Printing System, Information Processing Apparatus, and Program

Abstract

To suppress unnecessary consumption of a consumable supply as compared to a case where correspondence in a case of an image formation instruction by audio input and correspondence in a case of an image formation instruction by input other than audio are the same.SOLUTION: A printing system receives a first instruction V21 when an image formation of forming a processed image in a recording medium is instructed by audio input by a user U and a second instruction when the image formation is instructed by input other than audio from a PC 30 of the user U. When receiving the first instruction V21, the printing system restricts formation of the image on the recording medium and stores the image whose formation in the recording medium has been restricted in an HDD 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of different types of jobs, including a control unit that controls the execution of an input job, and a detection unit that detects that any one of a plurality of predetermined target voices has been uttered based on the voice detected by a voice detection means. When it is detected that the target voice has been uttered during the target setting period corresponding to the job being executed among the setting periods determined in advance for each type of job, the control unit stops the execution of the job.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when printing can be instructed by voice input, if a situation occurs where printing is performed even though the user has no intention of printing due to the user's mispronunciation or misrecognition of the voice, etc., consumables will be wasted due to unnecessary printing. An object of the present invention is to suppress the wasteful consumption of consumables compared to the case where the response when there is an instruction for image formation by voice input is the same as the response when there is an instruction for image formation by an input other than voice.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 comprises receiving means for receiving a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice; restricting means for restricting the formation of the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving means; and storing means for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting means. 、 When the restricting means satisfies a predetermined condition, it allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction. and The restricting means is included in the predetermined condition. required for the user to be able to change a threshold value, and when forming the image on the recording medium required for uses the number of sheets of the recording medium to determine whether to restrict or allow. 、 It is a printing system. Claim 2 The invention according to claim, wherein when forming the image on the recording medium, required for when the number of sheets of the recording medium is less than the threshold value, it allows without restriction, which is characterized by claim 1 The printing system according to claim. Claim 3 The invention according to claim, wherein when forming the image on the recording medium, required for when the number of sheets of the recording medium is equal to or more than the threshold value, it allows without restriction, which is characterized by claim 1 The printing system according to claim. Claim 4 The invention according to claim, wherein the predetermined condition of the restricting means is the setting of the image formation when forming the image on the recording medium, which is characterized by claim 1 The printing system according to claim. Claim 5 The invention according to claim, wherein the setting of the image formation is black-and-white printing, which is characterized by claim 4 The printing system according to claim. Claim 6 The invention according to claim, receiving means for receiving a first instruction when an instruction for image formation for forming a processed image on a recording medium is given by the user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice; restricting means for restricting the formation of the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving means; and storing means for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting means, when the first instruction is received by the receiving means, when forming the image on the recording medium, required forObtain information on the number of the recording media, and without restricting, allow forming the image on the recording media when the number specified by the information is less than a first threshold value, and inquire of the user whether to allow without restricting forming the image on the recording media when the number is greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value. above than the first threshold value large and less than a second threshold value less than and inquire of the user whether to allow without restricting forming the image on the recording media. 、 A printing system. Claim 7 The invention according to claim [claim number] is characterized in that the restricting means transmits the information on the number to the device that transmits the first instruction to inquire of the user. 6 A printing system according to claim [claim number]. Claim 8 The invention according to claim [claim number] is characterized in that the restricting means transmits the information on the number to a predetermined notification destination of the user who made the voice input of the first instruction to inquire of the user. 6 A printing system according to claim [claim number]. Claim 9 The invention according to claim [claim number] includes a processor, and the processor receives a first instruction when an instruction for image formation by an image forming apparatus that forms a processed image on a recording media is made by a voice input of the user and a second instruction when it is made by an input other than the voice of the user. When the first instruction is received, the processor restricts forming the image on the recording media and stores the image whose formation on the recording media is restricted. and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, allowing the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction, and determining whether to restrict or allow using a threshold value that can be changed by the user included in the predetermined condition and the number of sheets of the recording medium required when forming the image on the recording medium, An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. The invention according to claim 10 includes a processor. The processor receives a first instruction when an instruction for image formation for forming a processed image on a recording medium is given by the user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice. When the first instruction is received, the processor restricts the formation of the image on the recording medium, stores the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted, acquires information on the number of sheets of the recording medium required when forming the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received, and allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction when the number specified by the information is less than a first threshold value, and asks the user whether to allow the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction when the number is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value. An information processing apparatus characterized by this. Claim 1 1 The invention according to claim [claim number] realizes, in an information processing apparatus, a receiving function for receiving a first instruction when an instruction for image formation by an image forming apparatus that forms a processed image on a recording media is made by a voice input of the user and a second instruction when it is made by an input other than the voice of the user, a restricting function for restricting forming the image on the recording media when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, and a storing function for storing the image whose formation on the recording media is restricted by the restricting function. The restricting function allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the restricting function determines whether to restrict or allow using a threshold value included in the predetermined condition and the number of sheets of the recording medium required when forming the image on the recording medium, A program. The invention according to claim 12 realizes, in an information processing apparatus, a receiving function for receiving a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when the instruction is given by an input other than the user's voice, a restricting function for restricting the formation of the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, and a storing function for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting function. The restricting function, when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, acquires information on the number of sheets of the recording medium required for forming the image on the recording medium, allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction when the number specified by the information is less than a first threshold value, and inquires of the user whether to allow the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction when the number is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value. It is a program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to claim 1, compared with the case where the response when there is an instruction for image formation by voice input is the same as the response when there is an instruction for image formation by an input other than voice, wasteful consumption of consumables can be suppressed. According to claim 2, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where no condition is provided to allow image formation on a recording medium without restricting it. According to claim 3, compared with the case where the condition for allowing image formation on a recording medium is not based on the number of recording media, wasteful consumption of consumables can be suppressed. According to claim 4, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where image formation on a recording medium is restricted even when the number of recording media is less than the threshold. According to claim 5, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where image formation on a recording medium is restricted when the number of recording media is equal to or more than the threshold. According to claim 6, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where the condition for allowing image formation on a recording medium is not based on the image formation settings. According to claim 7, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where image formation on a recording medium is allowed when the image formation setting is other than black-and-white printing. According to claim 8, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where two thresholds, i.e., a first threshold and a second threshold, for the number of recording media are not used. According to claim 9, the usability of the user can be improved compared with the case where no inquiry is made to the device that transmits the first instruction. According to claim 10, compared with the case where no inquiry is made to the user's notification destination, the user's intention regarding image formation can be confirmed more reliably. According to claim 11, compared with the case where the response when there is an instruction for image formation by voice input is the same as the response when there is an instruction for image formation by an input other than voice, wasteful consumption of consumables can be suppressed. According to claim 12, compared with the case where the response when there is an instruction for image formation by voice input is the same as the response when there is an instruction for image formation by input other than voice, wasteful consumption of consumables can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Overview of the Present Embodiment] The present embodiment receives a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice, and when the first instruction is received, restricts forming the image on the recording medium, and provides a printing system that stores an image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted.

