Information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that, in, for example, a system in which a plurality of users share files, suitably supports the users in searching for a desired print target file.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus manages print target files that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network. In response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices, the present information processing apparatus lists one or more print target files and displays the files on the device that has made the request on the basis of a first condition included in the request. The first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation in the device that has made the request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of business chat and Web conferences in business is on the rise. Accordingly, files are often shared with other users by attaching them to messages and sending them, or by uploading files used in Web conferences to cloud storage. Patent Document 1 proposes a mechanism for issuing a print instruction from a screen provided by a service that provides a business chat function or Web conference function for a file that can be referenced by multiple users via the service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-124791 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. For example, when printing a file uploaded using a chat function, the user needs to look back at the chat screen to find the message to which the file is attached. Therefore, when a file is shared by multiple users using a communication tool such as a chat function or a Web conference function, the user has to take the time to select the file to be printed. Therefore, it is conceivable to display a list of files so that the user can easily select the file to be printed, and have the user select the file to be printed. However, if only one file listing method is supported, it may be difficult for some users to search for the desired file. For example, if only "recently used files" is provided as a listing method, a situation may occur in which the user cannot find the file he or she wants to print and cannot select it as the file to be printed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for favorably assisting a user in searching for a desired file to be printed in a system in which a plurality of users share files. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is characterized in that, for example, an information processing device comprises a management means for managing files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network, and a list display means for, in response to a request from any of the plurality of devices, listing one or more of the files to be printed based on a first condition included in the request and displaying the listing on the device that made the request, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by user operation on the device that made the request. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of users share files, it is possible to preferably assist a user in searching for a desired file to be printed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer and a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen of a business chat service according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a file information database according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of a Web server 302 according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first display mode of a business chat service screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second display mode of a business chat service screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart in which a filtering process is added to a second display mode of a business chat service screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a business chat service screen in a second display mode according to an embodiment, in which a filtering item is added. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the information processing system includes computers 100a to 100c and printers 200a to 200c. In Fig. 1, the information processing system also includes a business chat service 301, a web server 302, a cloud storage 303, an authentication service 304, a cloud print service 305, and networks NWa to NWc.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a case where computers 100a-100c that create documents and images to be printed and printer 200c are connected to a network NWa in an office A. Note that the computers 100a-100c and printer 200c may be connected to each other via a plurality of networks so that they can communicate with each other. Also, printer 200c may be connected to computers 100a-100c via a Universal Serial Bus (USB). Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in this information processing system, a business chat service 301, a Web server 302, a cloud storage 303, an authentication service 304, and a cloud print service 305 are connected to each other via a network NWb. Furthermore, printers 200a and 200b are connected to a network NWc that is different from the networks NWa and NWb. The computers 100a-100c are examples of information processing devices, and the printers 200a-200c are examples of image forming devices.

[0012] The computers 100a to 100c can communicate with a business chat service 301, a Web server 302, a cloud storage 303, an authentication service 304, and a cloud print service 305 via the networks NWa and NWb. The computers 100a to 100c can also communicate with the printers 200b to 200c via the networks NWa to NWc. The networks NWa to NWc may be small-scale or large-scale networks. For example, the networks NWa to NWc may be a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), or other networks. Furthermore, as long as each device can communicate with other devices, the configuration of the network (the number and size of the networks, etc.) is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Each device may be capable of communicating via the Internet. Furthermore, an information processing system may be constructed using a cloud. The communication method is not limited, and for example, communication in a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard may be used. Also, communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or a mobile phone line conforming to the IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunication-2000) standard may be used. Furthermore, the connection form of devices using USB may be a form in which the devices are directly connected to each other, or a form in which the devices are connected via a relay such as a USB hub or a switchboard.

[0013] Also, there is no intention to limit the number of the computers 100a to 100c and the number of the printers 200a to 200c. In this embodiment, the computers 100a to 100c are illustrated as having the same configuration. However, the computers 100a to 100c may not have the same configuration. In the following description, when the computer may be any of the computers 100a to 100c, the computers 100a to 100c are referred to as the computer 100 as necessary. Similarly, in this embodiment, the printers 200a to 200c are illustrated as having the same configuration. However, the printers 200a to 200c may not have the same configuration. In the following description, when the printer may be any of the printers 200a to 200c, the printers 200a to 200c are referred to as the printer 200 as necessary. In addition, when the network may be any of the networks NWa to NWc, the networks NWa to NWc are referred to as the network NW as necessary.

[0014] <Hardware configuration of the device> Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 100 and the printer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The hardware configurations of the business chat service 301, the Web server 302, the cloud storage 303, the authentication service 304, and the cloud print service 305 can also be realized, for example, in the same configuration as the computer 100 described below. Therefore, detailed description of the hardware configurations of the business chat service 301, the Web server 302, the cloud storage 303, the authentication service 304, and the cloud print service 305 will be omitted here. However, the hardware configurations of the business chat service 301, the Web server 302, the cloud storage 303, the authentication service 304, and the cloud print service 305 may be mutually different. Furthermore, the function of at least one of the business chat service 301, the Web server 302, the cloud storage 303, the authentication service 304, and the cloud print service 305 may be realized by combining multiple devices. Furthermore, the functions of at least two of the business chat service 301, the web server 302, the cloud storage 303, the authentication service 304, and the cloud print service 305 may be realized by one device.

