Server system, server system control method and program

Abstract

To provide a server system for causing a Web conference system to perform printing without the need for a user to retrieve which file is shared on a Web conference during the Web conference.SOLUTION: A server system that is connected to a plurality of information processors and communicates with a system that provides a function of distributing an image and voice based on an uploaded file to the plurality of information processors includes: reception means that receives a notification indicating that an object related to printing displayed in a function selection area displayed based on selection of a predetermined object displayed together with an image based on the file is selected; acquisition means that acquires information of shared files; another reception means that receives print settings of a file; and transmission means that transmits a file based on the acquired information and a print instruction based on the received print settings to another server system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system, a control method for a server system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of business chat for messaging has become widespread, and as a result, traditional business practices have shifted to using business chat. For example, when attaching a file to a message, it is now possible to view the file on the spot without downloading it, and even edit and share the contents with other users.

[0003] In particular, in a web conference, a user can share an image captured by a camera with other users while making a voice call, or a user can display and share a file uploaded to a cloud service, as in Patent Document 1. In this way, multiple users in different locations can hold a conference while viewing the same image and making a voice call. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-168185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional web conferences, if a user wanted to print a file that was being shared during the conference, they had to search for the file they wanted to print on the web conference system, download it to their own computer, and then instruct it to be printed.

[0006] The present invention aims to enable a user to print files shared on a Web conference from a Web conference system during the Web conference without having to search for the files. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The server system described in this embodiment is connected to a plurality of information processing devices, and transmits images and sounds based on uploaded files to the plurality of information processing devices. share A server system communicating with a system providing a function to The uploaded file is shared among the plurality of information processing devices. Along with an image based on the file by one of the plurality of information processing devices. Based on the selected object that is displayed , by the information processing device The function selection area displays a notification that a printing object has been selected. From the system receiving means for receiving; The uploaded file is stored in the plurality of information processing devices. Shared file information From the system Acquisition means for acquiring the information; An uploaded file that is shared by the plurality of information processing devices File print settings a print setting designated by a user on the print setting screen displayed based on the print setting screen information transmitted from the server system; of From the system The printing device is characterized by having another receiving means for receiving a file based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and a sending means for sending a print instruction based on the print settings received by the other receiving means to another server system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a Web conference is being held, a file shared on the Web conference can be printed from the Web conference system without the user having to search for the file. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware and software configuration of a computer system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication environment in which a client and a printer are connected in this embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system that performs printing from a print plug-in of an application within a business chat in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] This is user management information for the print plug-in in this embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a definition file of a print plug-in for business chat in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is printer management information in the print plug-in in this embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 illustrates printer management information for the cloud print service in this embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing process performed by a print plug-in of a business chat application in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a print screen from a business chat Web conference system in this embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a print setting screen on a business chat Web conference system in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flow chart showing a process for searching for a print target file on a print plug-in in this embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a file designation screen of the business chat system in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Example 1 1 is a block diagram of a system using a computer, which is an example of a general information processing device, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, by connecting from the computer 100 to a business chat service that provides chat functions and web conferencing functions, it becomes possible to use the chat function and web conferencing functions. Access to the business chat service is performed using an application dedicated to the business chat service installed on the computer 100, or a web browser installed on the computer 100.

[0012] The central processing unit (CPU) 101 controls the entire computer 100. The read only memory (ROM) 1021, random access memory (RAM) 1022, or auxiliary storage device 105 of the main storage device 102 stores programs for controlling the computer 100. The RAM 1022 is also used as a work area when the CPU 101 performs various processes. The auxiliary storage device 105 stores various programs such as an application (app) 1051, a device application (device app) 1052, a generic printer driver 1053, and an operating system (OS) 1054. Applications and a web browser dedicated to the business chat service are stored in the auxiliary storage device 105, expanded in the RAM 1022, and executed by the CPU 101.