[0009] Also, in a printing system including a smart speaker that collects a user's voice and a printing apparatus that performs printing according to an instruction from the smart speaker, either the smart speaker or the printing apparatus may be used. However, hereinafter, a server that relays between the smart speaker and the printing apparatus is provided, and as the information processing apparatus, this server will be described as an example.

[0010] [Overall Configuration of the Printing System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, this printing system 1 is configured by connecting a smart speaker 10, a server 20, and a printing apparatus 40 to a communication line 80. In the figure, only one smart speaker 10, server 20, and printing apparatus 40 are shown, but two or more of each apparatus may be provided. The printing system 1 is an example of a printing system, the smart speaker 10 is an example of an apparatus that issues a first instruction, and the printing apparatus 40 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0011] The smart speaker 10 is a speaker with a voice assistant function that can obtain various information via the communication line 80 in response to a voice query from the user, answer, or control the operation of various devices. The smart speaker 10 is also called an AI speaker. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the user makes a printing request by voice, the smart speaker 10 recognizes the printing request by voice, generates request information for requesting printing based on the result, and transmits it to the server 20.

[0012] The server 20 performs various processes based on the information transmitted from the smart speaker 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, the server 20 receives the request information for requesting printing from the smart speaker 10, and transmits a printing instruction based on this request information to the printing device 40. In the present embodiment, the server 20 is provided as an example of an information processing device.

[0013] The printing device 40 prints an image on a recording medium such as paper. In particular, in the present embodiment, the printing device 40 prints an image on the recording medium based on the printing instruction transmitted from the server 20. In the present embodiment, the smart speaker 10 is configured as an external device of the printing device 40, but is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the smart speaker 10 is an internal device of the printing device 40 may be adopted.

[0014] The communication line 80 is a line used for information communication between the smart speaker 10 and the server 20, and between the server 20 and the printing device 40. As the communication line 80, for example, the Internet may be used.

[0015] [Hardware Configuration of Smart Speaker] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the smart speaker 10 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the smart speaker 10 includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 14, a speaker 15, and a microphone 16.

[0016] The processor 11 realizes processing for input / output of voice by loading various programs stored in the ROM 13 or the like into the RAM 12 and executing them. Such processing includes, for example, processing for generating voice data for outputting voice by the speaker 15, and processing for voice recognition of the voice of a print request collected by the microphone 16 and converting it into request information.

[0017] The RAM 12 is a memory used as a working memory or the like of the processor 11. The ROM 13 is a memory that stores various programs and the like executed by the processor 11. The communication I / F 14 transmits and receives various information to and from the server 20 via the communication line 80. The speaker 15 outputs voice based on the voice data generated by the processor 11 to the outside. The microphone 16 collects voice emitted outside.

[0018] [Hardware Configuration of Server] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the server 20 includes a processor 21, a RAM 22, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 23, a communication I / F 24, a display device 25, and an input device 26.

[0019] The processor 21 executes various software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications, and realizes each function described later. The RAM 22 is a memory used as a working memory of the processor 21 or the like. The HDD 23 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like.

