is not in a normal state, the CPU 301 generates notification information such that the user is not notified of the ink state of the ink color in a normal state. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Even when the ink state of any ink color is not in a normal state, the CPU 301 can generate notification information such that the user is notified of the ink state of the ink color in a normal state.

[0137] In step S1012, the CPU 301 sends the error status notification information about the printing device 104 and the notification information about each color ink generated therein to the management server 102.

[0138] Upon receiving a notification message, management server 102 sends the notification message for audio control device 101 to the audio control device 101 associated with the first account. Then, audio control device 101 notifies the user of status information based on the received notification message via audio. More specifically, audio control device 101 notifies the user of status information based on an error status notification regarding printing device 104, and then notifies the user of status information based on notification information regarding each color ink. For example, if the notification message includes a notification to the user that printing device 104 is in the open state and a notification to the user regarding the ink status of yellow and magenta inks, audio control device 101 might issue a message such as "Printer cover open. Please close the cover. The following ink is depleted: magenta. The following ink is low: yellow." For example, if the notification message includes a notification to the user that printing device 104 is in a normal state and a notification to the user that the ink status of all ink colors is normal, audio control device 101 might issue a message such as "Printer is in normal state. All ink colors have sufficient ink."

[0139] When the management server 102 receives the notification information, it sends the notification information for the terminal device 105 to the terminal device 105 associated with the first account. Then, the terminal device 105 displays a notification screen based on the received notification information on the display unit 504. According to this exemplary embodiment, the content notified to the user by the terminal device 105 through the notification screen is more detailed than the content notified by the audio control device 101 via audio. Figure 13CAn example of a notification screen displayed on display unit 504 is illustrated when the notification information includes notifications to the user that the printing device 104 is in the open state and notifications to the user about the ink status of the yellow and magenta inks. Notification screen 1306 includes areas 1307 and 1308, where area 1307 notifies the user of an error state of the printing device 104, and area 1308 notifies the user of the ink status of the inks supplied in the printing device 104. In this case, the messages included in areas 1307 and / or 1308 are not delivered to the user audio-wise by the audio control device 101, but are delivered to the user solely by the terminal device 105 via a screen notification. The notification screen may include not only messages to inform the user about the printing device 104, but may also include graphics to inform the user about the printing device 104.

[0140] According to this exemplary embodiment, a message related to the printing device 104 can be notified to the user in response to a language command from the user to the audio control device 101.

[0141] According to this exemplary embodiment, the audio control device 101 notifies the user of a message related to the printing device 104 via audio, and at the same time, the terminal device 105 notifies the user of the message related to the printing device 104 via a notification screen. For example, even when the user is performing other tasks, the audio notification allows the user to stay informed about the message related to the printing device 104. The notification screen allows the user to confirm the status of the printing device 104 not only through audio notifications but also through screen notifications. More specifically, for example, messages related to the printing device 104 can be notified to both users near the audio control device 101 and users far away from the audio control device 101. For example, messages related to the printing device 104 can be notified to users who did not hear the audio message emitted by the audio control device 101 and users who want to confirm the notification again after the audio control device 101 emitted the audio message, provided the user has already confirmed the notification screen.

[0142] Generally, more detailed information should be provided to the user whenever possible. However, if a large amount of information needs to be communicated to the user via audio, the user may not hear the audio messages and may not be able to correctly identify the information being communicated. However, even when a large amount of information needs to be communicated to the user via screen display, the user can correctly identify the information being communicated. Therefore, according to this exemplary embodiment, messages related to the printing device 104 are communicated to the user via audio, while messages not communicated via audio are communicated to the user via a notification screen. The control according to this exemplary embodiment reduces the amount of information to be communicated via audio, enabling the user to correctly identify the information. This control allows the user to further confirm detailed information via the notification screen. More specifically, this control enables the user to correctly identify information communicated via audio, while simultaneously providing the user with detailed information via the notification screen.

[0143] According to this exemplary embodiment, if multiple errors occur in the printing device 104, not all of these errors are notified to the user via audio notification; instead, only the errors assigned a high priority are notified to the user via audio. This allows only important information to be notified to the user via audio, and enables the user to correctly identify the information notified via audio.

[0144] (Other exemplary embodiments)

[0145] In the exemplary embodiments described above, the user is notified of both the error status of the printing device 104 and the ink status of the ink color equipped in the printing device 104 according to the status confirmation command issued by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the user may be notified of either the error status of the printing device 104 or the ink status of the ink color equipped in the printing device 104. For example, if the words used to confirm the error status of the printing device 104 and the words used to confirm the ink status of the ink color equipped in the printing device 104 are different from each other, the user may be notified of the status corresponding to the words issued by the user in the status confirmation command, which is either the error status of the printing device 104 or the ink status of the ink color equipped in the printing device 104.

