Notification system, notification method, and notification server

Abstract

This system provides a notification system that allows the user of a terminal device to collectively access print log information from multiple image forming machines that perform printing on print data sent from a terminal device to a print server. [Solution] In a notification system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, the print server 2 outputs log information including the print status of print data to the log collection server 4, and the log collection server 4 stores the output log information. The notification server 5 acquires a plurality of stored log information based on predetermined conditions, converts the acquired log information into notification information, and transmits the converted notification information to the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 notifies the notification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a notification server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cloud printing service in which a print job is transmitted from a client terminal to a cloud printing service, and an image forming apparatus acquires the print job stored in the cloud printing service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute printing for the print job transmitted from the client terminal, the user of the client terminal cannot know the print log information in the desired plurality of image forming apparatuses at once.

[0005] Therefore, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute printing for the print data transmitted from the terminal device to the print server, it is desired to develop a technology for collectively notifying the user of the terminal device of the print log information in the desired plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a log collection server, a print server, a notification server, and a terminal device that transmits print data to the print server, wherein the print server includes an output unit that outputs log information including the print status of the print data to the log collection server, the log collection server includes a log information storage unit that stores the log information output from the output unit, the notification server includes a log information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of log pieces stored in the log information storage unit based on predetermined conditions, a conversion unit that converts the acquired plurality of log pieces into notification information, and a transmission unit that transmits the converted notification information to the terminal device, and the terminal device includes a notification unit that notifies the notification information.

[0007] A notification method according to one aspect of this disclosure involves a terminal device sending print data to a print server, the print server sending log information including the print status of the print data to a log collection server, the log collection server storing the transmitted log information, a notification server acquiring a plurality of log pieces stored in the log collection server based on predetermined conditions, converting the acquired plurality of log pieces into notification information, sending the converted notification information to the terminal device, and the terminal device notifying the notification information.

[0008] A notification server according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a terminal device that transmits print data to a print server; a log collection server that acquires and stores log information including the print status of the print data from the print server; a communication unit that communicates with the terminal device; a log information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of log pieces of information stored in the log collection server via the communication unit based on predetermined conditions; a conversion unit that converts the acquired plurality of log pieces of information into notification information; and a transmission processing unit that transmits the converted notification information to the terminal device via the communication unit for notification purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the notification process performed in the notification system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart following the flowchart in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 show an example of notification information that is notified during the notification process. [Figure 5] Figures 2 and 3 show other examples of notification information that is notified during the notification process. [Figure 6] Figures 2 and 3 show further examples of notification information that is notified during the notification process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a notification process performed in the notification system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart following the flowchart in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of notification information that is notified during the notification process. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a table referenced in the notification process performed in the notification system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the device's hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely an example illustrating embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, not all components described in the embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [Example of system configuration] The notification system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing one example configuration of the notification system.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the notification system 100 according to the present embodiment can include a terminal device 1, a printing server 2, an image forming apparatus 3, a log collection server 4, and a notification server 5.

[0013] The terminal device 1 is a device that transmits, that is, uploads, print data to the printing server 2. And the terminal device 1 can request the printing server 2 to perform printing on the image forming apparatus 3. The terminal device 1 can be an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. Details of the terminal device 1 will be described later.

[0014] The printing server 2 is a server computer that provides a printing service on the image forming apparatus 3 to the terminal device 1. This printing service is a service that enables printing on the image forming apparatus 3 for the uploaded print data. The printing server 2 can be a cloud printing server, and the printing service provided there may be referred to as a cloud printing service. However, the printing server 2 is not limited to a cloud printing server and may be a server connected to the terminal device 1 via a local network.

[0015] The terminal device 1 accesses the above printing service and uploads a print job for a print target file such as a document file generated by a user to the printing server 2. The print job can include print data and print settings for the print target file. This print setting may be a default setting.

[0016] After analyzing the uploaded print job and confirming necessary print settings, etc., the printing server 2 transmits the print job to one or more image forming apparatuses 3. The destination image forming apparatus 3 is preferably specified in advance together with the print job by the terminal device 1. The image forming apparatus 3 will execute printing based on the print job received from the printing server 2.

[0017] The user who receives the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 3 through the above printing service does not have to be the user of the terminal device 1. That is, the user of the terminal device 1 may be different from the user of the image forming apparatus 3 that executes printing based on the print data via the print server 2. For example, the user of the terminal device 1 is a lecturer or an administrator of an online school, and the user who is the user of the image forming apparatus 3 and receives the printed matter is a student of the online school. In this case, the destination image forming apparatus 3 is specified in advance together with the print job.