[0013] Input devices such as a keyboard 1031 and a pointing device 1032, typically a mouse, touch panel, or touchpad, are connected to the computer 100 via an input interface (I / F) 103. User inputs to the program are accepted through these input devices. An output device such as a monitor 1041 is connected to the output I / F 104, which displays a UI on the monitor in accordance with program instructions. Note that some devices, such as smartphones and tablet devices, combine the pointing device 1032 and monitor 1041. However, these devices are simply separated by their respective roles here; they may be interchanged. The communication I / F 106 is connected to a network 1061, enabling communication with external devices of the computer 100, such as the computer 1301, computer 1302, and printer 202 in FIG. 2. The above modules are connected via a system bus 107, enabling data exchange between each module. Furthermore, the application 1051, device application 1052, generic printer driver 1053, and OS 1054, which include the processing of the present invention, can be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via a CD-ROM or USB memory (not shown). They can also be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via a network 1061. Unless otherwise specified, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied regardless of the device configuration as long as the functions of the present invention can be executed. The system may be a single device, a system consisting of multiple devices, or a system in which processing is performed by connecting via a local network.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of the network 1061 environment in an embodiment of the present invention. Computers 100, 1301, and 1302, which create documents and images to be printed, are connected to a single network or multiple networks. Furthermore, printers 202 may be connected to a single network or multiple networks, or may be connected to computers 100, 1301, and 1302 via USB. Additionally, computer 100 is connected to a business chat service 301, a print plug-in 302, cloud storage 303, an authentication service 304, and a cloud print service 305 on the network. Through these, it is possible to communicate with printers 200 and 201 managed by other networks. Networks range from small to large, including personal area networks (PANs) and LANs, and these devices are all connected to the networks. Note that servers and printers may be connected via the Internet, such as to a cloud. The communication method used in this case may be a method other than wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, it may be Bluetooth communication or communication using a mobile phone line conforming to the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) standard. As for USB, in addition to direct connection, it may be relayed by a USB hub or a switchboard.

[0015] Business chat service 301 is a server system that provides a chat function for sending and receiving messages between multiple users, and a web conferencing function for conducting voice calls while sharing videos, file images, and images displayed on the display unit of computer 100. Business chat service 301 is made up of one or more computers. The hardware configuration of the computer that makes up business chat service 301 is the same as that of computer 100 shown in Figure 1, so a description thereof will be omitted. Programs for providing the chat function and web conferencing function are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the computer that makes up business chat service 301.

[0016] Print plug-in 302 is a server system that works in conjunction with business chat service 301 to add a print function to the services provided by business chat service 301. Print plug-in 302 is made up of one or more computers. The hardware configuration of the computers that make up print plug-in 302 is similar to that of computer 100 in FIG. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted. Print plug-in 302 stores a program that operates in response to a notification from business chat service 301.

[0017] Cloud storage 303 is a server system that provides functions such as saving and displaying files uploaded by users. Cloud storage 303 is composed of one or more computers. The hardware configuration of the computers that make up cloud storage 303 is similar to that of computer 100 in FIG. 1. Files uploaded to cloud storage 303 can be viewed, downloaded, and edited by users other than the user who uploaded the files, depending on the permissions granted to them.

[0018] The authentication service 304 is a server system that receives a user ID and a password from another service connected to the network 1061 and performs authentication processing. The authentication service 304 is configured with one or more computers. The hardware configuration of the computer that configures the authentication service 304 is the same as that of the computer 100 in FIG. 1.

[0019] The cloud print service 305 is a server system that provides a service of transmitting print data received from the computer 100 or another server system via the network 1061 to the printer 200 or 201. The server system is composed of one or more computers. The hardware configuration of this computer is the same as that of the computer 100 in FIG. 1.

[0020] In this embodiment, the printers 200 to 202 operate as image forming apparatuses. The printers 200 to 202 receive print jobs from the cloud print service 305 and execute image forming processing based on the received print jobs.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the software configuration of a system that calls a print plug-in from a business chat service assumed in this application and performs printing.

[0022] First, as an overview, users access a business chat service 301 to conduct business. The business chat service 301 is a service that provides text and file exchange through chat with other users or groups. This service may be run as a web application on a web browser, or it may operate as a desktop application. In this application, we will explain the basic method of calling the service by pressing "Print Plugin" 901 on a web conference screen using video calls, as shown in Figure 9. The print plug-in may also be called from a chat function, a function for displaying and accessing the contents of file storage on the cloud, or a calendar function for managing the user's schedule.

