Information processing device, program, and control method

Abstract

To reduce a user's trouble when transmitting image data uploaded to a chat service talk room to a transmission destination using a PCFAX function.SOLUTION: An information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with a FAX device and for providing a chat service, and includes: receiving means for receiving a transmission instruction from a user on a channel of the chat service; and transmitting means for transmitting an instruction for instructing the FAX device to transmit image data uploaded to the channel of the chat service to a transmission destination, and the image data, to the FAX device, in response to the receiving means receiving the execution instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a PC-FAX function that transmits image data stored on a PC and a FAX transmission instruction to a FAX apparatus.

[0003] In recent years, in a chat service for multiple users to exchange messages, it has also been done to upload image data and share the image data with multiple users of the chat service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, in order to transmit image data uploaded to a chat room of a chat service to a destination using the PC-FAX function, it is necessary to download the image data from the chat service to the PC, which is troublesome for the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce the user's effort when transmitting image data uploaded to a chat room of a chat service to a destination using the PC-FAX function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is an information processing device that can communicate with a fax machine and provides a chat service, and allows users to access the chat service channel. The operation of the first object displayed there The means of acceptance, A display means for displaying a second object for instructing the fax machine to send a fax based on the operation of the first object, The aforementioned The second object was manipulated. This provides instructions for the fax machine to send the image data uploaded to the channel of the chat service to the recipient, and means for sending the image data to the fax machine. Furthermore, a third object for selecting a recipient from a plurality of recipients registered in the fax machine is displayed by the display means while the second object is displayed. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This reduces the effort required for users when sending image data uploaded to a chat service's talk room to a recipient using the PCFAX function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the MFP100 hardware configuration. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediate server 3000. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of Chat Server 4000. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of a chat room screen displayed on a mobile device (2007). [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the chat room screen 600. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the chat room screen 700. [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of chat room screen 800. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of MFP information registered on intermediate server 3000. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of MFP information registered on intermediate server 3000. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of pre-processing for registering the MFP with the intermediate server 3000. [Figure 12] Sequence diagram showing an example of a process for executing PC-FAX processing based on an instruction received in a chat room [Figure 13] Flowchart showing an example of processing in the intermediate server 3000 related to the MFP and line selection processing [Figure 14] Sequence diagram showing an example of destination selection processing [Figure 15] Flowchart showing an example of processing in the intermediate server 3000 related to destination selection processing [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the processing in the chat server 4000 related to destination selection processing [Figure 17] Diagram showing an example of the chat room screen 1800

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the examples. If the same effects as the object effects can be obtained, part or all of the configuration may be replaced with equivalents.

[0011] <System Configuration Diagram> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the present invention. In this system configuration, the MFP 100 is connected to the telephone line network 2001, and the MFP 100, the intermediate server 3000, the chat server 4000, and the communication base station 2006 that communicates with the mobile terminal 2007 are communicably connected to each other. Further, each is connected to the Internet 2004.

[0012] When the sender 2002 selects a document in the chat application on the mobile terminal 2007 and starts the fax transmission process, the process proceeds interactively with the chat application server 2008. Finally, a PC fax is instructed to the MFP 100 via the intermediate server 2005.

[0013] <Hardware Configuration of MFP100> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP100, which is also a fax machine and image processing device according to the present invention.

[0014] The CPU 201 reads and executes the control program 203 stored in the memory unit 202 (for example, a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or ROM). The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 221.

[0015] The line information data 204 is line information data for each telephone line (telephone number, caller's name, etc.) stored in the storage unit 202.

[0016] The address book data 205 is the address book data stored in the memory unit 202, and it stores telephone numbers for fax communication, email addresses used for email, etc. The memory unit 202 is also used as a temporary storage location for image data in some cases. Image data is basically stored in the RAM 206.

[0017] The operation controller 208 controls various buttons, operation panel 209, display 211, etc., provided on the MFP 100. The operation panel 209 is a touch panel for receiving touch commands from the user, and the display 211 displays a screen based on screen data. In this embodiment, the operation panel 209 and the display 211 are described as separate components, but they may be integrated.