[0020] The communication I / F 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the smart speaker 10 or the printing device 40 via the communication line 80. The display device 25 is, for example, a display that displays various information. The input device 26 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse used by the user to input information.

[0021] [Hardware Configuration of Printing Device] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the printing device 40 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the printing device 40 includes a processor 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, an HDD 44, an operation panel 45, a printing unit 46, and a communication I / F 47.

[0022] The processor 41 realizes the processing for printing in the printing unit 46 by loading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 43 or the like into the RAM 42.

[0023] The RAM 42 is a memory used as a working memory of the processor 41 or the like. The ROM 43 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the processor 41 or the like. The HDD 44 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores printing data used in printing in the printing unit 46 and the like.

[0024] The operation panel 45 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various information and receives operation inputs from the user, and is a UI (User Interface) device. Here, the operation panel 45 includes a display on which various information is displayed and a position detection sheet that detects the position indicated by an instruction means such as a finger or a stylus pen. Alternatively, instead of the touch panel, a display and a keyboard may be used.

[0025] The printing unit 46 prints an image on a recording medium such as paper. Here, the printing unit 46 is, for example, a printer, and it is advisable to use an electrophotographic method that transfers toner adhered to a photoreceptor to the recording medium to form an image, or an inkjet method that ejects ink onto the recording medium to form an image. The communication I / F 47 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the server 20 via the communication line 80.

[0026] [Schematic operation of this embodiment] FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining schematic operation examples of this embodiment. However, these diagrams may show any one of the PC (Personal Computer) 30 omitted in FIG. 1, the document storage device 50, and the page analysis device 60 that was not shown assuming it was included in the server 20 in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a schematic operation example of the printing system 1 in response to a printing request from the PC 30. Note that although the PC 30 is used in FIG. 5, it is not limited thereto, and an operation panel 45 (see FIG. 4) provided in the printing device 40 or a portable information terminal (not shown) may also be used. The printing request is an example of an instruction for image formation that forms a processed image on a recording medium, and may also be referred to as a printing instruction. In FIG. 5, first, when user U gives an instruction to print the page of the ingredients of the twice-cooked pork recipe on PC 30, PC 30 sends a print request to server 20 (step 101). Then, server 20 acquires document data D of the twice-cooked pork recipe from document storage device 50 (step 102) and requests page analysis device 60 to perform page analysis on document data D (step 103). As a result, when page analysis device 60 creates page analysis result R from document data D, server 20 acquires page analysis result R (step 104) and sends a print instruction for document data D to printing device 40 based on this page analysis result R (step 105). In this example, since page analysis result R indicates that the ingredients are described from page 1 to page 2, printing device 40 prints page 1 and page 2 of document data D as printed matter P in response to the print request. Thereafter, server 20 sends a print result response to PC 30 (step 106), and PC 30 notifies user U of the completion of printing by display.

[0028] Here, as described above, when there is a print request from PC 30, a series of processes until printing is started. Consider a mode in which, when there is a print request from smart speaker 10, a series of processes are started in the same manner as in the case of a print request from PC 30. When a print request is made from smart speaker 10 due to user U's speech, if a situation occurs where user U's speech is a mispronunciation or the speech is misrecognized, printing that user U does not intend will be executed, and consumables will be wasted. Due to such a situation, it is also assumed that user U will refrain from using printing, making it difficult to promote the use of printing system 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, first to third schematic operation examples capable of suppressing wasteful consumption of consumables will be described.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a first schematic operation example of the printing system 1 for a printing request. FIG. 6(a) shows the case where the printing request is from the PC 30, and FIG. 6(b) shows the case where the printing request is from the smart speaker 10. FIG. 6(a) corresponds to FIG. 5 but is simplified for convenience of explanation, and FIG. 6(b) is simplified in accordance with FIG. 6(a). The same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described later. In addition, in FIG. 6(b), when the user U makes an inquiry to the smart speaker 10, generally, a call for starting the use of the voice assistant function of the smart speaker 10 is made, but this call is omitted in the figure. The same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described later. Note that in FIG. 6, the illustration of the server 20 is omitted, but in addition to the case where the PC 30 or the smart speaker 10 directly communicates with the printing device 40, the case where the PC 30 or the smart speaker 10 communicates with the printing device 40 via the server 20 is also included. Hereinafter, an example in which the printing device 40 performs processing will be described, but the server 20 may perform the processing. The same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described later.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when a printing request is made from the PC 30 by an input other than the voice of the user U (step 111), the printing device 40 receives the document data D (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the printing request, forms an image of the document data D on the recording medium in the order of reception, and discharges the printed matter P (step 112).

[0031] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the user U utters the voice V21, "Print the page of the ingredients for twice-cooked pork.", the smart speaker 10 emits the voice V22, "Understood. The print data will be stored in the printing device." Then, when the smart speaker 10 transmits a printing request in response to the voice input of the user U (step 121), the printing device 40 receives the document data D (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the printing request and stores the received document data D in the HDD 44 (step 122). That is, when a printing request is made from the smart speaker 10, unlike the case of a printing request from the PC 30, the printed matter P is not discharged only by that printing request. After that, when the smart speaker 10 receives a notification from the printing device 40 that the document data D has been stored in the HDD 44, it emits an audio V23 saying, "Please operate if you want to eject the printed matter." In response to this, when the user U operates the operation panel 45 of the printing device 40 to request ejection of the printed matter, the printing device 40 prints the image of the document data D stored in the HDD 44 on a recording medium (step 123), and ejects the printed matter P (step 124).

