Function expansion device, information processing system, and control method for function expansion device

Abstract

The present application provides a function expansion device, an information processing system, and a control method of the function expansion device, which easily implement an additional function without changing the structure of a print server. A function expansion server (200) receives first scan data including a pattern image in which additional information is encoded and address information indicating an address of the first scan data, decodes the pattern image to acquire the additional information, and transmits the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a function expansion device, an information processing system, and a control method for the function expansion device. Background Technology

[0002] A system that utilizes the cloud for printing has long been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system comprising a server and a printing apparatus capable of communicating with the server. The server sends printing instruction information indicating the printing of teaching material content and answerer identification information for identifying answerers who provide answers to the teaching material content. Upon receiving the printing instruction information, the printing apparatus generates a printed material containing the teaching material content and the answerer identification information.

[0004] However, in systems that utilize the cloud for printing and scanning, there is a desire to obtain additional information attached to the scanned data without altering the existing server architecture.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-184178 Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure discloses a functional extension device comprising: a receiving unit that receives first scan data including a pattern image encoded with additional information and address information representing an address of the first scan data; an acquiring unit that decodes the pattern image to acquire the additional information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information.

[0007] This disclosure discloses an information processing system comprising an information processing device and a function extension device. The information processing device comprises: a receiving unit that receives first scan data including a pattern image encoded with additional information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first scan data and address information representing the address of the first scan data to the function extension device. The function extension device comprises: a receiving unit that receives the first scan data and the address information; an acquiring unit that decodes the pattern image attached to the first scan data to acquire the additional information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information.

[0008] This disclosure discloses a control method for a function extension device, which performs the following processing: receiving first scan data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information and address information representing the address of the first scan data; decoding the pattern image to obtain the additional information; and sending the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram representing the structure of an information processing system.

[0010] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the devices that constitute an information processing system.

[0011] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a content management database.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure by which users manage a database.

[0013] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure for client-managed databases.

[0014] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a device management database.

[0015] Figure 7 A sequence diagram to represent the actions of an information processing system.

[0016] Figure 8 A sequence diagram to represent the actions of an information processing system.

[0017] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the actions of a functional expansion server. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 1. Structure of an information processing system

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the system structure of information processing system 1.

[0021] Information processing system 1 includes a service providing server 100, a function expansion server 200, a print server 300, and a multifunction printer 500. The service providing server 100, function expansion server 200, print server 300, and multifunction printer 500 are connected via a network 10. Network 10 includes the Internet, telephone network, and other communication networks. Function expansion server 200 is equivalent to a function expansion device. Print server 300 is equivalent to an information processing device.

[0022] The service provider server 100 is a server that provides Web (World Wide Web) services. In this embodiment, the Web service provided by the service provider server 100 is a service provided for a first content file. The first content file is, for example, text, exercise books, or other learning materials.

[0023] The function expansion server 200 is a server that performs functions not included on the printing server 300. The function expansion server 200 is set up to add functions not included on the printing server 300 without changing the structure of the printing server 300.

[0024] In this embodiment, the extended-function server 200 performs the process of attaching a pattern image encoded with additional information to a first content file. The first content file with the attached pattern image is referred to as the second content file. The additional information is information received from the service providing server 100, such as at least one of a user ID identifying the answerer and a content ID identifying the teaching material, i.e., the first content file. The user ID corresponds to the first identification information, and the content ID corresponds to the second identification information.

[0025] This embodiment describes the case where the extended functionality server 200 generates QR codes or other two-dimensional codes as pattern images. However, the pattern image can also be a one-dimensional code or a specific string. QR codes are a registered trademark.

[0026] The extended functionality server 200 sends the generated second content file to the printing server 300.

[0027] In addition, the function extension server 200 receives scanned data from the printing server 300. The function extension server 200 reads the QR code attached to the scanned data to obtain additional information. The function extension server 200 sends the obtained additional information and scanned data to the service provider server 100.

[0028] The print server 300 establishes a continuous connection with the multifunction printer 500 based on a predetermined real-time communication protocol and performs real-time communication. Examples of real-time communication protocols include XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol).

[0029] Print server 300 is a server that provides web services. Print server 300 receives a second content file from function extension server 200 and converts the received second content file into printing data. In addition, print server 300 sends the printing data to multifunction printer 500 designated through service providing server 100 and causes multifunction printer 500 to perform printing.

