Computer program, information processing device, and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a novel mechanism for suitably providing print plug-in services corresponding to for example multiple printing methods.SOLUTION: A computer program allows a computer of an information processing device to acquire information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage and transmit and receive information regarding printing by communicating with a server for providing cloud print services. Further, a screen permitting utilization of a first function of performing printing through chatting with cloud print services and a second function of performing printing via a list of files to be printed is generated by using each acquired information and is provided to a client computer. The computer program executes printing using cloud print services following a print setting performed via the first function in the client computer. In the meantime, printing using cloud print services is executed following a print setting performed via the second function in the client computer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Representative examples of collaboration tools (hereinafter referred to as collaboration tools) include Microsoft Teams (registered trademark), Skype (registered trademark), and Slack (registered trademark). To share a file in a collaboration tool, the file owner first uploads the file on a shared server or locally to the system by attaching it to a chat and posting it. After that, other users can view, edit, and download the uploaded file by operating the UI displayed on the file list screen or chat screen.

[0003] For example, a plug-in having a printing function (hereinafter, referred to as a print plug-in service) can print the shared file via the cloud print service. A print bot that performs a predetermined operation according to an action by a user on a collaboration tool detects a print action by the user. The print action includes chat posts and file posts that suggest printing by the user, and icon operations of the print plug-in service displayed on the collaboration tool UI. When the print action is detected, the print bot submits a print job to a virtual queue of an image forming device that is registered in advance in a tenant of the cloud print service. After that, the image forming device obtains the print job from the virtual queue of the cloud print service and outputs it. Representative examples of cloud print services that cooperate with the print plug-in service include Microsoft Universal Print (registered trademark) and uniFLOW Online (registered trademark). Patent Document 1 proposes adding a print plug-in service to a collaboration tool, displaying an object for starting the print plug-in service on a chat screen or the like, and allowing the user to select a file to be printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-65860 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above conventional technology has the following problems. In the above conventional technology, by adding a print plug-in service to a collaboration tool, an icon or selection item for starting the print plug-in service is displayed at a predetermined position such as an ellipsis or tab attached to the chat. As a result, by the user selecting an icon or selection item, a print setting UI and a file list are displayed and the print flow can be started. However, since a print plug-in service is provided for each printing method, the user needs to add each print plug-in service and use them appropriately.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a novel mechanism for suitably providing a print plug-in service compatible with a plurality of printing methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is, for example, a computer program that causes a computer of an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage, a communication means for communicating with a server providing a cloud print service to send and receive information regarding printing, a provision means for generating a screen using the information acquired from the external storage and the server, which screen can be used to perform a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from a list of files to be printed and printing the file, and providing the screen to a client computer, a first execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the first function in the client computer, and a second execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the second function in the client computer. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel mechanism for preferably providing a print plug-in service that supports a plurality of printing methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of adding an application according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an adding sequence of a print plug-in service according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print plug-in service startup flow of a collaboration tool according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a definition file of a print plug-in service according to an embodiment; [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen with a print plug-in service according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a printing sequence in a one-to-one chat printing function according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a file list screen of a print plug-in service according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a printing sequence in a file list printing function according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of a print plug-in service according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, referring to FIG. 1, a simplified system configuration of a network 700 according to this embodiment will be described. A client computer 100 and a printer 200 are connected to the network 700, and are configured as the same intranet and are in a communicable state. In addition, a client computer 101 and a printer 201 are connected to a different intranet and are connected via the Internet. Note that the client computers 100 and 101 may be not only PCs but also smartphones or tablet terminals. A collaboration tool 300, a cloud storage 400, a cloud print service 500, and a print plug-in service 600 are further connected to the network 700.

[0012] The collaboration tool 300 is an application that runs on the client computers 100, 101 or an online conference service that is accessed from the client computers 100, 101 and runs on a Web browser. Account management is performed using a user ID and password, and users can access the collaboration tool 300 using this account. Online conferences via video calls and chats are possible, and even users who have not registered an account can temporarily use the tool by being invited.

