Information processing device, image processing device, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing system which extend, under a specific condition, a limited print period of reservation information which specifies a reserved print file.SOLUTION: A server apparatus for managing a file to be printed and an image processing apparatus used by a number of unspecified users are connected to each other through a communication circuit. In an information processing system having a user terminal apparatus for uploading the file to be printed to the server apparatus, the server apparatus as an information processing apparatus acquires reservation information related to the file with reserved printing and allowing printing during a predetermined period, acquires collective reservation information including a plurality of pieces of reservation information linked by a user, and executes processing for extending the predetermined period of the reservation information linked with the collective reservation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0002] , , , , , , ,

[0004] , , ,

[0005] , , , , , , , , ,

[0003] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, when a user purchases a product using a printed matter, a printed matter use information input terminal reads an identifier for monitoring information regarding the purchase behavior of the product printed on the printed matter, and based on the usage status represented by the identifier, by adjusting the burden ratio for the provider of the charging for the output processing of the printed matter, a configuration for notifying the provider of information regarding the purchase behavior by the user is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a network printing service in an image processing apparatus installed in a store such as a convenience store, which selects and prints a file registered in advance on a server. When a file is registered in the server, there is a mode in which a period during which each file can be printed is provided, and a reservation number having a printable period is provided to the user. In such a mode, after the expiration of the printable period of the reservation number, the file registered in the server cannot be printed based on the reservation number. An object of the present invention is to extend the period under specific conditions for reservation information having a period during which printing is possible, which is information for specifying a reserved print file.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a processor, the processor acquires reservation information relating to a file on which printing is reserved, which permits printing for a predetermined period, acquires a combined reservation information which is a collection of multiple such reservation information linked by the user, and the combined reservation information which is linked to multiple The aforementioned reservation information Of the reservation information for which printing is permitted, the latest end time of the predetermined period will be used to match the other reservation information. This is an information processing device that extends a predetermined period. The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor manages a record of printing for each file to be printed based on the batch reservation information. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor assigns priority to a plurality of files associated with the bundled reservation information based on the print record. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the processor assigns a higher priority to files that have not been printed than to files that have been printed, among the plurality of files associated with the bundled reservation information. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the processor determines the printing order when printing the plurality of files associated with the batch reservation information in a batch, based on the priority. The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor generates code information for reading a plurality of files associated with the group reservation information. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the code information includes, together with the group reservation information, user information of the user who instructs printing. 。 [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Claim 1 of According to the invention, even if the reservation information identifies a reserved print file and has a period during which it can be printed, that period can be extended under specific conditions. According to the invention of claim 2, the print history of each of multiple files that are printed uniquely can be tracked. According to the invention of claim 3, the burden on the user to select the file to be printed from among a plurality of uniquely identified files can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to prompt the printing of files that may have been forgotten to print among a plurality of uniquely identified files. According to the invention of claim 5, the possibility that a file to be printed will not be printed among a plurality of uniquely identified files can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 6, the burden on the user to input information for reading multiple files can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 7, the print history of each of the multiple files that are uniquely printed can be tracked for each user who has instructed printing. 。 [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for managing aggregated reservation information by the server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This table shows an example of how to manage group reservation information to which this embodiment applies. [Figure 8]This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the server device according to the present embodiment to provide a file related to aggregated reservation information. [Figure 9] This is a table showing an example of the management of print records to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the image processing device according to the present embodiment to print a file associated with aggregated reservation information.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Overall Configuration of Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, this information processing system 1 is configured by connecting a server device 10 that manages files to be printed and an image processing device 20 used by an unspecified number of users via a communication line 80. Further, a user terminal device 30 for uploading a file to be printed to the server device 10 may be provided. This communication line 80 is, for example, a line such as the Internet and is used for information communication between the server device 10 and the image processing device 20. In the present embodiment, the "file" refers to an electronic document stored in the server device 10 or the like. This file may include an image in addition to characters, or may consist only of an image without including characters.

[0009] The server device 10 is an information processing device for managing files for which printing has been reserved. The server device 10 in the present embodiment manages, for each file for which printing has been reserved, by associating reservation information that permits printing of the file during a predetermined period. This reservation information is information for specifying a file registered in the server device 10.