[0030] In addition, the print server 300 receives scanned data from the multifunction printer 500. The print server 300 then sends the received scanned data and first address information to the function extension server 200. The first address information is the URL of the webpage provided by the service provider server 100.

[0031] The multifunction printer 500 is installed in a user's home 5, which has a user contract with the service provider of the operating service provider server 100. The multifunction printer 500 is called an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals) and has at least printing and scanning functions. The multifunction printer 500 can be a device rented from a rental business operator or other similar entity, or rented from a school or private academy. A wireless router 3 with access point functionality is installed in the user's home 5. The multifunction printer 500 is connected to network 10 via the wireless router 3.

[0032] 2. Server Structure for Service Provider

[0033] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the devices constituting the information processing system 1.

[0034] First, the structure of the service provider server 100 will be explained.

[0035] The service providing server 100 includes a first communication unit 110 and a first control unit 130.

[0036] The first communication unit 110 is equipped with a communication interface circuit that performs data communication according to communication standards such as Ethernet. Ethernet is a registered trademark. The first communication unit 110 communicates with the function expansion server 200 and the print server 300 via the network 10.

[0037] The first control unit 130 is a computer device having a first storage unit 140 and a first processor 150.

[0038] The first storage unit 140 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). In addition, the first storage unit 140 includes auxiliary storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0039] RAM is used as the computing area for the first processor 150.

[0040] The ROM stores the control program 141 executed by the first processor 150 and various setting information 143. The setting information includes the client ID and key used in the OAuth authentication with the printing server 300. The client ID and key are authentication information issued by the printing server 300.

[0041] The auxiliary storage device stores the content management database 145 that manages the first content file and the user management database 147 that manages the users who receive the service. Hereinafter, the database will be abbreviated as DB.

[0042] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the content management DB145.

[0043] A record in the content management DB145 contains the content ID, filename, and first content file.

[0044] The Content ID is the identification information used to identify the first content file. The filename is the filename of the first content file. The first content file is image data in file formats such as PDF (Portable Document Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Alternatively, the first content file can also be a document file such as Word or Excel. Word and Excel are registered trademarks.

[0045] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of how users manage the structure of DB147.

[0046] A record in the user management DB147 contains information such as the user ID, the user's name, address, selected subject, and email address. The user ID is identification information used to identify users of the web services provided by the service provider server 100. The email address is the email address set in the multifunction printer 500 located in the user's home 5, and is the address that uniquely identifies the multifunction printer 500.

[0047] The first processor 150 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The first processor 150 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the first processor 150 can also be composed of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that integrates some or all of the circuitry of the first storage unit 140 with other circuitry. Additionally, the first processor 150 can be composed of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that performs predetermined arithmetic operations. Alternatively, it can be configured with all the functions of the first processor 150 installed in hardware, or it can be constructed using a programmable device.

[0048] For example, when the date and time are set in advance, the first control unit 130 begins to provide the first content file to the user.

[0049] First, the first control unit 130 accesses the printing server 300 and accepts OAuth authentication implemented by the printing server 300.

[0050] Upon successful OAuth authentication, the first control unit 130 registers the address information in the printing server 300. This address information represents the address of the scanned data generated by the multifunction printer 500. The address information is represented by a URL. The address information includes first address information and second address information. The first address information is the URL of the webpage provided by the service providing server 100, and the second address information is the URL of the webpage provided by the function extension server 200.

[0051] In the address information, the URL of the functional extension server 200, which serves as the second address information, includes the file receiving address URL of the service providing server 100 as a creator parameter. An example of the address information data is as follows.

[0052] https: / / xxx.xxx.xxx / extensions / 1 / scanning / upload?url=https: / / example.co.jp / sample / sample2 / sample3

[0053] The first address information sets a different URL for each user ID. By setting a different URL for each user ID, the scan data of different users can be uploaded to different URLs.

[0054] In addition, the first address information can also set multiple different URLs for the same user.

[0055] For example, different URLs can be set for each selected subject, such as English and mathematics. Thus, when the scanned data from the multifunction printer 500 is data scanned from the printed material 50 containing English content and data scanned from the printed material 50 containing mathematics content, the scanned data can be uploaded to different URLs.

[0056] In addition, the first control unit 130 receives an upload URL from the print server 300. The upload URL is the URL of a webpage provided by the print server 300, and is information indicating the upload destination for the first content file.