[0013] Cloud storage 400 is a storage service (external storage) on the Internet that is constructed on a cloud (i.e., on a server system) that is a server system consisting of multiple servers. It is possible to connect to each intranet, and the cloud storage 400 can be accessed from client computers 100, 101 via the Internet using a cloud storage ID and password. Users can upload file data to cloud storage 400 and can also download file data from cloud storage 400. Uploaded file data can be shared with other users, and restrictions on viewing, editing, and downloading can be set for each user or group depending on the settings.

[0014] The cloud print service 500 is an internet cloud print service built on a cloud (i.e., on a server system) which is a server system consisting of multiple servers. In this embodiment, it is possible to connect to each intranet, and it is possible to connect to the client computer 100 and the printer 200, or the client computer 101 and the printer 201, via the internet. The cloud print service 500 manages accounts using IDs and passwords for the cloud print service, and users can access the cloud print service 500 using these accounts.

[0015] The print plug-in service 600 can cooperate with the cloud storage 400 and the cloud print service 500 online, and provides the print function to the collaboration tool 300. When the print plug-in service is installed on the collaboration tool 300 and completed, a UI related to the print plug-in service is added to the UI of the collaboration tool. According to this embodiment, by installing one print plug-in service (application program), two print methods can be supported. Specifically, a first function is included, which is a print method in which printing is performed through chat with the cloud print service 500 using information acquired from the cloud storage 400, a server, etc. In addition, a second function is included, which is a print method in which a file to be printed is selected from a list of files to be printed and printed. When a user operates a UI provided by a print plug-in service that provides these two functions, a processing command is sent to the print plug-in service 600. After that, the print plug-in service 600 that receives the command executes a print process via the cloud print service 500. At that time, chat information is acquired from the collaboration tool 300, and file information is acquired from the cloud storage.

[0016] Additionally, Web services such as cloud storage 400 and cloud print service 500 that work with collaboration tool 300 can issue authorization to access each service with one account using single sign-on technology. Note that here, an example is given in which authentication using single sign-on technology is basically used for each service. However, this is not necessarily required, and user authentication may be performed for each service.

[0017] <System hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration included in the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(A) shows the hardware configuration of a client computer 100. The client computer 100 includes a control unit 110, a network communication unit 113, a storage unit 114, a display unit 115, and an input unit 116. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111 and a memory 112, and controls the operation of the entire client computer 100. The CPU 111 loads a program stored in the storage unit 114 into the memory 112 and executes it. The memory 112 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111 and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for loading various programs. The network communication unit 113 is a device that communicates with an external server or an information communication terminal via an external network 700 to transmit and receive digital data. The storage unit 114 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD, and is capable of storing and rewriting digital data. The display unit 115 is a device for displaying visual information to a user in real time, such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 116 is a device for receiving input from a user, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, etc. Note that a device having both input and display functions, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0018] FIG. 2B shows the hardware configuration of the printer 200. The printer 200 includes a control unit 210, a network communication unit 213, a storage unit 214, a display unit 215, an input unit 216, and a printing unit 217. The control unit 210 and the storage unit 214 are the same as those in FIG. 2A, so detailed description will be omitted. The network communication unit 213 is a device that communicates with an external network 700, and mainly plays a role of receiving print data and transmitting the status of the printer 200, such as errors, to an external server. In addition, in the case of a cloud print-compatible printer, it also communicates with the cloud print service 500 to transmit registration information and receive jobs. The display unit 215 is a device for displaying information to a user in real time, such as a touch panel or LED provided on the printer 200. The input unit 216 is a device for receiving input from a user, and may include a touch panel or hard keys such as a numeric keypad. The printing unit 217 is a device that performs printing processing by carrying out a series of operations such as feeding, printing, and discharging paper prepared in a cassette or tray. The printing method is not particularly limited to electrophotographic or inkjet printing. The printing unit 217 also includes a duplex unit and a finishing device used when discharging paper. Note that in this embodiment, a multifunction printer (complex machine) that also has a scanner function and a fax function may be used.