[0023] When printing, a user invokes the print plug-in 302 from the business chat service 301 and submits a print job to the cloud print service 305, causing the printer 200 to execute the print process. In this case, the print plug-in 302 may be located on the business chat service 301, or may exist as a separate service on an external network. The authentication service 304 authenticates users to access the business chat service 301 and the cloud print service 305, and authorizes each service with that authority, thereby facilitating smooth cooperation between the services. Note that, depending on the embodiment, access may be performed by switching between different types of authentication services 304 for each service, but the following description will be given assuming that a common authentication service is used.

[0024] Next, we will explain the internal structure of each service. The business chat service 301 has a user information management unit 3011. The user information management unit 3011 manages information about chats conducted by users and file information owned by the user (such as file access permissions and the location of the files). Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, information about which groups and channels a user belongs to and the domain to which the user belongs is stored. Because a user can belong to multiple groups and channels, an ID is stored for each team to which the user belongs. Detailed information is linked to the user and group ID and managed in a format such as Figure 5, and can be referenced. The "User ID" in Figure 4 is identification information used to identify an individual user. The "Group ID" is identification information also known as a tenant ID or team ID, and is identification information used to identify the group to which the user with the User ID belongs. The "Channel ID" is identification information used to identify the channel in which the user participates. A channel is a collection of multiple users belonging to the same group, and is a subgroup of a group. The "Domain Name" is identification information used to identify the domain to which the user belongs. The user information management unit 3011 also manages data relating to individual users, including the user's schedule information and management information for conference rooms and equipment, for each user.

[0025] The group information management unit 3012 manages chats held within a group and file information held by the group. The group information management unit 3012 basically handles the same things as the user information management unit 3011, but in addition has the function of supporting access from multiple users with access rights. The group information management unit 3012 also manages data linked to the group, such as notes from meetings held in the group and audio recordings.

[0026] The account management unit 3013 manages which group a user belongs to and what authority and role the user has within that group. Furthermore, the account management unit 3013 grants appropriate access permissions as necessary.

[0027] The plugin management unit 3014 manages information about plugins available to the business chat service 301. This function is accessed by users and groups, respectively, and plugins corresponding to each user and group are managed as a list. A user can use both the plugins owned by the group to which they belong and the plugins owned by the user themselves. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the data stores information such as the ID for identifying the user or group, the ID of the plugin itself, the ID of the application to which the plugin belongs, and the display name. If more detailed information is required, such as the group or channel within the group, the ID of the plugin itself may also be included. The plugins referred to here may include basic functions such as calls, conferences, and file management, as well as applications for editing documents and spreadsheets, and applications for accessing and managing cloud storage. They may also include a viewer for playing multimedia messages containing files or videos in a specific format, such as CAD, or a task manager for creating personal to-do lists and creating, assigning, and tracking tasks shared by individuals or teams. Of these functions, this application focuses on print plugins that are compatible with and usable with external cloud print services. Information about these plug-in types is stored as plug-in type 501 in Figure 5, and by referencing this, it is possible to extract or search for a specific type of plug-in. The information in plug-in type 501 is "Application" if it operates as an independent application, or "Storage" if it is related to storage such as cloud storage. Other information stored in plug-in type 501 includes "Viewer" for a viewer, "Task" for task management, and "Print" related to printing in this example. The plug-in itself may be located on the business chat service 301, or it may exist as an external service, with the plug-in management unit 3014 managing information such as an access ID or URI and invoking the service as appropriate.Additionally, plugins may be stored in a store managed by the business chat service 301, functions of compatible services, or plugins uploaded locally by users and shared with individuals or teams. If a plugin is stored in a store, it can be used by accessing the store page of the business chat service 301, which exists within or outside the app, selecting the desired plugin from the list, and then clicking "Add." Internally, the "Plugin ID" in the plugin definition file shown in Figure 5 is associated with the user ID in the user information management unit 3011. Furthermore, if you are a group administrator for the business chat service 301, you can add a plugin as a group rather than as a user by clicking "Add as Group." Internally, the "Plugin ID" of the plugin being "Added" is associated with the group ID and saved in the group information management unit 3012. A plugin added as a group appears as an icon or menu option on the business chat screen for users who belong to the group, allowing it to be used without requiring user addition operations. Alternatively, you can directly upload the plugin from your local computer, which is the same as "Add." In this case, the plugin will contain the same data as shown in Figure 5 as configuration data such as a manifest. In addition, the administrator can also add the plugin to a group by installing it from a separate management page along with definition information that describes the rules. In this case, the plugin's functions will be provided in accordance with the described rules (for example, after applying rules such as hiding some functions).