[0032] As described above, in the first schematic operation example, when the print request is from the PC 30 made by an input other than the voice of the user U, the image of the document data D of the print request is immediately printed and the printed matter P is ejected. On the other hand, when the print request is from the smart speaker 10 made by the voice input of the user U, the document data D is stored in the printing device 40 and waits for a request to eject the printed matter. When there is a request to eject the printed matter from the operation panel 45 of the printing device 40, the stored document data D is printed and the printed matter P is ejected. In the case of the smart speaker 10, in addition to the print request triggered by the user U's speech, a request to eject the printed matter by an operation of, for example, the PC 30 other than the user U's speech is required. This can prevent the user U from unintentionally executing printing due to mis-speaking or voice mis-recognition by the user U, and can suppress the wasteful consumption of consumables. The print request from the smart speaker 10 made by the voice input of the user U is an example of the first instruction, and the print request from the PC 30 made by an input other than the voice of the user U is an example of the second instruction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the request to eject the printed matter is made by the operation panel 45, but it is not limited to this, and any device that makes a request to eject the printed matter by an input other than voice input may be used, such as a PC 30, a portable information terminal (not shown), etc. Note that the request to eject the printed matter here can also be referred to as a print request for stored data. In addition, in the present embodiment, the server 20 acquires the document data D from the document storage device 50 and transmits it to the printing device 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The smart speaker 10 may acquire the document data D from the document storage device 50 and transmit the acquired document data D to the printing device 40 together with a print request.

[0034] It should be noted that the printout discharge request is for confirming the intention of the user U and is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing wasteful consumption of consumables. However, the user U needs to operate with a device other than the smart speaker 10 again, and it becomes difficult to promote the use of the printing system 1 from the viewpoint of usability. On the other hand, it can be considered that the probability of the occurrence of two consecutive misutterances or misrecognitions is not high. Therefore, a setting for allowing a printout discharge request from the smart speaker 10 may be provided to promote the use of the printing system 1. In such a case, when a setting for allowing a printout discharge request from the smart speaker 10 is made, it is conceivable to confirm the intention with the user U by voice.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a second schematic operation example of the printing system 1 for a print request from the smart speaker 10. FIG. 7(a) shows the case where the number of printouts P is 12, and FIG. 7(b) shows the case where the number of printouts P is 3. In the second schematic operation example, when the print request is from the PC 30, it is the same as that shown in FIG. 6(a) described above, and the description thereof is omitted. In the second schematic operation example, a threshold value for the number of printouts is determined in advance. When the number of printouts due to a print request from the smart speaker 10 is less than the threshold value, immediate printing is performed. On the other hand, when the number of printouts is equal to or greater than the threshold value, immediate printing is not performed and it is stored in the HDD 44. The threshold value of the second schematic operation example will be described below assuming that it is 5 sheets.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the user U utters the voice V31 "Print the calendar from January to December next year.", the smart speaker 10 transmits a print request corresponding to the voice input of the user U (step 131). The printing device 40 acquires document data D (see FIG. 5) according to the printing request and checks the number of copies (step 132). That is, the printing device 40 checks that the number of copies is 12 and is not less than the threshold value of 5. In this case, the printing device 40 does not perform immediate printing but accumulates the document data D (see FIG. 5) in the HDD 44 (step 133). When the smart speaker 10 is notified by the printing device 40 of the accumulation of the document data D, it emits an audio V32 saying, "The print data has been accumulated in the printing device. Please operate if you want to eject the printed matter." Then, when a request for ejecting the printed matter is made by the user U, the accumulated document data D is printed on the recording medium (step 134) and the printed matter P is ejected (step 135), in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 6(b) described above.

[0037] Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the smart speaker 10 transmits a printing request by uttering an audio V41 saying, "Print the calendar from January to March next year." (step 141), the printing device 40 checks that the number of copies is 3 and is less than or equal to the threshold value of 5 (step 142), performs immediate printing without accumulation, and ejects the printed matter P (step 143). When the smart speaker 10 receives a notification from the printing device 40 that the printed matter P has been ejected, it emits an audio V42 saying, "It has been printed." to inform the user U.

[0038] Thus, in the second schematic operation example, when there is a printing request from the smart speaker 10, the number of recording media according to the printing request is compared with a preset threshold value. When it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is accumulated without immediate printing and waits for a request to eject the printed matter (see FIG. 7(a)). On the other hand, when it is less than the threshold value, immediate printing is performed without accumulation (see FIG. 7(b)). Thereby, usability can be improved and promotion of the use of the printing system 1 can be achieved. Even if the printing requirement is due to misvoicing or misrecognition, since the number of printed materials P can be reduced, immediate printing is possible when the impact of wasteful printing is small. On the other hand, by suppressing immediate printing when the impact of wasteful printing is relatively large, the wasteful consumption of consumables can be suppressed.