[0019] FIG. 2C shows the hardware configuration of the collaboration tool 300. The collaboration tool 300 includes a control unit 310, a network communication unit 313, and a storage unit 314. Each unit is equivalent to each unit 210 to 214 described in FIG. 2A, so detailed descriptions are omitted. FIG. 2D shows the hardware configuration of the cloud storage 400. The cloud storage 400 includes a control unit 410, a network communication unit 413, and a storage unit 414. Each unit is equivalent to each unit 210 to 214 described in FIG. 2A, so detailed descriptions are omitted. FIG. 2E shows the hardware configuration of the cloud print service 500. The cloud print service 500 includes a control unit 510, a network communication unit 513, and a storage unit 514. Each unit is equivalent to each unit 210 to 214 described in FIG. 2A, so detailed descriptions are omitted. FIG. 2F shows the hardware configuration of the print plug-in service 600. The print plug-in service 600 includes a control unit 610, a network communication unit 613, and a storage unit 614. Each unit is equivalent to each unit 210 to 214 described in FIG. 2(A), and therefore detailed description will be omitted. Note that an information processing apparatus having the hardware configuration of the collaboration tool 300, the cloud storage 400, the cloud print service 500, and the print plug-in service 600 may be configured from a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Furthermore, a screen generated by each apparatus may be displayed on a display unit of each apparatus, or the screen information may be transmitted to an external apparatus such as a client computer or a printer for display.

[0020] <Adding a print plug-in service> Next, a procedure for adding an application (print plug-in service) in the collaboration tool 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The collaboration tool 300 has a Web conference system using chat for posting messages and video calls, and as shown in Figure 3, provides related screens to client computers and printers for display on the display units 115 and 215. The collaboration tool 300 is also a system that can be linked with cloud storage 400 or has its functions expanded by adding other applications, and can provide a UI according to the functions.

[0021] Fig. 3(A) shows an example screen of collaboration tool 300. Installed function buttons are pinned and displayed on application bar 320 on collaboration tool 300, and applications can be selected and added for individuals or teams from application button 321 among them. Here, the addition of print plug-in service 600 will be explained as an example with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the sequence when adding a print plug-in service.

[0022] In S1001, the collaboration tool 300 accepts the selection of the application button 321 by a user operation. Next, in S1002, the collaboration tool 300 provides screen information of a list screen (FIG. 3(B)) of applications that can be added to the client computer and causes it to be displayed. In the UI 322 in FIG. 3(B), the classification of the application can be selected, and a list 323 of applications filtered according to the user's selection is displayed on the screen.

[0023] In S1003, the collaboration tool 300 accepts the selection of an application by a user operation via the screen of Fig. 3(B). When the print plug-in service 600 is selected in the selection, in S1004, the collaboration tool 300 provides the application details UI of Fig. 3(C) to the client computer and displays it in a pop-up.

[0024] After that, in S1005, the collaboration tool 300 accepts the selection of the add button 324 on the detailed UI of the application, and in S1006, adds the print plug-in service 600 to the home screen. Note that an application including the print plug-in service 600 can be added and used by linking it to each user participating in the collaboration tool 300 or to a team to which the user belongs, but this depends on the contents of the application definition file. When the print plug-in service 600 is added to the collaboration tool 300, an object for starting the print plug-in service 600 is added to a tab or chat of the collaboration tool 300, as shown by 326 and 327 in FIG. 3(D) and 328 and 329 in FIG. 3(E). The user can start the print plug-in service 600 via the chat or the added icon or selection item (326 to 329).

[0025] <Starting the print plug-in service> Next, a procedure for starting a print plug-in service from the collaboration tool 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 311 of the collaboration tool 300 reading a program stored in the storage unit 314 into the memory 312 and executing it.

[0026] First, in S2001, CPU 311 detects a UI operation on the screen by the user. Next, in S2002, CPU 311 determines whether the detected UI operation is for selecting a print function. When collaboration tool 300 detects that print tab 326 or icon 327 pinned to application bar 320 has been selected from the UI displayed on the screen, it determines that a function for printing from a file list screen has been selected, and proceeds to S2003. In S2003, CPU 311 starts a function (print plug-in service) for printing from a file list screen as shown in FIG. 3D, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0027] On the other hand, in S2002, when the posting tab 328 on the display area 350 or the icon 329 of the print plug-in service 600 as a chat selection is selected from the UI displayed on the screen, the CPU 311 determines that the function of printing through chat has been selected. Then, the process proceeds to S2004, where the CPU 311 activates the function of printing through chat between the user and the print plug-in service 600 as shown in Fig. 3(E). In the chat between the user and the print plug-in service 600, the CPU 311 detects in S2005 that the user has posted a chat. Next, in S2006, the CPU 311 passes the chat information to the print plug-in service 600, and in S2007 displays a response from the print plug-in service 600 in the chat, terminating the processing of this flowchart.

[0028] <Definition of a print plug-in service with multiple functions> Next, a definition file for the print plug-in service according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The print plug-in service 600 added to the collaboration tool 300 depends on the definition file, and depending on the contents of the definition, multiple print functions of one print plug-in service 600 added to the collaboration tool 300 can be activated and used. In this embodiment, a definition method for activating, as multiple print functions, a function for printing through a chat between a user and the print plug-in service 600 and a function for printing from a file list screen generated by the print plug-in service 600 will be described.

[0029] 6 is an example of a definition file that configures the print plug-in service 600. The definition contents include basic setting items such as application information (ID, name, etc.) indicating the print plug-in service 600, localization information, developer information, etc., as well as setting items (621, 622) related to the tabs and chat of the collaboration tool 300. In particular, the setting items related to the tabs and chat of the collaboration tool 300 are essential for starting the print function through chat and the print function from the file list screen, and will be described in detail later.

[0030] First, the definition for starting the print function from the file list screen generated by the print plug-in service 600 will be described. The "staticTabs" in the setting item 621 is a setting item for the tab displayed by the print plug-in service 600 as shown in 325 in FIG. 3(D). The "entityId" in the detailed item of the setting item 621 is a unique ID for identifying multiple defined tabs. Furthermore, "name" is the name of the tab displayed in the area 325 on the collaboration tool 300. The "contentUrl" can specify the URL of the Web service displayed when started from the tab or app bar. The Web service in question may be another Web service that displays a list of files accessible by the user and has a print function, other than the print plug-in service 600. Furthermore, by setting "scopes" to "personal", it can be defined that the use is limited to each user.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to display the Web service on collaboration tool 300, it is necessary to add the domain of the Web service set in "contentUrl" to "validDomains" setting item 623 in Fig. 6. This adds a print tab 326 and a print plug-in service icon 327 to collaboration tool 300, as shown in Fig. 3(D), and enables printing by launching the file list screen.

[0032] Next, the definition for the print function via chat will be explained. "bots" in the setting item 622 is a setting item for chatting between the user and the print plug-in service 600 using the chat function of the collaboration tool 300. Therefore, by setting the ID of the bot that responds to chats from the user in "botId" and setting "isNotificationOnly" to false, it is possible to chat with the specified bot. Furthermore, by setting "supportsFiles" to true, it is possible to support uploading and downloading of file data as well as text.

[0033] Also, "scopes" is set to "personal" to limit the one-to-one chat environment between the user and the print plug-in service 600. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(E), a posting tab 328 on the display area 350 and an icon 329 for chatting between the user and the print plug-in service 600 are added to the collaboration tool 300, making it possible to print through chat. As shown in FIGS. 3(D) and (E) in this embodiment, objects for activating the first and second functions are displayed in an operable manner in at least one of a first area, which is a chat area for posting messages, and a second area (application bar) different from the first area.

[0034] In this embodiment, in order to obtain authentication information using single sign-on technology, the application ID and resource URL are also specified for "webApplicationInfo" in the setting item 624 in Fig. 6. Here, an example of settings required to realize a function of printing through a chat between the user and the print plug-in service 600 and a function of printing from a file list screen generated by the print plug-in service 600 is described. If there are other necessary setting items, they can be added at any time, or if there are any setting items described above that can be omitted without any operational problems, they can be omitted.