[0028] The authentication processing unit 3015 is a function that enables centralized management of user account information such as authentication and authentication information for multiple services, and performs authentication processing using the user's ID and password, and processing to grant appropriate authorization to services for which authority is requested.

[0029] The web conference control unit 3016 performs all the necessary controls for conducting a web conference on the business chat. The web conference control unit 3016 generates a UI as shown in FIG. 9 and controls display operations such as screen input and output during the web conference. Furthermore, the web conference control unit 3016 manages audio data input and output, data transfer, and participant information management. The files and program entities of the web conference system are stored in the web conference control unit 3016 of the business chat service 301. Upon receiving access from the computer 100 or computers 1301 and 1302, the business chat service 301 generates a user interface (UI) including controls as shown in FIG. 9 and distributes it to the accessing computer. The computer 100 making the presentation can then use the materials stored in the cloud storage 303 to make a presentation, either through the web conference screen shown in FIG. 9 or by uploading presentation files directly to the cloud storage 303. In addition to uploading files, the user can also display the screen being operated on other users' screens, thereby sharing presentation materials with them. The storage unit 3017 stores file information uploaded to the business chat service 301. Here, the type does not matter, and it may be something that stores the actual file itself or something that manages reference information such as links to files.

[0030] Next, the software configuration of the print plug-in 302 will be described. The user information management unit 3021 manages the information that the print plug-in 302 has for each user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the user information management unit 3021 stores the correspondence between user IDs and the IDs and printer names of printers that can be used by the user with that user ID. For example, a user with a User ID of "11111111-2222-..." can use a printer with a Printer ID of "12345678-abcd-..." and a printer name of "CloudPrinter001." If the user can use another printer, the printer ID and printer name of the printer that can be used are written in the Printer ID_2 and Printer Name_2 fields.

[0031] By using the information stored in the user information management unit 3021, it is possible to obtain printer information such as that shown in Figure 7, which is stored in the printer management unit 3051 on the cloud print service 305. Specifically, the printer information includes the printer's device name, status information such as "ready" or "processing," as well as capability information such as whether the printer can print in "color" or whether it can "staple." In addition, the print plug-in 302 also stores user information such as temporary information such as responses in conversations (e.g., "Yes" to "Do you want to print?") and historical data such as the user's default printer, printed setting data, and print time.

[0032] The print target search unit 3022 performs processing to identify the location of the print file targeted by the print plug-in 302. This function exists to accommodate calls from Web conferences that may not take the form of specifying a file and invoking a plug-in. If the file to be printed is passed from the business chat service 301, the access destination path or URI is used. If the file is not explicitly specified, such as in screen sharing, the file to be printed is identified by referencing the executable program or by using means such as having the user specify it. These processes will be described in detail later in the flow of Figure 11.

[0033] The message control unit 3023 handles chat interactions with users. For example, if authentication has failed, it sends a message to the user such as "Please authenticate." It also handles other processes, such as providing guidance when receiving input about usage, such as help. The print message control unit 3024 converts the data required for printing, accepts user input, and generates and sends message cards containing pop-up print setting cards and controls for configuring print settings, as shown in FIG. 10. It also invokes print processing and sends messages to external services. Note that in FIG. 10, the print setting card is displayed without displaying the Web conference screen shown in FIG. 9. The print setting card 1001 may be displayed over the Web conference screen shown in FIG. 9, or the print setting card 1001 may be displayed on the Web conference screen shown in FIG. 9 without overlapping with the area 903. This allows the user to configure print settings while checking the progress of the Web conference.