[0018] Further, the print server 2 includes an output unit 21 that outputs log information including the print status of the print data received from the terminal device 1 to the log collection server 4. The output unit 21 may output the log information each time the log is generated, or may output the log information in response to a request from the log collection server 4. The print status included in the log information can be acquired by the print server 2 when it is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 to the print server 2.

[0019] The print server 2 is connected to the terminal device 1 and the log collection server 4 via a network N1 such as the Internet or an intranet in order to provide the above printing service. The network N1 may also be connected to a notification server 5 described later. Further, the print server 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 3 via a network N2 such as the Internet or an intranet in order to provide the above printing service. The networks N1 and N2 may be wired or wireless LANs. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. Note that the network N1 and the network N2 may be the same network.

[0020] Furthermore, the print server 2 should be equipped with the printer driver for the image forming apparatus 3. As mentioned above, the print server 2 is a server computer, and although a detailed explanation of its configuration is omitted, it can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, working memory, and a storage device for storing control programs and parameters. The printer driver can be installed as part of this control program.

[0021] Image forming apparatus 3 is a device that forms images on a medium, in other words, a printing device. A detailed explanation of the configuration of image forming apparatus 3 is omitted, but it is sufficient that it can print print data uploaded from terminal device 1 to print server 2. The printing method of image forming apparatus 3 is not limited; various printing methods such as inkjet printing and laser printing can be applied. Image forming apparatus 3 can be a printer, scanner, facsimile device, or a multifunction device equipped with at least one or more functions, including image forming.

[0022] The log collection server 4 is a server computer that collects log information, and is equipped with a log information storage unit 41 that stores log information output from the output unit 21. The log collection server 4 receives log information, including the printing status, from the print server 2 via the network N1 and stores the received log information in the log information storage unit 41.

[0023] Furthermore, when the log collection server 4 requests log information from the print server 2, if the log collection server 4 does not have any log information stored and cannot obtain it through the request, it may poll and wait. In other words, if the log collection server 4 is unable to obtain log information, it may check for the presence or absence of log information at a predetermined time and, if log information exists, may try to obtain it again. Similarly, when the print server 2 voluntarily sends log information to the log collection server 4, if the log information is not stored, the print server 2 may check for the presence or absence of log information at a predetermined time and send it after the log information has been accumulated.

[0024] The log collection server 4 is a server computer, and although a detailed description of its configuration is omitted, it can be configured to include, for example, a processing unit, working memory, and a storage device for storing control programs and parameters. This storage device may function as a log information storage unit 41. The log collection server 4 may also be a cloud server.

[0025] Notification server 5, whose details will be described later, is a server computer that sends notification information regarding log information to terminal device 1. Notification server 5 may also be a cloud server. Terminal device 1 notifies its users of this notification information.

[0026] Thus, the notification system 100 is a system that notifies log information in a printing system, and may also be called an image forming system or a printing system. Below, an example configuration of the terminal device 1 and the notification server 5 will be described in detail.

[0027] [Example configuration of terminal device 1] As shown in Figure 1, the terminal device 1 may include a control unit 10, a communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0028] The control unit 10 can be configured to include, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU or GPU, working memory, and a memory device for storing control programs and parameters. Note that CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. The control unit 10 can also be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 10 can be configured to store control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 10 can also be configured to store control programs as a circuit configuration, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or as a dedicated circuit.

[0029] The communication unit 11 can be configured as a communication interface that communicates with external devices via the network N1. Examples of these external devices include the print server 2 and the notification server 5. The communication interface may communicate via wired or wireless connections.

[0030] The operation unit 12 is the part of the terminal device 1 that receives input from the user, and can also be called the operation reception unit. The operation unit 12 can be implemented by one or more of the following: physical buttons, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 13, a pointing device, and a keyboard. In a configuration where the operation unit 12 includes a touch panel, the display unit 13 and the touch panel together can also be called the operation panel of the terminal device 1.

[0031] The display unit 13 is a part for displaying user interface images (UI images) for operating the terminal device 1, and is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 13 may also include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0032] The storage unit 14 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or other memory-based storage device. The storage unit 14 stores various setting information necessary for processing on the terminal device 1, as well as files generated or acquired by the user. All or part of the files stored in the storage unit 14 can be designated as files to be printed.