[0039] In addition to the case where the threshold value is preset and cannot be changed by the user, it may also be set so that the user can freely change it. For example, by setting the threshold value to 1 sheet, it may be accumulated as in the first schematic operation example. Also, by setting the threshold value to a value considerably larger than the number of sheets for normal printing, for example, 100 sheets, immediate printing may be always performed. By entrusting the threshold value to the user, the usability of the user can be improved. Furthermore, instead of having the user set the threshold value, by preparing options of all immediate printing (the option where threshold value 1 is set) and all accumulation (the option where threshold value 100 is set), the setting can be made easier. Of course, in addition to these two options, the user may be able to set an arbitrary value as the threshold value.

[0040] Here, the threshold value in the second schematic operation example is the number of printed materials, but it is not limited to this and may be the number of pages. Whether the threshold value is the number of sheets or the number of pages changes whether immediate printing is performed for double-sided printing. Therefore, when the threshold value is the number of sheets, the smart speaker 10 may inquire of the user U whether to perform double-sided printing or not. Also, in the second schematic operation example, the comparison with the threshold value is performed by the printing device 40, but it is not limited to this and may be performed by the server 20.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a third schematic operation example of the printing system 1 in response to a printing request from the smart speaker 10. In the third schematic operation example, when the printing request is from the PC 30, it is the same as that shown in FIG. 6(a) described above, so the description thereof is omitted. In the third schematic operation example, a threshold value for the number of printed materials is predetermined. When the number of printed materials due to a print request from the smart speaker 10 is less than the first threshold value, immediate printing is performed. On the other hand, when the number of printed materials is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the user U is asked whether to perform immediate printing. When the number of printed materials is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is stored in the HDD 44 without asking the user U. The first threshold value in the third schematic operation example is smaller than the second threshold value. Assuming that the first threshold value is 5 sheets and the second threshold value is 10 sheets, the following description will be given.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8, when the user U utters a voice V51 saying "Print the instruction manual of the printing device.", the smart speaker 10 transmits a print request corresponding to the voice input of the user U (step 151). Then, the printing device 40 confirms the number of printed materials P due to the print request (step 152).

[0043] When the printing device 40 confirms that the number of sheets is 9, which is not less than the first threshold value but less than the second threshold value, it notifies the user of the number of printed materials and asks whether to perform immediate printing (step 153). By notifying the user of the number of printed materials and making an inquiry in this way, when the user U thought that the number of printed materials was about 3, which is less than the first threshold value, but the actual number was 9, which is less than the second threshold value, by asking the user U whether to print after notifying the number of printed materials, the printing system 1 becomes user-friendly for the user U.

[0044] Note that such an inquiry to the user U is made to the notification destination obtained based on the user information included in the print request from the smart speaker 10, for example, the email address, but it is not limited to this, and it may be made by the smart speaker 10.

[0045] When user U makes a discharge request for an inquiry email (step 154), the printing device 40 performs printing on a recording medium and discharges the printed matter P (step 155). After that, the smart speaker 10 emits an audio V52 saying "It has been printed." to notify user U. In addition to the case where the discharge request for the printed matter is made by replying to the inquiry email, even when replying to the inquiry, user U may select and operate either the "Print Execution" or "Print Cancellation" area in the text of the inquiry email. Instead of or together with audio V52, a report indicating that printing has been completed may be sent to the email address of the inquiry email.

[0046] In the printing device 40, the process of immediately printing when the number of sheets is less than the first threshold value and the process of accumulating when the number of sheets is equal to or more than the second threshold value are the same as those in the above-described second schematic operation example (for the printing of accumulated data, refer to Fig. 7(a); for immediate printing, refer to Fig. 7(b)), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0047] [Functional Configuration of Server 20 or Printing Device 40] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of server 20 or printing device 40 in the present embodiment. The functional configuration example described below may be provided in server 20 or printing device 40. As shown in Fig. 9, server 20 or printing device 40 includes a transmission / reception unit 51, a determination unit 52, an accumulation unit 53, a printing start control unit 54, and a notification unit 55.

[0048] The transmission / reception unit 51 receives information such as a printing request and document data D from the smart speaker 10, and also transmits information to the smart speaker 10. The transmission / reception unit 51 receives information such as a printing request and document data D from the PC 30, and also transmits information to the PC 30. When server 20 includes the transmission / reception unit 51, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits and receives information to and from the printing device 40. When the printing device 40 includes the transmission / reception unit 51, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits and receives information to and from the server 20. The transmission / reception unit 51 is an example of a receiving means.

[0049] The determination unit 52 determines whether the print request received by the transmission / reception unit 51 is from the smart speaker 10 or from the PC 30. Such determination is made based on information indicating that it is from the smart speaker 10 (or information indicating that it is not from the smart speaker 10) included in the print request, or when such information is not included in the print request, the printing apparatus 40 identifies the transmission source of the print request and makes the determination. Also, the determination unit 52 makes a determination using the number-of-copies information of the printed matter according to the print request. Such determination is made based on the document data D corresponding to the print request. Furthermore, the determination unit 52 makes a determination using print setting information such as black-and-white printing. The print setting information is, for example, that of the printing unit 46 of the printing apparatus 40. In such a case, the print setting information is acquired from the printing unit 46 and the determination is made. The determination unit 52 is an example of a restricting means.