[0034] Next, the software configuration of cloud storage 303 will be described. Storage account management unit 3031 is a part of cloud storage 303 that manages and authenticates user account information. Note that the account information may be managed independently by cloud storage 303, or may be shared with business chat service 301. If cloud storage 303 and business chat service 301 share a common account, a system may be adopted in which access rights can be acquired collectively by logging in to a specific domain or directory service in advance.

[0035] The access information management unit 3032 handles information about which group or who can access each file, directory, tenant area, etc. For example, it handles information such as the file name, creator, and file size, as well as access rights settings that specify the extent to which reading and writing is permitted for a file. With regard to these settings, for example, a single file may have multiple settings for each owner or each group to which the owner belongs, and in the case of a folder, it may also have information that specifies how many levels up to which the same read and write permissions should extend. The file storage 3033 is an area that stores file access information and the file itself.

[0036] Additionally, the authentication processing unit 3041 of the authentication service 304 authenticates users using authentication methods such as ID and password, face or fingerprint authentication, and pattern authentication. The authentication information management unit 3042 manages which organizations and groups users belong to, and what permissions have been granted to each user, and also allocates appropriate access rights to files and storage corresponding to the granted permissions. It may also manage license information purchased by users and allocate usage rights for software, plug-ins, and services based on the grade information of the purchased subscription.

[0037] Finally, the printer management unit 3051 of the cloud print service 305 performs processing to send a list of printers according to the scope managed by the requested user or group. It also manages printer capability information (such as double-sided or color), text information such as administrator descriptions and supplementary notes, and location data including GPS and address information, and sends this information in response to a user or group request. This information is obtained from the printer or updated by manual editing by the user. The account management unit 3052 manages information about which users or groups manage printers and which users or groups share the printers with. The print processing unit 3053 manages print settings and converts data for each service, as well as converting data into print data, such as rendering files, as needed.

[0038] The procedure for linking the identification information of a user who uses the business chat service 301, the identification information of a group, and the identification information of a print plug-in will be described.

[0039] First, the user logs in to the business chat service 301. The screen provided by the business chat service 301 is divided into two areas, area 1303 and area 1304 in Figure 9. Area 1303 is a menu bar that is displayed whether the user is using the chat function or the web conference function. On the other hand, area 1304 is an area that displays a screen corresponding to the function selected by the user in area 1303. For example, in Figure 9, area 1304 displays a web conference screen.

[0040] The user selects object 1305 in area 1304. Object 1305 is an object for displaying a list of applications that can add functions to business chat service 301 and a screen for instructing the user to install the application they want to use. When the user selects object 1305, applications with various functions are displayed in area 1304. Applications corresponding to print plug-in 302 are also displayed. The user selects an application corresponding to print plug-in 302 and instructs that it be installed in association with the user or group. Business chat service 301 reads the manifest file of the application instructed to be installed and associates the user or group identification information with the plug-in application information, as shown in FIG. 5. Note that the manifest file is created by the vendor who created the application and is registered in advance in business chat service 301. By performing the above operations, the user becomes able to call print plug-in 302 from a screen provided by business chat service 301.

[0041] From here, a printing example using the print plug-in of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 8, but first, as a premise, a method for starting the print plug-in in a Web conference of the business chat service 301 will be explained.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows an example of a UI for the Web conference function provided by the business chat service 301. Area 903 is an area where images of files to be shared in a conference are displayed. The user selects "Upload" 904 and selects a file saved on the computer 100 or a file saved on the cloud storage 303. The selected file is extracted and the image is displayed in area 903. The image displayed in area 903 is displayed not only on the computer 100 but also on the computers used by other users participating in the same Web conference. The print plug-in 302 supports the process of printing files displayed and shared in area 903. The procedure for printing using the print plug-in 302 is described below.

[0043] First, the user selects the ellipsis 902 on the web conference screen in Fig. 9. When the ellipsis 902 is selected, a submenu 905 is displayed. The submenu 905 displays "More Actions" for calling up services and hidden functions provided by the business chat service 301. "More Actions" is an object for displaying a function selection area 907 for selecting an application to use from applications added by the user to the business chat service 301. The object does not have to be the ellipsis 902, but can be any other predetermined object.