[0057] When the first control unit 130 receives the upload URL from the print server 300, it sends an upload request for the first content file to the function extension server 200. The upload request includes additional information attached to the first content file, the upload URL received from the print server 300, and a file retrieval URL indicating the destination of the first content file. The file retrieval URL is the URL of a webpage provided by the service provider server 100, and specifically the URL of a webpage that allows downloading the first content file uploaded to the print server 300.

[0058] 3. Expanding the server structure

[0059] Next, the structure of the functional expansion server 200 will be described.

[0060] The extended functionality server 200 includes a second communication unit 210 and a second control unit 230.

[0061] The second communication unit 210 is equipped with a communication interface circuit that performs data communication according to communication standards such as Ethernet. The second communication unit 210 communicates with the service provider server 100 and the print server 300 via the network 10.

[0062] The second control unit 230 is a computer device equipped with a second storage unit 240 and a second processor 250.

[0063] The second storage unit 240 includes volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as ROM.

[0064] RAM is used as the computing area for the second processor 250.

[0065] The ROM stores the control program 241 and various setting information 243 executed by the second processor 250.

[0066] The second processor 250 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with a CPU, MPU, or other processors. The second processor 250 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the second processor 250 can also be composed of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that integrates some or all of the second storage unit 240 with other circuitry. Additionally, the second processor 250 can be composed of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. Alternatively, it can be configured with all the functions of the second processor 250 installed in hardware, or it can be constructed using a programmable device.

[0067] As functional modules, the second processor 250 includes a communication control unit 251, an acquisition unit 253, and a generation unit 255. These functional modules represent the functions implemented by the second processor 250 executing the control program 241 in a modular manner. The communication control unit 251 corresponds to both the receiving unit and the transmitting unit.

[0068] The communication control unit 251 controls the second communication unit 210 and communicates with the service provider server 100 and the printing server 300.

[0069] For example, the communication control unit 251 receives scanned data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information and first address information representing the address of the scanned data from the printing server 300. Furthermore, the communication control unit 251 uploads the scanned data and the additional information to a webpage provided by the service provider server 100, as indicated by the first address information.

[0070] The acquisition unit 253 decodes the scan data received by the communication control unit 251 to obtain additional information.

[0071] The generation unit 255 changes the data name of the scanned data to a data name that includes additional information.

[0072] When the second control unit 230 receives an upload request from the service provider server 100, it obtains the file retrieval URL contained in the received upload request. The second control unit 230 accesses the webpage provided by the service provider server 100 as shown in the file retrieval URL. The second control unit 230 downloads a first content file from the accessed webpage.

[0073] The second control unit 230 encodes the additional information included in the upload request and generates an image, i.e., a QR code, containing the encoded additional information. The second control unit 230 appends the generated QR code to a first content file to generate a second content file. The second control unit 230 uploads the generated second content file to the address shown in the upload URL included in the upload request.

[0074] Furthermore, the second control unit 230 receives scanned data and first address information from the printing server 300. The second control unit 230 reads the QR code and decodes it to obtain additional information. The second control unit 230 includes the obtained additional information in the data name of the scanned data. For example, the second control unit 230 may include the additional information in a portion of the data name of the scanned data, or rewrite the data name of the scanned data as additional information. In this embodiment, the case where the data name of the scanned data is rewritten as additional information will be described. The second control unit 230 uploads the scanned data with the changed data name to the webpage provided by the service providing server 100 shown in the first address information. The scanned data with the changed data name is equivalent to the second scanned data.

[0075] 4. Structure of the printing server

[0076] Next, the structure of the printing server 300 will be described.

[0077] The printing server 300 includes a third communication unit 310 and a third control unit 330.

[0078] The third communication unit 310 is equipped with a communication interface circuit that performs data communication according to communication standards such as Ethernet. The third communication unit 310 communicates with the service provider server 100 and the function expansion server 200 via the network 10.

[0079] The third control unit 330 is a computer device equipped with a third storage unit 340 and a third processor 350.

[0080] The third storage unit 340 includes RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage devices. The RAM is used as the computing area of ​​the third processor 350, and the ROM stores the control program 341 and various setting information 343 executed by the third processor 350. The auxiliary storage devices store the client management DB 345 and the device management DB 347.

[0081] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure for client-side DB345 management.