[0035] <Printing via chat> Below, a case where a user and a print plug-in service perform printing through chat will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 shows the screen transition of the chat screen. Fig. 8 shows an example of an authentication screen. Fig. 9 shows the sequence when printing is performed through chat.

[0036] First, in S3001, when the user selects the posting tab 328 or the icon 329 on the display area 350 shown in FIG. 3(E), the collaboration tool 300 displays the chat screen (display area 330) of FIG. 7(A). The user drags and drops a file onto the chat posting UI 331 of the display area 330. Alternatively, the user selects a file stored in the client computer 100 or the cloud storage 400 from the file attachment UI 332. Then, the user operates the chat posting button 333 to post a chat message with the file attached. Thus, according to this embodiment, a file to be printed can be posted in a chat message with the print plug-in service 600. In S3002, the collaboration tool 300 displays the chat message posted by the user in the display area 330, and transmits chat information including the posted file information to the print plug-in service 600.

[0037] When the print plug-in service 600 detects that the received information includes file information in S3003, it makes an access request to the collaboration tool 300. At this time, the print plug-in service 600 performs processing to display an authentication screen 360 shown in Fig. 8 on the display unit 115 of the client computer 100 or the collaboration tool 300, and prompts the user to enter a user ID and password. The print plug-in service 600 transmits the user ID and password entered on the authentication screen 360 to the collaboration tool 300. The collaboration tool 300 then performs authentication for the collaboration tool 300 based on the received user ID and password.

[0038] If the authentication is successful and access is permitted, in S3004 the collaboration tool 300 transmits authentication information for accessing the specified service to the print plug-in service 600. Note that as long as authentication has been completed at least once and the authentication information acquired by the print plug-in service 600 can be used without problem, the authentication processes of S3003 and S3004 may be omitted from here on. Also, if authentication has already been performed when printing from a file list and the print plug-in service 600 has the authentication information, the authentication process may be omitted. Here, for example, the authentication information acquired by single sign-on technology can be used to access the cloud storage 400 and the cloud print service 500.

[0039] Next, in S3005, the print plug-in service 600 requests the cloud print service 500 for a registered shared printer list, and in S3006, acquires the shared printer list information. Next, in S3007, the print plug-in service 600 generates a print setting UI 334, which is a setting screen for performing print settings, based on the shared printer list information and the file information received from the collaboration tool 300. Furthermore, in S3008, the print plug-in service 600 posts the print setting UI 334 shown in FIG. 7B to the display area 330 of the collaboration tool 300. At this time, if the print plug-in service 600 detects that the received file information includes a file of a file format that cannot be printed by the cloud print service 500, it displays a message indicating an error instead of the print setting UI 334. Furthermore, the print plug-in service 600 may reply to the display area 330 with a chat message indicating that the print flow will be stopped together with the error message. Alternatively, a chat message inquiring of the user as to whether to continue printing only files of a printable format or a UI 336 shown in FIG. 7C may be posted to the display area 330. When the print plug-in service 600 detects a user's response to continue printing via the collaboration tool 300, it generates a print setting UI 334 using only printable files and displays it in the display area 330. As shown in Fig. 7(B) , the print setting UI 334 allows the user to select a printer to print, specify the file to be printed, and specify color, black and white, single-sided, double-sided, and layout printing.

[0040] When the user operates the print button 335 of the print setting UI 334, in S3009 the collaboration tool 300 sends a print start instruction including file information, printer information, and print settings to the print plug-in service 600. In S3010, the print plug-in service 600 sends a request to obtain file data to the cloud storage 400 based on the file information of the file to be printed, and obtains the file data from the cloud storage 400 in S3011.