[0044] If the print plug-in 302 is installed in the business chat service 301, "Print Plugin" 901 is displayed in the function selection area 907. In this example, only the print plug-in 302 is displayed in the function selection area 907, but other plug-ins may be displayed in addition to printing, such as those that display the weather or special message cards. When the user selects "Print Plug-in," the business chat service 301 notifies the print plug-in 302, and the print plug-in 302 performs the processing required to print the shared file, such as displaying a print settings screen.

[0045] As described above, the timing at which the call button 901 of the print plug-in 302 is pressed is not optimized for printing, so the reference destination of the print target file required for printing, print settings, and other information must be prepared on the print plug-in 302 side. For this reason, this sequence first identifies the print target file, then generates and displays a screen for the user to set print settings, and then executes the print process.

[0046] Next, using the sequence in FIG. 8, we will explain the process when issuing a print instruction from the web conference screen. First, the computer 100 detects that the call button 901 for the print plug-in 302 on the web conference screen, as shown in FIG. 9, has been pressed and notifies the business chat service 301 (801). Upon receiving the notification, the business chat service 301 notifies the business chat service 301 to call the print plug-in 302 (802). The called print plug-in 302 then requests authentication from the authentication service 304 corresponding to the service it links with. Note that this process may be skipped if authentication has been performed by a higher-level system or the application or browser running the business chat service 301 and authorization is obtained from those systems. Also, if authentication using a different account is required for each target process, for example, if separate accounts are registered for cloud storage and cloud print service, authentication is performed multiple times for each account. Also, these processes may be performed when the actual process is performed, rather than at this timing. After the user completes the authentication process, the business chat service 301 receives authorization by, for example, receiving an authentication token from the authentication service 304 as appropriate. Furthermore, when the business chat service 301, print plug-in 302, cloud storage 303, or cloud print service 305 calls other services in the processing of this sequence, the processing is performed after authorization is received from the authentication service 304 corresponding to the connection destination.

[0047] The process performed by the print plug-in 302 when it receives a notification at 802 will be described in more detail. The notification received by the print plug-in 302 includes the user identification information of the user who selected the "Print Plugin" 901 and information indicating that the print plug-in 302 is being invoked from the web conference screen. The print plug-in 302 references the user information management unit 3021 and determines whether a token corresponding to the notified user identification information is stored. The tokens are a token for the print plug-in 302 to access the cloud print service 305 and use its functions, and a token for the cloud print service 305 to access the cloud storage 303 and use its functions. These two tokens may be the same or different. If no token is stored, the print plug-in 302 displays a login screen for the cloud storage 303 and the cloud print service 305 on the business chat service 301 and accepts the input of a user ID and password. The print plug-in 302 sends the input user ID and password to the authentication service 304, receives the issued access token, and stores it in association with the user information of the business chat service 301. If an access token is stored, the print plug-in 302 uses the access token to access the cloud print service 305 and obtains information about printers that the user can use. The printer information is a printer ID and printer name as shown in Fig. 6. The print plug-in 302 then stores the user identification information of the business chat service 301 in association with the obtained printer name and printer ID.

[0048] The print plug-in 302 searches for the file to be printed by inquiring about it to the business chat service 301 or the like (803). Details of this process will be described later in the flow of FIG.

[0049] When a file to be printed is detected, the print plug-in 302 generates (804) a print setting card 1001 as shown in Fig. 10. The print plug-in 302 notifies the business chat service 301 of information on the generated print setting card (805).

[0050] The business chat service 301 displays a print setting card on the computer 100 in response to a notification from the print plug-in 302 (806). The print setting card 1001 is a UI for selecting the printer to use for printing, selecting the file to print, and setting print settings. 1008 displays the name of the printer to use for printing. When the user selects "Select" 1004, a list of printers registered in association with the User ID of the user logged in to the business chat service 301 is displayed. When the user selects the printer they want to use from the displayed list and applies the settings, the printer name displayed in 1008 changes.