[0146] The above example describes a message indicating that the ink status has been notified, as information (hereinafter referred to as specific information) that is not included in the information notified to the user by audio control device 101 but is included in the information notified to the user by a notification screen displayed by terminal device 105. However, specific information is not limited to this and may be, for example, information for displaying a screen prompting the user to purchase ink whose status has been notified (linked to a target screen). For example, specific information may be a message indicating the remaining amount of ink whose status has been notified. For example, specific information may not only be information about ink but also information about the error status of printing device 104. More specifically, specific information may be a message and graphics indicating a method for eliminating the error status of printing device 104. In the above example, information about errors and ink status that have been assigned low priority is not notified to the user, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, information about errors and ink status that have been assigned low priority is not notified by audio but by a notification screen, and information about errors and ink status that have been assigned low priority can be treated as specific information.

[0147] In the above example, the printing device 104 has multiple inks, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the printing device 104 is a monochrome printer, it may only have one ink (black ink). In this case, the information provided about the ink is only about the black ink. For example, if the printing device 104 is an electrophotographic printer, the user may be notified about the toner, rather than about the ink itself.

[0148] In the above example, the audio control device 101 does not include a display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Instead of a high-performance or large-size display unit, the audio control device 101 may include a low-performance or small-size display unit for presenting simple information to the user, the content of a notification sent from the printing device 104. If the audio control device 101 includes a high-performance or large-size display unit, then the audio control device 101 may display a screen related to the notification sent from the printing device 104 on the display unit disposed on the audio control device 101.

[0149] In the above example, relay server 103 generates notification information for determining the content to be notified to the user by audio control device 101 via audio and notification information for determining the content to be notified to the user by terminal device 105 via screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the notification information may be generated by printing device 104 and management server 102, and then sent from printing device 104 and management server 102.

[0150] The exemplary embodiments described above can also be implemented through the following processes. More specifically, software (programs) for implementing the functions of the exemplary embodiments described above are supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (CPU, microprocessor unit (MPU), and processor) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program can be executed by one computer or by multiple computers in an associated manner. Not all of the above processes need to be implemented by software. Some or all of the processes can be implemented by hardware such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). One CPU does not need to perform all the processing; that is, multiple CPUs can appropriately perform processing in a cooperative manner.

[0151] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus, which reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above, and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more embodiments described above; and by a method executed by the computer of the system or apparatus, the method being, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)), and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. Storage media may include, for example, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), memory for distributed computing systems, and optical discs (such as compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or Blu-ray discs (BDs). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices and memory cards.

[0152] 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 the executable program.

[0153] 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 server system, the server system comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire error information about one or more errors occurring in a communication apparatus; a first transmission unit configured to transmit audio notification information to an audio control device for audio-able notification of first information corresponding to the one or more errors occurring in the communication apparatus; and a second transmission unit configured to transmit screen notification information to a terminal device for causing a display of the terminal device to display second information corresponding to the one or more errors occurring in the communication apparatus, wherein, in a case where a plurality of errors including a high-priority error and a low-priority error occur in the communication apparatus, the first information notified in audio includes information about the high-priority error but does not include information about the low-priority error, and wherein, in a case where the plurality of errors including the high-priority error and the low-priority error occur in the communication apparatus, the second information displayed includes information about both the high-priority error and the low-priority error.

2. The server system according to claim 1, the terminal device is different from the audio control device. wherein 3. The server system according to claim 1, the communication apparatus has a print unit, and wherein, wherein the plurality of errors includes at least one of an error of a cover of the print unit being open, an error of a paperless state of the print unit, an error of a jam state of the print unit, and an error of an offline state of the print unit. in a case where the plurality of errors occurring in the communication apparatus includes a first error of the cover of the print unit being open and a second error of the paperless state of the print unit, the first information notified in audio includes information about the first error but does not include information about the second error.

4. The server system of claim 1, wherein, the second information displayed is more detailed than the first information notified in audio.

5. The server system of claim 1, wherein, the second transmission unit transmits the screen notification information in a case where the audio control device is given a verbal instruction for status confirmation.

6. The server system of claim 1, wherein, the first transmission unit transmits the audio notification information in a case where the audio control device is given a verbal instruction for status confirmation.

7. The server system of claim 1, wherein, the server system includes one or more servers.

8. The server system of claim 1, wherein, 9. A method for controlling a server system, the method comprising: acquiring error information about one or more errors occurring in a communication apparatus; transmitting audio notification information to an audio control device for audio-able notification of first information corresponding to the one or more errors occurring in the communication apparatus; and transmitting screen notification information to a terminal device for causing a display of the terminal device to display second information corresponding to the one or more errors occurring in the communication apparatus, wherein, in a case where a plurality of errors including a high-priority error and a low-priority error occur in the communication apparatus, the first information notified in audio includes information about the high-priority error but does not include information about the low-priority error, and wherein, in a case where the plurality of errors including the high-priority error and the low-priority error occur in the communication apparatus, the second information displayed includes information about both the high-priority error and the low-priority error. ​ In a case where a plurality of errors including the high-priority error and the low-priority error occur in the communication device, the second information displayed includes information on both the high-priority error and the low-priority error.

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