[0010] The image processing apparatus 20 is a device for printing files registered in the server apparatus 10. The image processing apparatus 20 in the present embodiment is a so-called multifunction peripheral that provides various image processing functions such as an image reading function (scanning function), a printing function (printing function), a copying function (copying function), and a facsimile function in accordance with a user's instruction.

[0011] The user terminal device 30 (30a, 30b,...) is a device for realizing file management based on a user's operation. More specifically, the user terminal device 30 receives an instruction from the user regarding the registration of files managed by the server apparatus 10. The user terminal device 30 receives, for example, an instruction from the user regarding the bundling and management of two or more files. Further, the user terminal device 30 is notified of reservation information related to the files registered in the server apparatus 10. Examples of the user terminal device 30 include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

[0012] <Hardware Configuration of Server Apparatus 10> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 10 in the present embodiment. The server apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that executes digital arithmetic processing in accordance with a predetermined management program when managing files for which printing has been reserved, a secondary storage unit 12 realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in which files, reservation information, and the like are recorded, and a communication unit 13 that transmits and receives information via a communication line 80 (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a CPU 11a that controls the entire device as an example of a processor, RAM 11b used as working memory for the CPU 11a, and ROM 11c that stores management programs executed by the CPU 11a. It also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory 11d that can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 11e that controls various parts such as the communication unit 13 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11. The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, SRAM or flash memory backed up by a battery, and stores classifications of reservation information. In addition, the secondary storage unit 12 stores files and other data, as well as management programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11. The arithmetic processing unit 11 reads the management programs stored in this secondary storage unit 12, thereby executing each process of the server device 10 in this embodiment.

[0014] <Hardware configuration of the image processing device 20> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 20 according to this embodiment. The image processing device 20 according to this embodiment includes an arithmetic processing unit 21 that performs digital arithmetic processing according to a predetermined printing program when printing files registered in the server device 10, a secondary storage unit 22 which is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) on which files are recorded, and a communication unit 23 that sends and receives information via a communication line 80 (see Figure 1). It also includes an input unit 24 such as keys, a touch panel, and a code reader that supports barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks) for receiving input operations from the user, a display unit 25 which consists of a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel that displays images and text information to the user, and an image forming unit 26 that realizes the printing function.

[0015] The arithmetic processing unit 21 includes a CPU 21a that controls the entire device as an example of a processor, a RAM 21b used as working memory for the CPU 21a, and a ROM 21c that stores processing programs executed by the CPU 21a. It also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory 21d that can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 21e that controls various parts such as the input unit 24 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 21. The non-volatile memory 21d is composed of, for example, SRAM or flash memory backed up by a battery, and stores files to be processed by the image forming unit 26. In addition, the secondary storage unit 22 stores files and other data, as well as the printing program executed by the arithmetic processing unit 21. The image processing device 20 of this embodiment is executed when the arithmetic processing unit 21 reads the printing program stored in the secondary storage unit 22.

[0016] Here, the programs executed by CPUs 11a and 21a, which are examples of processors, are provided to the arithmetic processing units 11 and 21 while stored on computer-readable recording media such as magnetic recording media (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), optical recording media (optical disk, etc.), magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the programs executed by CPUs 11a and 21a may be downloaded to the server device 10 and image processing device 20 using communication means such as the internet. In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0017] <Functional configuration of server device 10> Next, we will describe the functional configuration of the server device 10. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10 according to this embodiment. The server device 10 has a request receiving unit 111, a reservation information management unit 112, a consolidated reservation information management unit 113, a code information generation unit 114, a file management unit 115, a print management unit 116, a file storage unit 117, and a print record storage unit 118, all of which are realized by the arithmetic processing unit 11 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 4, the communication unit 13 shown in Figure 2 is divided into a receiving unit 13a that receives requests from the image processing device 20 and user terminal device 30, and a transmitting unit 13b that transmits requested files, reservation information, etc., according to its function.

[0018] The request receiving unit 111 receives requests for the management of files uploaded from the user terminal device 30, the provision of files to be printed by the image processing device 20, and so on.

[0019] The reservation information management unit 112 manages reservation information in association with files uploaded from the user terminal device 30. This reservation information includes file identification information and information on a predetermined period during which printing of the file is permitted.

[0020] The Batch Reservation Information Management Unit 113 manages batch reservation information, which identifies multiple files by linking together multiple reservation information related to files. This reservation information includes identification information for the collection of files to which the classified reservation information is linked, and information for a predetermined period during which printing of the file collection is permitted. More specifically, the Batch Reservation Information Management Unit 113 processes the multiple reservation information linked to the batch reservation information in a tree structure. The Batch Reservation Information Management Unit 113 sets the predetermined period during which printing is permitted for the file collection to be the period during which printing is permitted in the most recent reservation information among the multiple reservation information linked to the batch reservation information, or a period longer than the period during which printing is permitted in the most recent reservation information. In other words, under specific conditions, the Batch Reservation Information Management Unit 113 extends the predetermined period during which printing of the files of the reservation information linked to the batch reservation information is permitted.

[0021] The code information generation unit 114 converts reservation information or group reservation information to generate code information. More specifically, the code information generation unit 114 generates code information, which is image information, based on text information. This code information may include information related to user identification.

[0022] The file management unit 115 manages files uploaded from the user terminal device 30. More specifically, the file management unit 115 manages the actual files, not information related to them.

[0023] The print management unit 116 manages the print records of files managed by the file management unit 115. These print records include information such as the number of times a file has been printed, the number of copies, the image processing device 20 that printed it, the printer, and the date and time of printing. More specifically, the print management unit 116 manages the print records of files printed based on the batch reservation information for each file. In addition, the print management unit 116 assigns priorities to multiple files linked to the batch reservation information based on the print records. Files that have not been printed have a higher priority than files that have been printed before. Furthermore, based on the priorities, the print management unit 116 determines the printing order when printing multiple files linked to the batch reservation information in a batch.

[0024] The file storage unit 117 stores files uploaded from the user terminal device 30 so that the user who has obtained reservation information or group reservation information can print the files on the image processing device 20. This file storage unit 117 is implemented using non-volatile memory 11d.

[0025] The print record storage unit 118 stores print records for each file in order to assign priority to files to be printed based on the batch reservation information. This print record storage unit 118 is implemented using non-volatile memory 11d.

[0026] <Functional configuration of the image processing device 20> Next, the functional configuration of the image processing device 20 will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 20 according to this embodiment. The image processing device 20 includes an operation determination unit 211, a display control unit 212, an image formation control unit 213, a communication processing unit 214, a priority storage unit 215, and a file storage unit 216, all of which are implemented by the arithmetic processing unit 21 shown in Figure 3.

[0027] The operation determination unit 211 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed via the input unit 24. This user operation includes, for example, operations such as specifying an instruction image or file-related image displayed on the display unit 25 that indicates the function of the device, operations to input text information, and operations to read code information.

[0028] The display control unit 212 controls the display mode and position of images and various icons displayed on the display unit 25. This display mode includes, for example, the order and arrangement of displaying instruction images and file-related images.

[0029] The image formation control unit 213 controls the image formation function of the device, which is implemented in the image formation unit 26. More specifically, the image formation control unit 213 controls the operation, settings, etc., of the image formation unit 26 based on the priority assigned to the file.

[0030] The communication processing unit 214 processes the information transmitted or received by the communication unit 23. The communication processing unit 214 requests files related to reservation information or group reservation information from the server device 10 via the communication unit 23. The communication processing unit 214 also obtains information transmitted from the server device 10 via the communication unit 23 and extracts the requested files. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 214 provides the server device 10 with a record of the printing of the files requested by its own device. In other words, the communication processing unit 214 processes the obtained information and makes a decision.

[0031] The priority storage unit 215 stores the priority assigned to files sent from the server device 10 in order to allow the user to recognize the files that should be printed. The priority storage unit 215 may also store files to which priority has been assigned. This priority storage unit 215 is implemented using non-volatile memory 21d.

[0032] The file storage unit 216 stores files sent from the server device 10 for printing files related to reservation information or bundled reservation information. This file storage unit 216 is implemented using non-volatile memory 21d.

[0033] <Processing for managing consolidated reservation information on server device 10> Next, we will explain how to manage consolidated reservation information using Figures 4, 6, and 7. Here, we use the example of consolidating reservation information after a single file has been registered. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by which the server device 10 according to this embodiment manages the aggregated reservation information. Figure 7 is a table showing an example of how to manage group reservation information to which this embodiment applies.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, even when a registered file is associated with a group reservation, the reservation information is managed for each file. Furthermore, the reservation information linked to the group reservation is managed in a tree structure, with the latest reservation information among the grouped reservations designated as the parent reservation information. If there is no parent reservation information, it is indicated as "Parent Reservation Information (NULL)". A reservation without parent reservation information is the latest and serves as the parent reservation information for other reservation information.

[0035] In the flowchart shown in Figure 6, the request receiving unit 111 shown in Figure 4 receives a request to register a file from the information transmitted from the user terminal device 30 and received by the receiving unit 13a (step 501). The reservation information management unit 112 acquires reservation information related to the registered file from the user terminal device 30 based on the request received by the request receiving unit 111 (step 502). The reservation information management unit 112 in this embodiment acquires reservation information related to the file for which printing is reserved, which permits printing for a predetermined period.

[0036] The code information generation unit 114 notifies the user terminal device 30 via the transmission unit 13b of the reservation information acquired by the reservation information management unit 112 as code information (step 503). The code information generation unit 114 in this embodiment generates image information as code information based on the reservation information and information identifying the user related to the registered file.

[0037] Next, the request receiving unit 111 receives a request to link and consolidate multiple reservation information from the information transmitted from the user terminal device 30 and received by the receiving unit 13a (step 504). These multiple reservation information are linked and consolidated based on the user's operation on the user terminal device 30. The user may also link reservation information to consolidated reservation information that has already been notified.

[0038] The Bulk Reservation Information Management Unit 113 searches the File Storage Unit 117 to see if bulk reservation information has been acquired based on the request received by the Request Reception Unit 111 (step 505). If bulk reservation information has been acquired (YES in step 505), the Bulk Reservation Information Management Unit 113 extends the predetermined period during which printing of the file is permitted in the bulk reservation information (step 506) and terminates the process. In this embodiment, the Bulk Reservation Information Management Unit 113 extends the predetermined period during which printing of the file associated with the bulk reservation information is permitted in accordance with the parent reservation information or the reservation information with the latest end time for the period during which printing is permitted among the reservation information associated with the bulk reservation information.

[0039] Here, we will explain the extension of the predetermined period for bundled reservation information using Figure 7. "Reservation Information 12345678" and "Reservation Information 12348765" are already linked, and "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001" has been acquired, with the print permission period ending on 2021 / 7 / 1 12:00. "Reservation Information Abcdefgh", a new reservation information linked to "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001" with the print permission period ending on 2021 / 7 / 15 12:00, becomes the parent reservation information of "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001". In this case, the Bulk Reservation Information Management Unit 113 extends the predetermined period during which printing of files is permitted in "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001" to 2021 / 7 / 15 12:00. This extends the period during which printing is permitted for files related to "Reservation Information 12345678" and files related to "Reservation Information 12348765". Furthermore, if the period for which printing is permitted for "Reservation Information Abcdefgh," which is newly linked to "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001," is until 12:00 on June 15, 2021, the Bulk Reservation Information Management Department 113 will extend the predetermined period for which printing of files related to "Bulk Reservation Information 00000001" is permitted until 12:00 on July 1, 2021. In such cases, the period for which printing of files related to "Reservation Information Abcdefgh" is permitted will be extended.

[0040] Furthermore, previously registered files may be linked to the bundled reservation information. The parent reservation information, "Reservation Information 98765432," is linked to "Bundled Reservation Information 00000002," to which reservation information related to files registered before the files related to "Reservation Information 98765432" is linked. In such cases, the parent reservation information of "Bundled Reservation Information 00000002" may be "Reservation Information 98765432."

[0041] Next, if the batch reservation information has not been obtained in step 505 (NO in step 505), the batch reservation information management unit 113 obtains the batch reservation information (step 507). In Figure 7, for example, "Reservation Information 99999999", which allows printing until 2021 / 7 / 1 12:00, and "Reservation Information stuvwxyz", which allows printing until 2021 / 7 / 15 12:00 are linked. The batch reservation information management unit 113 uses "Reservation Information stuvwxyz" as the parent reservation information and obtains "Batch Reservation Information 00000003". The period for which printing is permitted for the files associated with this "Batch Reservation Information 00000003" is longer than 2021 / 7 / 15 12:00.

[0042] The code information generation unit 114 notifies the user terminal device 30 via the transmission unit 13b of the aggregate reservation information acquired by the reservation information management unit 112 as code information (step 508), and then terminates. In this embodiment, the code information generation unit 114 generates image information as code information based on the aggregate reservation information and information identifying the user related to the aggregated file.

[0043] Through the above process, even if the reservation information identifies a reserved print file and has a specified printing period, the period can be extended if it is linked to a group reservation.

[0044] In the example described above, multiple reservation information is linked and consolidated based on user operations on the user terminal device 30, but this is not limited to this configuration. Multiple reservation information may also be linked and consolidated on the server device 10 based on information from files related to previously classified reservation information.

[0045] Furthermore, although the above example involves a code information generation unit 114 providing notification, this is not limited to this configuration. The reservation information management unit 112 or the aggregate reservation information management unit 113 may also notify the user terminal device 30 of text information regarding reservation information or aggregate reservation information via the transmission unit 13b.

[0046] Furthermore, in the example described above, the code information generation unit 114 automatically generates the code information, but this is not limited to this configuration. The code information generation unit 114 may also convert the text information acquired by the reservation information management unit 112 or the aggregate reservation information management unit 113 into image information based on instructions from the user via the user terminal device 30.

[0047] Furthermore, while the above example describes a configuration in which the server device 10 generates the code information, this is not limited to this configuration. The user terminal device 30 may convert the text information notified from the server device 10 into image information.

[0048] <Processing of providing files related to the aggregate reservation information of server device 10> Next, we will explain how to provide files related to the bundled reservation information using Figures 4, 8, and 9. Here, we will use the example of providing multiple files related to the bundled reservation information. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by which the server device 10 according to this embodiment provides files related to the aggregated reservation information. Figure 9 is a table showing an example of record management for printing to which this embodiment applies.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, even when files related to the group reservation information are printed by the image processing device 20, the print record is managed for each file. This print record includes information such as the number of times the file has been printed, the store where the image processing device 20 that printed it is installed, the printer, and the time of printing.

[0050] In the flowchart shown in Figure 8, the request receiving unit 111 shown in Figure 4 receives a request for the provision of files related to the bundled reservation information from the information transmitted from the user terminal device 30 and received by the receiving unit 13a (step 601). Based on the request received by the request receiving unit 111, the file management unit 115 searches for files related to the bundled reservation information in the file storage unit 117 (step 602). For example, the file management unit 115 extracts files identified as files related to the bundled reservation information, such as the "reservation information 12345678,12348765,98765432,99999999" shown in Figure 9.

[0051] The print management unit 116 searches the print record storage unit 118 for print records of files related to the bundled reservation information based on the request received by the request reception unit 111 (step 603). The print management unit 116 assigns a priority to each file related to the bundled reservation information (step 604). In this embodiment, the print management unit 116 assigns a priority to facilitate the user's selection of files to print based on information such as the number of times a file has been printed, the store where the printed image processing device 20 is installed, the printer, and the time of printing.

[0052] Here, we will explain the priority of each file related to the bundled reservation information using Figure 9. If the printer using the image processing device 20 is Mr. Tanaka, then based on the printer and the number of prints, a higher priority is given to files identified as reservation information that Mr. Tanaka has not printed, rather than files identified as "reservation information 12345678". Furthermore, if the store where the image processing device 20 is installed is in Yokohama, a higher priority is assigned to the file identified as "Reservation Information 98765432,99999999" than to the file identified as "Reservation Information 12345678,12348765," based on the printing store and the number of prints. Furthermore, the print management unit 116 only needs to assign priorities based on the print records, and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0053] The print management unit 116 provides the image processing device 20 with the files and priority associated with the batch reservation information via the transmission unit 13b (step 605). The print record storage unit 118 stores the print record of the provided files (step 606), and the process ends.