[0051] On the print settings card 1001, the files to be printed found in the above process are listed on the card in the form of target files 1002. The user can select whether to print by turning a check box on or off. Selecting a color mode setting object 1006 allows the color mode setting to be changed. Color mode settings include "color," "monochrome," and "two-color printing." Checkbox 1005 allows the user to select whether to perform double-sided printing. When checkbox 1005 is checked, the print plug-in 302 instructs the cloud print service to perform double-sided printing. "More settings" 1007 is an object for specifying additional print settings. When "More settings" 1007 is selected, the print plug-in 302 displays an extended print settings UI (not shown) on the business chat service 301. The extended print settings UI allows the user to set paper size, paper type, staple settings, and punch settings. "Cancel" 1009 is an object for closing the print settings card and displaying the screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0052] The business chat service 301 accepts (807) the selection of the print button 1003 on the print setting card 1001. The business chat service 301 transmits (808) information about the file to be printed and the data of the file selected on the print setting card 1001 to the print plug-in 302.

[0053] Before issuing a print request, the print plug-in 302 sends an retrieval request (809) to the cloud storage 303 for the selected file. The cloud storage 303 then sends the requested target file (810). At this time, the target file received from the cloud storage 303 is formatted to be handled by the cloud print service 305. For example, if the data to be printed on the cloud print service 305 is the actual data of a file, the file is received as a data stream, and if the data to be printed indicates an access destination such as a URI or link, the data is received in that format. If necessary, processing such as converting the data format of the file is performed during this processing. If the file is in a local area of ​​the computer 100 or in a location that the cloud print service 305 cannot access, necessary processing is performed, such as uploading the file to a location to which it has access rights.

[0054] When preparations for printing are complete, the print plug-in 302 sends a print job to the cloud print service 305 (811), and the cloud print service 305, upon receiving the job, prints it on the printer 200 (812).

[0055] Thereafter, a message indicating whether printing was successful or not or an error code is received from the printer 200, and the result is notified to the user as necessary (813 to 816).

[0056] By performing the above processing, printing can be performed from the Web conference screen on the business chat service 301.

[0057] 11 shows the flow of processing in which print plug-in 302 searches for a target file to print after receiving a print request from business chat service 301. This processing differs depending on the configuration of the system including business chat service 301, and some processes may be impossible or redundant in some cases, but the necessary processes will be selected and switched as appropriate and processed.

[0058] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is executed by the CPU of a computer that constitutes a server system that provides the print plug-in 302.

[0059] First, when the print plug-in 302 receives a print request, it acquires information about the target file from the message from the business chat service 301 (1101). When the user selects "Print Plugin" 901 on the screen of Fig. 9, the business chat service 301 notifies the print plug-in 302 of identification information that identifies the ongoing Web conference and information about the file displayed in area 903. The notified file information includes the file name and a URL corresponding to the file path where the data of the file is saved. The print plug-in 302 stores the received file information.

[0060] The print plug-in 302 determines (1102) whether or not the file information being presented has been acquired by the process of 1011. The file information being presented cannot be acquired when the file screen is not shared in the area 903 or when the business chat service 301 fails to send the file information. If the file information has been acquired in process 1011, the print plug-in 302 proceeds to process 1104. On the other hand, if the file information has not been acquired in process 1011, the print plug-in 302 executes the process described in 1103.

[0061] The print plug-in 302 sends a request to the business chat service 301 to obtain information about the file displayed in the area 903 (1103). The print plug-in 302 then receives information about the file displayed and shared in the area 903 from the business chat service 301. When the print plug-in 302 receives file information from the business chat service 301, it stores the obtained file information. If the file screen is not displayed in the area 903, the business chat service 301 does not return file information to the print plug-in 302. Note that if all that can be obtained is the file name of the material being presented and the file itself cannot be accessed, the print plug-in 302 searches for the file from the directory information where the material is located, based on file information related to the conference, etc. Furthermore, the print plug-in 302 converts the URI into one that allows access to the file itself.

[0062] The print plug-in 302 determines whether the target file is found (1104). The print plug-in 302 determines whether file information has been acquired in 1101 or 1103. If the file information has been acquired in the process of 1101 or 1103, the print plug-in 302 acquires the file name from the acquired file information. The print plug-in 302 generates a print setting card, which is a print setting screen on which the acquired file name is displayed in 1102, and displays it on the business chat service 301.

[0063] If file information is not acquired in steps 1101 and 1103, the print plug-in 302 performs processing to search for and specify the file separately outside the business chat service 301. Examples of this processing include when the file exists on a local computer or personal online storage, or when only the screen display is shared in a web conference, and not the file.

