Deadline management system, control method for the deadline management system, and information processing device.

Abstract

To manage deadlines for responding to content.SOLUTION: A server apparatus 200 comprises: a reception unit 211 for receiving, from a personal computer 100, first deadline information TE1 indicating a deadline TL for transmitting, from a multifunction device 300 to the server apparatus 200, response information JR for teaching material content CT for which a first printed matter P1 has been transmitted in advance; a first notification unit 212 for notifying at least one of a smartphone 400 and the multifunction device 300 of second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1; and a second notification unit 213 for notifying the personal computer 100 of deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not a response image JP has been received from the multifunction device 300 by the deadline TL. The multifunction device 300 comprises a reading execution unit 314 for reading a second printed matter P2 including an image corresponding to the response information JR to generate the response image JP, and a transmitting unit 315 for transmitting the response image JP to the server apparatus 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deadline management system, a control method for the deadline management system, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for printing teaching materials content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, there may be a possibility that the deadlines for answers to tests, learning materials, etc. that are required to be submitted by a predetermined deadline cannot be managed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A deadline management system according to one embodiment for solving the above problems comprises a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a reader device, and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to each of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the reader device, wherein the information processing device comprises a receiving unit that receives first deadline information from the first terminal device indicating a deadline for transmitting response information for content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance from the reader device to the information processing device, a first notification unit that notifies at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device of second deadline information corresponding to the first deadline information, and a second notification unit that notifies the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not a response image including an image corresponding to the response information has been received from the reader device by the deadline, and the reader device comprises a reading execution unit that reads a second printed document including an image corresponding to the response information and generates the response image, and a transmitting unit that transmits the response image to the information processing device.

[0006] A control method for a deadline management system according to another embodiment that solves the above problem comprises a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a reader device, and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to each of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the reader device, wherein the information processing device performs the following steps: receiving first deadline information from the first terminal device indicating a deadline for transmitting response information for content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance from the reader device to the information processing device; a first notification step notifying at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device of second deadline information corresponding to the first deadline information; and a second notification step notifying the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not it has received a response image including an image corresponding to the response information from the reader device by the deadline; and the reader device performs the following steps: reading execution step reading a second printed document including an image corresponding to the response information and generating the response image; and transmitting the response image to the information processing device.

[0007] An information processing device according to yet another embodiment for solving the above problem is an information processing device that is communicably connected to a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a reader device, and comprises: a receiving unit that receives first deadline information from the first terminal device indicating a deadline for the reader device to transmit response information to content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance to the information processing device; a first notification unit that notifies at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device of second deadline information corresponding to the first deadline information; and a second notification unit that notifies the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not the reader device has received a response image including an image corresponding to the response information by the deadline. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the deadline management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a multifunction printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a printing mechanism. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of how a deadline management system works. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the configuration of the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the deadline management system 1 comprises a personal computer 100, a server device 200, a multifunction printer 300, and a smartphone 400. The server device 200 is connected to the personal computer 100, the multifunction printer 300, and the smartphone 400 via a network NW, enabling communication with each of them. The network NW is, for example, the internet. This embodiment describes a case where the network NW is the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network NW may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0011] The multifunction printer 300 includes a first multifunction printer 300A and a second multifunction printer 300B. The smartphone 400 includes a first smartphone 400A and a second smartphone 400B. As shown in Figure 1, the first multifunction printer 300A is located in the room HA of the first user UA, and the second multifunction printer 300B is located in the room HB of the second user UB. The first smartphone 400A is used by the first user UA, and the second smartphone 400B is used by the second user UB. The first user UA and the second user UB are, for example, students.

[0012] The 300 multifunction printer corresponds to an example of a "reading device". Furthermore, the 300 multifunction printer corresponds to an example of a "printing device." In this embodiment, the case in which the "reading device" and the "printing device" are integrated as a single multifunction device 300 is described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "reading device" and the "printing device" may be configured as separate devices. For example, the "reading device" may be configured as a scanner and the "printing device" may be configured as a printer.

[0013] The personal computer 100 sends first deadline information TE1 to the server device 200, indicating the deadline TL for sending response information JR for the educational material content CT from the multifunction printer 300 to the server device 200. The educational material content CT is pre-printed and sent as first printout P1 to the first user UA and the second user UB, respectively. For example, first printout P1 is provided to the first user UA after the educational material content CT is pre-printed at the first multifunction printer 300A based on instructions from the personal computer 100. Also, first printout P1 is provided to the second user UB after the educational material content CT is pre-printed at the second multifunction printer 300B based on instructions from the personal computer 100. The educational content (CT) includes, for example, problems or assignments for subjects such as English and mathematics. The first printed document, P1, will be further explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0014] In this embodiment, we will describe a case in which each of the first multifunction printer 300A and the second multifunction printer 300B prints the educational content CT on a predetermined size of paper as the first printed document P1. The predetermined size is, for example, A4 size as defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 216. That is, by printing the educational content CT with each of the first multifunction printer 300A and the second multifunction printer 300B, the educational content CT is printed on A4 size paper as the first printed document P1.

[0015] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case in which each of the first multifunction printer 300A and the second multifunction printer 300B prints the educational content CT on A4 size printing paper as defined in ISO 216, but is not limited to this. Each of the first multifunction printer 300A and the second multifunction printer 300B can print the educational content CT on printing paper of a predetermined size. The predetermined size may be, for example, B5 size as defined in ISO 216, or A3 size as defined in ISO 216.

[0016] The personal computer 100 transmits the first deadline information TE1 to the server device 200, for example, in response to an operation from the third user UC. The first deadline information TE1 indicates the deadline TL for transmitting the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the multifunction device 300 to the server device 200.

[0017] The personal computer 100 transmits the first deadline information TEA1 to the server device 200, for example, in response to an operation from the third user UC. The first deadline information TEA1 corresponds to an example of the first deadline information TE1. The first deadline information TEA1 indicates the deadline TL for transmitting the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the first multifunction device 300A to the server device 200. In other words, the first deadline information TEA1 is the date and time specified by the third user UC as the deadline TL for the first user UA to transmit the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the first multifunction device 300A to the server device 200.

[0018] Also, the personal computer 100 transmits the first deadline information TEB1 to the server device 200, for example, in response to an operation from the third user UC. The first deadline information TEB1 corresponds to an example of the first deadline information TE1. The first deadline information TEB1 indicates the deadline TL for transmitting the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the second multifunction device 300B to the server device 200. In other words, the first deadline information TEB1 is the date and time specified by the third user UC as the deadline TL for the second user UB to transmit the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the second multifunction device 300B to the server device 200. The third user UC is the user who provides the teaching material content CT to the first user UA and the second user UB. In other words, the third user UC is the user who requests the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from each of the first user UA and the second user UB. The third user UC is, for example, a teacher. The response information JR will be further described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0019] The teaching material content CT corresponds to an example of "content". Each of the first deadline information TEA1 and the first deadline information TEB1 corresponds to an example of the "first deadline information". In the present embodiment, the "first deadline information" is information indicating the date and time of the deadline TL. The "date and time" indicates, for example, the year, month, day, and time. Further, the "time" indicates the hours, minutes, and seconds. In the present embodiment, the case where the "content" is the teaching material content CT will be described, but it is not limited thereto. The "content" may be a document or the like printed by the multifunction machine 300 and requesting responses from the first user UA and the second user UB. For example, the "content" may be a questionnaire to the first user UA and the second user UB.

[0020] The personal computer 100 includes a first control unit 110. The first control unit 110 includes a first processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a first memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls each part of the personal computer 100. The first memory stores a first control program. Further, the first memory may include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). In the first control unit 110, the first processor reads out the first control program stored in the first memory and executes the processing. In other words, the first control unit 110 executes the processing by the cooperation of hardware and software.

[0021] The first processor may be composed of a single processor, or a configuration in which a plurality of processors function as the first processor.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first processor executes a first control program to control various parts of the personal computer 100, but is not limited to this. The first control unit 110 may include, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the ASIC may perform processing according to its implemented functions. Alternatively, the first control unit 110 may include, for example, a signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit may perform signal processing to execute the processing. Personal computer 100 corresponds to an example of a "first terminal device".

[0023] When the server device 200 receives the first deadline information TE1 from the personal computer 100, it notifies the multifunction printer 300 and the smartphone 400 by sending the second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1.

[0024] In this embodiment, we describe a case in which the server device 200 receives the first deadline information TE1 and transmits the second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1 to the multifunction printer 300 and the smartphone 400, but we are not limited to this. The server device 200 only needs to transmit the second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1 to at least one of the multifunction printer 300 and the smartphone 400.

[0025] For example, when the server device 200 receives the first deadline information TEA1 from the personal computer 100, it notifies the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A by sending the second deadline information TEA2 corresponding to the first deadline information TEA1. The second deadline information TEA2 corresponds to an example of the second deadline information TE2. For example, when the server device 200 receives the first deadline information TEB1 from the personal computer 100, it notifies the second multifunction printer 300B and the second smartphone 400B by sending the second deadline information TEB2, which corresponds to the first deadline information TEB1. The second deadline information TEB2 corresponds to an example of the second deadline information TE2.

[0026] The second deadline information TE2, TEA2, and TEB2 will be further explained with reference to Figure 2. The configuration of the server device 200 will be further explained with reference to Figure 2. The server device 200 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device".

[0027] The multifunction printer 300 reads the second printed document P2, which contains images corresponding to the answer information JR, and generates the answer image JP. The second printed document P2 is a printed document on which the first user UA or the second user UB has filled in their answers to the educational content CT on the first printed document P1. The answer image JP includes an image corresponding to the answer information JR and an image corresponding to the educational content CT. The multifunction printer 300 also sends the answer image JP to the server device 200. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 300 transmits the start date and time TS, which is the date and time when it started scanning the second printout P2, to the server device 200. The first printed document P1 and the second printed document P2 will be further explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0028] The first multifunction printer 300A reads the second printed document P2A, which contains an image corresponding to the first answer information JRA, and generates the first answer image JPA. The second printed document P2A is a printed document on which the first user UA has filled in their answer to the educational content CT on the first printed document P1. The first answer information JRA indicates the first user UA's answer to the educational content CT. The first answer image JPA includes an image corresponding to the first answer information JRA and an image corresponding to the educational content CT. The first multifunction printer 300A also transmits the first answer image JPA to the server device 200. Furthermore, the first multifunction printer 300A transmits the first start date and time TSA, which is the date and time when it started reading the second printout P2A, to the server device 200. The first response information JRA corresponds to an example of response information JR. The second printed document P2A corresponds to an example of second printed document P2. The first response image JPA corresponds to an example of response image JP. The first start date and time TSA corresponds to an example of start date and time TS. The configuration of the first multifunction printer 300A will be further explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0029] The second multifunction printer 300B reads the second printed document P2B, which contains an image corresponding to the second response information JRB, and generates the second response image JPB. The second printed document P2B is a printed document on which the second user UB has filled in their response to the educational content CT on the first printed document P1. The second response information JRB indicates the second user UB's response to the educational content CT. The second response image JPB includes an image corresponding to the second response information JRB and an image corresponding to the educational content CT. The second multifunction printer 300B also transmits the second response image JPB to the server device 200. Furthermore, the second multifunction printer 300B transmits the second start date and time TSB, which is the date and time when it started reading the second printout P2B, to the server device 200. Second response information JRB corresponds to an example of response information JR. Second printed material P2B corresponds to an example of second printed material P2. Second response image JPB corresponds to an example of response image JP. Second start date and time TSB corresponds to an example of start date and time TS. The configuration of the second multifunction printer 300B will be further explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0030] The smartphone 400 connects to the network NW via wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The smartphone 400 receives the second deadline information TE2 from the server device 200. The smartphone 400 includes a first smartphone 400A and a second smartphone 400B.

[0031] The first smartphone 400A receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200. The second smartphone 400B receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200. When the first smartphone 400A receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200, it displays an image representing the second deadline information TEA2 on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) of the first smartphone 400A. When the second smartphone 400B receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200, it displays an image representing the second deadline information TEB2 on the LCD of the second smartphone 400B. Smartphone 400, first smartphone 400A, and second smartphone 400B each correspond to an example of a "second terminal device".

[0032] In this embodiment, the first smartphone 400A will be described in which it displays an image representing the second deadline information TEA2 on its LCD when it receives the second deadline information TEA2, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first smartphone 400A may receive an email containing the second deadline information TEA2 as the second deadline information TEA2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, we describe a case in which the second smartphone 400B displays an image representing the second deadline information TEB2 on its LCD when it receives the second deadline information TEB2, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second smartphone 400B may receive an email containing the second deadline information TEB2 as the second deadline information TEB2.

[0033] The server device 200 receives the start date and time TS and the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300. The server device 200 also generates deadline determination information JD based on the start date and time TS and the first deadline information TE1, and sends the deadline determination information JD and the response image JP to the personal computer 100. The deadline determination information JD indicates whether or not the response image JP containing the image corresponding to the response information JR was received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL.

[0034] The start date and time TS includes the first start date and time TSA and the second start date and time TSB. The answer image JP includes the first answer image JPA and the second answer image JPB. The server device 200 receives the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA from the first multifunction printer 300A. The server device 200 also receives the second start date and time TSB and the second response image JPB from the second multifunction printer 300B. The deadline determination information JD includes the first deadline determination information JDA and the second deadline determination information JDB. The first deadline determination information JDA indicates whether or not the first response image JPA was received from the first multifunction device 300A by the deadline TL. The second deadline determination information JDB indicates whether or not the second response image JPB was received from the second multifunction device 300B by the deadline TL. The deadline determination information JD, the first deadline determination information JDA, and the second deadline determination information JDB will be further explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0035] Furthermore, when the server device 200 receives the answer image JP from the multifunction printer 300, it transmits the answer image JP to the personal computer 100. The answer image JP includes the first answer image JPA and the second answer image JPB.

[0036] The personal computer 100 receives deadline determination information JD and response image JP from the server device 200. The personal computer 100 also receives, for example, first deadline determination information JDA, first response image JPA, second deadline determination information JDB, and second response image JPB from the server device 200. The personal computer 100 stores the first answer image JPA and the second answer image JPB in memory, for example, the HDD. If the first deadline determination information JDA indicates that the first response image JPA has not been received from the first multifunction printer 300A by the deadline TL, the personal computer 100 displays an image on its LCD indicating that a response has not been received from the first user UA by the deadline TL. If the second deadline determination information JDB indicates that the second response image JPB has not been received from the first multifunction printer 300A by the deadline TL, the personal computer 100 displays an image on its LCD indicating that a response has not been received from the second user UB by the deadline TL.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the server device 200 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the server device 200 includes a second control unit 210, a second operating mechanism 220, a second display mechanism 230, and a second communication interface 240. The second control unit 210 includes a second processor 210A and a second memory 210B. The second control unit 210 controls the operation of each part of the server device 200. Furthermore, the second control unit 210 is connected to a second operating mechanism 220, a second display mechanism 230, and a second communication interface 240.

[0038] The second operating mechanism 220 is equipped with various keys, buttons, etc., and accepts operations from the user. The user is, for example, the administrator of the server device 200. The second operating mechanism 220 then generates an operation signal corresponding to the received operation and outputs the generated operation signal to the second control unit 210. The second display mechanism 230 includes an LCD or the like, and displays various images on the LCD according to instructions from the second control unit 210. The second communication interface 240 includes a connector and an interface circuit and is connected to the second control unit 210. In this embodiment, the second communication interface 240 is an interface for communicating with the personal computer 100, the multifunction printer 300, and the smartphone 400, for example, in accordance with the Ethernet® standard.

[0039] The second processor 210A consists of a CPU, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a microcontroller, etc. The second processor 210A may consist of multiple processors or a single processor. The second processor 210A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each part described later. In other words, the second processor 210A may be configured to incorporate the second control program PG2 as a hardware circuit. In this case, for example, the second processor 210A may be composed of an ASIC, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The following description explains how the second processor 210A implements various functions of the second control unit 210 by executing the second control program PG2.

[0040] The second memory 210B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the second processor 210A and data processed by the second processor 210A. The second memory 210B stores the second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 210A, as well as various image data, setting data, etc., related to the operation of the server device 200. The second memory 210B has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data non-volatilely. The second memory 210B may include, for example, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., as the non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the second memory 210B may also include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the second processor 210A and data to be processed. The second memory 210B may include, for example, RAM, etc., as the volatile storage area.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the second control unit 210 includes a reception unit 211, a first notification unit 212, a second notification unit 213, a second communication control unit 214, and an expiration date storage unit 215. Each of these units is realized through the cooperation of software and hardware, for example, when the second processor 210A executes the second control program PG2.

[0042] The expiration date storage unit 215 stores the first expiration date information TE1. The first expiration date information TE1 includes the first expiration date information TEA1 and the first expiration date information TEB1. The first deadline information TE1 is received by the reception unit 211 from the personal computer 100 and stored in the deadline storage unit 215 by the reception unit 211.

[0043] The reception unit 211 receives the first deadline information TE1 from the personal computer 100. The first deadline information TE1 includes the first deadline information TEA1 and the first deadline information TEB1. In this embodiment, the reception unit 211 receives the first deadline information TEA1 and the first deadline information TEB1 from the personal computer 100. The first deadline information TEA1 indicates the deadline TL for sending the response information JR for the educational material content CT from the first multifunction device 300A to the server device 200. The first deadline information TEB1 indicates the deadline TL for sending the response information JR for the educational material content CT from the second multifunction device 300B to the server device 200. The deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEB1 is, for example, the same date and time as the deadline indicated by the first deadline information TEA1. However, the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEB1 may be a different date and time from the deadline indicated by the first deadline information TEA1.

[0044] The first notification unit 212 notifies the multifunction printer 300 and the smartphone 400 by transmitting second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1 at a predetermined timing. The second deadline information TE2 includes second deadline information TEA2 and second deadline information TEB2. The first notification unit 212 notifies the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A by transmitting the second deadline information TEA2, which corresponds to the first deadline information TEA1, at a predetermined timing. The second deadline information TEA2 includes at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and time information indicating the period until the deadline TL. The predetermined timing includes, for example, the first timing T1 when the reception unit 211 receives the first deadline information TEA1 from the personal computer 100. At the first timing T1, the first notification unit 212 transmits, for example, the date and time information of the deadline TL as the second deadline information TEA2 to the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A.

[0045] In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the receiving unit 211 receives the first deadline information TEA1 from the personal computer 100 at a first timing T1 where the period until the deadline TL is longer than 3 days. Furthermore, the predetermined timing includes a second timing T2 in which there are 3 days remaining until the deadline TL. At the second timing T2, the first notification unit 212 transmits, for example, second deadline information TEA2, which indicates that there are 3 days remaining until the deadline TL, to the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A. Furthermore, the predetermined timing includes a third timing T3 in which the period until the deadline TL is 1 day. At the third timing T3, the first notification unit 212 transmits, for example, second deadline information TEA2, period information indicating that the period until the deadline TL is 1 day to the first multifunction device 300A and the first smartphone 400A.

[0046] In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the receiving unit 211 receives the first deadline information TEB1 from the personal computer 100 at a first timing T1 where the period until the deadline TL is longer than 3 days. Furthermore, the predetermined timing includes a second timing T2 in which there are 3 days remaining until the deadline TL. At the second timing T2, the first notification unit 212 transmits, for example, second deadline information TEB2, to the second multifunction printer 300B and the second smartphone 400B, indicating that there are 3 days remaining until the deadline TL. Furthermore, the predetermined timing includes a third timing T3 in which the period until the deadline TL is 1 day. At the third timing T3, the first notification unit 212 transmits, for example, second deadline information TEB2, period information indicating that the period until the deadline TL is 1 day to the second multifunction device 300B and the second smartphone 400B.

[0047] In this embodiment, the case in which the predetermined timing includes a first timing T1, a second timing T2, and a third timing T3 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined timing may consist of one or two timings. Also, for example, the predetermined timing may include four or more timings.

[0048] The second notification unit 213 receives the start date and time TS and the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300. The second notification unit 213 receives the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA from the first multifunction printer 300A. The second notification unit 213 also receives the second start date and time TSB and the second response image JPB from the second multifunction printer 300B.

[0049] The second notification unit 213 determines whether or not it has received the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL, based on the start date and time TS and the first deadline information TE1, and generates deadline determination information JD. The second notification unit 213 determines whether or not it has received the first response image JPA from the first multifunction device 300A by the deadline TL, based on the first deadline information TEA1 and the first start date and time TSA, and generates the first deadline determination information JDA. The first deadline determination information JDA indicates whether or not the first response image JPA has been received from the first multifunction device 300A by the deadline TL. For example, if the first start date and time TSA is the date and time up to the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEA1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following processing. That is, the second notification unit 213 generates information as the first deadline determination information JDA indicating that the first response image JPA was received from the first multifunction device 300A by the deadline TL. Also, for example, if the first start date and time TSA is not the date and time up to the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEA1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following processing. That is, the second notification unit 213 generates information as the first deadline determination information JDA indicating that the first response image JPA was not received from the first multifunction device 300A by the deadline TL.

[0050] Furthermore, the second notification unit 213 determines whether or not the second response image JPB was received from the second multifunction device 300B by the deadline TL, based on the first deadline information TEB1 and the second start date and time TSB, and generates the second deadline determination information JDB. The second deadline determination information JDB indicates whether or not the second response image JPB was received from the second multifunction device 300B by the deadline TL. For example, if the second start date and time TSB is the date and time up to the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEB1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following process. That is, the second notification unit 213 generates information as the second deadline determination information JDB indicating that the second response image JPB was received from the second multifunction device 300B by the deadline TL. Also, for example, if the second start date and time TSB is not the date and time up to the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TEB1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following process. That is, it generates information as the second deadline determination information JDB indicating that the second response image JPB was not received from the second multifunction device 300B by the deadline TL.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second notification unit 213 determines whether or not it has received the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL based on the start date and time TS and the first deadline information TE1, and generates deadline determination information JD, but is not limited to this. For example, the second notification unit 213 may determine whether or not it has received the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL based on the first deadline information TE1 and the date and time the response image JP was received. For example, if the date and time the response image JP is received is within the timeframe of the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TE1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following process. That is, the second notification unit 213 generates information as deadline determination information JD indicating that the response image JP was received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL. Also, if the response image JP is not received within the timeframe of the deadline TL indicated by the first deadline information TE1, the second notification unit 213 performs the following process. That is, the second notification unit 213 generates information as deadline determination information JD indicating that the response image JP was not received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL.

[0052] Furthermore, the second notification unit 213 notifies by transmitting deadline determination information JD to the personal computer 100. The deadline determination information JD includes first deadline determination information JDA and second deadline determination information JDB. The second notification unit 213 notifies, for example, by transmitting the first deadline determination information JDA to the personal computer 100. The server device 200 also notifies, for example, by transmitting the second deadline determination information JDB, which indicates whether or not the second response image JPB has been received, to the personal computer 100.

[0053] Furthermore, if the response image JP is not received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL, the second notification unit 213 notifies the smartphone 400 that the response image JP has not been received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL by sending deadline determination information JD. The deadline determination information JD includes the first deadline determination information JDA and the second deadline determination information JDB. The second notification unit 213 notifies, for example, by transmitting the first deadline determination information JDA to the first smartphone 400A. The server device 200 also notifies, for example, by transmitting the second deadline determination information JDB, which indicates whether or not the second response image JPB has been received, to the second smartphone 400B.

[0054] Furthermore, the second notification unit 213 transmits the response image JP to the personal computer 100. The response image JP includes the first response image JPA and the second response image JPB. For example, when the server device 200 receives the first answer image JPA from the first multifunction printer 300A, it transmits the first answer image JPA to the personal computer 100. Similarly, when the server device 200 receives the second answer image JPB from the second multifunction printer 300B, it transmits the second answer image JPB to the personal computer 100.

[0055] The second communication control unit 214 receives the first expiration information TEA1 and the first expiration information TEB1 from the personal computer 100. Furthermore, the second communication control unit 214 transmits the second deadline information TEA2 to the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A at a predetermined timing. The second communication control unit 214 also transmits the second deadline information TEB2 to the second multifunction printer 300B and the second smartphone 400B at a predetermined timing.

[0056] The second communication control unit 214 receives the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA from the first multifunction device 300A. The second communication control unit 214 receives the second start date and time TSB and the second response image JPB from the second multifunction device 300B. Furthermore, the second communication control unit 214 transmits the first deadline determination information JDA and the second deadline determination information JDB to the personal computer 100. The second communication control unit 214 transmits the first deadline determination information JDA to the first smartphone 400A. The second communication control unit 214 transmits the second deadline determination information JDB to the second smartphone 400B. The second communication control unit 214 transmits the first response image JPA and the second response image JPB to the personal computer 100.

[0057] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the multifunction printer 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction printer 300 according to this embodiment. The multifunction printer 300 includes an image reading function and a printing function. The image reading function is a function that reads characters, images, etc. formed on a printing medium M such as printing paper. The printing function is a function that prints characters, images, etc. on a printing medium M such as printing paper. First, Figure 3 will describe the first multifunction printer 300A. Since the configuration of the second multifunction printer 300B is almost identical to that of the first multifunction printer 300A, the following explanation will mainly focus on the differences between the two. As shown in Figure 3, the first multifunction printer 300A includes a third control unit 310, a scanner mechanism 320, a third operating mechanism 330, a third display mechanism 340, a speaker 345, a third communication interface 350, a printing mechanism 360, an ink supply unit 370, and a print media storage unit 380.

[0058] The third control unit 310 includes a third processor 310A such as a CPU, and a third memory 310B such as ROM and RAM, and controls each part of the multifunction printer 300. The third memory 310B stores the third control program PG3. The third memory 310B may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD. In the third control unit 310, the third processor 310A reads the third control program PG3 stored in the third memory 310B and executes processing. In other words, the third control unit 310 executes processing through the cooperation of hardware and software.

[0059] The third processor 310A may consist of a single processor, or multiple processors may function as the third processor 310A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the third processor 310A controls each part of the multifunction device 300 by executing the third control program PG3, but is not limited to this. The third control unit 310 may include, for example, an ASIC, and the ASIC may perform processing according to the implemented functions. Alternatively, the third control unit 310 may include, for example, a signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit may perform signal processing to perform the processing.

[0061] The scanner mechanism 320 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and reads an image printed on a printing medium M such as printing paper, and generates image data. The scanner mechanism 320 performs the image reading function. In other words, the scanner mechanism 320 constitutes part of the "reading device".

[0062] The third operating mechanism 330 is equipped with input means such as operating switches and a touch panel provided on the first multifunction device 300A, detects operations performed by the first user UA on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the third control unit 310. Based on the input from the third operating mechanism 330, the third control unit 310 executes processing corresponding to the operation of the first user UA.

[0063] The third display mechanism 340 includes multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a display panel, etc., and, in accordance with the control of the third control unit 310, performs actions such as lighting, extinguishing, and flashing the LEDs in predetermined patterns, and displaying information on the display panel. The speaker 345 outputs sound according to the control of the third control unit 310.

[0064] The printing mechanism 360 prints characters, images, etc., onto a printing medium M such as printing paper using ink, in accordance with the control of the third control unit 310. The printing mechanism 360 comprises a print head 361, a carriage 362, a scanning motor 363, and a transport motor 364 as its printing components. The print head 361 is an inkjet type and ejects ink supplied from the ink supply unit 370 toward the printing medium M. The carriage 362 mounts the print head 361 and scans in the main scanning direction X. The main scanning direction X is the direction that intersects with the sub-scanning direction Y. The sub-scanning direction Y indicates the transport direction of the printing medium M. The scanning motor 363 causes the carriage 362 to scan in the main scanning direction X. The transport motor 364 transports the printing medium M in the transport direction. The printing mechanism 360 performs the printing function. In other words, the printing mechanism 360 constitutes part of the "printing device". The printing mechanism 360 will be further explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0065] The ink supply unit 370 houses an ink tank for storing ink and supplies ink from the ink tank to the print head 361 of the printing mechanism 360. The ink supplied by the ink supply unit 370 is, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks.

[0066] The printing medium storage unit 380 is configured to accommodate the printing medium M. If the printing medium M is cut paper, the printing medium storage unit 380 feeds the stored cut paper onto a transport path (not shown) by transport motor 364. The printing medium storage unit 380 may also include a configuration for collecting the printed material, which is the printing medium M after printing. The configuration for collecting the printed material may be one in which the cut paper is stacked and placed.

[0067] Next, the functional blocks provided in the third control unit 310 of the first multifunction printer 300A will be described. The third control unit 310 includes, as a functional block, a deadline acceptance unit 311, a display control unit 312, a print control unit 313, a read execution unit 314, a transmission unit 315, a third communication control unit 316, and an operation date and time storage unit 317. By executing the third control program PG3, the third processor 310A functions as a deadline acceptance unit 311, a display control unit 312, a print control unit 313, a read execution unit 314, a transmission unit 315, and a third communication control unit 316. Also, by executing the third control program PG3, the third control unit 310 causes the third memory 310B to function as an operation date and time storage unit 317. Furthermore, the third control unit 310 has a timing function for measuring the date and time. The third control unit 310 also adjusts the date and time of the timing function, for example, by periodically communicating with the server device 200.

[0068] The operation date and time storage unit 317 stores the date and time when the read operation was received from the third operation mechanism 330. The read operation is an operation that instructs the scanner mechanism 320 to read the image formed on the print medium M. The print medium M includes the second printed material P2. The image formed on the print medium M includes the image printed on the print medium M and the image of characters etc. written on the print medium M by the user. The read operation is input from the third operation mechanism 330 by the first user UA. The date and time when the read operation was received from the third operation mechanism 330 is stored in the operation date and time storage unit 317 by the read execution unit 314.

[0069] The deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200. The second deadline information TEA2 includes at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the period until the deadline TL. The second deadline information TEA2 is transmitted from the server device 200 at predetermined timings. These predetermined timings include the first timing T1, the second timing T2, and the third timing T3. The second deadline information TEA2 transmitted from the server device 200 at the first timing T1 indicates the date and time information of the deadline TL. The second deadline information TEA2 transmitted from the server device 200 at the second timing T2 indicates that there are 3 days until the deadline TL. The second deadline information TEA2 transmitted from the server device 200 at the third timing T3 indicates that there is 1 day until the deadline TL.

[0070] When the deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200, the display control unit 312 displays the second deadline information TEA2 on the display panel of the third display mechanism 340. For example, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating the date and time of the deadline TL, the display control unit 312 displays the date and time of the deadline TL on the display panel. Also, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating that there are 3 days until the deadline TL, the display control unit 312 displays on the display panel that there are 3 days until the deadline TL. Also, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating that there is 1 day until the deadline TL, the display control unit 312 displays on the display panel that there is 1 day until the deadline TL.

[0071] When the print control unit 313 receives an instruction from the server device 200 to print the educational content CT, it causes the printing mechanism 360 to print the educational content CT and generates the first printed object P1. The first printed object P1 is a printed object on which an image representing the educational content CT is printed on the printing paper. Furthermore, when the deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200, the print control unit 313 causes the print mechanism 360 to print the second deadline information TEA2. For example, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating the date and time of the deadline TL, the print control unit 313 prints the date and time of the deadline TL. Also, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating that there are 3 days until the deadline TL, the print control unit 313 prints that there are 3 days until the deadline TL. Also, if the deadline reception unit 311 receives second deadline information TEA2 indicating that there is 1 day until the deadline TL, the print control unit 313 prints that there is 1 day until the deadline TL.

[0072] When the reading execution unit 314 receives a reading operation from the third operation mechanism 330, which is an operation to instruct the scanner mechanism 320 to read the image formed on the printing medium M, it performs the following processing. Specifically, the reading execution unit 314 stores the date and time when it received the reading operation from the third operation mechanism 330 in the operation date and time storage unit 317. Furthermore, the reading execution unit 314 performs a reading operation on the scanner mechanism 320 to read the image printed on the printing medium M and generates a read image. The reading execution unit 314 then determines that the read image is the first response image JPA if the read image corresponds to the second printed document P2. The second printed document P2 is a printed document on which the first user UA has filled in their response to the educational content CT on the first printed document P1. The first response image JPA includes an image showing the educational content CT and an image corresponding to the response information JR showing the first user UA's response to the educational content CT. The reading execution unit 314 determines, for example, that the read image is the first response image JPA if it includes an image corresponding to the educational content CT. The reading execution unit 314 then determines the date and time when it received the reading operation from the third operation mechanism 330 as the first start date and time TSA.

[0073] The transmission unit 315 transmits the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA to the server device 200.

[0074] The third communication control unit 316 receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200. Furthermore, the third communication control unit 316 transmits the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA to the server device 200.

[0075] Next, we will mainly explain the differences between the third control unit 310 of the second multifunction printer 300B and the third control unit 310 of the first multifunction printer 300A. The operation date and time storage unit 317 stores the date and time when it received a read operation from the third operation mechanism 330. A read operation is an operation that instructs the scanner mechanism 320 to read an image printed on the printing medium M. The read operation is input from the third operation mechanism 330 by the second user UB. The deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200. When the deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200, the display control unit 312 displays the second deadline information TEB2 on the display panel of the third display mechanism 340. When the deadline reception unit 311 receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200, the print control unit 313 causes the print mechanism 360 to print the second deadline information TEB2.

[0076] The reading execution unit 314 then determines that the read image is the second answer image JPB if the read image corresponds to the second printed document P2. The second printed document P2 is a printed document on which the second user UB has filled in their answers to the educational content CT on the first printed document P1. The second answer image JPB includes an image showing the educational content CT and an image corresponding to the answer information JR showing the second user UB's answer to the educational content CT. The reading execution unit 314 determines, for example, that the read image is the second answer image JPB if it includes an image corresponding to the educational content CT. The reading execution unit 314 then sets the date and time when it received the reading operation from the third operation mechanism 330 as the second start date and time TSB. The transmission unit 315 transmits the second start date and time TSB and the second response image JPB to the server device 200.

[0077] The third communication control unit 316 receives the second deadline information TEB2 from the server device 200. Furthermore, the third communication control unit 316 transmits the second start date and time TSB and the second response image JPB to the server device 200.

[0078] Next, the configuration of the printing mechanism 360 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the printing mechanism 360. As shown in Figure 4, the printing mechanism 360 includes a carriage 362, a scanning motor 363, a paper feed roller 365, a traction belt 366, a guide rail 367, a platen 368, and a printing media storage section 380. The paper feed roller 365 is driven by the transport motor 364. The traction belt 366 is driven by the scanning motor 363. The guide rail 367 supports the carriage 362 so that it can move in the main scanning direction X. The carriage 362 is supported by the guide rail 367 and driven in the main scanning direction X by the scanning motor 363 via the traction belt 366. The carriage 362 is equipped with the head unit 36A.

[0079] The head unit 36A includes a plurality (for example, four) of ink cartridges 36B and a print head 361. The ink cartridges 36B are included in the ink supply unit 370. Multiple ink cartridges 36B are detachable from the carriage 362. Each of the ink cartridges 36B contains a different color of ink. For example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks are contained in the ink cartridges 36B. The ink contained in the ink cartridges 36B is supplied to the print head 361.

[0080] The print head 361 has nozzles 36C, etc. Multiple nozzles 36C are arranged on the surface of the print head 361 facing the platen 368, along the sub-scanning direction Y. The print head 361 ejects ink from the nozzles 36C toward the printing medium M.

[0081] The printing medium M is wrapped around the paper feed roller 365 from the printing medium storage unit 380 and transported along the surface of the platen 368 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The carriage 362 is pulled by a traction belt 366 driven by a scanning motor 363 and moves along the guide rail 367 in the main scanning direction X. The print head 361 mounted on the carriage 362 also moves in the main scanning direction X. Note that the main scanning direction X is perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0082] Due to this configuration, the printing mechanism 360 alternately repeats a liquid ejection operation in which the print head 361 moves in the main scanning direction X while ejecting ink from the nozzle 36C, and a transport operation in which the printing medium M is transported in the sub-scanning direction Y. As a result, the printing mechanism 360 prints images such as characters and figures on the printing medium M.

[0083] Next, the operation of the deadline management system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the deadline management system 1. For convenience, in Figure 5, the first multifunction printer 300A is shown as an example of the multifunction printer 300, and the first smartphone 400A is shown as an example of the smartphone 400. In other words, in Figure 5, the description of the second multifunction printer 300B and the description of the second smartphone 400B are omitted. Also, for convenience, Figure 5 shows an overview of the operation of the deadline management system 1, but does not describe the details of its operation.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, in step S101, the personal computer 100 sends the first deadline information TEA1 to the server device 200. The first deadline information TEA1 is the date and time specified by the third user UC as the deadline TL for the first user UA to send the response information JR for the teaching material content CT from the first multifunction device 300A to the server device 200. Next, in step S103, the reception unit 211 of the server device 200 receives the first deadline information TEA1 from the personal computer 100. Next, in step S105, the first notification unit 212 of the server device 200 notifies the first multifunction printer 300A and the first smartphone 400A by transmitting the second deadline information TEA2 corresponding to the first deadline information TEA1 at a predetermined timing.

[0085] Next, in step S107, the deadline reception unit 311 of the first multifunction printer 300A receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200. The second deadline information TEA2 includes at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the period until the deadline TL. Next, in step S109, the first smartphone 400A receives the second deadline information TEA2 from the server device 200. Next, in step S111, the display control unit 312 of the first multifunction device 300A displays the second expiration information TEA2 on the display panel of the third display mechanism 340, and the print control unit 313 of the first multifunction device 300A causes the print mechanism 360 to print the second expiration information TEA2.

[0086] Next, in step S113, the reading execution unit 314 of the first multifunction printer 300A determines whether or not it has received a reading operation for the second printed material P2 from the third operating mechanism 330. If the reading execution unit 314 determines that it has not received a reading operation for the second printed document P2 from the third operating mechanism 330 (step S113; NO), the process enters a waiting state. If the reading execution unit 314 determines that it has received a reading operation for the second printed document P2 from the third operating mechanism 330 (step S113; YES), the process proceeds to step S115. Then, in step S115, the reading execution unit 314 of the first multifunction printer 300A performs an image reading operation on the second printed material P2 and generates a first answer image JPA. The first answer image JPA includes an image representing the teaching material content CT and an image corresponding to the answer information JR representing the first user UA's answer to the teaching material content CT.

[0087] Next, in step S117, the transmission unit 315 of the first multifunction printer 300A transmits the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA to the server device 200. The first start date and time TSA indicates the date and time when the reading operation for the second printed material P2 was received from the third operating mechanism 330. Next, in step S119, the second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 receives the first start date and time TSA and the first response image JPA. Then, the second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 generates the first deadline determination information JDA based on the first deadline information TEA1 and the first start date and time TSA. Next, in step S121, the second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 transmits the first deadline determination information JDA to the personal computer 100 and the first smartphone 400A. Next, in step S123, the personal computer 100 receives the first deadline determination information JDA. Next, in step S125, the first smartphone 400A receives the first deadline determination information JDA. After that, the process ends.

[0088] Step S103 corresponds to an example of the "reception step". Step S105 corresponds to an example of the "first notification step". Step S121 corresponds to an example of the "second notification step". Step S115 corresponds to an example of the "read execution step". Step S117 corresponds to an example of the "transmission step".

[0089] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment is a deadline management system 1 comprising a personal computer 100, a smartphone 400, a multifunction printer 300, and a server device 200 that is communicatively connected to each of the personal computer 100, smartphone 400, and multifunction printer 300, wherein the server device 200 receives first deadline information TE1 from the personal computer 100, which indicates the deadline TL for sending response information JR to the teaching material content CT for which the first printed material P1 has been sent in advance from the multifunction printer 300 to the server device 200. The system includes a receiving unit 211, a first notification unit 212 that notifies at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 of second deadline information TE2 corresponding to first deadline information TE1, and a second notification unit 213 that notifies the personal computer 100 of deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not a response image JP containing an image corresponding to response information JR has been received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL. The multifunction printer 300 includes a reading execution unit 314 that reads a second printed document P2 containing an image corresponding to response information JR and generates a response image JP, and a transmission unit 315 that transmits the response image JP to the server device 200.

[0090] In this configuration, the server device 200 receives first deadline information TE1 from the personal computer 100, which indicates the deadline TL for the multifunction printer 300 to send the answer information JR for the educational content CT to the server device 200. The server device 200 also notifies at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 of second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1. The multifunction printer 300 reads the second printed document P2 containing the image corresponding to the answer information JR, generates an answer image JP, and sends the answer image JP to the server device 200. The server device 200 notifies the personal computer 100 of deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not the answer image JP containing the image corresponding to the answer information JR was received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL. Therefore, the multifunction printer 300 notifies the personal computer 100 of deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not the response image JP was received by the deadline TL, allowing the user of the personal computer 100 to confirm whether or not the response image JP was received by the deadline TL. