Computer program, print control method, and system

Abstract

To provide, for example, a mechanism to cause an image forming apparatus to suitably print output from a generative AI.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a computer program that expands the features of a generative AI service. The computer program causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to, upon receiving a print request via the generative AI service, function to create a print job on the basis of the print request, and register a reservation for the created print job in a print server. The computer program causes the information processing apparatus to function to acquire, from the print server, information related to a connection destination for executing the reserved print job, and present the created print job and the information related to the connection destination to a user via the generative AI service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer program, a printing control method, and a system for expanding the functions of an artificial intelligence system.

Background Art

[0002] An artificial intelligence system called generative AI, which can generate text, images, or other media in response to a prompt, is known. In generative AI such as ChatGPT (registered trademark), function expansion by plugins is possible. For example, when a sentence containing the keyword "print" is input as an instruction to the generative AI, a plugin related to printing is selected, and the plugin can perform processing that the generative AI cannot respond to, enabling function expansion.

[0003] On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus, printing can be performed by inputting print data from a cloud server. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique that enables printing a document managed by a cloud server in a chat conversation format.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when printing an output such as text generated by a generative AI on an image forming apparatus, a user or the like needs to copy it to a file or the like and execute printing from a print driver or the like. That is, the user has to copy the output generated by the generative AI to execute printing, which has been troublesome.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-described problems, and provides a mechanism for suitably printing the output from a generative AI by an image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is, for example, a computer program that extends the functions of a generative AI service, and causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to function as generation means for generating a print job based on a print request received via the generative AI service, reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server, acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server, and presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to a user via the generative AI service.

[0008] Further, the present invention is, for example, a printing system including an information processing apparatus that provides a generative AI service to a user terminal, a print server, and a printing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus functions as generation means for generating a print job based on a print request received via the generative AI service, reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server, acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server, and presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to a user via the generative AI service and the print server includes provision means for providing the information regarding the connection destination when the print job is reserved, and execution means for inputting the print job to the printing apparatus when a user accesses the information regarding the connection destination.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the output from the generative AI can be preferably printed by an image forming apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, the labor of the user when printing the text generated by the generative AI by the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0012] <First Embodiment> <System Configuration> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, as an image processing apparatus, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having printing, scanning, and FAX functions will be described as an example. FIG. 1 shows an example of an overall configuration diagram of a printing system that provides a printing service via a generative AI service according to the present invention. This printing system includes an image forming apparatus 10 such as a printing apparatus, a user terminal 20, a generative AI server 30, an extended application server 40, and a cloud print server 50. Each is communicably connected to each other via a network 70. The network 70 is a wireless or wired network composed of a WAN or a LAN.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 10 represents a printing apparatus having a function of printing an image notified from the cloud print server 50. The user terminal 20 represents an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer when a user uses a generative AI service such as ChatGPT. The user operates the user terminal 20 to access the generative AI server 30 on the cloud and execute the generative AI application. The user terminal 20 and the generative AI server 30 are connected to a wired or wireless communication network, and data can be transmitted and received between them. In this embodiment, a public line on the Internet is assumed as an example of the communication network, but a dedicated line may be used.

[0014] The generation AI server 30 is a cloud server (information processing device) arranged on the cloud 60 that provides a generation AI such as ChatGPT, which is a text generation AI. The generation AI server 30 provides services in cooperation with the extended application server 40. The generation AI server 30 interprets the message sent from the user terminal 20, generates an appropriate response, and displays it on the screen of the user terminal 20 as a response. Furthermore, the generation AI server 30 can expand its functions by communicating with the extended application server 40.

[0015] The extended application server 40 is a cloud server (receiving method processing device) arranged on the cloud 60 and has a function of providing additional functions (plugins) to the generation AI server 30. The generation AI server 30 can perform processing that could not be done alone by implementing a predetermined plugin in cooperation with the extended application server 40. The cloud print server 50 receives a print request from the user terminal 20 and notifies the image forming apparatus 10 that a print job has been received. The image forming apparatus 10 receives the print job from the cloud print server 50 and executes printing according to the notification from the cloud print server 50. Here, an example in which various servers are provided individually is described, but they may be provided integrally with other servers. For example, the generation AI server 30 and the extended application server 40 may be provided integrally.