[0064] First, the print plug-in 302 determines whether it is possible to access a system on the cloud or a system on a local computer (1105). This applies to cases where the print plug-in 302 is running as a desktop application with access to administrative privileges, or a web application with access to special resources.

[0065] If the file or the application related to the file is accessible, the application to be printed is identified. For example, the application is identified by obtaining the active application from the user's execution process or by finding an application that is running on the business chat service 301. If the application can be identified, a file reference is obtained from the reference destination information of the file opened by the application (1106).

[0066] If the displayed file in 1105 is not in an accessible location, the print plug-in 302 causes the business chat service 301 to display a file selection card such as the file specification screen 1201 in FIG. 12 (1107). The print plug-in 302 receives information about the file specified by the user via the displayed file specification screen from the business chat service 301 (1108). Here, the user selects team cloud storage, personal cloud storage, or uploading the file from a local computer, and then specifies the file. Note that the cloud storage listed will be those accessible by the user, but once a file is selected, access rights will be set so that members participating in the web conference can also access the file.

[0067] By performing the above processing, the print plug-in 302 searches for the file to be printed during the Web conference.

[0068] By doing this, you will be able to obtain the files being presented on the screen where the web conference is taking place and print them out.

[0069] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. A server system connected to a plurality of information processing devices and communicating with a system that provides a function of sharing images and audio based on uploaded files among the plurality of information processing devices, a receiving means for receiving from the system a notification indicating that an object related to printing, which is displayed in a function selection area displayed by one of the information processing devices, has been selected together with an image based on the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices; and an acquisition means for acquiring, from the system, information about the uploaded file that is shared by the plurality of information processing devices; another receiving means for receiving from the system print settings of the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices, the print settings being specified by a user on the print setting screen displayed based on print setting screen information transmitted from the server system; A server system comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting a file based on the information acquired by the acquiring means and a print instruction based on the print settings received by the other receiving means to another server system.

2. 2. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the file information is a file name.

3. 2. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the file information is information indicating a location where the file is saved.

4. 4. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the server system displays a print setting screen including the acquired file information on one of the plurality of information processing devices via the system.

5. the server system further includes another acquisition means for acquiring, from the other server system, information on an image forming device that the other server system can use for printing; 5. The server system according to claim 4, wherein the print setting screen is a screen based on information about the image forming apparatus acquired from the other server system.

6. further comprising an accepting unit for accepting a file designation by a user when the acquiring unit is unable to acquire the file information; 6. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means transmits the file and print settings designated by the user to the other server system.

7. A control method for a server system that communicates with a server system that is connected to a plurality of information processing devices and provides a function of sharing images and audio based on uploaded files with the plurality of information processing devices, comprising: a receiving step of receiving from the system a notification indicating that an object related to printing, which is displayed in a function selection area displayed by an information processing device among the plurality of information processing devices, has been selected together with an image based on the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices; an acquisition step of acquiring, from the system, information about the uploaded file that is shared by the plurality of information processing devices; another receiving step of receiving from the system print settings of the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices, the print settings being specified by a user on the print setting screen displayed based on print setting screen information transmitted from the server system; A method for controlling a server system, comprising a sending step of sending a file based on the information acquired in the acquisition step and a print instruction based on the print settings received in the other receiving step to another server system.

8. A program executed by a computer to control a server system that is connected to a plurality of information processing devices and that communicates with the server system and provides a function of sharing images and audio based on uploaded files among the plurality of information processing devices, a receiving step of receiving from the system a notification indicating that an object related to printing, which is displayed in a function selection area displayed by an information processing device among the plurality of information processing devices, has been selected together with an image based on the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices; an acquisition step of acquiring, from the system, information about the uploaded file that is shared by the plurality of information processing devices; another receiving step of receiving from the system print settings of the uploaded file shared by the plurality of information processing devices, the print settings being specified by a user on the print setting screen displayed based on print setting screen information transmitted from the server system; A program comprising a transmitting step of transmitting a file based on the information acquired in the acquiring step and a print instruction based on the print settings received in the other receiving step to another server system.

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