[0018] The printer 214 is a printing unit that prints images onto paper using an electrophotographic method. The printing method may also be an inkjet method, rather than an electrophotographic method.

[0019] Scanner 215 is a reading unit for reading images printed on paper. Scanner 215 is equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) (not shown) and can automatically scan multiple documents. Scanner 215 can also read images from documents placed on a glass table (pressure plate method).

[0020] MODEM216 demodulates modulated signals received from the telephone network 2001 via the exchange 101, and conversely modulates signals from the device and sends them back to the exchange 101.

[0021] NCU217 is the interface between the telephone line and the fax machine. It detects signals coming from the exchange 101 and transmits them to MODEM216, and also performs line control such as switching the line to telephone 219.

[0022] Network I / F218 is a communication unit for connecting to the Internet 2004 and performing network communication. It may be a communication unit for wired connections such as Ethernet, or a communication unit for wireless connections such as Wi-Fi. It may also have multiple communication units to enable both wired and wireless communication.

[0023] <Hardware configuration of intermediate server 3000> Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediate server 3000 of the present invention. The intermediate server 3000 includes a CPU 3001, RAM 3010, storage unit 3002, and network interface 3003.

[0024] The CPU 3001 reads and executes the control program 3004 stored in the memory unit 3002, which is an HDD, SSD, ROM, etc. The CPU 3001 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3020.

[0025] The memory unit 3002 can store the control program 3004, registered user data 3005, registered MFP data 3006, address book data 3007, image data 3008, and MFP line information data 3009.

[0026] Registered user data 3005 is a list of users who can send PC faxes from the chat server 4000 via the intermediate server 3000. Registered MFP data 3006 is a list of MFPs that users have previously registered with the intermediate server 3000. Address book data 3007 is address book data 205 obtained by the intermediate server 3000 from the MFPs. Image data 3008 is fax data received from the chat server 4000. MFP line information data 3009 is line information (telephone number, caller name, etc.) for each line obtained from the MFPs.

[0027] Network I / F 3003 is a communication unit for connecting to the Internet 2004 and performing network communication. It may be a communication unit for wired connections such as Ethernet, or a communication unit for wireless connections such as Wi-Fi. It may also have multiple communication units to enable both wired and wireless communication.

[0028] <Hardware configuration of chat server 4000> Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the chat server 4000 of the present invention. The chat server 4000, which is an information processing device, comprises a CPU 4001, RAM 4008, storage unit 4002, and network interface 4007.

[0029] The CPU 4001 reads and executes the control program 4003 stored in the memory unit 4002, which is an HDD, SSD, ROM, etc. The CPU 4001 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4020.

[0030] Furthermore, CPU4001 receives a message posting request from the chat application installed on mobile terminal 2007 and posts the received message to the designated chat room.

[0031] In addition to the control program 4003, the memory unit 4002 stores chat data 4004, posted files 4005 such as image data, and extension applications 4009.

[0032] Chat data 4004 is data that represents each message posted in the chat service, and is stored in association with each chat room and posting user.

[0033] Extension application 4009 is an application installed on chat server 4000 and is used to send PCFAX instructions from chat server 4000 to MFP100. This extension application may also be capable of sending print and scan instructions to MFP100, in addition to PCFAX functionality.

[0034] Network I / F 4007 is a communication unit for connecting to the Internet 2004 and performing network communication. It may be a communication unit for wired connections such as Ethernet, or a communication unit for wireless connections such as Wi-Fi. It may also have multiple communication units to enable both wired and wireless communication.

[0035] Here, we will explain the chat service. The chat service provided by chat server 4000 offers chat rooms where multiple users can exchange messages, image data, and other files. These chat rooms are called by various names depending on the service, such as channels, talks, teams, groups, talk rooms, and group chats. Multiple users are pre-associated with these chat rooms; for example, in the example in Figure 5, multiple users, including Taro A and Ms. B, are participating in the chat room (Sales Team). Messages and files posted in this chat room can only be viewed by users participating in the chat room (such as Taro A and Ms. B).