[0016] <Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Referring to FIG. 2, a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 116, a reading unit 118, a printing unit 120, a wireless communication unit 122, a FAX communication unit 124, and a communication unit 126. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an HDD 114, an operation unit I / F 115, a reading unit I / F 117, a printing unit I / F 119, a wireless communication unit I / F 121, a FAX unit I / F 123, and a communication unit I / F 125.

[0017] The control unit 110 including the CPU 111 controls the operations of the entire image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 111 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the HDD 114 into the RAM 113, and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The ROM 112 stores the control program executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main memory, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the work area, the ROM 112, and the HDD 114. The HDD 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, various addresses, and various setting information. The HDD 114 is a storage medium, and may be an SSD (Solid State Drive), an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), or the like instead of an HDD.

[0018] Note that in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowchart described later using one memory (RAM 113), but it is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and HDDs can cooperate to execute each process. Also, some processes may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0019] The operation unit I / F 115 connects an operation unit 116 including a display unit such as a touch panel and hard keys, and a control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and detects input from the user. The reading unit I / F 117 connects a reading unit 118 such as a scanner and a control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads an image of a document, and the CPU 111 converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit 118 is transmitted to an external device or printed on a recording paper. The printing unit I / F 119 connects a printing unit 120 such as a printer and a control unit 110. The CPU 111 transfers the image data (printing data) stored in the RAM 113 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image based on the transferred image data on the recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette.

[0020] The wireless communication unit I / F 121 is an I / F for controlling the wireless communication unit 122, and is connected to an external wireless device via wireless communication with the control unit 110. The FAX unit I / F 123 is connected to the public switched telephone network 80 by controlling the FAX communication unit 124. The FAX unit I / F 123 is an I / F for controlling the FAX communication unit 124, and can perform connection to the public switched telephone network, control of the FAX communication protocol, etc. by controlling a modem and an NCU for facsimile communication.

[0021] The communication unit I / F 125 connects the control unit 110 and the network 70. The communication unit I / F 125 enables the communication unit 126 to transmit image data and various internal device information to external devices on the network 70, and to receive print data and network 70 information from external devices on the network 70. As methods of transmission and reception via the network 70, transmission and reception using e-mail (E-mail), and file transmission using other protocols (for example, FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.) can be performed. Also, image data and message data can be transmitted and received via the network 70 by access through HTTP communication from the user terminal 20 and the generation AI server 30. Furthermore, it is possible to access the image forming apparatus 10 via the network from the web browser of the user terminal 20 and perform various settings of the image forming apparatus 10 (remote UI function).

[0022] <Hardware Configuration of User Terminal> Referring to FIG. 3, a hardware configuration example of the user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. Although the user terminal 20 of the present embodiment assumes a device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, other devices may be used as long as they are information processing devices capable of connecting to the network 70 using Wi-Fi communication or the like. The user terminal 20 includes an operation panel 201, a camera 204, an NFC communication unit 205, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 206, a CPU 207, a ROM 208, a RAM 209, an HDD 210, and a wireless LAN communication unit.

[0023] The CPU 207 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 208 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the user terminal 20. The ROM 208 stores the above control program. The RAM 209 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 207. The HDD 210 stores various data such as photos and electronic documents.

[0024] The operation panel 201 has a touch panel function capable of detecting a user's touch operation and displays various screens provided by the OS and the email sending application. Also, the operation panel 201 is used to check the information stored in the generation AI server 30. The user can input a desired operation instruction to the user terminal 20 by inputting a touch operation to the operation panel 201. Note that the user terminal 20 is provided with a hardware key (not shown), and the user can also input an operation instruction to the user terminal 20 using this hardware key.

[0025] The camera 204 captures an image in response to a user's imaging instruction. The photo captured by the camera 204 is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 210. Also, it is possible to acquire information from the QR code read by the camera 204 using a program capable of QR code analysis.