[0015] First, a configuration example of a computer 100, which is an example of an information processing device, will be described. The computer 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a main storage device 102, and an auxiliary storage device 105. The main storage device 102 includes a read only memory (ROM) 1021 and a random access memory (RAM) 1022. The CPU 101 controls the entire computer 100 according to a program stored in the main storage device 102 or the auxiliary storage device 105. The RAM 1022 is also used as a work area when the CPU 101 performs each process. The computer 100 may include a processor other than the CPU (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU)). The auxiliary storage device 105 stores various programs such as a plug-in (application) 1051 and an operating system (OS) 1054. The auxiliary storage device 105 is realized by using, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SDD).

[0016] The computer 100 has an input I / F (Interface) 103, a keyboard 1031, and a pointing device 1032. The pointing device 1032 has, for example, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc. The keyboard 1031 and the pointing device 1032 are examples of input devices that allow a user to perform input operations on the computer 100. The input devices may include devices other than the keyboard 1031 and the pointing device 1032. The input devices such as the keyboard 1031 and the pointing device 1032 are connected to the computer 100 via the input I / F 103. The computer 100 accepts operations on programs by a user via these input devices.

[0017] The computer 100 has an output I / F 104 and a monitor 1041. An output device such as the monitor 1041 is connected to the output I / F 104. The computer 100 displays various information on the monitor 1041 according to instructions from a program. The computer 100 is capable of displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the monitor 1041. Note that in FIG. 2, the pointing device 1032 and the monitor 1041 are depicted by being separated according to their roles. However, there are terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals in which the pointing device 1032 and the monitor 1041 are integrated. In such terminals, the pointing device 1032 and the monitor 1041 may be integrated.

[0018] The computer 100 has a communication I / F 106. The communication I / F 106 is connected to a network NW. The computer 100 can communicate with an external device via the communication I / F 106. Each module of the CPU 101, the main memory device 102, the input I / F 103, the output I / F 104, the auxiliary memory device 105, and the communication I / F 106 can exchange data via a system bus 107.

[0019] The application 1051 and the OS 1054 include programs for executing the processes described in this embodiment. The application 1051 and the OS 1054 may be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via a storage medium (not shown, for example, a CD-ROM or a USB memory). The application 1051 and the OS 1054 may also be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via a network NW.

[0020] Next, a hardware configuration example of the printer 200, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, will be described. Here, a case where the printer 200 is a multifunction device will be exemplified. However, the printer 200 is not limited to a multifunction device. For example, the printer 200 may be a printer that does not have a scanner function.

[0021] The printer 200 includes a CPU 201, a main memory device 202, and an auxiliary memory device 203. The main memory device 202 includes a ROM 2021 and a RAM 2022. The CPU 101 controls the entire printer 200 in accordance with a program stored in the main memory device 202 or the auxiliary memory device 203. The RAM 1022 is also used as a work area when the CPU 201 performs each process. The printer 200 may include a processor other than a CPU (e.g., a GPU). The auxiliary memory device 203 stores various data such as print data and scanned images. The auxiliary memory device 203 can be realized by using, for example, an HDD or an SSD.

[0022] The printer 200 includes a printer I / F 204, a printing unit 205, a scanner I / F 206, a scanning unit 207, an operation unit I / F 208, an operation unit 209, and a communication I / F 210. The printing unit 205 is connected to the printer I / F 204. The printing unit 205 executes printing processing based on print data received from an external device (e.g., the computer 100) and a scanned image generated by the scanning unit 207. The scanning unit 207 is connected to the scanner I / F 206. The scanning unit 207 optically reads an original document and generates a scanned image. The scanned image generated by the scanning unit 207 is printed by the printing unit 205 or stored in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0023] An operation unit 209 is connected to the operation unit I / F 208. The operation unit 209 has, for example, a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display unit) having a touch panel function and a keyboard. The operation unit 209 displays various operation screens. A user inputs instructions and information to the printer 200 via the operation unit 209. The operation unit 209 accepts the instructions and information input by the user. The communication I / F 210 is connected to a network NW. The printer 200 can communicate with an external device via the communication I / F 210. Each module of the CPU 201, the main memory device 202, the auxiliary memory device 203, the printer I / F 204, the scanner I / F 206, the operation unit I / F 208, and the communication I / F 210 can exchange data via a system bus 211.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the device is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration as long as the functions of the information processing system described in this embodiment are executed. For example, the information processing system of this embodiment may be a single device, a system consisting of multiple devices, or a system in which processing is performed by connecting via a local network.

[0025] <Functional configuration> Next, an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the main functions will be illustrated assuming that printing is performed by the printer 200 using a "plug-in" managed by the business chat service 301. A "plug-in" refers to a module that adds and extends another function to an application. In this embodiment, it refers to a module (print plug-in 3017) that extends the printing function to the business chat service 301.

[0026] A user operates his / her own computer 100 to access the business chat service 301. The business chat service 301, for example, provides chat between users, Web conferences, and file management. Note that this embodiment is premised on the premise that a print plug-in 3017 provides a print function for files managed by the business chat service 301. The service provided by the business chat service 301 may be executed on a Web browser as a Web plug-in, or may operate on the application 1051.

[0027] Here, referring to FIG. 4, a screen displayed to a user in the business chat service 301 will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen 400 of the business chat service 301. The screen 400 shows, for example, a screen displayed when a user chats with another user, displayed on the monitor 1041 of the computer 100. The part representing various functions present on the left edge of the screen is called a function arrangement area 401, and functions can be called from the business chat service 301. For example, when the print plug-in 3017 is installed and incorporated into the business chat service 301, a button 402 for starting the print plug-in 3017 can be displayed in the function arrangement area 401 as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which a unique screen is displayed in the content area 403 by the user operating the button 402 for starting the print plug-in 3017 in the function arrangement area 401, and the user performs an operation to print using the screen. In this embodiment, it is assumed that when the button 402 for starting the print plug-in 3017 is operated, the content area 403 is updated and switched to a screen for selecting a file to be printed as shown in FIG. 7. However, the screen for selecting a file to be printed may be opened in a window separate from the window before transitioning to that screen.

[0028] (Business chat service functional configuration) Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the functional configuration of the business chat service 301 will be explained. The business chat service 301 includes a user information management unit 3011, a group information management unit 3012, an authentication processing unit 3013, a plug-in management unit 3014, a storage unit 3015, and a plug-in group 3016. Web services by a web server 302, a cloud storage 303, and the like that cooperate with the business chat service 301 may be performed using functions built into the business chat service 301, or may be performed in cooperation with a completely different external service. The user information management unit 3011 is a module that manages information on users who use the business chat service 301. The user information includes, for example, information on chats conducted by the user, information on plug-ins that the user can use, information on groups to which the user belongs, and information on files that the user can access.

[0029] The group information management unit 3012 is a module that manages information about chats held within a group and files owned by a group, which is a gathering of arbitrary users. The group information management unit 3012 also manages data associated with the group, such as notes and recording data for meetings held by the group.

[0030] The authentication processing unit 3013 is a module that cooperates with the authentication service 304 to perform processing related to authentication of a user who uses the business chat service 301. For example, when a user accesses the business chat service 301, the authentication processing unit 3013 performs processing for displaying a login screen that accepts input of user identification information such as a user ID and a password on the user's monitor 1041. Furthermore, after transmitting information input via the login screen to the authentication service 304, the authentication processing unit 3013 receives a result of authentication based on the information from the authentication service 304 and performs processing for switching the user's screen, etc.

[0031] The plugin management unit 3014 is a module that manages information about plugins that can be used in the business chat service 301. The plugin management unit 3014 manages plugins corresponding to each user and each group for each user and for each group. For example, the plugin management unit 3014 manages both plugins owned by the user and plugins owned by the group to which the user belongs, and plugins that are permitted for use by users in the group.

[0032] The storage unit 3015 is used to store various information such as user information, group information, and conference information. The plug-in group 3016 is a plug-in module group used by the business chat service 301. The plug-ins here include various plug-ins, including those that perform basic functions such as a call function, a chat function, a conference function, and a file management function. For example, the plug-in may be a plug-in that edits documents or spreadsheet data, or a plug-in that performs access and management functions for cloud storage. The plug-in may also be a plug-in that has a function as a viewer for playing files in a format dependent on a specific business such as CAD, or a multimedia message that includes a video. The plug-in may also be a plug-in that has a function for creating an individual to-do list, or a plug-in that has a function for task management that creates, assigns, and tracks individual tasks and tasks shared by a team. The plug-in may also be any other plug-in. In this embodiment, of these functions, a print plug-in 3017 that allows the computer 100 and the business chat service 301 to communicate with an external Web server 302 and print through a cloud print service 305 will be described.

[0033] Furthermore, the plug-in used to execute the function may be a plug-in located in a store managed by the business chat service 301, or a plug-in that executes the function of a service compatible with the business chat service 301. Furthermore, the plug-in used to execute the function may be a plug-in that is shared among individuals or teams by a user uploading it locally. Furthermore, the module of the plug-in group 3016 defines the access destination to the web server 302, and the business chat service 301 is configured to access the defined destination when the plug-in is activated.

[0034] (Web server functional configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example of the functional configuration of the Web server 302. The Web server 302 includes a Web page generation unit 3021, a process execution unit 3022, an agent processing unit 3023, and a storage unit 3024. The Web server 302 cooperates with a print plug-in 3017 to provide a function for supporting printing of files (e.g., document files and image files) exchanged via the business chat service 301.

[0035] Web page generation unit 3021 is a module that generates screen information related to printing to be displayed by print plug-in 3017, and provides it to business chat service 301. Here, an example is shown in which Web page generation unit 3021 generates data that can be displayed in HTML, and provides it to business chat service 301. Process execution unit 3022 is a module that controls programs that operate as JavaScript or servlets on Web server 302. For example, process execution unit 3022 executes processing in response to a request from a Web page of business chat service 301.

[0036] The proxy processing unit 3023 is a module that performs processing on behalf of a user by obtaining permission (authorization or consent) from the user. For example, the proxy processing unit 3023 accesses files managed by the user and accesses areas of external Web services that can only be referenced by the user. The storage unit 3024 is a module that manages storage and databases that hold information related to print jobs. Information related to print jobs includes, for example, data on Web pages handled by the Web server 302, information on the display and settings of each user, data on files to be printed that are temporarily handled by the Web server 302, print setting information, and the like.

[0037] (Cloud storage functional configuration) Next, an example of the functional configuration of cloud storage 303 will be described. Cloud storage 303 includes a storage account management unit 3031, an access information management unit 3032, and a storage unit 3033. Cloud storage 303 provides a service for storing the main body of files and image data uploaded via business chat service 301. In this embodiment, the business chat service 301 and cloud storage 303 are managed by the same account, and an example is shown in which authentication processing is performed for both services using authentication service 304.

[0038] The storage account management unit 3031 is a module that cooperates with the authentication service 304 to perform processes related to authentication of a user when the user accesses the cloud storage 303. If the cloud storage 303 account and the business chat service 301 account are the same, access rights may be acquired collectively by logging in to a specific domain or directory service in advance. The access information management unit 3032 is a module that manages information on files uploaded to the business chat service 301 and cloud storage 303.

[0039] Here, an example of file information managed by the access information management unit 3032 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The access information management unit 3032 includes, as file information, a file name, a file path, a user ID / group ID that is permitted to access, the most recent access date and time, and information on the creator of the file. The "file name" is the file name of the file stored in the cloud storage 303. The "file path" is the location of the file and is information for accessing it. The "user ID / group ID that is permitted to access" is information for identifying a user that is permitted to access the file. The information may be set by the user for each file, or may be automatically set according to the location where the file is uploaded. In this setting, for example, multiple settings may be made for one file, for each file owner, or for each group to which the file owner belongs. In addition, in this setting, information may be set to specify how many levels the same read / write authority should be extended to when the folder is the target. The file storage 3033 is an area for storing the file body.

[0040] (Authentication service functional configuration) Returning to the description of FIG. 3, an example of the configuration of the authentication service 304 will be described. The authentication service 304 includes an authentication processing unit 3041 and an authentication information management unit 3042. The authentication service 304 provides a service that performs authentication processing for users who use the business chat service 301 and the cloud storage 303. The authentication service 304 authenticates users who access the business chat service 301, the cloud storage 303, and the cloud print service 305, and authorizes each service with that authority. In this way, it is possible to smoothly link the services. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed here that a common authentication service is basically used for each service. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and for example, a different type of authentication service 304 may be switched for each service to authenticate a user for each service. The authentication processing unit 3041 is a module that performs user authentication. The authentication method is not limited, and any authentication method may be used. For example, the authentication processing unit 3041 may perform user authentication using at least one of authentication methods including authentication using an ID and a password, face authentication, fingerprint authentication, and pattern authentication. The authentication information management unit 3042 is a module that manages information related to user authentication. For example, the authentication information management unit 3042 manages the user's affiliation (for example, the organization or group to which the user belongs). The authentication information management unit 3042 also manages the authority given to the user and assigns the user appropriate access rights to files and storage corresponding to the authority. The authentication information management unit 3042 may also manage license information purchased by the user and assign the user usage rights based on the license information. For example, the authentication information management unit 3042 may assign the user usage rights to software, plug-ins, and services based on the grade information of the subscription purchased by the user.

[0041] (Functional configuration of cloud print service) Next, an example of the configuration of the cloud print service 305 will be described. The cloud print service 305 includes a printer management unit 3051, an account management unit 3052, and a print processing unit 3053. The cloud print service 305 provides a service of receiving files and image data from the computer 100, the Web server 302, etc., generating print data based on the received files and image data, and transmitting the print data to the printer 200. The cloud print service 305 may also receive print data generated by the computer 100, a Web browser, etc., and transmit the print data to the printer 200.

[0042] The printer management unit 3051 is a module that manages information on the printer 200 and performs a process of transmitting the information in response to a request from a user or a group. For example, the printer management unit 3051 performs a process of transmitting a list of the printers 200 according to the scope managed by the user or group in response to a request from the user or group. The printer management unit 3051 also manages the capability information of the printer 200 (for example, information on whether double-sided printing or color printing is possible), text information (for example, information such as an explanation or supplement by the administrator), and location data (for example, GPS positioning information and address information). The printer management unit 3051 also performs a process of transmitting the information in response to a request from a user or a group. The information on the printer 200 managed by the printer management unit 3051 may be obtained from the printer 200 or may be updated by being manually edited by the user.

[0043] The account management unit 3052 is a module that manages accounts for the printer 200. For example, the account management unit 3052 manages information indicating the administrator of the printer 200 (e.g., which user or which group manages the printer). The account management unit 3052 also manages information indicating the sharers of the printer 200 (e.g., which user or which group shares the printer 200).

[0044] The print processing unit 3053 is a module that performs processes necessary for printing by the printer 200. For example, the print processing unit 3053 manages print settings and converts data for each service, and also converts data into print data, such as rendering files, as necessary.

[0045] <Printing process> Next, with reference to Fig. 6, a processing procedure in the information processing system when printing is performed using the print plug-in 3017 according to this embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized by the CPU of the Web server 302, which is an information processing device, reading a program stored in a ROM or auxiliary storage device into the RAM and executing it. First, in order to start the print plug-in 3017, the user operates the button 402 for starting the print plug-in 3017 on the screen 400 of the business chat service 301 shown in Fig. 4. Then, the print plug-in 3017 is started, and the processing of the Web server 302 is started.

[0046] In S601, the Web server 302 performs authentication for the business chat service 301 via the authentication service 304, and receives the authentication result for the business chat service 301. Specifically, the Web server 302 receives user information (e.g., a user ID and a password) of a user who is logged in to the business chat service 301 from the business chat service 301. The Web server 302 transmits the user information received from the business chat service 301 to the authentication service 304, and acquires an access token for the user. The access token is used, for example, to acquire information on files to be printed from the cloud storage 303, or to acquire a file specified by the user.

[0047] Next, in S602, the Web server 302 initializes the business chat service 301. The Web server 302 initializes the environment for the business chat service 301 and prepares to access resources. The environment for the business chat service 301 may be initialized on a Web page delivered from the Web server 302. For example, the Web server 302 acquires information such as a user name, a user ID, a group name and a group ID to which the user belongs, IDs of connected sessions and channels, information regarding login and authority, and locale information regarding regions and languages ​​required for displaying various information.

[0048] Next, in S603, Web server 302 obtains file information accessible by the user using business chat service 301 from cloud storage 303. Specifically, Web server 302 obtains a predetermined number of files accessible by the user who is logged in to business chat service 301. The file information obtained here is not particularly limited as long as it is a list of files accessible by the user.

[0049] In the following steps S604 to S608, the Web server 302 creates a list of files to be printed, targeting all or some of the files acquired in S603. First, in S604, the Web server 302 selects one file to be selected in this step from among the files acquired in S603. The files to be selected in S604 may be all of the files acquired in S603, or some of the files. The number of files to be selected is determined, for example, according to the number of files that can be included in the list displayed in the content area 403 shown in FIG. 4. If it is expected that noise (for example, files that are not to be displayed in the list of files to be printed) will be included in the files acquired in S603, it is desirable to select a number of files that is greater than the upper limit of the number that can be included in the list.

[0050] Note that there may be cases where there is an upper limit to the number of files that can be acquired at one time using the WebAPI or the like (for example, only 20 files can be acquired at one time), and an ID or link for acquiring subsequent data is provided at the end of the file acquisition results. In this case, the Web server 302 uses the ID or link to acquire files up to a predetermined number. At this time, the Web server 302 may acquire files using a separate thread in the background, separate from the list generation process.

[0051] Next, in S605, the Web server 302 determines whether or not the file selected in S604 satisfies the conditions for being included in the list displayed in the content area 403 of the screen 400 of the business chat service 301. A specific example of the determination of whether or not the file satisfies such conditions is shown below.

[0052] For example, the Web server 302 may determine whether the type of the file selected in S604 is a file type (file name extension or MIME type) supported by the business chat service 301. For example, the Web server 302 may determine whether the size of the file selected in S604 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the Web server 302 may determine that at least one of a file whose size exceeds an upper limit value and a file whose size is below a lower limit value is not a file to be printed. The Web server 302 may determine whether the file selected in S604 is a file that satisfies a predetermined condition that combines the file type and size. In this case, for example, a file size condition may be set for each file type (for example, the lower limit size for a text file may be smaller than the lower limit size for a PDF file). For example, the Web server 302 may determine whether the file selected in S604 is a printable file (for example, a file on which printing is restricted). The above are specific examples of the determination conditions in S605, but the determination conditions are not limited to these specific examples, and other alternative or additional determination conditions may be applied.

[0053] If the result of the determination in S605 is that the file selected in S604 does not satisfy the conditions for a file to be included in the list displayed in the content area 403 of the screen 400 of the business chat service 301, the process proceeds to S608. On the other hand, if the file selected in S604 satisfies the conditions for a file to be included in the list, the Web server 302 adds the file to the list in S606.

[0054] Next, in S607, the Web server 302 acquires information necessary for creating a list of the files selected in S604. For example, when creating a list as shown in the content area 403 in the screen 400 of the business chat service 301 shown in FIG. 4, the Web server 302 acquires information on the file name, type, update date and time, and storage location of the file selected in S604. However, the information necessary for creating a list of files to be printed is determined according to the information of the files to be displayed in the list. In other words, the information acquired in S607 is not limited to these pieces of information. For example, the information to be acquired in S607 may be the name or ID of a user or group, an overview of the file, and the name of the cloud storage where the file is located. In addition, when a thumbnail image or the like is included in the information of the file displayed in the list of files to be printed, the Web server 302 acquires the image necessary for display.

[0055] Next, in S608, the Web server 302 determines whether or not all files to be selected have been selected in S604. If the result of this determination is that all files to be selected have not been selected in S604, the process returns to S604. Therefore, the processes of S604 to S608 are repeated until it is determined in S608 that all files to be selected have been selected. When all files have been selected, the process proceeds to S609. In S609, the Web server 302 generates a file list to be displayed in the content area 403 of the screen 400 of the business chat service 301 based on the information acquired in S607.

[0056] In the following steps S610 to S612, the Web server 302 displays a UI in the content area 403 for the user to select a file to print. In this embodiment, two methods for displaying the generated file list, "in order of most recently used files" and "search by keyword", will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a screen displayed on the monitor 1041 of the computer 100 used by the user. Note that display methods other than those described here may also be applied. First, in S610, the Web server 302 displays a button 701 for "print from recently used file" and a button 702 for "print from searched file". The buttons 701 and 702 can be selected by a user operation.

[0057] The function of "Print from Recently Used File" is a function that lists files that satisfy a condition regarding the access time of the file. In other words, it is a method of displaying a file list in the order of the time (timing) when the file was last accessed. In this function, all files managed by the Web server 302 may be listed, or files accessed from a specified time in the past to the current time may be listed. Here, the users who have accessed the print candidate file included in the list displayed in the area 700 may be, for example, all users who participate in the chat using the business chat service 301. Alternatively, the users who have accessed the print candidate file included in the list displayed in the area 700 may be only users who satisfy a specific condition among users who participate in the chat using the business chat service 301. The users who satisfy the specific condition are, for example, users who are logged in to the business chat service 301. In addition, when participating in a chat in a group, the users who have accessed the print candidate file included in the list displayed in the area 700 may be users in the group.

[0058] The period during which the files to be printed included in the list displayed in area 700 were accessed may include the period during which business chat service 301 was being used. Furthermore, the period during which the files to be printed included in the list displayed in area 700 were accessed may include the period before use of business chat service 301 was started. The files to be printed included in the list displayed in area 700 may include, for example, files that are individually managed by each individual user, regardless of whether they are used when using business chat service 301. Note that it is preferable that the files to be printed included in the list displayed in area 700 are files managed in cloud storage 303.

[0059] In addition, in the list of files to be printed displayed in the area 700, the file information is displayed in the order of access time, so that the newer the access time (the closer to the current time) the file is placed at the top. The file information to be printed displayed in the area 700 includes information for the user to recognize the file. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the file information includes "Type", "Name", "Modified", and "Location". "Type" indicates the file format. "Name" indicates the file name. "Modified" is information on the date and time when the user who can access the file last accessed the file. "Modified" is the date and time when the file was last accessed, and therefore is a date and time regardless of whether the contents of the file have been changed. In this embodiment, "Modified" is the date and time when the file was accessed, but it may be the date and time when the file was updated. "Location" indicates the storage location of the file.

[0060] In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which files accessed by users participating in a chat using the business chat service 301 are extracted in order of most recent access time, and displayed in a list displayed in area 700. At this time, it is desirable to impose conditions on the files to be extracted. In this way, it is possible to prevent, for example, a number of files that cannot be displayed in the list from being extracted, or to prevent files that are not to be printed from being included in the list. Note that, although an example in which the most recent access time is displayed from the top of the list has been described here, the oldest access time may also be displayed from the top of the list. Also, an object such as a button for switching the list display to display in order of most recent or oldest may be displayed in an operable manner.

[0061] On the other hand, the "Print from searched file" function is a method of searching the file list generated in S619 using a keyword, and listing and displaying the results. Specifically, files that match the input keyword, including the file name and file content, are listed and displayed. Specifically, a keyword input UI such as that shown in 801 in FIG. 8 is prepared, and when the user inputs a string, the list generated in S619 is dynamically searched for files that match the keyword, and displayed in area 800. For example, if the user inputs the keyword "Read", only files that contain "Read" in the file name and content are listed.

[0062] In addition, the tabs (top of the list display) of "Type (file type)", "Name (file name)", "Modified (modification time)", and "Location (storage location)" which are file information may be displayed in an operable manner. In this case, when the user operates a specific tab, the display order of the list display may be switched in relation to the information. For example, when "Type" is selected, in addition to the current display order, the display order may be switched so that files of the same "Type" are displayed consecutively. When "Name" is selected, the files may be sorted in alphabetical order or in "a, i, u, e, o" order. When "Modified" is selected, the files may be sorted in order of modification time. When "Location" is selected, the files may be sorted so that files of the same "Location" are displayed consecutively. In this way, the display order of the list may be controlled so that the display order is based on a second condition (order of selected file information) which is a different condition in addition to the first condition (access time or searched file). In this way, according to this embodiment, the list may be displayed in a display order that satisfies one condition, or in a display order that satisfies a condition that combines multiple conditions.

[0063] In addition, in the list of files to be printed displayed in areas 700 and 800, check boxes that allow the user to select each file are displayed together with file information. In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which information indicating whether or not a file has been selected is displayed based on whether or not the check box is checked. For example, FIG. 7 shows a case in which "Test.pptx" has been selected as the file to be printed. Meanwhile, files other than "Test.pptx" have not been selected as the files to be printed. Although FIG. 7 shows a state in which one file has been selected, multiple files may be selected as the files to be printed.

[0064] Returning to the description of FIG. 6, the Web server 302 displays a button that allows switching between the two display methods (first condition) and proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, two options are described as the first condition, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and other alternative or additional options may be provided. For example, if importance is added as information on the file attributes, a condition according to the importance or the condition described as the second condition above may be applied as the first condition for creating a list. In S611, the Web server 302 determines whether the currently selected display method is "print from recently used file" or something else. If it is determined to be "print from recently used file", the process proceeds to S612, and if it is not, that is, if it is "print from searched file", the process proceeds to S614.

[0065] In S612, the Web server 302 displays the created list in the area 700 in the order of most recently used, and proceeds to the next step. In S613, the Web server 302 selects the most recently used file, that is, the file displayed at the top, as the file to be printed, and ends the process of this flowchart. This is because it is assumed that the user wants to print the most recently used file, and the most recently used file is displayed in a selected state as the file to be printed. For example, the "Modified" file displayed at the top when sorted in the order of most recently used as shown in FIG. 7 becomes "JustNow", which is represented as the file that was just opened. If it is assumed that the user operated the button 402 that starts the print plug-in 3017 at this timing, it can be assumed that the print plug-in 3017 was called to print the file that was just opened. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process is performed to set the most recently used file as the file to be printed. Then, the process proceeds to S616, where the display process in the area 700 of the Web server 302 ends.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in S611 that "print from searched file", in S614 the Web server 302 displays the file list generated in S609. In this case, the order of items displayed in the area 800 may be any order. This is because the area 800 is updated by inputting a keyword in the next step. Next, in S615, the Web server 302 displays a keyword input UI for the user to input, and ends the processing of this flowchart. For example, in FIG. 8, a file list is displayed when the keyword "Read" is input, but as the item "Modified" shown in file 803 is blank, it is a file that the user has never accessed. In that case, it is a file that will not be displayed in the display method of "print from recently used file" described above. Therefore, by providing the user with two display methods (only the first condition) as in this embodiment, it is possible to select a file that could not be selected as a print target by using another display method.

[0067] The above display method allows the user to find the file to be printed and appropriately select the file to be printed. After that, the user can select the file to be printed and operate the buttons 704 and 802 to print the file to the printer 200 via the connected cloud print service 305.

[0068] In this embodiment, the list generated in S619 is used in the above two display methods, and the list is displayed according to each display method. However, the list may be generated in "recently used file order" when the list is generated in S619. Alternatively, the file list may be generated after inquiring the access information management unit 3032 of the cloud storage about files containing the keyword entered by the user and acquiring the files.

[0069] As described above, the information processing device according to the present embodiment manages files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network. In addition, in response to a request from any of the plurality of devices, the information processing device displays a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that made the request based on a first condition included in the request. The first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation on the device that made the request. The plurality of conditions that can be selected as the first condition include a condition related to the access time to the file to be printed and a condition that the file contains a specified keyword. This allows the user to browse a list of a plurality of files managed by selecting a desired condition, and to easily find a desired file. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to preferably support the user in searching for a desired file to be printed.

[0070] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, when "Print from searched file" is selected, there are cases where the number of items to be displayed is too large to be displayed in the area 800 by searching by keyword alone. Therefore, in addition to the display method of the above embodiment, a display method that can obtain more accurate search results by filtering using groups may be provided.

[0071] A filtering process using groups according to a modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The process described below is realized by the CPU of the Web server 302, which is an information processing device, reading a program stored in a ROM or auxiliary storage device into a RAM and executing it. The processes from S600 to S615 are similar to those in the flowchart of Fig. 6 according to the above embodiment, so the same step numbers are used and the description will be omitted. After the process of S615, the process proceeds to S916.

[0072] In S916, the Web server 302 obtains a list of groups to which the user belongs from the group information management unit 3012. Next, in S917, the Web server 302 displays a pull-down UI from which the user can select a target group so that the user can filter the search targets, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows an example of a UI displayed in S917. A pull-down 1001 is a pull-down for selecting a specific group from among the groups in which the logged-in user participates. In the example of FIG. 10, "Project" is selected. By selecting a group in this pull-down 1001, the range of search for files whose file names contain the keyword entered in the keyword input UI is limited to only within the selected group. In other words, if "Project" is selected and "Read" is entered in the keyword input UI, files whose file names or file contents contain "Read" are searched for among files stored in association with the "Project" group. In this way, by narrowing the range of search targets, the time required for search can be reduced. In addition, when files with the same name are stored in association with multiple groups, the user can easily identify the desired file. This modified example allows for more accurate searches.

[0074] The disclosure of this specification includes the following information processing device, control method thereof, and program. (Item 1) An information processing device, a management means for managing files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display means for, in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices, displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that made the request, based on a first condition included in the request; Equipped with 2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation on a device that has made the request. (Item 2) The information processing device described in item 1, characterized in that the multiple conditions selectable as the first condition include at least a condition regarding the access time to the file to be printed and a condition that the file contains a specified keyword. (Item 3) 3. The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the list display means creates a list including files accessed from a specified time in the past to the current time when a condition related to the access time of the file to be printed is selected. (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 2, characterized in that when a condition regarding the access time of the file to be printed is selected, the list display means creates a list in which all managed files are arranged in the order in which they were accessed. (Item 5) The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that when a condition that a specified keyword is included in the file is selected, a list is created including files in which the specified keyword is included in the file name or file content. (Item 6) The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the request includes information about a group, the list display means creates a list based on the first condition within the scope of the files to be printed that are related to the group. (Item 7) The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the list display means provides a new list of one or more files to be printed to the device each time the first condition is selected in response to user operation on the device that made the request. (Item 8) The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that when the request includes a second condition different from the first condition in addition to the first condition, the list display means provides to the device that made the request a list in which one or more of the files to be printed listed under the first condition are further sorted according to the second condition. (Item 9) 9. The information processing device according to item 8, wherein the second condition corresponds to any of information contained in a file displayed on the device that made the request. (Item 10) 10. The information processing device of item 9, characterized in that the information contained in the file displayed on the device that made the request includes at least one of the file type, file name, file modification time, and file storage location. (Item 11) 11. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein when a print plug-in is activated via a chat service operating on the device that made the request, the information processing device starts processing. (Item 12) A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: a management step in which a management unit manages files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display step of displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that has made the request, based on a first condition included in the request, by a list display means in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices; Including, 2. A method for controlling an information processing device, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation in the device that has made the request. (Item 13) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: a management step in which a management unit manages files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display step of displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that has made the request, based on a first condition included in the request, by a list display means in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices; Including, The program, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation on the device that made the request.

[0075] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100a to 100c: computers, 200a to 200c: printers, 301: business chat service, 302: web server, 303: cloud storage, 304: authentication service, 305: cloud print service, 400: screen of business chat service 301, 401: function layout area

Claims

1. An information processing device, a management means for managing files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display means for displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that has made the request in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices, based on a first condition included in the request; Equipped with 2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation on the apparatus that has made the request.

2. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conditions selectable as the first condition include at least a condition related to an access time to the file to be printed and a condition that a specified keyword is included in the file.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said list display means creates a list including files accessed from a specified time in the past to the current time when a condition relating to an access time to the file to be printed is selected.

4. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said list display means creates a list in which all managed files are arranged in the order in which they were accessed when a condition relating to the access time of the file to be printed is selected.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the list display means, when a condition that a specified keyword is included in the file is selected, creates a list including files whose file names or file contents include the specified keyword.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the request includes information about a group, the list display means creates a list based on the first condition within the scope of the files to be printed that are related to the group.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the list display means provides a new list of one or more files to be printed to the device each time the first condition is selected in response to a user operation in the device that made the request.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that when the request includes a second condition different from the first condition in addition to the first condition, the list display means provides to the device that made the request a list in which one or more of the files to be printed listed according to the first condition are further sorted according to the second condition.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second condition corresponds to any information contained in a file displayed on the device that made the request.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information included in the file displayed on the device that made the request includes at least one of a file type, a file name, a modification time of the file, and a storage location of the file.

11. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus starts the process when a print plug-in is activated via a chat service that operates on the apparatus that has made the request.

12. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: a management step in which a management unit manages files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display step of displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that has made the request, based on a first condition included in the request, by a list display means in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices; Including, 2. A method for controlling an information processing device, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation in the device that has made the request.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: a management step in which a management unit manages files to be printed that can be accessed from a plurality of devices via a network; a list display step of displaying a list of one or more files to be printed on the device that has made the request, based on a first condition included in the request, by a list display means in response to a request from any one of the plurality of devices; Including, The program, wherein the first condition is a condition selected from a plurality of conditions by a user operation on the device that made the request.

14. 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of conditions selectable as the first condition include at least a condition related to an access time to the file to be printed and a condition that the file contains a specified keyword.

15. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the list display means, when a condition relating to the access time of the file to be printed is selected, creates a list including files accessed from a specified time in the past to the current time.

16. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the list display means, when a condition relating to the access time of the file to be printed is selected, creates a list in which all managed files are arranged in the order in which they were accessed.

17. The program according to claim 14, characterized in that the list display means, when a condition that a specified keyword is included in the file is selected, creates a list including files in which the specified keyword is included in the file name or file content.

18. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that when the request includes information about a group, the list display means creates a list based on the first condition within the range of the files to be printed that are related to the group.

19. The program according to claim 18, characterized in that the list display means provides a new list of one or more files to be printed to the device each time the first condition is selected in response to a user operation on the device that made the request.

20. The program described in claim 18, characterized in that when the request includes a second condition different from the first condition in addition to the first condition, the list display means provides to the device that made the request a list in which one or more of the files to be printed listed according to the first condition are further sorted according to the second condition.

21. 21. The program of claim 20, wherein the second condition corresponds to any information contained in a file displayed on the device that made the request.

22. 22. The program of claim 21, wherein the information contained in the file displayed on the device that made the request includes at least one of the file type, the file name, the modification time of the file, and the storage location of the file.

23. 20. The program according to claim 18, wherein the information processing device starts the process when a print plug-in is started via a chat service that runs on the device that has made the request.

Images