[0041] Next, in S3012, the print plug-in service 600 sends print data generated based on the file data and print settings to the virtual printer queue of the cloud print service 500. In S3013, the cloud print service 500 sends the received print data to the printer 200, and in S3014 obtains the execution result of the printer 200. Next, in S3015, the cloud print service 500 sends the execution result of the printer 200 to the print plug-in service 600. Furthermore, in S3016, the print plug-in service 600 posts the received result to the display area 330 of the collaboration tool 300 as a chat or print completion UI 337, and this sequence ends.

[0042] <Printing function from the list screen> Next, a case where printing is performed from a file list screen generated by the print plug-in service 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 shows the screen transitions on the print file list screen. Fig. 11 shows the sequence when printing is performed from the list screen. The following sequence is started when the user selects the print tab 326 on the display area 325 or the icon 327 on the application bar 320 shown in Fig. 3(D).

[0043] In S4001, the collaboration tool 300 calls the file list function to generate the file list screen of Fig. 10(A). The file list screen refers to the Web service specified by "contentUrl" in the definition file, and is described here as one function of the print plug-in service 600. Next, in S4002, the collaboration tool 300 sends a display request for the file list screen to the print plug-in service 600.

[0044] When the print plug-in service 600 receives a request to display a page in S4003, it makes an access request to the collaboration tool 300 and acquires authentication information in S4004. The process at this time is the same as when printing from a chat, so a detailed description will be omitted. Note that as long as authentication has been completed at least once and the authentication information acquired by the print plug-in service 600 can be used without problems, the authentication processes in S4003 and S4004 may be omitted. Also, if authentication has already been performed when printing from a chat and the print plug-in service 600 has authentication information, the authentication process may be omitted. Here, for example, the authentication information acquired by single sign-on technology can be used to access the cloud storage 400 and the cloud print service 500.

[0045] Next, in S4005, the print plug-in service 600 requests the collaboration tool 300 for user information required to obtain a file, and in S4006, the print plug-in service 600 obtains the user information from the collaboration tool 300. For example, the print plug-in service 600 obtains a user name, a user ID, or a group name and a group ID. The print plug-in service 600 also obtains information on the location of the user's personal directory and information on the cloud storage 400 linked to the collaboration tool 300. In S4007, when the print plug-in service 600 obtains the user information required to obtain a file, the print plug-in service 600 requests the cloud storage 400 for file information based on the user information, and in S4008, the print plug-in service 600 obtains the file information from the cloud storage 400. In S4009, the print plug-in service 600 creates a Web page consisting of a file list based on the file information obtained in S4008. Then, in S4010, the print plug-in service 600 displays the file list page in the display area 340 of the collaboration tool 300.

[0046] 10A, a check box UI is provided for each file in the displayed file list 341, and the user selects the files he or she wants to print by checking them. When the user checks one or more files, the print setting button 342 becomes active and the user's operation can be accepted.

[0047] When the print setting button 342 is operated by the user, in S4011 the collaboration tool 300 transmits a print setting request to the print plug-in service 600. Thereafter, upon receiving the request, the print plug-in service 600 generates a print setting UI 343 in S4012 to S4015, similarly to S3005 to S3008, and displays it on the display area 340 of the collaboration tool 300 (FIG. 10B).

[0048] Then, when the user operates the print execution button 344 on the print setting UI 343, in S4016 the collaboration tool 300 sends a print execution instruction to the print plug-in service 600. The subsequent processes of S4017 to S4022 are similar to those of S3010 to S3015, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Upon receiving the result in S4023, the print plug-in service 600 displays the print completion UI 345 on the display area 340 of the collaboration tool 300, as shown in Fig. 10(C), and ends this sequence.

[0049] <Print plug-in service operation flow> Next, a processing procedure of the print plug-in service 600 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 611 of the print plug-in service 600, which is an example of an information processing device, reading a program stored in the storage unit 614 into the memory 412 and executing it.

[0050] First, in S5001, when the CPU 611 of the print plug-in service 600 is called from the collaboration tool 300, the CPU 611 executes authentication processing to access the collaboration tool 300, the cloud storage 400, and the cloud print service 500. The authentication processing is executed using single sign-on technology, so that one account can be used to access all Web services. Also, the user may switch accounts for each service and execute authentication processing for each service.