[0026] The user terminal 20 can exchange data with various peripheral devices via the NFC communication unit 205, the Bluetooth communication unit 206, and the wireless LAN communication unit 211. The Bluetooth communication unit 206 of the user terminal 20 may support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0027] <Hardware Configuration of the Generation AI Server> With reference to FIG. 4, an example of the hardware configuration of the generation AI server 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. The generation AI server 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication unit 304, and an HDD 305.

[0028] The CPU 301 executes processing for controlling an operation of generating an appropriate response using the control program stored in the ROM 302 and the learning model stored in the HDD 305. The ROM 302 stores the above control program. The RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 301. The HDD 305 stores various data such as a learning model and a generation AI application.

[0029] Data can be exchanged with various devices such as the user terminal 20, the image forming apparatus 10, and the extended application server 40 via the communication unit 304. Note that the communication unit 304 may perform wired communication using Ethernet (registered trademark), or may perform wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0030] <Hardware Configuration of Extended Application Server> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the extended application server 40. The extended application server 40 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a communication unit 404, and an HDD 405.

[0031] The CPU 401 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 402 and executes processing according to the message received from the generation AI server 30. The ROM 402 stores the above control program. The RAM 403 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 401. The HDD 405 stores the message content received from the generation AI server 30 and a part thereof. Data can be transmitted and received to and from various models such as the generation AI server 30 via the communication unit 404.

[0032] <Hardware Configuration of Cloud Print Server> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cloud print server 50. The cloud print server 50 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a communication unit 504, and an HDD 505.

[0033] The CPU 501 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 502 to enable reception of a print job from the user terminal 20 and acquisition of the stored print job. The ROM 502 stores the above control program. The RAM 503 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 501. The HDD 505 stores the print job received from the user terminal 20 and the like. Data can be transmitted and received to and from various models such as the generation AI server 30 via the communication unit 504.

[0034] <Print instruction> Referring to FIG. 7, the interaction between the user and the generation AI server 30 when instructing the generation AI server 30 according to this embodiment to print will be described. By accessing the generation AI server 30 from a browser operating on the user terminal 20, the screen 600 is displayed on the operation panel 201.

[0035] The prompt input field 601 is an input field for the user to input an instruction sentence (prompt) to the generation AI server 30. The user inputs in the form of natural language text from the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20. The user can operate the touch panel of the user terminal 20 to input the instruction sentence. The input of the instruction sentence may be realized by voice input. The send button 602 is a button that serves as a trigger for sending the prompt input in the prompt input field 601 to the generation AI server 30.

[0036] The print request prompt 603 is an example of a prompt for instructing the generation AI server 30 to print. It is necessary to include the guidelines for the text to be generated by the generation AI server 30 and the fact that it is to be printed.

[0037] The print request response 604 is a response to the print request prompt 603 generated by the generation AI server 30 in cooperation with the extended application server 40. Hereinafter, the interactive interaction between the user and the generation AI server 30 will be arranged in chronological order in the combination of prompt and response. The print request response 604 includes the settings for the printing to be performed hereafter, the reservation job URL 605 and the preview image 606 described later.

[0038] The reservation job URL 605 is a URL that points to a print job stored in the cloud print server 50 and is an example of information regarding the connection destination. Information regarding the connection destination is not limited to the URL, and may be any information as long as it indicates the location where the print job is stored or information for identifying the print job. By accessing this URL, the user can perform cloud printing (input of a print job from the cloud print server 50 to the image forming apparatus 10). Also, when changing the print settings of a reservation job, an HTTP request is sent to the reservation job URL. The preview image 606 is a preview image representing the image of the output when printed with the current print settings. The user can know approximately how the output will look before printing from this image.

[0039] The print setting change prompt 607 is an example of a prompt when the user instructs the generation AI server 30 to change the print settings that were confirmed in the print request response 604. For this instruction as well, the user inputs the instruction in the prompt input field 601 and sends the instruction to the generation AI server 30 by pressing the send button 602. In this embodiment, the instruction is to change the number of copies to 2, but it may also be an instruction to change other settings (for example, changing the paper size or changing the layout to 2in1). Also, instructions for changing multiple settings may be included.

[0040] The print setting change response 608 is a response to the print setting change prompt 607 generated by the generation AI server 30 in cooperation with the extended application server 40. The basic content is the same as the print request response 604, but the changes instructed in the print settings are reflected. Also, when settings such as the color mode and layout that change the preview image are changed, the preview image 606 is also replaced accordingly.

[0041] <Sequence> Referring to FIG. 8, the communication between system components from when the user instructs the generation AI server 30 to print until the print job is actually input to the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the sequence described below, when the generation AI server 30 and the extended application server 40 are provided integrally, the controls of the two devices are integrated.

[0042] In S701, the user terminal 20 transmits the content of the print request prompt 603 to the generation AI server 30 according to a user operation via a browser. Subsequently, in S702, the generation AI server 30 generates the text (text data) to be printed, and in S703, transmits a print request to the extended application server 40. In S703, the text data generated in S702 is also transmitted together.

[0043] Next, in S704, the extended application server 40 generates and saves a JobID. The JobID is unique identification information for managing various data to be handled in the future in association with each other. Further, the extended application server 40 converts the text data received from the generation AI server 30 into a format (for example, PDF) that can be received by the cloud print server 50. This process may be skipped when the cloud print server 50 can receive the text data. After that, the extended application server 40 saves the default print settings as the current print settings. Subsequently, in S705, the extended application server 40 transmits a job reservation request to the cloud print server 50. At this time, the converted data generated in S704 and the current print settings are transmitted together.

[0044] At S706, the cloud print server 50 generates a reservation job based on the converted data received from the extended application server 40 and the current print settings. Further, the cloud print server 50 generates a reservation job URL 605 indicating the reservation job and a preview image 606 which is the output image of the reservation job, and saves them together with the generated reservation job. Then, at S707, the cloud print server 50 returns the reservation job URL 605 and the preview image 606 to the extended application server 40 as a response to the job reservation request.

[0045] Next, at S708, the extended application server 40 saves the reservation job URL 605 in association with the JobID. Subsequently, at S709, the extended application server 40 returns the current print settings, the reservation job URL 605, and the preview image 606 to the generation AI server 30 as information to be presented to the user as a response to the print request. At S710, the generation AI server 30 returns the current print settings, the reservation job URL 605, and the preview image 606 to the user terminal 20 as a response to the print request prompt 603. The user terminal 20 presents the received information to the user via the browser according to the received information.

[0046] At S711, the user terminal 20 transmits the content of the print setting change prompt 607 to the generation AI server 30 according to the user input via the browser. Note that if no print setting change is required, S711 to S718 may be skipped. At S712, the generation AI server 30 transmits a print setting change request to the extended application server 40. At S713, the extended application server 40 reads the current print settings associated with the JobID, overwrites and updates the changed settings as the current print settings according to the print setting change request (change content). At S714, the extended application server 40 reads the reservation job URL associated with the JobID, transmits a reservation job setting change request to the cloud print server 50, and performs re - reservation. At this time, the extended application server 40 transmits the converted data generated at S704 and the current print settings overwritten at S713 together.

[0047] At S715, the cloud print server 50 regenerates and updates the reservation job and the preview image 606 with the new print settings. Note that it is desirable to maintain the reservation job URL 605 without change. This way, it can be shown as the same reservation job externally. At S716, the cloud print server 50 returns the reservation job URL 605 and the regenerated preview image 606 to the extended application server 40 as a response to the reservation job setting change request.

[0048] At S717, the extended application server 40 returns the print settings reflecting the change, the reservation job URL 605, and the regenerated preview image 606 to the generation AI server 30 as a response to the print setting change request. At S718, the generation AI server 30 returns the current print settings with the change reflected, the reservation job URL 605, and the regenerated preview image 606 to the user terminal 20 as a response to the print request prompt 603.

[0049] After that, at S719, the user terminal 20 accesses the reservation job URL 605 according to the user operation via the browser. At S720, the cloud print server 50 returns a login screen (not shown) of the cloud print service to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 displays the login screen on the operation panel 201. At S721, the user terminal 20 accepts the login information according to the user operation and logs in to the cloud print service. Note that if the user does not have an account for the cloud print service, an account creation operation (not shown) is required.

[0050] At S722, the cloud print server 50 identifies the MFP used by the user from the logged-in user information. Note that if the user has not registered an MFP, an MFP registration operation (not shown) is required. Also, if multiple MFPs associated with the user information are registered, the user may be allowed to select an MFP before printing through an interactive interaction (not shown) with the user. At S723, the cloud print server 50 inputs the reservation job to the identified image forming apparatus 10.

[0051] At S724, the image forming apparatus 10 executes printing according to a reserved job input from the cloud print server 50. At S725, the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the cloud print server 50 that the printing of the reserved job has been completed. At S726, the cloud print server 50 returns a print completion screen (not shown) to the user terminal 20 for display on the user terminal 20, and ends this sequence.

[0052] <Processing Procedure of Extended Application Server> Referring to FIG. 9, the processing procedure of the extended application server 40 according to this embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 401 reading a program stored in the ROM 402 into the RAM 403 and executing it. Further, the following processing is realized by executing a plugin that expands the functions of the generation AI server 30. In this embodiment, the plugin (program) is described as being managed and executed by the extended application server 40, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the plugin managed by the extended application server 40 may be installed in the generation AI server 30 and executed by the generation AI server 30. Alternatively, the generation AI server 30 and the extended application server 40 may be integrally provided. In that case, the integrated server controls the management, installation, and execution of the plugin.

[0053] In S901, the CPU 401 receives a printing request from the generative AI server 30 and the text data to be printed. In S902, the CPU 401 generates and saves a unique JobID. In S903, the CPU 401 converts the text data to be printed into a format that can be received by the cloud print server 50 to generate print data, and saves it in a memory such as the RAM 403 or HDD 405 in association with the JobID. Similarly, for various storage processes described below, they are also performed on memories such as the RAM 403 and HDD 405. It may be a memory connected externally to the extended application server 40. Further, in S904, the CPU 401 reads the default printing settings and saves them as the current printing settings in association with the JobID.

[0054] Next, in S905, the CPU 401 sends a job reservation request to the cloud print server 50. At this time, the CPU 401 sends the converted print data and the current printing settings together. If the communication is successful and a reservation job URL 605 or the like is returned from the cloud print server 50, it proceeds to S906. On the other hand, if there is an error notification from the cloud print server 50 or no response is received within a predetermined time, it is determined that the operation has failed and it proceeds to S911.

[0055] In S906, the CPU 401 saves the reservation job URL 605 in association with the JobID. In S907, the CPU 401 returns the current printing settings, the reservation job URL 605, and the preview image 606 to the generative AI server 30 as a response. In S908, the CPU 401 determines whether a printing setting change request has been received from the generative AI server 30. If a printing setting change request has been received, it proceeds to S909, and if such a request has not been received, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0056] In S909, the CPU 401 reads the current print settings associated with the JobID, overwrites and saves them while reflecting the requested setting changes. In S910, the CPU 401 reads the reserved job URL 605 associated with the JobID and sends a request for setting changes to the reserved job to the cloud print server 50. At this time, the CPU 401 sends the converted print data and the print settings reflecting the changes together. If the communication is successful and the reserved job URL 605 etc. are returned from the cloud print server 50, it proceeds to S907. On the other hand, if the communication fails as described above, it proceeds to S911. In S911, the CPU 401 returns a failure message to the generation AI server 30 and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0057] As described above, the computer program (plugin) according to this embodiment is a computer program that expands the functions of the generation AI service. That is, when this computer program receives a print request via the generation AI service by the computer of the information processing apparatus, it generates a print job based on the print request and functions to register the reservation of the generated print job with the print server. Further, this computer program causes the information processing apparatus to function so as to acquire information regarding the connection destination for executing the print job reserved from the print server and present the print job generated via the generation AI service and the information regarding the connection destination to the user. Thereby, the labor for printing the text generated by the generation AI with the printing apparatus can be reduced.

[0058] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above first embodiment, in S719, it has been described that the user terminal 20 accesses the reservation job URL 605 according to a user operation via a browser. However, since the cloud print server 50 is used by an unspecified number of users, it is not desirable to keep the data of print jobs including reservation jobs indefinitely from the viewpoint of effectively using memory resources. Therefore, it is desirable to set an expiration date for the reservation job and for the reservation job URL 605 to necessarily follow that expiration date. In this embodiment, a reprint method when the user accesses after the expiration date of the reservation job URL 605 has passed will be described.

[0059] <Derived sequence> Referring to FIG. 10, the derived sequence when the expiration date of the reservation job URL 605 has passed will be described from the sequence diagram of FIG. 8. Since the processing up to S718 is the same as that in FIG. 8, the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0060] In S1001, the user accesses the reservation job URL 605 with a browser. As a difference from S719, the user opens the reservation job URL 605 in a new tab of the browser. Also, in order to guide the user to open in a new tab, the wording of the print request response 604 and the print setting change response 608 is partially changed as in the guidance response 1101 of FIG. 11.

[0061] In S1002, the cloud print server 50 returns to the user terminal 20 a screen notifying that the reservation job URL 605 has expired. At this time, the display of the browser on the user terminal 20 is as shown in FIG. 12. The generated AI tab 1201 is the tab that had been displaying the screen of FIG. 7 in the browser until S718. Although not displayed at the point of S1002, all the interactions up to S718 are saved and will be redisplayed when the user moves to the generated AI tab 1201. The reservation job tab 1202 is a newly opened tab by the user when accessing the reservation job URL 605. At the point of S1002, it displays an expiration message 1203 which will be described later. The expiration message 1203 is a message sent by the cloud print server 50 to the user terminal 20 to notify the expiration of the reservation job URL 605 and also includes a message prompting the user to move to the generated AI tab 1201 to issue a print instruction again.

[0062] In S1003, the user terminal 20 moves to the generated AI tab 1201 according to the user input, accepts the input of the reprint prompt, and sends it to the generated AI server 30. In S1004, the generated AI server 30 sends a reprint request to the extended application server 40. The reprint request includes the text generated in S702 and the print settings indicated in the print setting change response 608.

[0063] In S1005, the extended application server 40 accepts the reprint request. The processing content is basically the same as S704, but instead of the default print settings, the print settings included in the reprint request are saved as the current print settings. That is, here, the document already generated in S702 is read from the storage destination and used. The subsequent processing is the same as S705 and is thus omitted.

[0064] As described above, the reservation of a print job for the cloud print server according to the present embodiment is stored in the cloud print server and provided with an expiration date. Further, the computer program of the present invention further causes the information processing apparatus to function so as to store the generated print job. Further, when the expiration date of the reservation of the print job has expired, if a reprint request is received via the generation AI service, the stored print job is used to register a re - reservation of the print job with the print server. Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when the reservation job URL 605 has expired, reprinting can be suitably performed without starting over from the beginning.

[0065] The disclosure of this specification includes the following computer program, print control method, and system. (Item 1) A computer program for expanding the functions of a generation AI service, which causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to when receiving a print request via the generation AI service, a generation means for generating a print job based on the print request; a reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; and a presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to the user via the generation AI service characterized in that it functions as. (Item 2) The computer of the information processing apparatus is further when receiving, via the generation AI service, a request to change the settings of the print job presented to the user, an update means for updating the print job and the reservation of the print job according to the change content The computer program according to Item 1, characterized in that it functions as. (Item 3) The reservation of the print job to the print server is stored in the print server and provided with an expiration date, which is the computer program according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The computer of the information processing apparatus further functions as storage means for storing the generated print job, When the reservation means receives a reprint request via the generation AI service when the expiration date of the print job reservation has expired, it registers a re - reservation of the print job to the print server using the stored print job, which is the computer program according to item 3. (Item 5) The presentation means further presents to the user the content of the print settings and the preview image of the print generated by the print server as information of the print job, which is the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The generation means assigns unique identification information when generating the print job, which is the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) The generation means converts the text data included in the print request received via the generation AI service into a format acceptable by the print server to generate print data, which is the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) The generation means sets predetermined print settings in the generated print job, which is the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) When the user accesses the information about the connection destination presented to the user, the print job is input from the print server to the image forming apparatus and the print job is executed, which is the computer program according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the computer program is implemented in the information processing apparatus as a plugin for the generation AI service. (Item 11) A printing control method, When a generation means receives a printing request via a generation AI service provided by an information processing apparatus, a generation step of generating a print job based on the printing request; A reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; A presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to the user via the generation AI service; A printing control method characterized by including the above steps. (Item 12) A printing system including an information processing apparatus that provides a generation AI service to a user terminal, a print server, and an image forming apparatus, The information processing apparatus, by implementing a computer program that extends the function of the generation AI service, When receiving a printing request via the generation AI service, a generation means for generating a print job based on the printing request; A reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; A presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to the user via the generation AI service; Functioning as The print server, When the print job is reserved, a providing means for providing information regarding the connection destination; An execution means for inputting the print job to the image forming apparatus when the user accesses the information regarding the connection destination; A printing system characterized by comprising the above components. (Item 13) When the user accesses the information about the connection destination presented to the user, the execution means provides a login screen to the user terminal, and identifies an image forming apparatus that inputs the print job based on user information input through the login screen. The printing system according to item 12, characterized in that. (Item 14) When a plurality of image forming apparatuses are associated with the user information, the execution means inquires the user in advance about the image forming apparatus to be used via the user terminal. The printing system according to item 13, characterized in that. (Item 15) The printing server is a cloud print server. The printing system according to any one of items 12 to 14, characterized in that.

[0066] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. It is also possible to implement with a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0068] 10: MFP, 20: User Terminal, 30: Generation AI Server, 40: Extension Application Server, 50: Cloud Print Server, 60: Cloud, 70: Network

Claims

1. A computer program for expanding the functions of a generation AI service, which causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to when receiving a print request via the generation AI service, generate a print job based on the print request; a reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; a presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to a user via the generation AI service characterized in that it functions as.

2. The computer of the information processing apparatus further when receiving, via the generation AI service, a request to change the settings of the print job presented to the user, an update means for updating the print job and the reservation of the print job according to the change content characterized in that it functions as. The computer program according to claim 1.

3. The reservation of the print job to the print server is stored in the print server and provided with an expiration date. The computer program according to claim 2.

4. The computer of the information processing apparatus further functions as a storage means for storing the generated print job, When the expiration date of the reservation of the print job has expired, and when receiving a reprint request via the generation AI service, the reservation means registers a re-reservation of the print job to the print server using the stored print job. The computer program according to claim 3.

5. The presentation means further presents the content of the print settings and the preview image of the print generated by the print server to the user as information of the print job. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The generation means assigns unique identification information when generating the print job. The computer program according to claim 5.

7. The generation means converts text data included in the print request received via the generation AI service into a format acceptable by the print server to generate print data. The computer program according to claim 6.

8. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the generation means sets printing settings predetermined for the generated print job.

9. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein when the user accesses the information regarding the connection destination presented to the user, the print job is input from the print server to the image forming apparatus and the print job is executed.

10. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the computer program is implemented in the information processing apparatus as a plug-in of the generation AI service.

11. A print control method, comprising: a generation step in which a generation means generates a print job based on a print request when the generation means receives the print request via a generation AI service provided by an information processing apparatus; a reservation step in which a reservation means registers a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; an acquisition step in which an acquisition means acquires information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; a presentation step in which a presentation means presents the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to the user via the generation AI service characterized by including.

12. A print system including an information processing apparatus that provides a generation AI service to a user terminal, a print server, and an image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus, by implementing a computer program that expands the functions of the generation AI service, functions as a generation means for generating a print job based on a print request when the generation means receives the print request via the generation AI service; a reservation means for registering a reservation of the generated print job with a print server; an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a connection destination for executing the reserved print job from the print server; a presentation means for presenting the generated print job and the information regarding the connection destination to the user via the generation AI service and, the print server comprises a provision means for providing information regarding the connection destination when the print job is reserved; and an execution means for inputting the print job to the image forming apparatus when the user accesses the information regarding the connection destination characterized by comprising.

13. The printing system according to claim 12, wherein when the user accesses the information regarding the connection destination presented to the user, the execution means provides a login screen to the user terminal and identifies an image forming apparatus that inputs the print job based on user information input via the login screen.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are associated with the user information, the execution means inquires the user in advance about the image forming apparatus to be used via the user terminal.

15. The printing system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the print server is a cloud print server.

Images