[0050] The storage unit 53 stores the document data D when not immediately printing the document data D corresponding to the print request. The storage unit 53 stores the document data D, and such document data D may be image data obtained by rasterizing the document, or may also be the data of the document before rasterization. When the printing apparatus 40 includes the storage unit 53, the storage unit 53 is the HDD 44 (see FIG. 4) of the printing apparatus 40. When the server 20 includes the storage unit 53, the storage unit 53 is the HDD 23 (see FIG. 3) of the server 20 or the like. The storage unit 53 is an example of a storing means.

[0051] The print start control unit 54 controls whether to immediately print the document data D received by the transmission / reception unit 51 according to the print request, or to store the document data D once in the storage unit 53 and print when there is a discharge request for the printed matter. When the server 20 includes the print start control unit 54, the print start control unit 54 instructs the printing apparatus 40 to start printing. When the printing apparatus 40 includes the print start control unit 54, the print start control unit 54 instructs the printing unit 46 (see FIG. 4) to start printing.

[0052] The notification unit 55 notifies the user U of the above-mentioned inquiry email that asks the user U whether to immediately print after informing the user U of the number of printed materials due to the print request. The response from the user U to the inquiry email is received by the transmission / reception unit 51. In addition, when the user information of the user U who made the print request is embedded in the print request and the notification unit 55 stores a table that associates the user information with the destination, the destination or notification destination of the inquiry email from the notification unit 55 is specified by such a table. Also, the notification unit 55 may inquire of the user U via the smart speaker 10. In this case, the smart speaker 10 is an example of a device that transmits the first instruction.

[0053] [Operations of Server 20 or Printing Device 40] FIGS. 10 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the first to fourth operation examples of the present embodiment, and some of them correspond to the above-described schematic operation examples (see FIGS. 6 to 8). Note that since FIGS. 10 to 14 include content that is common to each other, the description may be omitted.

[0054] [First Operation Example] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the server 20 or the printing device 40 in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the first schematic operation example (see FIG. 6) described above. When the transmission / reception unit 51 (see FIG. 9) receives a print request (step 201), the determination unit 52 (see FIG. 9) determines whether the print request is from the smart speaker 10 or from the PC 30 (step 202).

[0055] When the print request is not from the smart speaker 10 but from the PC 30 (No in step 202), the print start control unit 54 (see FIG. 9) gives an instruction to start printing to the printing unit 46 of the printing device 40. The instruction to start printing is given for the document data D received by the transmission / reception unit 51 as corresponding to the print request. Upon receiving an instruction to start printing, the printing unit 46 of the printing apparatus 40 prints the document data D on a recording medium (step 203), and the printed matter P is discharged (step 204). That is, immediate printing is performed. Thereby, the process ends.

[0056] On the other hand, when the printing request is from the smart speaker 10 (Yes in step 202), the storage unit 53 (see FIG. 9) stores the document data D received by the transmission / reception unit 51 (step 205). That is, immediate printing is not performed, and it is once stored in the storage unit 53. Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 determines whether there is a request from the user U to discharge the printed matter P (step 206).

[0057] If there is a request to discharge the printed matter P (Yes in step 206), the process proceeds to step 203. That is, the printing start control unit 54 instructs the printing unit 46 of the printing apparatus 40 to start printing the stored data. Thereby, the printing unit 46 prints the stored data on the recording medium (step 203) and discharges the printed matter (step 204). That is, printing is performed in response to the discharge request after storage, and the process ends. If there is no request to discharge the printed matter P (No in step 206), it waits. Note that a waiting time may be determined, and when the determined time has elapsed, the printing start control unit 54 may perform a cancellation process of canceling the printing request. When such a cancellation process is performed, the smart speaker 10 is notified to that effect.

[0058] [Second Operation Example] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the server 20 or the printing apparatus 40 in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the second schematic operation example (see FIG. 7) described above. Note that steps 301 to 304 and 307 to 308 may be omitted from the description because they are common to steps 201 to 206 (see FIG. 10) of the first operation example. When the printing requirement is from the smart speaker 10 (Yes in step 302), the determination unit 52 obtains the number of copies of the printed matter P when the document data D corresponding to the printing requirement is printed on the recording medium, and also obtains a preset threshold value (step 305). Note that the determination unit 52 obtains the number of copies by checking the document data D itself, and when the number of copies is added to the document data D, the determination unit 52 obtains the number of copies based on the additional information of the document data D. The threshold value mentioned here is an example of the threshold value included in the preset conditions, and the number of copies mentioned here is an example of the number of recording media when an image is formed on the recording medium.

[0059] The determination unit 52 compares the obtained number of copies with the threshold value, and determines whether the number of copies is less than the threshold value (step 306). When the number of copies is less than the threshold value (Yes in step 306), the process proceeds to step 303, the document data D is printed on the recording medium (step 303), and the printed matter P is discharged (step 304). When the number of copies is not less than the threshold value (No in step 306), the process proceeds to step 307. That is, the document data D is accumulated (step 307). Wait until there is a discharge request for the printed matter P from the user U (No in step 308), and when there is a discharge request (Yes in step 308), the process proceeds to step 303, the accumulated data is printed on the recording medium (step 303), and the printed matter P is discharged (step 304). When the number of copies is less than the threshold value (Yes in step 306) is an example when the preset conditions are satisfied.

[0060] [Modification example of the second operation example] Here, in the second operation example, immediate printing is performed when the number of copies is less than the threshold value (Yes in step 306). However, for the user U who often makes a large number of prints where the number of printed matters is large in the printing requirement from the smart speaker 10, if the printing requirement with a large number of printed matters is not immediately printed, and the document data D is accumulated, and it is not printed unless an additional operation of a discharge request for the printed matter is performed each time, it may be less convenient. Therefore, as a modification of the mode of determining whether to limit the formation of an image on a recording medium using a threshold related to the number of sheets, immediate printing may be performed when the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a modification of the second operation example of the server 20 or the printing apparatus 40 in the present embodiment, and since it has a part common to the second operation example shown in FIG. 11, the description of that part may be omitted. In FIG. 12, in order to clarify the differences and similarities with the second operation example shown in FIG. 11, "a" is appended to the end of the step number in FIG. 11. In the modification of FIG. 12, the determination unit 52 compares the acquired number of sheets with the threshold and determines whether the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold (step 306a). When the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in step 306a), the process proceeds to step 303a, where the document data D is printed on the recording medium (step 303a), and the printed matter P is discharged (step 304a).

[0062] When the number of sheets is not equal to or greater than the threshold (No in step 306a), the process proceeds to step 307a. That is, the document data D is accumulated (step 307a). The process waits until there is a discharge request for the printed matter P from the user U (No in step 308a), and when there is a discharge request (Yes in step 308a), the process proceeds to step 303a, where the accumulated data is printed on the recording medium (step 303a), and the printed matter P is discharged (step 304a). The case where the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in step 306a) is an example when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0063] Note that in order to suppress the wasteful consumption of consumables due to the execution of unintended printing by the user U in the case of mass printing, it is also conceivable to add, for example, other conditions for immediate printing. For example, it is a condition such as the printing setting information used in the fourth operation example described later, specifically, control that allows mass printing when it is black-and-white printing. Further, control may be adopted to notify and inquire the user U of the number of printed matters from the smart speaker 10.

[0064] [Third Operation Example] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the server 20 or the printing apparatus 40 in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the third schematic operation example (see FIG. 8) described above. Note that steps 401 to 404 and 408 to 409 may be omitted from the description because they are common to steps 201 to 206 (see FIG. 10) of the first operation example. When the print request is from the smart speaker 10 (Yes in step 402), the determination unit 52 acquires the number of copies of the printed matter P according to the print request, and also acquires a first threshold value and a second threshold value that are predetermined (step 405). The first threshold value is a value smaller than the second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value mentioned here are an example of the first threshold value and an example of the second threshold value, respectively.

[0065] The determination unit 52 determines whether the acquired number of copies is less than the first threshold value, is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, or is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and a process according to the determination result is executed. That is, the determination unit 52 compares the acquired number of copies with the first threshold value, and determines whether the number of copies is less than the first threshold value (step 406). If the number of copies is less than the first threshold value (Yes in step 406), immediate printing is performed (steps 403 to 404).

[0066] If the number of copies is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (No in step 406), the determination unit 52 determines whether the number of copies is less than the second threshold value (step 407). If the number of copies is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (No in step 407), immediate printing is not performed, and the copies are once stored in the storage unit 53 and wait for a discharge request (steps 408 to 409).

[0067] If the number of copies is less than the second threshold value (Yes in step 407), the notification unit 55 (see FIG. 9) notifies the user U of the number of copies of the printed matter and makes an inquiry as to whether to execute or cancel the printing (step 410). The inquiry mentioned here is an example of asking the user whether to allow forming an image on a recording medium without restriction. Also, the number of printed sheets mentioned here is an example of information on the number of recording media when forming an image on a recording medium. In addition, as described above, the inquiry may be made not only by an inquiry email but also by the smart speaker 10.

[0068] The transmission / reception unit 51 determines whether it has received a print cancellation from the user U as an answer to the inquiry (step 411). If it has received a print cancellation (Yes in step 411), it deletes the print data, that is, the document data D (step 412) and ends the process. If it has not received a print cancellation (No in step 411), that is, if it has received a print execution, immediate printing is performed (steps 403 - 404).

[0069] [Fourth operation example] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the server 20 or the printing apparatus 40 in the present embodiment, which is processed using print setting information. Since steps 501 - 504, 507 - 508 are common to steps 201 - 206 (see FIG. 10) of the first operation example, the description thereof may be omitted. If the print request is from the smart speaker 10 (Yes in step 502), the determination unit 52 acquires the print setting information (step 505). Such print setting information is setting information when printed by the printing unit 46, and in the case of the fourth operation example, it is information indicating the distinction between monochrome printing / color printing. The information indicating the distinction between monochrome printing / color printing mentioned here is an example of the setting of image formation when forming an image on a recording medium.