[0033] The control unit 10 accesses the print server 2 via the communication unit 11 and controls the transmission of a print job for the file to be printed. The control unit 10 also receives notification information from the notification server 5 via the communication unit 11 and controls the notification of the notification information by displaying it on the display unit 13. Notification of notification information may include reading out the notification information or notifying the arrival of the notification. In that case, the terminal device 1 may be equipped with an audio output unit such as a speaker (not shown). Thus, it can be said that the terminal device 1 is equipped with a notification unit that notifies notification information.

[0034] [Example configuration for notification server 5] As shown in Figure 1, the notification server 5 may include a control unit 50, a communication unit 51, and a storage unit 52.

[0035] The control unit 50 may include a log information acquisition unit 50a, a conversion unit 50b, and a transmission processing unit 50c, which will be described later, in order to acquire multiple log information from the log collection server 4 via the communication unit 51 and to perform the processing of sending notification information to the terminal device 1.

[0036] The control unit 50, like the control unit 10, can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a memory device for storing control programs and parameters. The control unit 50 can also be configured as an SoC. As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 50 can be configured to store control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 50 can also be configured to store control programs as a circuit configuration, such as in an FPGA, or as a dedicated circuit.

[0037] The log information acquisition unit 50a, the conversion unit 50b, and the transmission processing unit 50c can be implemented as the above program. The above program may include a program that enables the arithmetic processing unit to realize the functions of the log information acquisition unit 50a, the conversion unit 50b, and the transmission processing unit 50c in cooperation with the communication unit 51 and the storage unit 52.

[0038] The communication unit 51, like the communication unit 11, can be configured as a communication interface that communicates with an external device via the network N1. Examples of such external devices include the log collection server 4 and the terminal device 1. The communication interface may communicate via wired or wireless connection.

[0039] The storage unit 52, like the storage unit 14, is a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or other memory device. The storage unit 52 stores various setting information necessary for processing at the notification server 5, as well as log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 50a (described later) and notification information 52a converted by the conversion unit 50b. The notification information 52a stored in the storage unit 52 becomes the information to be notified to the terminal device 1.

[0040] A detailed configuration example of the control unit 50 will be described. The log information acquisition unit 50a of the control unit 50 acquires multiple log information stored in the log information storage unit 41 via the communication unit 51 based on predetermined conditions.

[0041] The specified conditions may include, for example, log information about a specific user, log information about a specific type of print job, a print status other than successful printing, or a combination of these conditions.

[0042] The conversion unit 50b converts the acquired log information into notification information. The conversion unit 50b stores the converted notification information as notification information 52a in the storage unit 52, so that it can be read out in the subsequent transmission process. The notification information 52a is data or graphs that have been processed to be suitable for visualization, and may also be called visualization information. The graph can be any type, such as a pie chart, bar graph, or line graph.

[0043] In particular, by presenting the notification information 52a as a graph, it becomes easier for the user of terminal device 1 to check log information, including the print status. For example, the number of image forming apparatus 3 that performed printing, the number of image forming apparatus 3 that did not perform printing, and the number of image forming apparatus 3 that attempted to print but failed and did not proceed can be checked through graphing. Thus, the conversion unit 50b may generate a graph from multiple log information acquired as at least a part of the notification information.

[0044] The transmission processing unit 50c performs the process of transmitting the converted notification information 52a to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 51. The transmission processing unit 50c and the communication unit 51 are an example of a transmission unit that transmits the converted notification information 52a to the terminal device 1. This transmission unit may also be called a notification unit.

[0045] [Example of notification processing] Next, an example of notification processing performed by the notification system 100 will be described using Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating this example of notification processing. Figure 3 is a flowchart following the flowchart in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of notification information that is notified in the notification processing of Figures 2 and 3. Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams showing other examples of notification information that is notified in the notification processing of Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] The following explanation describes an example in which the notification server 5 consists of a visualization server 5a equipped with a visualization tool application that generates notification information 52a, and a cloud server equipped with a cloud automation platform (PF) 5b that processes notifications. The cloud automation PF 5b is an application that automates the settings for sending notification information 52a to the terminal device 1 via the network N1, such as whether to send it by email or SNS. SNS stands for Social Networking Service. Examples of cloud automation PF 5b include Power Automate® and Zapier®.

[0047] The log collection server 4 determines whether or not the first specified time has arrived (step S11). The first specified time may be, for example, a group of times representing a short periodic cycle, or it may be, for example, multiple non-periodic specified times within a day.