[0051] Next, in S5002, the CPU 611 acquires file information, user information, etc. based on the access rights acquired after the authentication is completed. In the case of printing through chat, the CPU 611 acquires file information, user information, etc. included in the chat received from the collaboration tool 300. On the other hand, in the case of printing from the file list screen, the CPU 611 acquires user information from the collaboration tool 300, and acquires file information from a user-accessible cloud storage 400 such as OneDrive or SharePoint.

[0052] Next, in S5003, the CPU 611 requests registered shared printers from the cloud print service 500 and acquires a list. The shared printers acquired are printers registered by the user or a third party and that have been set up for sharing in advance. Next, in S5004, the CPU 611 generates a print setting UI using the acquired shared printer and file information, and in S5005 displays the print setting UI in a chat format or a dialogue format. The print setting UI may include not only a UI for selecting the output printer and a UI for displaying and selecting the file to be printed, but also simple print setting items such as color and double-sided settings, and an advanced setting button for calling up a Web service having a detailed print setting function.

[0053] At S5006, CPU 611 determines whether or not the advanced settings button has been operated. If it is determined that the advanced settings button has been operated, the process proceeds to S5007; if not, the process proceeds to S5008. At S5007, CPU 611 uses the browser function of client computer 100 to display a Web page for advanced settings, and accepts advanced print settings by the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S5008. At S5008, CPU 611 determines whether or not the printer reselection button has been operated. If the printer reselection button has been operated, the process proceeds to S5009; if not, the process returns to S5006, and the processes of S5006 to S5008 are repeated until the print button is operated.

[0054] When a button for changing the output destination printer is operated, the CPU 611 displays a printer selection UI in S5009. The printer selection UI may be displayed as part of the print setting UI or separately. Next, in S5010, the CPU 611 determines whether the OK button or the Cancel button on the printer selection UI has been operated. When the Cancel button is operated, the original print setting UI is redisplayed and the process returns to S5006. On the other hand, when the OK button on the printer selection UI is operated with a different printer selected as the output destination, the CPU 611 returns the process to S5005 in S5011 and updates and redisplays the print setting UI.

[0055] When the print button on the print setting UI is operated, the CPU 611 starts print processing in S5012. Specifically, the CPU 611 transmits a print job to the specified printer 200 via the cloud print service 500. Then, in S5013, the CPU 611 acquires the execution result of the printer 200 via the cloud print service 500, displays it in a chat format or a dialogue format on the collaboration tool 300, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0056] As described above, the computer program according to the present embodiment causes the computer of the information processing device to acquire information about the file to be printed from an external storage, and to communicate with a server providing a cloud print service to transmit and receive information about printing. Furthermore, using the acquired information, a screen is generated that allows the first function of printing through chat with the cloud print service and the second function of printing through a list of files to be printed to be used, and the screen is provided to the client computer. In addition, the computer program executes printing using the cloud print service according to the print settings made via the first function in the client computer. Meanwhile, the computer program executes printing using the cloud print service according to the print settings made via the second function in the client computer. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a new mechanism can be provided that preferably provides a print plug-in service that supports a plurality of printing methods.