[0070] The determination unit 52 determines whether it is monochrome printing (step 506). In the case of monochrome printing (Yes in step 506), immediate printing is performed (steps 503 - 504). In the case of not monochrome printing (No in step 506), immediate printing is not performed, and it is once stored in the storage unit 53 and waits for a discharge request (steps 507 - 508). In this way, black-and-white printing, where the consumption of consumables is less than that in the case of color printing, can improve usability while suppressing the impact on consumption in the case of wasteful printing by performing immediate printing regardless of the number of printed sheets. The case of black-and-white printing (Yes in step 506) is an example when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0071] In the fourth operation example, although setting information for distinguishing black-and-white printing / color printing is used as the print setting information, it is not limited to this. For example, it can be the presence or absence of duplex printing designation, the setting of how many pages of documents are printed per page on the recording medium, etc. From the perspective of improving usability while suppressing the impact on consumption in the case of wasteful printing, the conditions for immediate printing and printing after accumulation can be determined.

[0072] [Processor] In this embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0073] Also, the operation of the processor in this embodiment may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and may be changed.

[0074] [Program] The processing performed by the server 20 in this embodiment is prepared as a program such as application software.

[0075] That is, the program for realizing this embodiment causes a computer to have a receiving function for receiving a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice, a restricting function for restricting the formation of an image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, and a storing function for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting function, and can be regarded as a program for realizing these functions.

[0076] Note that the program for realizing this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and provided.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1... Printing system, 10... Smart speaker, 20... Server, 30... PC, 40... Printing device, 51... Transmission / reception unit, 52... Judgment unit, 53... Storage unit, 54... Printing start control unit, 55... Notification unit

Claims

1. Receiving means for receiving a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice; Restricting means for restricting the formation of the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving means; Storage means for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting means; Comprising: When the restricting means satisfies a predetermined condition, it allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction; The restricting means determines whether to restrict or allow using a threshold value that can be changed by the user included in the predetermined condition and the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium. Printing system.

2. When the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium is less than the threshold value, the restricting means allows it without restriction. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. When the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium is equal to or more than the threshold value, the restricting means allows it without restriction. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The predetermined condition of the restricting means is the setting of the image formation when forming the image on the recording medium. The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The setting of the image formation is black and white printing. The printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. Receiving means for receiving a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice; Restricting means for restricting the formation of the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving means; Storage means for storing the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting means; Comprising: The restricting means: When the first instruction is received by the receiving means, obtains information on the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium; When the number of sheets specified by the information is less than a first threshold value, allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction. When the number of copies is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the user is asked whether to allow the formation of the image on the recording medium without restricting it. Printing system. **Claim 7**: The restricting means transmits the information on the number of copies to the device that sends the first instruction to inquire of the user. The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that. **Claim 8** The restricting means transmits the information on the number of copies to a predetermined notification destination of the user who made the voice input of the first instruction to inquire of the user. The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that. **Claim 9**: An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor, receives a first instruction when the instruction to form the processed image on the recording medium is made by the user's voice input and a second instruction when it is made by an input other than the user's voice, when the first instruction is received, restricts the formation of the image on the recording medium, stores the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction, determines whether to restrict or allow using a user-changeable threshold value included in the predetermined condition and the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium. The information processing apparatus is characterized by the above. **Claim 10**: An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor, receives a first instruction when the instruction to form the processed image on the recording medium is made by the user's voice input and a second instruction when it is made by an input other than the user's voice, when the first instruction is received, restricts the formation of the image on the recording medium, stores the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted, when the first instruction is received, acquires the information on the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium, when the number of sheets specified by the information is less than the first threshold value, allows the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction, when the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, asks the user whether to allow the formation of the image on the recording medium without restriction. The information processing apparatus is characterized by the above. **Claim 11**: In the information processing apparatus, A receiving function that receives a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice, A restricting function that restricts forming the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, A storing function that stores the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting function, is realized, The restricting function permits, without restricting, forming the image on the recording medium when predetermined conditions are satisfied, The restricting function determines whether to restrict or permit using a threshold value that can be changed by the user included in the predetermined conditions and the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium. Program.

12. In an information processing apparatus, A receiving function that receives a first instruction when an instruction to form a processed image on a recording medium is given by a user's voice input and a second instruction when it is given by an input other than the user's voice, A restricting function that restricts forming the image on the recording medium when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, A storing function that stores the image whose formation on the recording medium is restricted by the restricting function, is realized, The restricting function, when the first instruction is received by the receiving function, acquires information on the number of sheets of the recording medium required to form the image on the recording medium, permits, without restricting, forming the image on the recording medium when the number specified by the information is less than a first threshold value, inquires of the user whether to permit, without restricting, forming the image on the recording medium when the number of sheets is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value. Program.

Images