[0048] If the answer in step S11 is YES, the log collection server 4 sends a request to the print server 2 to send log data, which is log information data (step S12). Upon receiving this request, the print server 2 sends the log data to the log collection server 4 (step S13). The log data may be stored in the print server 2 as log information data associated with each print data and each image forming apparatus 3, for example, as a database (DB). In this way, the log collection server 4 acquires the log data. The acquired log data is stored in the log information storage unit 41.

[0049] The visualization server 5a pre-sets a second designated time that is aligned with the first designated time of the log collection server 4 and the processing time. The visualization server 5a then determines whether the second designated time has arrived (step S14). If the result in step S14 is YES, the visualization server 5a automatically updates the visualization data. The visualization data is the data from the notification information 52a.

[0050] In this automatic update, first, the visualization server 5a requests the log collection server 4 to send log data for a specific user (step S15). The specific user refers to a user of a specific image forming apparatus 3 and is an example of a predetermined condition. In this case, the predetermined condition may include the condition that the log data is one that has been accumulated by the log collection server 4 between the previous second specified time and the current second specified time.

[0051] Upon receiving this request, the log collection server 4 retrieves the acquired log data from the log information storage unit 41 (step S16) and extracts log data for print jobs associated with a specific user's client ID or identification information (step S17). To enable such extraction, the log data should be linked to or contain identification information. The identification information may be the user identification information of the image forming apparatus 3, or the identification information of the image forming apparatus 3. In addition, the log collection server 4 may receive and set predetermined conditions such as a specific user in advance from the visualization server 5a, and complete the extraction in steps S16 and S17 before receiving the request in step S15.

[0052] Next, the log collection server 4 sends the extracted log data to the visualization server 5a (step S18). Upon receiving this log data, the visualization server 5a determines whether or not there has been an update to the log data (step S19). This determination can be made simply by comparing the received log data with previously received log data. If the result in step S19 is NO, the visualization server 5a returns to step S14.

[0053] If the answer in step S19 is YES, the visualization server 5a generates visualization data from the received log data (step S20). Visualization data can be generated, for example, by graphing the received log data after performing statistical processing as needed.

[0054] Furthermore, if step S15 includes the condition that the log data was acquired by the log collection server 4 after the previous transmission request, the determination in step S19 is unnecessary. This is because the transmission of log data indicates that the log data has been updated.

[0055] Furthermore, the log collection server 4 may have already completed the processes in steps S16 and S17 before the processes in steps S14 and S15. In this case, the visualization server 5a may pre-configure certain conditions, including being a specific user, on the log collection server 4.

[0056] Following step S20, the visualization server 5a notifies specific users who met the predetermined conditions in step S15 of the visualization data via email (steps S21, S22). First, in step S21, the visualization server 5a sends an email to the cloud automation PF5b. Then, in step S22, the cloud automation PF5b, having received the email, converts it into an email viewable on terminal device 1 and sends it to terminal device 1. The email address used for notification should be registered in advance, such as by linking it to an account on cloud automation PF5b or visualization server 5a, so that it can receive emails on terminal device 1 used by the specific user. In this way, the visualization server 5a notifies users of the visualization data via email whenever the visualization data is updated.

[0057] In addition to or instead of email notifications, notifications may also be sent to specific users via various social networking services, Teams®, LINE®, or other chat applications. In this case, a simplified notification with more concise content may be sent. In this case, the recipient of the notification can be the same as for email notifications; it should be pre-registered in the Cloud Automation PF5b as a recipient that can receive notifications on the terminal device 1 used by that specific user.

[0058] When sending notifications via chat or other means as described above, the cloud automation PF5b determines whether or not it has received the email notification in step S21 (step S23). If the answer in step S23 is YES, that is, triggered by this email notification, the cloud automation PF5b processes the image of the visualization data to simplify it (step S24). Then, the cloud automation PF5b notifies terminal device 1 of the processed visualization data via SNS or other means (step S25).

[0059] Furthermore, the trigger for processing may be notification of data updates from the visualization server 5a. In that case, the cloud automation PF5b can process and notify the data once it requests and obtains the visualization data from the visualization server 5a. In addition, if it is desired to add more information to the simplified notification of the processed visualization data, the cloud automation PF5b may send a notification via email in step S25.

[0060] The visualization data notified in step S22 or step S25 may be a list associating machine name, job ID, time, and print status, for example, as shown in table 60 in Figure 4. Here, machine name is an example of identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus 3, and may be the serial number of the image forming apparatus 3. The print status can be one of the following, for example, printed, print canceled, out of paper, out of ink, or print expired. If the visualization data notified in step S22 is table 60, the visualization data notified in step S25 may be data obtained by removing the time column or the time and job ID column from table 60.