[0054] In the example described above, the print management unit 116 is configured to assign priorities based on the print record, but this is not limited to this configuration. The print management unit 116 may assign priorities to each file based on user instructions. Furthermore, the print management unit 116 may assign priorities based on the order in which the files were registered.

[0055] <Processing of providing files related to the aggregate reservation information of the image processing device 20> Next, we will explain how to provide files related to the bulk reservation information using Figures 5 and 10. Here, we will use the example of printing files related to the bulk reservation information using code information. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by which the image processing device 20 according to this embodiment prints a file associated with the group reservation information.

[0056] The operation determination unit 211 determines that there is a request for printing based on the code information read via the input unit 24 (step 701). This code information requests the reading of multiple files associated with the batch reservation information. The communication processing unit 214 provides the server device 10 with the bundled reservation information included in the code information via the communication unit 23 (step 702). In this embodiment, the communication processing unit 214 provides the user identification information of the user who instructs the image processing device 20 to print, along with the bundled reservation information.

[0057] The communication processing unit 214 obtains files related to the group reservation information and their priority from the server device 10 via the communication unit 23 (step 703). In this embodiment, the communication processing unit 214 obtains files related to group reservation information that have been assigned a priority, along with files related to group reservation information that have not been assigned a priority. The communication processing unit 214 may also obtain files related to the group reservation information and text information indicating the priority.

[0058] The display control unit 212 displays the file information acquired by the communication processing unit 214 on the display unit 25 according to priority (step 704). In this embodiment, the display control unit 212 may, for example, arrange and display file information in order of priority, or place information about files with higher priority higher (towards the user's face) in the display hierarchy than information about files with lower priority.

[0059] The image forming control unit 213 prints the file in the image forming unit 26 based on the user's instructions determined by the operation determination unit 211 (step 705). In this embodiment, the image forming control unit 213 receives a user's print instruction for a file linked to the group reservation information that has exceeded a predetermined period in the reservation information, retrieves the file from the file storage unit 216, and prints it in the image forming unit 26. Furthermore, when printing multiple files linked to the group reservation information in a batch, the printing order is determined based on the priority assigned to the files.

[0060] The communication processing unit 214 provides the server device 10 with a record of the file printing via the communication unit 23 (step 706), and the process ends. This record of the file printing includes information such as the number of times the file has been printed, the store where the device is installed, the printer, and the time of printing.

[0061] In the example described above, the user requests the provision of files related to the bundled reservation information using code information, but this is not limited to this configuration. Instead of code information, the user may input text information related to the bundled reservation information and request the provision of files related to the bundled reservation information.

[0062] The processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment is provided, for example, as a program such as application software. This program can be provided not only by means of communication, but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...Information processing system, 10...Server device, 20...Image processing device, 30...User terminal device, 11,21...Calculation processing unit, 12,22...Secondary storage unit, 13,23...Communication unit, 24...Input unit, 25...Display unit, 26...Image forming unit, 111...Request reception unit, 112...Reservation information management unit, 113...Bulk reservation information management unit, 114...Code information generation unit, 115...File management unit, 116...Print management unit, 117,216...File storage unit, 211...Operation determination unit, 212...Display control unit, 213...Image forming control unit, 214...Communication processing unit, 215...Priority storage unit

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Retrieve reservation information that allows printing for a predetermined period associated with a file whose printing has been reserved. The system retrieves aggregated reservation information, which combines multiple reservation information linked by the user. Among the multiple reservation information linked to the aforementioned bundled reservation information, the predetermined period for the other reservation information is extended to match the reservation information with the latest end time for which printing is permitted. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it manages a record of printing for each file, based on the aforementioned batch reservation information.

3. The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that it assigns priority to a plurality of files linked to the aforementioned bulk reservation information based on the aforementioned print record.

4. The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, among the multiple files linked to the aforementioned group reservation information, a higher priority is given to files that have not been printed than to files that have been printed.

5. The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that it determines the printing order when printing the multiple files linked to the batch reservation information in a batch, based on the aforementioned priority.

6. The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it generates code information for reading multiple files linked to the aforementioned bundled reservation information.

7. The aforementioned code information is, The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes user information of the user who instructs printing, along with the aforementioned bulk reservation information.

Images