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of a chat room screen displayed on a mobile terminal 2007. The mobile terminal 2007 has an operating unit (user interface) that includes a touch panel and a display, and the chat room screen 500 is displayed on this operating unit. The chat room screen 500 is displayed when the user selects the "Sales Team" chat room on a chat room selection screen (not shown). This chat room screen 500 is displayed based on chat room information received from the chat server 4000 by the chat application installed on the mobile terminal 2007.

[0037] In chat room screen 500, B-ko, a member of the sales team, posts the message "I have prepared a quotation for ABC Inc." and uploads quotation file 501. Messages and files appear on the chat room screen when B-ko posts and uploads them using her mobile device or PC. Also in chat room screen 500, A-taro posts the message "Thank you. I will fax it to ABC Inc." This message appears on chat room screen 500 when A-taro runs the chat application on mobile device 2007, enters the message in the message input field (not shown), and issues a posting command.

[0038] Previously, in order to send file 501 by fax, the user had to first download file 501 to the mobile terminal 2007, then launch the PCFAX driver, and send file 501 and the transmission command to the MFP100. However, this method is time-consuming for the user. Therefore, the present invention reduces the user's effort when performing PCFAX on files uploaded to a chat room by performing the following process.

[0039] The chat room screen 500 displays a button 502, which is an object for selecting an action to be taken on file 501. When this button 502 is selected, the menu screen 503 is displayed, allowing the user to select an action to be taken on file 501. In the example in Figure 5, a save button 504, a bot launch button 505, and an app launch button 506 are displayed. When the save button 504 is selected, file 501 is downloaded and stored in the mobile device's memory.

[0040] When the bot activation button 505 is selected, the chatbot functionality provided by the extension application 4009 is executed. This will be explained using the chat room screen 600 in Figure 6.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of the chat room screen 600. When the bot launch button 505 is selected on the menu screen 503 in Figure 5, the chatbot displays the message "Please instruct the user on what to do with the document." This message is to confirm with the user what action to take on the file.

[0042] In response to message 601, A-taro replies with message 602, which is "FAX". The chatbot responds to message 602 and displays objects for selecting the MFP and line to be used for sending a fax. Here, the chatbot can interpret the user's instructions, such as message 602.

[0043] When button 604 is selected by the user, line 1 of MFP B is selected. When button 604 is selected, the chat room screen 700 shown in Figure 7 is displayed. After the MFP and line to be used are selected, an object for setting the transmission settings used in the fax transmission process (transmission method (G3, etc.), resolution, etc.) is displayed. By accepting the selection of this object (button), the user can set the transmission settings. The CPU 4001 then stores these settings in RAM 4008 so that the extended application 4009 can refer to them. When button 605 is selected, the process of accepting PCFAX settings is terminated.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of the chat room screen 700. The chat room screen 700 displays a message 701 prompting the user to set the destination for sending image data. Along with message 701, buttons 702 and 703 are displayed. Buttons 702 and 703 are displayed by the chatbot of the extension application 4009. When button 702 is selected, the chat server 4000 displays the address book of the MFP100 based on the address book data received from the MFP100 and accepts the user's selection of a phone number. When button 703 is selected, the address book stored in the mobile terminal 2007 is displayed and accepts the user's selection of a phone number.

[0045] Without selecting buttons 702 or 703, users can post a string of text in the chat room (channel), and the system will retrieve the corresponding destination information from the MFP's address book or the mobile device 2007's address book, allowing them to confirm it as shown in message 705. In the example in Figure 7, when the user posts the string "ABC", the destination information for "ABC Trading Company" is retrieved and displayed. If there are multiple valid destination candidates matching the keyword, all candidates may be presented for the user to select. Alternatively, the user can directly post a phone number in the chat room, and the chatbot may set that phone number as the destination.

[0046] When the user selects button 706, the phone number displayed in message 705 is set as the recipient. If button 707 is selected, the recipient setting process is canceled.

[0047] When button 708 is selected, PCFAX processing is executed using the parameters set in the above configuration. The specific processing is explained in the sequence diagram in Figure 12.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an example of the chat room screen 800. On the chat room screen 800, message 801 is displayed when PCFAX processing is executed, FAX transmission by MFP100 is completed, and the chat server 4000 receives a completion notification from MFP100. After MFP100 sends image data to the destination, without receiving any instructions from the user, this message 801 is posted to the chat room (channel) by the chatbot of the extension application 4009. Here, the chat room (channel) to which message 801 is posted is the chat room that received the PCFAX execution instruction from the user. In other words, once the FAX transmission by the MFP is completed, message 801 is automatically posted to the chat room that received the execution instruction.