[0061] Here, we will explain using an example where the user of terminal device 1 is an instructor or administrator of an online tutoring service, and the user of image forming apparatus 3, who receives the printed materials, is a student of that online tutoring service.

[0062] In this case, the destination image forming apparatus 3 is specified in advance along with the print job. However, multiple destination image forming apparatuses 3 may be specified for a single print job, or only one may be specified. In this example, the print server 2 provides a print service for printing target files such as educational materials.

[0063] In this example, the notification system 100 can specify a print target file, such as educational content, and an image forming apparatus 3, and have the image forming apparatus 3 print that print target file. The notification server 5 then obtains log information, including the printing status, for the image forming apparatus 3 owned by the student who is the recipient of the educational content as a print target file, converts it into notification information, and sends it to the provider who is the distributor of the educational content. In addition to educational content, various types of files can be used as print target files, such as invitations for mock exams or information sessions, learning curricula, and other announcements.

[0064] Furthermore, the teaching material content may be the content of an answer sheet for an exam, etc., or may include the content of an answer sheet. The content of the answer sheet may include identification information of the recipient, such as a student. In this case, the scanning function provided in the image forming apparatus 3 can be used to read the image of the answer sheet completed by the student and send it to the print server 2 or a separately established teaching material management server. In such a learning service, the instructor can download the image of the answer sheet from the destination server and perform corrections, and because it includes the identification information of the recipient, such as a student, it is also possible to identify the recipient who submitted the answer.

[0065] In this example, if the machine name in Table 60 is associated with student identification information, or if Table 60 contains student identification information, instructors and administrators who are users of terminal device 1 can check the print status for each student by checking Table 60. Additionally, the job ID can be associated with the file to be printed. Alternatively, the file name of the file to be printed can be included in Table 60. Therefore, instructors and administrators can identify the file to be printed based on the job ID by checking Table 60.

[0066] Instead of or in addition to Table 60, the visualization data notified in step S22 or step S25 may be, for example, Graph 70 shown in Figure 5 or Graph 80 shown in Figure 6. Both Graphs 70 and 80 are graphs obtained by applying statistical processing to acquired log data that includes the information contained in Table 60.

[0067] Graph 70 includes Graph 71, which shows the number of call jobs (print jobs uploaded from terminal device 1) per minute. Graph 70 also includes Graph 72, which shows the number of print jobs executed per minute in image forming apparatus 3, and Graph 73, which shows the average number of printed sheets per minute printed during those executions. By reviewing Graph 70, instructors and administrators can gain a chronological overview of how students have received printed materials.

[0068] Graph 80 is a graph showing the number of print jobs processed per minute by the image forming apparatus 3, and includes Graph 81 showing the number of completed print jobs, Graph 82 showing the number of print jobs that failed due to running out of paper or ink, and Graph 83 showing the number of print jobs that have expired. By reviewing such graphs 80, instructors and administrators can get a chronological overview of how students have received printed teaching materials.

[0069] Of course, the visualization data is not limited to those exemplified in Table 60, Graph 70, and Graph 80; the information included can be obtained from multiple log data that meet the specified conditions.

[0070] As illustrated in steps S14 to S18 above, the predetermined conditions may be conditions relating to identification information that identifies the user of terminal device 1, that is, user identification information. In other words, notification server 5 may obtain log information corresponding to the print data transmitted from terminal device 1 from log collection server 4 based on predetermined conditions relating to user identification information that identifies the user of terminal device 1. Here, this user identification information is not the user of image forming apparatus 3, but the user of terminal device 1, and is the user of the print service at print server 2. In other words, the user who receives the printed material printed by image forming apparatus 3 is not the user of terminal device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, as illustrated in steps S11 and S15, the log collection server 4 may acquire log information from the print server 2 at a first specified time, and the notification server 5 may acquire log information from the log collection server 4 at a second specified time different from the first specified time. In fact, if the first and second specified times are combined, it may become impossible to process a large amount of log information, but this problem can be solved by setting the first and second specified times to be different. Here, both the first and second specified times may be periodically determined times. In other words, the log collection server 4 may periodically acquire log information at a first fixed time interval, and the notification server 5 may periodically send notifications at a second fixed time interval.

[0072] Furthermore, if the notification server 5 is unable to obtain log information from the log collection server 4, it may check for the presence of log information at a predetermined time and obtain the log information if it exists. The predetermined time can be set in advance, for example, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the acquisition time.

[0073] Furthermore, it is not necessary to specify processing times such as the first and second specified times mentioned above. For example, the log collection server 4 may periodically acquire log information, and the notification server 5 may send notifications at the timing when the user on terminal device 1 requests them. The timing when notifications are requested may be when the user on terminal device 1 requests a notification.

[0074] Thus, regardless of whether a specific time is specified or not, the first timing, which is when the log collection server 4 acquires log information from the print server 2, may be different from the second timing, which is when the notification server 5 acquires log information from the log collection server 4. For example, the first timing may be set to a time after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the print job was uploaded, and the second timing may be set to a time delayed by a predetermined period of time from that point. In fact, if the first and second timings are combined, it may become impossible to process a large amount of log information, but this problem can be solved by setting the first and second timings to be different.

[0075] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the notification system 100 outputs log information from the print server 2 to the log collection server 4 each time, and the notification server 5 acquires multiple log pieces stored in the log collection server 4 based on predetermined conditions, converts them into notification information 52a, and notifies the terminal device 1. This notification information 52a is information converted from multiple log pieces, including the print status of the printed material, and is reported to the terminal device 1, which is the source of the print data. The print status refers to the printing status, including the printing result of the printed material, so the terminal device 1 can check the printing status at the image forming apparatus 3 in the notification information 52a. In particular, since the multiple log pieces to be converted are acquired based on predetermined conditions, the terminal device 1 can check the printing status that satisfies the predetermined conditions in the notification information 52a. Furthermore, the notification system 100 can acquire log pieces that meet predetermined conditions from a large amount of log information all at once, convert them into notification information 52a, and notify the terminal device 1.

[0076] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when there are multiple image forming machines that perform printing on print data sent from a terminal device to a print server, the terminal device can be notified of the print log information from the desired multiple image forming machines all at once. Thus, according to this embodiment, the user of the terminal device can obtain the print log information from the desired multiple image forming machines all at once. In particular, the notification system 100 can visualize the printing status all at once, which is especially useful when there is a large amount of log information.

[0077] To further explain this effect, let's consider the aforementioned learning services provided in the education sector. In these learning services, when educational materials are simultaneously distributed to individual image forming devices installed in the homes of many students, it is desirable to check the print status in order to monitor their learning progress. The print status includes whether the materials were printed successfully, whether there was an error preventing printing, or whether printing was impossible due to the power being off.

[0078] As Comparative Example 1, we consider an example where a command to retrieve print job information is issued to the web server for each print job, one print job per machine. This retrieval command is an API GET command that retrieves print job information. API stands for Application Programming Interface. In Comparative Example 1, it is necessary to query the server for each print job, that is, for each print job per machine, and retrieve and confirm the response, which is time-consuming and laborious. In addition, the server side is burdened because it takes resources to process the command. In contrast, this embodiment can resolve the problems in Comparative Example 1.

[0079] As a comparative example 2, we consider an example where a notification-style command is issued to the web server before issuing a print job, and notifications are sent and confirmed at the timing of job status transitions. This command is an API POST command that notifies the print job status to a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​that specifies the notification format. In comparative example 2, a command is issued to the server for each print job, that is, for each print job per machine, and notifications are sent multiple times at the timing of job status transitions. In comparative example 2, the status can be checked in real time, but it is necessary to keep the system in a state where notifications can be received at all times and to monitor it. In contrast, in this embodiment, constant monitoring is not necessary, thus resolving the problem in comparative example 2.

[0080] As described above, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, when a cram school remotely distributes and prints teaching materials to image forming machines at each student's home, a command to acquire print job information or a notification-type command is sent for each print job, that is, for each print job per machine. In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the only way to understand the printing status is by receiving notifications of the print job status in response to such commands. In contrast, in this embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to these methods, it is possible to acquire log information for multiple print jobs at once without sending commands and notify the cram school, making it easier for the cram school to manage the printing status of the students' image forming machines.

[0081] Furthermore, this embodiment can be used not only for learning services such as cram schools, but also as a means of monitoring and managing the usage status of image forming machines scattered in remote locations from a single location.

[0082] (Embodiment 2) [Example configuration and processing of this embodiment] An example of notification processing performed in the notification system according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 7 to 9. Since the notification system according to this embodiment is a modified version of the notification system 100 in Figure 1, only the changes will be explained using Figure 1 for its configuration.

[0083] In Embodiment 1, a graph was generated using all the log information acquired during graph generation, so it was necessary to acquire previously acquired log information again and regenerate the graph. In contrast, in this embodiment, only the additional log information is acquired and added to the previously generated graph.

[0084] Specifically, in this embodiment, the conversion unit 50b generates a first graph from a plurality of log information acquired based on predetermined conditions specifying a first section, and generates a second graph from a plurality of log information acquired based on predetermined conditions specifying a second section following the first section. The current graph, which is the second graph, is a graph added to the first graph, which was generated from a plurality of log information acquired in the past with only the period conditions under predetermined conditions being different. Then, as at least a part of the notification information 52a, the conversion unit 50b generates a graph in which the second graph is added to the first graph.

[0085] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of this notification process. Figure 8 is a flowchart following the flowchart in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of notification information that is notified in the notification process in Figures 7 and 8.

[0086] First, as shown in Figure 7, the same process as in steps S11 to S19 in Figure 2 is executed. After the processing in step S19, the visualization server 5a generates a visualization graph as an example of the second graph from the received log data (step S70). Here, a graph corresponding to the current graph 92g, which is the latest visualization graph shown in Figure 9, is generated.

[0087] Next, the visualization server 5a generates a new graph 92 by adding the current graph 92g to the past graph 91g, which is a past visualization graph shown in Figure 9 as an example of the first graph (step S71), as shown in Figure 8 (step S71). After that, the same process as steps S21 to S25 in Figure 3 is executed (steps S72 to S76).

[0088] Graphs 91 and 92 show bar graphs illustrating the print status, specifically print errors (unsuccessful printing), printed documents, and canceled print jobs. However, the type of graph is not limited to these examples; any graph that allows for the addition of a second graph to the first graph, as described above, will suffice.

[0089] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1, it also has the effect of eliminating the need to reacquire previously obtained log information and regenerate the graph.

[0090] (Embodiment 3) [Example configuration and processing of this embodiment] This embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Since the notification system according to this embodiment is a modified version of the notification system 100 in Figure 1, only the modifications will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table referenced in the notification process executed in the notification system according to this embodiment.

[0091] The predetermined conditions in this embodiment include conditions such as the log information relating to a printed document of a specific rank. Here, a specific rank may refer to a particular rank among printed documents that are managed by ranking them according to their type. In other words, the predetermined conditions include conditions based on the rank corresponding to the type of printed data.

[0092] Here, "type of print data" refers to the type of printed content represented by the print data. To give an example of the learning service mentioned above, the type of print data would include, for example, answer sheets for learning assignments that require student responses, other educational content, invitations for mock exams and information sessions, learning curricula, and other announcements.

[0093] Table 52b shown in Figure 10 is an example of a table referenced by the log information acquisition unit 50a, and is stored, for example, in the storage unit 52. The log information acquisition unit 50a refers to table 52b, and if the notification corresponds to rank 3, for example, it does not acquire the log information because it does not notify the notification.

[0094] In Table 52b, the content of the answer sheet is represented as student information-attached educational content, with student information added for the purpose of answering and returning the answer sheet, and is set to rank 1. In Table 52b, other educational content is represented as general educational content and, along with the invitation letter, is set to rank 2. The log information acquisition unit 50a refers to Table 52b and, for example, if the printed data is of a type corresponding to rank 1 or 2, acquires the log information in order to notify the user.

[0095] Furthermore, Table 52b describes the details of the notification method, including whether to use email notification or SNS notification. The transmission processing unit 50c refers to Table 52b and, for example, for rank 1 log information, it is better to notify as soon as possible, even if it is a simple notification, so it uses SNS notification. On the other hand, the transmission processing unit 50c refers to Table 52b and, for example, for rank 2 log information, it is acceptable to notify later, so it uses email notification. In this way, the transmission processing unit 50c may differentiate the method of sending notification information 52a according to the rank corresponding to the type of print data.

[0096] Furthermore, this transmission method processing does not necessarily have to be used in conjunction with the process of acquiring log information according to rank. Also, table 52b may be configured as appropriate from terminal device 1, etc.

[0097] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1 or 2, it is possible to obtain notification information of a type desired by the user of the terminal device 1 according to the printed content, or to transmit notification information using a transmission method desired by the user of the terminal device 1.

[0098] (Other variations) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the terminal device, print server, image forming apparatus, log collection server, and notification server can all be any device capable of realizing the functions described. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned servers may be constructed as a distributed system. In addition, at least two of the above-mentioned log collection server, print server, and notification server may be integrated into a single system.

[0099] Furthermore, each device provided in the system according to the above-described embodiments may have a hardware configuration such as the following. Here, each device refers to, in the example shown in Figure 1, a terminal device 1, a print server 2, an image forming apparatus 3, a log collection server 4, and a notification server 5. Figure 11 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the devices.

[0100] The device 1000 shown in Figure 11 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include interfaces to other devices as needed, such as a communication interface or an input / output device.

[0101] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, GPU, or MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing it while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003. For example, if device 1000 is terminal device 1, this program may include a program that causes the processor 1001 to perform the print job upload process and notification information notification process as described above. For example, if device 1000 is notification server 5, this program may include a program that causes the processor 1001 to perform the log information acquisition process and notification information transmission process as described above.

[0102] Furthermore, the program described above includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments when loaded into a computer. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. Examples, but not limited to, include CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray® discs, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and of course includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims of the present patent application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1...Terminal device, 2...Print server, 3...Image forming apparatus, 4...Log collection server, 5...Notification server, 5a...Visualization server, 5b...Cloud automation PF, 10...Control unit, 11...Communication unit, 12...Operation unit, 13...Display unit, 14...Storage unit, 21...Output unit, 41...Log information storage unit, 50...Control unit, 50a...Log information acquisition unit, 50b...Conversion unit, 50c...Transmission processing unit, 51...Communication unit, 52...Storage unit, 52a...Notification information, 52b...Table, 60...Table, 70...Graph, 71...Graph, 72...Graph, 73...Graph, 80...Graph, 91...Graph, 91g...Past graph, 92g...Current graph, 92...Graph, 100...Notification system, 1000...Device, 1001...Processor, 1002...Memory, 1003...Interface, N1,N2...Network.

Claims

1. The system comprises a log collection server, a print server, a notification server, and a terminal device that transmits print data to the print server. The print server includes an output unit that outputs log information, including the print status of the print data, to the log collection server. The log collection server includes a log information storage unit that stores the log information output from the output unit, The aforementioned notification server, A log information acquisition unit acquires multiple log information stored in the log information storage unit based on predetermined conditions, A conversion unit that converts the acquired log information into notification information, A transmission unit that transmits the converted notification information to the terminal device, Equipped with, The terminal device includes a notification unit that notifies the notification information. Notification system.

2. The notification server obtains the log information corresponding to the print data transmitted from the terminal device from the log collection server based on the predetermined conditions for user identification information that identifies the user of the terminal device. The notification system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions based on a rank corresponding to the type of print data, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The timing at which the log collection server acquires the log information from the print server and the timing at which the notification server acquires the log information from the log collection server are different. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The log collection server acquires the log information from the print server at the first specified time, The notification server obtains the log information from the log collection server at a second specified time that is different from the first specified time. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. If the notification server is unable to obtain the log information from the log collection server, it will check for the presence or absence of the log information at a predetermined time, and if the log information exists, it will obtain the log information. The notification system according to claim 5.

7. The conversion unit generates a graph from the acquired log information, which is at least part of the notification information. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The conversion unit generates a first graph from the plurality of log information acquired based on the predetermined conditions that specify a first section, generates a second graph from the plurality of log information acquired based on the predetermined conditions that specify a second section following the first section, and generates a graph in which the second graph is added to the first graph as at least a part of the notification information. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The transmitting unit shall vary the method of transmitting the notification information according to the rank corresponding to the type of print data. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The user of the terminal device is different from the user of the image forming apparatus that performs printing based on the print data via the print server. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The terminal device sends the print data to the print server. The print server sends log information, including the print status of the print data, to the log collection server. The log collection server stores the transmitted log information, The notification server, Based on predetermined conditions, multiple log information stored in the log collection server is acquired. The acquired log information is converted into notification information. The converted notification information is transmitted to the terminal device. The terminal device notifies the notification information, Notification method.

12. A terminal device that transmits print data to a print server, a log collection server that acquires and stores log information including the print status of the print data from the print server, and a communication unit that communicates with each other. A log information acquisition unit acquires multiple log information stored in the log collection server via the communication unit based on predetermined conditions, A conversion unit that converts the acquired log information into notification information, A transmission processing unit that transmits the converted notification information to the terminal device via the communication unit for notification at the terminal device, A notification server equipped with this feature.

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