[0082] A record in the client management DB345 contains the client ID, key, access token, and refresh token issued to the service provider server 100.

[0083] The client ID is identification information used to identify the client; in this embodiment, it is information used to identify the service providing server 100. The client ID and key are authentication information used for OAuth authentication. The access token is authentication information registered for each web service and associated with the client ID; it is also permission information indicating access rights to the printing server 300. The refresh token is authentication information used to obtain the access token again.

[0084] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the device management DB347.

[0085] A record in device management DB347 contains an email address and a device ID. The device ID is a fixed identification information that identifies the device 500, i.e., the multifunction printer 500, installed in user's home 5. The email address is also identification information that identifies the device 500, i.e., the multifunction printer 500, installed in user's home 5, and is identification information that can be changed by the user.

[0086] The third processor 350 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with a CPU, MPU, and other processors. The third processor 350 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the third processor 350 can also be composed of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that integrates some or all of the third storage unit 340 with other circuitry. Additionally, the third processor 350 can be composed of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. Alternatively, it can be configured with all the functions of the third processor 350 installed in hardware, or it can be constructed using a programmable device.

[0087] As a functional module, the third processor 350 includes a communication control unit 351 and a conversion unit 353. The functional module represents the functions implemented by the control program 341 executed by the third processor 350 in a modular manner. The communication control unit 351 corresponds to both the transmitting and receiving units.

[0088] The communication control unit 351 controls the third communication unit 310 and communicates with the service provider server 100, the function expansion server 200, and the multifunction printer 500.

[0089] The conversion unit 353 converts the second content file received from the function extension server 200 into print data described by PDL (Page Description Language).

[0090] When the third control unit 330 receives an authentication request containing the client ID and key, it performs OAoutH authentication based on the received authentication request. Upon successful OAoutH authentication, the third control unit 330 sends a response containing the access token, refresh token, and device ID to the service provider server 100.

[0091] Furthermore, when the third control unit 330 receives an address registration request from the service provider server 100, it stores the address information contained in the received address registration request in the third storage unit 340. The address information includes first address information and second address information.

[0092] When the third control unit 330 receives the second content file from the function extension server 200, it converts the received second content file into printing data described by PDL. The third control unit 330 then sends the converted printing data to the multifunction printer 500 indicated by the device ID.

[0093] Furthermore, when the third control unit 330 receives scan data and the selected first address information from the multifunction printer 500, it uploads the received scan data and the first address information to the webpage provided by the function extension server 200, which is shown in the URL of the second address information.

[0094] 5. Structure of the composite machine

[0095] The multifunction printer 500 includes a multifunction printer communication unit 510, a printing unit 520, a scanning unit 530, and a multifunction printer control unit 550.

[0096] The multifunction printer communication unit 510, for example, includes a network card and performs wireless communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The multifunction printer communication unit 510 also performs wireless communication via Wi-Fi and connects to a wireless network constructed by a wireless router 3 with access point functionality. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0097] The printing unit 520 includes the following components: an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the printing medium and forms dots; a carriage that scans the inkjet head in the scanning direction; a carriage drive motor that drives the carriage; a transport unit that transports the printing medium; and an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the inkjet head. Under the control of the multifunction printer control unit 550, the printing unit 520 ejects ink from the nozzles of the inkjet head and forms dots on the printing surface of the transported printing medium, thereby performing printing on the printing medium.

[0098] For example, the scanning unit 530 illuminates a document placed on a document stage (not shown) with light emitted from a light source, reads the text and images recorded on the document, and outputs the image data obtained through reading to the multifunction printer control unit 550. The multifunction printer control unit 550 performs data processing such as RGB conversion and compression on the image data input from the scanning unit 530 to generate scan data. The scan data includes an image, i.e., a QR code, encoded with additional information. This scan data is equivalent to the first scan data.

[0099] The multifunction printer control unit 550 is a computer device that includes a multifunction printer storage unit 560 and a multifunction printer processor 570.

[0100] The storage unit 560 of the multifunction printer is equipped with volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as ROM.

[0101] RAM is used as the computing area of ​​the multifunction processor 570. ROM stores the control program 565 executed by the multifunction processor 570.

[0102] The multifunction processor 570 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with a CPU, MPU, and other processors. The multifunction processor 570 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the multifunction processor 570 can also be composed of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that integrates part or all of the multifunction storage unit 560 with other circuitry. Additionally, the multifunction processor 570 can be composed of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that performs predetermined arithmetic operations. Alternatively, the multifunction processor 570 can be configured with all its functions installed in hardware, or it can be constructed using a programmable device.

[0103] When the multifunction printer control unit 550 receives printing data from the printing server 300, it controls the printing unit 520 and prints an image based on the received printing data onto paper. The multifunction printer 500 outputs a content printout 50. A QR code 70 is printed on the content printout 50.

[0104] The user receives the printed content 50 and fills in the answers to the questions recorded in the printed content 50. After completing the answering of the printed content 50, the user touches the touch panel 540 to instruct the multifunction printer 500 to scan.

[0105] When scanning is instructed, the multifunction printer control unit 550 obtains an address list from the print server 300 and displays the obtained address list on the touch panel 540. Here, the address list displayed on the touch panel 540 is a list of first address information. In this list of first address information, for example, a URL corresponding to the first address information is displayed along with a display name indicating the destination. The display name may be, for example, the destination for sending solutions to English problems, or the destination for sending solutions to math problems.

[0106] The user refers to the display on the touch panel 540 to select the first address information that will become the destination for the answer.

[0107] For example, if the second content file is a math problem and the content printout 50 is a printed copy of the second content file, the first address information set as the upload destination for the solution to the math problem is selected. Similarly, if the second content file is an English problem and the content printout 50 is a printed copy of the second content file, the first address information set as the upload destination for the solution to the English problem is selected.

[0108] When the first address information is selected via touch operation on the touch panel 540, the multifunction printer control unit 550 controls the scanning unit 530 to start scanning. The multifunction printer control unit 550 then sends the scanned data generated by scanning to the print server 300.

[0109] When the third control unit 330 of the print server 300 receives scanned data from the multifunction printer 500, it uploads the received scanned data and the first address information selected by the user to the webpage displayed at the second address information. The webpage displayed at the second address information is a webpage provided by the function extension server 200.

[0110] 6. Operations of the information processing system

[0111] Next, the operation of information processing system 1 will be explained.

[0112] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram representing the actions of information processing system 1.

[0113] First, the first control unit 130 of the service provider server 100 sends an authentication request to the print server 300 (step S1). The authentication request includes the client ID, key, email address set in the multifunction printer 500, etc.

[0114] The third control unit 330 of the printing server 300 receives authentication requests and authenticates them. The third control unit 330 determines whether the received client ID and key are registered in the client management DB 345, and then authenticates the authentication request.

[0115] Upon successful authentication of the authentication request, the third control unit 330 issues an access token and a refresh token, and registers the issued access token and refresh token in the client management DB345. Furthermore, the third control unit 330 retrieves the device ID corresponding to the email address by referring to the device management DB347. The third control unit 330 then sends a response containing the issued access token and refresh token, and the retrieved device ID, to the service provider server 100 (step S2).

[0116] Next, the first control unit 130 of the service provider server 100 sends a registration request containing the access token received in step S2, as well as the device ID and address information, to the printing server 300 (step S3). This address information includes first address information and second address information. The third control unit 330 receives the registration request and stores the first and second address information contained in the registration request in the third storage unit 340. Furthermore, the third control unit 330 sends a response indicating that the registration request was successful to the service provider server 100 (step S4).

[0117] Next, the first control unit 130 generates a task creation request and sends the generated task creation request to the printing server 300 (step S5). This task creation request includes the access token received in step S2, the device ID, and printing settings. The printing settings are the printing settings for the content printed by the multifunction printer 500, such as settings for color or black and white, double-sided printing, paper size, etc.

[0118] The third control unit 330 generates a response to the received task creation request and sends the generated response to the service provider server 100 (step S6). The response includes a task ID that identifies the task and an upload URL.

[0119] Next, the first control unit 130 sends an upload request to the function extension server 200 (step S7). The upload request includes the upload URL, the file retrieval URL, and additional information.

[0120] When the second control unit 230 of the function extension server 200 receives an upload request, it accesses the file URL contained in the received upload request to obtain the URL (step S8). Then, the second control unit 230 downloads the first content file from the accessed file URL and obtains the first content file (step S9).

[0121] Upon obtaining the first content file, the second control unit 230 acquires the additional information contained in the upload request received from the service provider server 100 in step S7. The second control unit 230 generates a QR code containing the acquired additional information (step S10). The second control unit 230 pastes the generated QR code into the first content file, thereby generating a second content file (step S11). The second control unit 230 accesses the webpage of the printing server 300 shown in the upload URL and uploads the second content file (step S12).

[0122] Next, the first control unit 130 sends a printing request to the printing server 300 (step S13). The printing request includes an access token, device ID, task ID, etc.

[0123] When the third control unit 330 of the print server 300 receives a print request from the service provider server 100, it converts the second content file into print data described by the PDL according to the print settings received in step S5 (step S14). The third control unit 330 then sends a print instruction containing the converted print data to the multifunction printer 500 corresponding to the device ID (step S15).

[0124] When the multifunction printer control unit 550 receives a printing instruction from the printing server 300, it executes the printing data contained in the received printing instruction (step S16) and sends an execution result notification indicating whether the printing execution was successful or failed to the printing server 300 (step S17).

[0125] The third control unit 330 of the printing server 300 associates the received execution result notification with the processing ID and stores it in the third storage unit 340, and sends it to the service provider server 100 (step S18).

[0126] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the actions of uploading scan data from the multifunction printer 500 to the service provider server 100.

[0127] Next, the process of scanning the printed material 50 containing the answers using the multifunction printer 500 and sending the generated scan data to the service provider server 100 will be explained.

[0128] When the printing data is printed by the multifunction printer 500 and the content printout 50 is output, the user reads the questions recorded on the content printout 50 and fills in the answers to the questions.

[0129] When the user has filled in the answers to all the questions, the printed content 50 with the answers is placed on the document table of the multifunction printer 500, and scanning is instructed by touch operation of the touch panel 540.

[0130] When the multifunction printer control unit 550 receives a scanning instruction (step S19), it sends a request to obtain an address list to the print server 300 (step S20). The third control unit 330 sends the address list corresponding to the multifunction printer 500 to the multifunction printer 500 (step S21). The multifunction printer control unit 550 displays the received address list on the touch panel 540 (step S22). Here, the address list displayed on the touch panel 540 is a list of first address information, displaying the addresses for each subject such as mathematics and English.

[0131] When the multifunction printer control unit 550 accepts the selection of address information via touch operation on the touch panel 540 (step S22), it causes the scanning unit 530 to scan the printed content 50 placed on the document tray. The multifunction printer control unit 550 uploads the scanned data generated to the printing server 300 (step S23).

[0132] The third control unit 330 of the print server 300 receives scan data from the multifunction printer 500. The third control unit 330 uploads the received scan data and the first address information to the webpage provided by the function extension server 200, which is shown in the URL of the second address information (step S24).

[0133] When the second control unit 230 of the function extension server 200 receives scan data from the printing server 300, it retrieves the scan data from the received scan data. The second control unit 230 reads the QR code of the retrieved scan data and decodes the read QR code to obtain additional information (step S25). Based on the obtained additional information, the second control unit 230 changes the data name of the scan data (step S26). The second control unit 230 changes the data name of the scan data to the obtained additional information. The second control unit 230 uploads the scan data with the changed data name to the webpage provided by the service providing server 100 shown in the URL of the first address information (step S27).

[0134] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the actions of the functional expansion server 200.

[0135] Reference Figure 9The flowchart shown illustrates the operation of the functional expansion server 200.

[0136] The second control unit 230 first determines whether an upload request has been received from the service provider server 100 (step T1).

[0137] When the second control unit 230 receives an upload request (step T1 / Yes), it obtains the file retrieval URL from the received upload request. The second control unit 230 accesses the webpage provided by the print server 300 shown in the obtained file retrieval URL and downloads the first content file (step T2).

[0138] Next, the second control unit 230 extracts the additional information contained in the upload request and converts the extracted additional information into a QR code (step T3). The second control unit 230 appends the converted QR code to the first content file obtained in step T2 to generate a second content file (step T4). The second control unit 230 obtains the upload URL from the upload request, accesses the webpage of the printing server 300 shown by the obtained upload URL, and uploads the second content file (step T5).

[0139] Furthermore, if the second control unit 230 receives scan data even when there is no upload request (step T1 / No) (step T6 / Yes), it extracts the scan data contained in the received scan data. The second control unit 230 reads the QR code contained in the extracted scan data and decodes the read QR code to obtain additional information (step T7).

[0140] Next, the second control unit 230 changes the data name of the scanned data based on the acquired additional information (step T8). The second control unit 230 accesses the website shown in the URL of the first address information and uploads the scanned data with the changed data name (step T9).

[0141] Furthermore, if the second control unit 230 does not receive scan data (step T6 / No), it returns to the judgment in step T1.

[0142] 7. Effects

[0143] As explained above, the function expansion server 200 of this embodiment includes a communication control unit 251 and an acquisition unit 253.

[0144] The communication control unit 251 receives scan data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information and address information representing the address of the scan data.

[0145] The acquisition unit 253 decodes the pattern image to obtain additional information.

[0146] The communication control unit 251 sends the scan data and additional information to the address shown in the address information.

[0147] Therefore, it is possible to decode the pattern image contained in the received scan data to obtain additional information, and send the scan data and additional information to the address indicated by the address information.

[0148] Therefore, it is possible to easily add functions that are not mounted on the printing server 300 without changing the structure of the printing server 300.

[0149] Address information is represented by a URL, and the scanned data and additional information are uploaded to the webpage shown at the URL.

[0150] Therefore, by uploading the scanned data and additional information to the webpage shown in the URL, it is possible to send it to the address shown in the address information.

[0151] The address information includes a first URL indicating the address if the additional information was successfully decoded, and a second URL indicating the address if the additional information was not decoded.

[0152] If the additional information is successfully decoded, the extended function server 200 uploads the scanned data and the additional information to the webpage shown at the first URL; if the additional information is not decoded, the scanned data is uploaded to the webpage shown at the second URL.

[0153] Therefore, it is possible to upload scanned data to different URLs whether the decoding of additional information is successful or not.

[0154] The extended functionality server 200 also includes a generation unit 255, which changes the data name of the scanned data to a data name corresponding to the additional information.

[0155] The communication control unit 251 sends the scan data with the changed file name to the address shown in the address information.

[0156] Therefore, scan data with a filename changed to match the additional information can be sent to the address shown in the address information. Thus, additional information can be referenced by referring to the filename.

[0157] If the decoding of additional information fails, the generation unit 255 changes the filename of the scan data to include a predetermined string.

[0158] Therefore, if the filename contains a predefined string, the user can be made aware that the decoding of the additional information has failed.

[0159] The scanned data refers to the data obtained from scanning printed materials containing the textbook content.

[0160] The additional information includes at least one of a first identification information for identifying the person answering the questions about the textbook content and a second identification information for identifying the textbook content.

[0161] Therefore, by referring to the additional information, it is possible to determine the person who answered the question about the scanned data and the content of the teaching materials.

[0162] The URL representing address information is set with different values ​​for each first identification information.

[0163] This allows the scanned data to be uploaded to a different URL for each respondent.

[0164] A pattern image is an image of a QR code that encodes additional information.

[0165] Therefore, compared to the case where the pattern image is a one-dimensional code that encodes additional information, the amount of additional information in the scanned data can be increased.

[0166] The above-described embodiments are merely one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

[0167] For example, multiple URLs can be set as the first address information contained in the scanned data. For example, a first URL and a second URL can be set as the first address information.

[0168] The first URL represents the URL of the upload destination for the scanned data after the function extension server 200 successfully reads the QR code and obtains the additional information.

[0169] The second URL represents the URL of the upload destination for scanned data in the event that the function extension server 200 fails to read the QR code and fails to obtain additional information.

[0170] Furthermore, the extended functionality server 200 can also change the filename of the scanned data to a filename containing a predetermined string if reading the QR code fails and additional information cannot be obtained. This predetermined string only needs to be pre-set; for example, it could be "ERROR" or a repetition of a single character.

[0171] also, Figure 2The structure of the service provider server 100, the function expansion server 200, the printing server 300, and the multifunction printer 500 shown is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is to say, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately; of course, it is also possible to configure the structure so that the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, some of the functions implemented by software can also be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can also be implemented by software.

[0172] Furthermore, for example, in order to facilitate the understanding of the operation of each device in information processing system 1, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The sequence diagram shows the action steps as units divided according to the main processing content. This invention is not limited to the method and name of the step unit division. It is also possible to divide the process into more step units based on the processing content. Furthermore, a single step unit can be divided to include more processing methods. Moreover, the order of these steps can be appropriately replaced without affecting the spirit of the invention. Regarding the representation... Figure 9 The flowchart for the operation of the functional extension server 200 shown is the same.

[0173] Furthermore, when using the computer included in the function expansion server 200 to implement the control method for the function expansion device, it can be configured as a recording medium that records the program executed by the computer or a transmission medium that transmits the program. Regarding the recording medium, magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices can be used. Specifically, portable or fixed recording media such as floppy disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media can be used. Furthermore, the aforementioned recording media can also be non-volatile storage devices such as RAM, ROM, and HDDs, which are internal storage devices included in the server device. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

[0174] Symbol Explanation

[0175] 1…Information processing system; 3…Wireless router; 5…User's home; 10…Network; 50…Content printout; 70…QR code; 100…Service provider server; 110…First communication unit; 130…First control unit; 140…First storage unit; 141…Control program; 143…Settings information; 145…Content management database; 147…User management database; 150…First processor; 200…Function expansion server; 210…Second communication unit; 230…Second control unit; 240…Second storage unit; 241…Control program; 243…Settings information; 250…Second storage unit Processor; 251…Communication control unit; 253…Acquisition unit; 255…Generation unit; 300…Print server; 310…Third communication unit; 330…Third control unit; 340…Third storage unit; 341…Control program; 343…Setting information; 345…Client management database; 347…Device management database; 350…Third processor; 500…Multifunction printer; 510…Multifunction printer communication unit; 520…Printing unit; 530…Scanning unit; 540…Touch panel; 550…Multifunction printer control unit; 560…Multifunction printer storage unit; 565…Control program; 570…Multifunction printer processor.

Claims

1. A function expansion device connected to a printing control device that enables the device to perform printing. The functional expansion device includes: The receiving unit receives from the printing control device first scan data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information and address information representing the address of the first scan data; The acquisition unit decodes the pattern image to obtain the additional information; The transmitting unit sends the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information. The address information includes a first URL indicating the address if the additional information was successfully decoded and a second URL indicating the address if the additional information was decoded unsuccessfully. If the additional information is successfully decoded, the extended functionality device uploads the first scan data and the additional information to the webpage displayed at the first URL. If decoding of the additional information fails, the first scan data will be uploaded to the webpage shown at the second URL.

2. The functional expansion device as described in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a generation unit that changes the data name of the first scan data to a data name corresponding to the additional information, thereby generating second scan data. The process of sending the first scan data and the additional information to the address shown in the address information includes the process of sending the second scan data to the address shown in the address information.

3. The functional expansion device as described in claim 2, wherein, The process of changing the data name of the first scan data to a data name corresponding to the additional information includes, in the event that the decoding of the additional information fails, changing the data name of the first scan data to include a predetermined string.

4. The functional expansion device as described in claim 1, wherein, The first scan data is data from scanning printed materials containing the textbook content. The additional information includes at least one of a first identification information for identifying the person answering the questions about the textbook content and a second identification information for identifying the textbook content.

5. The functional expansion device as described in claim 4, wherein, The URL representing the address information has a different value for each of the first identification information.

6. The functional expansion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The pattern image is a QR code image encoded with the additional information.

7. An information processing system comprising an information processing device and a function expansion device, The information processing device includes: The receiving unit receives first scan data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information; The transmitting unit sends the first scan data and address information representing the address of the first scan data to the function expansion device. The functional expansion device includes: The receiving unit receives the first scan data and the address information; The acquisition unit decodes the pattern image attached to the first scan data to obtain the additional information; The transmitting unit sends the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information. The address information includes a first URL indicating the address if the additional information was successfully decoded and a second URL indicating the address if the additional information was decoded unsuccessfully. If the additional information is successfully decoded, the extended functionality device uploads the first scan data and the additional information to the webpage displayed at the first URL. If decoding of the additional information fails, the first scan data will be uploaded to the webpage shown at the second URL.

8. A control method for a functional expansion device, which performs the following processing: Receive first scan data containing a pattern image encoded with additional information and address information representing the address of the first scan data; The additional information is obtained by decoding the pattern image; Send the first scan data and the additional information to the address indicated by the address information. The address information includes a first URL indicating the address if the additional information was successfully decoded and a second URL indicating the address if the additional information was decoded unsuccessfully. If the additional information is successfully decoded, the first scan data and the additional information are uploaded to the webpage shown at the first URL. If decoding of the additional information fails, the first scan data will be uploaded to the webpage shown at the second URL.

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