[0049] Message 801 displays information indicating the transmission result of a fax transmission. Specifically, it includes the following information: "Transmission start date and time," "Transmission end date and time," "Recipient," "Transmission receipt number," "Transmission result," "Number of pages transmitted," and "MFP and line used."

[0050] <MFP data registered on the intermediate server> Figure 9 shows an example of MFP information registered in the intermediate server 3000. The registered MFP data 3006 in Figure 9 is a list of MFPs to which PCFAX instructions will be sent. In this list, the MFP name 901 and the IP address 902 are registered in association with each other.

[0051] Figure 10 shows an example of MFP information registered in the intermediate server 3000. The MFP line information data 3009 in Figure 10 is a list of information for each MFP line to which PCFAX instructions are sent. In this list, the MFP name 1001, line 1002, line telephone number 1003, and caller name 1004 are registered in association with each other.

[0052] [Pre-processing] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the pre-processing for registering an MFP with the intermediate server 3000. This flow is initiated when a user accesses the intermediate server via HTTP communication using a web browser on a PC or mobile device 2007.

[0053] In S1101, when the CPU 3001 receives access from the mobile terminal 2007, it sends information from the user ID and password input screen to the mobile terminal 2007 and receives the user ID and password entered on the input screen (not shown) displayed on the mobile terminal 2007.

[0054] In S1102, CPU 3001 determines if there is any data in the registered user data 3005 that matches the received user ID and password. If a match is found, the process proceeds to S1103; otherwise, it returns to the process in S1101.

[0055] In S1103, an input screen (not shown) for the MFP name and IP address is displayed and input is accepted. The number of MFPs that can be entered can be one or multiple. The entered values ​​are registered in the registered MFP data 3006. MFP line information may also be made available for input.

[0056] [Main processing sequence] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process of executing PCFAX processing based on instructions received in the chat room. The sequence in Figure 12 starts after file 501 in Figure 5 is posted.

[0057] First, after file 501 is posted, the user selects button 502 on the screen displayed on mobile device 2007, and then selects button 505. This sends information based on the selected buttons from mobile device 2007 to chat server 4000. In S1201, CPU 4001 receives the information based on the selected buttons from mobile device 2007 and determines that button 505 was selected. Furthermore, CPU 4001 receives information indicating that the output method for the selected file 501 is fax.

[0058] In S1202, CPU4001 sends the authentication information (user ID, password) and authentication request of the user who selected button 505 to intermediate server 3000 via network I / F4007.

[0059] In S1203, the chat server 4000 receives the authentication result from the intermediate server and checks whether the authentication was successful or not. This sequence will be explained assuming that the authentication was successful.

[0060] If authentication is successful, in S1204, the CPU 3001 sends a request for line information to the MFPs included in the pre-registered registration MFP data 3006 via the network I / F 3003 to the intermediate server 3000. For example, if MFP A and MFP B are included, a request for line information is sent to both.

[0061] In S1205, CPU3001 receives line information from the MFP that sent the line information request via network I / F3003.

[0062] In S1206, CPU3001 transmits information about the MFP registered in the registered MFP data and the MFP's line information via network I / F3003.

[0063] In S1207, CPU 4001 generates screen data to display an object such as button 604 on the chat room screen based on the MFP information and line information received in S1206, and sends it to mobile terminal 2007. Based on this screen data, when the user selects an MFP and line on the screen displayed on the touch panel of mobile terminal 2007, the selected MFP information and line information are sent from mobile terminal 2007 to chat server 4000. CPU 4001 receives the selected MFP information and line information from mobile terminal 2007 via network I / F 4007.

[0064] In S1208, CPU 4001 executes the recipient acceptance process. Specifically, CPU 4001 generates screen data for message 701, button 702, and button 703 on the chat room screen 700 in Figure 7, and sends it to mobile terminal 2007. Based on this screen data, when the user specifies the recipient's phone number on the screen displayed on the touch panel of mobile terminal 2007, the recipient's phone number specified on mobile terminal 2007 is sent to chat server 4000. CPU 4001 receives the recipient's phone number from mobile terminal 2007 via network interface 4007. It can also accept fax transmission settings at this point.

[0065] In S1209, CPU 4001 executes the process of receiving execution instructions. Specifically, CPU 4001 creates screen data to display button 708 on the chat room screen 700 in Figure 7 and sends it to mobile terminal 2007. Based on this screen data, when button 708 is selected by the user on the screen displayed on the touch panel of mobile terminal 2007, an execution instruction is sent from mobile terminal 2007 to chat server 4000.

[0066] In S1210, when CPU4001 receives the execution command in S1209, it performs the following process: CPU4001 sends the MFP information and line information received in S1207, the destination information (telephone number) received in S1208, and the file (image data) corresponding to the button selected in S1201 to the intermediate server 3000 via network I / F4007. In addition to the destination information, parameters such as transmission settings are also sent during this process.

[0067] In S1211, the CPU 3001 determines which MFP to send the parameters to based on the MFP information received in S1210, and sends the line information, destination information, and file received in S1210 to that MFP via the network I / F 3003.

[0068] In S1212, the MFP100 converts the file received in S1211 into data that can be sent by fax and sends it by fax to the recipient information (telephone number) that was received. The transmission settings used for this fax transmission may be those set on the mobile terminal 2007 and received via the chat server 4000, or they may be those set on the MFP100's operation panel 209. The information of the line from which this fax transmission originates is the line information received in S1211.

[0069] In S1213, the CPU201 of the MFP100 sends information about the transmission result of the FAX transmission process to the intermediate server3000 via the network I / F218.

[0070] In S1214, CPU3001 sends the transmission result information received in S1213 to chat server4000 via network I / F3003.

[0071] In S1215, CPU4001 causes the chatbot to post message 801 so that the information of the transmission result received in S1214 can be displayed as shown in the chat room screen 800 in Figure 8, and sends the screen data to mobile terminal 2007.

[0072] In this embodiment, image data, transmission parameters, and line information are sent from the chat server 4000 to the MFP 100 via the intermediate server 3000, but this is not the only way. For example, image data, transmission parameters, and line information may be sent directly from the chat server 4000 to the MFP 100. In other words, the above process can be executed without the intermediate server 3000. In that case, the processing that would normally be handled by the intermediate server would be performed by the MFP 100.

[0073] [Processing on the intermediate server side in the main processing sequence] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the intermediate server 3000 up to the MFP and line selection process. This is a processing flow that focuses on the processing performed by the intermediate server 3000 from the processing sequence explained in Figure 12.

[0074] First, the intermediate server 3000 receives user authentication information (user ID and password) from the chat server 4000 (S1301). The intermediate server determines whether the received user information matches any of the registered user data 3005 stored in the intermediate server's memory unit 3002 (S1302). If there is no match, it responds to the chat server 4000 with authentication NG (S1303) and terminates the process. If there is a match, it responds with authentication OK (S1304). Next, it requests line information from the registered MFPs (S1305). It receives line information from each MFP 100 (S1306) and forwards the information to the chat server 4000 (S1307). By receiving information about the MFP and line to be used, transmission parameters such as the destination, and image data from the chat server (S1308), the MFP and line to be used for PCFAX transmission are determined.

[0075] S1308 checks the format of the received image data and verifies whether it is in a format that can be sent by fax (e.g., JBIG) (S1309). If it is not in a format that can be sent by fax, it is converted to a format that can be sent. The system also verifies whether the conversion was successful (S1310). If the conversion is unsuccessful, a response indicating a document data error is sent to the chat server (S1311) and the process is terminated. If the image data is in a format that can be sent by fax, or if it has been converted to a format that can be sent by fax, the line information, transmission parameters, and image data are sent to the MFP.

[0076] [Destination selection processing sequence] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the destination selection process. The sequence in Figure 14 shows an example of the process of selecting a destination from the MFP's address book in the S1208 process.

[0077] In S1501, the intermediate server 3000 requests address book data from the MFP. Then, in S1502, the MFP 100 sends the address book data to the intermediate server 3000.

[0078] Then, when the processing of S1208 begins, the processing of S1503 is executed. In S1503, if the user taps button 702 (select from MFP address book), the chat server 4000 requests MFP address book data from the intermediate server 3000 (S1504). Upon receiving the request for address book data, the intermediate server 3000 temporarily stores it in the address book data 3007 of the storage unit 3002 and sends the address book data 3007 to the chat server 4000 (S1505). Upon receiving the address book data, the chat server 4000 displays the received address book in the chat application and allows the user to make a selection (S1506). On the other hand, if the user selects button 703 in the destination input / selection process of S1503, the chat server 4000 displays the mobile terminal's local address book in the chat application and allows the user to make a selection (S1507). After the user selects a destination from the MFP's address book or the mobile device's local address book, the chat server 4000 sends the selected information to the intermediate server (S1508). If the intermediate server 3000 determines that the received data is information selected from the address book, it sends the selected destination to the chat server 4000 for destination confirmation (S1509).

[0079] Furthermore, when the intermediate server 3000 in S1506 sends the address book data 3007 to the chat server 4000, the address data may be filtered. For example, the address book data may be filtered to include the range of address book data 3007 that should be disclosed according to the user information (user privilege level, etc.) authenticated in S1203.

[0080] Alternatively, the above processing sequence may be achieved by having the MFP100 assume the functions and roles of the intermediate server 3000.

[0081] [Processing on the intermediate server side in the destination selection processing sequence] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the intermediate server 3000 related to destination selection. This is a processing flow that focuses on the processing performed at the intermediate server 3000 from the processing sequence explained in Figure 14.

[0082] The system determines whether the chat server 4000 has requested address book data from the MFP (S1601). If a request is received, the system sends the MFP address book data 3007 to the chat server 4000 (S1602); otherwise, S1602 is skipped. The system receives destination information from the chat server (S1603) and determines whether the destination information is selected from the address book or entered directly (S1604). If it is entered directly, the system determines whether there is a corresponding destination candidate in the address book data 3007 of the storage unit 3002 based on the keywords of the input information (S1605). If no destination candidate is found, the system notifies the chat server 4000 that no destination candidate was found (S1606). If a destination candidate is found, the system requests destination confirmation from the chat server 4000 (S1607). If it is determined in S1604 that the destination was selected from the MFP address book or the mobile terminal's local address book, the system also requests destination confirmation from the chat server 4000 (S1607). If the chat server returns a "destination not OK" response, the process returns to S1601 and repeats. If the response indicates "destination OK," the destination processing is terminated.

[0083] [Chat server-side processing in the destination selection sequence] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing in chat server 4000 related to destination selection. This is a processing flow that focuses on the processing performed in chat server 4000 from the processing sequence explained in Figure 14.

[0084] Message 701 prompting the user to enter / select a recipient is displayed in the chat application (S1701). Then, it is determined whether the user has pressed button 702 (select from MFP address book), button 703 (select from local address book), or entered the recipient directly (S1702). If button 702 (select from MFP address book) is tapped, the chat server 4000 requests the MFP address book from the intermediate server 3000 (S1703). The address book is then received (S1704), the received MFP address book is displayed in the chat application (S1705), and the process proceeds to S1707. On the other hand, if button 703 (select from mobile device local address book) is tapped, the chat server displays the local address book in the chat application (S1706), and the process proceeds to S1707. Once the user's recipient selection is accepted, the selected recipient information is sent to the intermediate server (S1707), and the process proceeds to S1711, which will be described later.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1702 that the input is direct input, the input data is sent to the intermediate server 3000 (S1708). It is determined whether or not a notification of no destination candidate was found from the intermediate server 3000 (S1709). If such a notification is received, an error message (not shown) is displayed via the chatbot (S1710), and the process returns to S1701 to repeat the destination processing. If no such notification is received, the process proceeds to S1711, which will be described later.

[0086] When S1711 receives a destination confirmation request from the intermediate server 3000, it displays message 705, button 706 (OK), and button 707 (NG) via the chatbot. If the user taps button 707 (NG), it sends a destination NG to the intermediate server 3000 and returns to S1701 to repeat the destination processing. If the user taps button 706 (OK), it sends a destination OK to the intermediate server 3000 and ends the destination processing.

[0087] By performing the above process, the effort required of users when sending image data uploaded to a chat room in a chat service to a recipient using the PCFAX function can be reduced.

[0088] <Other examples> Figure 17 shows an example of the chat room screen 1800. When button 502 and button 506 in Figure 5 are selected, the application menu screen 1801 is displayed on the chat room screen 1800. The pull-down 1802 is a pull-down for selecting the MFP to be used as a fax device, and can be selected from a list of MFPs registered in the intermediate server 3000.

[0089] Pull-down menu 1803 is for selecting the line to be used for fax processing. It allows you to select a specific line from among the lines corresponding to the MFP selected in pull-down menu 1802. If no MFP is selected in pull-down menu 1802, you can select a specific line from among all the lines corresponding to MFPs registered in the intermediate server 3000.

[0090] Button 1805 is used to select whether to use the local address book (the address book of the mobile terminal 2007) or the MFP address book selected in the pull-down menu 1802 when selecting the recipient of a fax. In Figure 17, the MFP address book is selected.

[0091] Dropdown menu 1806 is for selecting the recipient of a fax. The user can select a recipient (phone number) from the address book selected by button 1805. This dropdown menu 1806 may also function as an input field, allowing the user to enter a phone number using the keyboard.

[0092] Button 1807 is used to send a command to execute PCFAX, and is similar to button 708 in Figure 7. Additionally, a pull-down menu (not shown) may be provided to allow setting fax transmission parameters (transmission method (G3, etc.), resolution, etc.). Button 1808 is used to cancel the PCFAX settings.

[0093] In this way, by displaying a screen specifically for the extended application, it is possible to issue PCFAX execution instructions without posting irrelevant content to the chat room.

[0094] <Other embodiments> The present invention provides a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium. It can also be implemented by a process in which one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, it can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 MFP 4000 chat servers 3000 intermediate servers 2007 Mobile devices

Claims

1. An information processing device that can communicate with a fax machine and provides a chat service, A receiving means for receiving operations from a user on a first object displayed on a channel of the chat service, A display means for displaying a second object for instructing the fax machine to send a fax based on the operation of the first object, The second object has an instruction for the fax machine to send the image data uploaded to the channel of the chat service to the recipient, and a transmission means for sending the image data to the fax machine, An information processing device characterized in that a third object for selecting a recipient from a plurality of recipients registered in the fax machine is displayed by the display means while the second object is displayed.

2. A program executed by an information processing device that can communicate with a fax machine and provides a chat service, A receiving step of receiving an operation from a user on a first object displayed on the chat service channel, A display step of displaying a second object for instructing the FAX device to send a FAX based on the operation of the first object, The operation of the second object includes an instruction for the fax machine to send the image data uploaded to the channel of the chat service to the recipient, and a transmission step of sending the image data to the fax machine. A program characterized in that a third object for selecting a recipient from a plurality of recipients registered in the fax machine is displayed while the second object is displayed.

3. In the aforementioned reception process, transmission settings are also accepted on the channel. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission step involves sending an instruction to the FAX device to send the image data uploaded to the channel to the recipient, as well as the image data and the transmission settings to the FAX device.

4. The program according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a posting step of posting information indicating the transmission result of the image data by the FAX device onto the channel.

5. In the posting process, after the fax machine has sent the image data to the recipient, it posts information indicating the transmission result on the channel without receiving instructions from the user. The program according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

6. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that, while the second object and the third object are displayed, an object for accepting line selection is displayed.

7. A control method for an information processing device that can communicate with a fax machine and provides a chat service, A receiving step of receiving an operation from a user on a first object displayed on the chat service channel, A display step of displaying a second object for instructing the FAX device to send a FAX based on the operation of the first object, The operation of the second object includes an instruction for the fax machine to send the image data uploaded to the channel of the chat service to the recipient, and a transmission step of sending the image data to the fax machine. A control method characterized in that a third object for selecting a recipient from a plurality of recipients registered in the fax machine is displayed while the second object is displayed.

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