[0057] The disclosure of this specification includes the following computer program, information processing device, and control method thereof. (Item 1) The computer of the information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication means for communicating with a server providing a cloud print service and transmitting and receiving information related to printing; a providing means for generating a screen on which a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file can be used by using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and providing the screen to a client computer; a first execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the second function in the client computer; A computer program characterized by causing the computer to function as follows. (Item 2) The computer program described in item 1, characterized in that the screen displays objects for activating the first function and the second function in an operable manner in at least one of a first area where messages are posted and a second area different from the first area. (Item 3) 3. The computer program according to item 2, wherein the screen is a screen of a Web conferencing system including a chat function. (Item 4) 4. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first execution means performs print settings in accordance with a user operation via a chat screen with the cloud print service. (Item 5) 5. The computer program according to item 4, wherein a file to be printed can be posted on the chat screen. (Item 6) 6. The computer program according to item 5, wherein, when the file to be printed is posted, a setting screen for making print settings is displayed in an operable manner on the chat screen. (Item 7) The computer program according to item 5 or 6, characterized in that the file to be printed is posted on the chat screen, and if the file is in a file format that is not compatible with the cloud print service, a message indicating an error is displayed on the chat screen. (Item 8) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the second execution means causes the client computer to display a list screen that displays the files to be printed acquired by the acquisition means in a selectable manner. (Item 9) 9. The computer program according to item 8, wherein the second execution means, when a specified file is selected on the list screen, displays an object for making print settings for the specified file. (Item 10) The computer program described in item 9, characterized in that the second execution means, when an object for setting print settings for the specified file is selected, displays a setting screen for setting print settings, and sets print settings in accordance with user operations via the setting screen. (Item 11) An information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication means for communicating with a server providing a cloud print service and transmitting and receiving information related to printing; a generation means for generating a screen that allows a first function of printing through chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file to be printed, using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and providing the screen to a client computer; a first execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the second function in the client computer; An information processing device comprising: (Item 12) A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires information about a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication step in which a communication means communicates with a server providing a cloud print service to transmit and receive information related to printing; a generation step in which a generation means generates a screen that allows a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file, using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and provides the screen to a client computer; a first execution step in which a first execution means executes printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution step of executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made in the client computer via the second function by a second execution means; 23. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

[0058] <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.

[0059] 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]

[0060] 100-101: client computers, 200-201: printers, 300: collaboration tools, 400: cloud storage services, 500: cloud print services, 600: print plugin services, 320: application bar, 325: tab display area, 326: print tab, 327: print plugin icon, 328: post tab, 329: print plugin and chat room icons by users

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication means for communicating with a server providing a cloud print service and transmitting and receiving information related to printing; a providing means for generating a screen on which a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file can be used by using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and providing the screen to a client computer; a first execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the second function in the client computer; A computer program characterized by causing the computer to function as follows.

2. The computer program product described in claim 1, characterized in that the screen displays objects for activating the first function and the second function in an operable manner in at least one of a first area where a message is posted and a second area different from the first area.

3. 3. The computer program product according to claim 2, wherein the screen is a screen of a Web conference system including a chat function.

4. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first execution means performs print settings in accordance with a user operation via a chat screen with the cloud print service.

5. 5. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein a file to be printed can be posted on the chat screen.

6. 6. The computer program product according to claim 5, wherein a setting screen for making print settings is displayed on the chat screen in an operable manner when the file to be printed is posted.

7. The computer program product according to claim 5, characterized in that, when a file to be printed is posted on the chat screen and the file is in a file format that is not compatible with the cloud print service, a message indicating an error is displayed on the chat screen.

8. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the second execution means causes the client computer to display a list screen that displays the files to be printed that have been acquired by the acquisition means in a selectable manner.

9. 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the second execution means, when a specific file is selected on the list screen, displays an object for making print settings for the specific file.

10. The computer program product according to claim 9, characterized in that the second execution means, when an object for setting print settings for the specified file is selected, displays a setting screen for setting print settings, and sets the print settings in accordance with user operations via the setting screen.

11. An information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication means for communicating with a server providing a cloud print service and transmitting and receiving information related to printing; a generation means for generating a screen that allows a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file, and providing the screen to a client computer; a first execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution means for executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made via the second function in the client computer; An information processing device comprising:

12. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires information about a file to be printed from an external storage; A communication step in which a communication means communicates with a server providing a cloud print service to transmit and receive information related to printing; a generation step in which a generation means generates a screen that allows a first function of printing through a chat with the cloud print service and a second function of selecting a file to be printed from the list of files to be printed and printing the file, using information acquired from the external storage and the server, and provides the screen to a client computer; a first execution step in which a first execution means executes printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made via the first function in the client computer; a second execution step of executing printing using the cloud print service according to print settings made in the client computer via the second function by a second execution means; 23. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

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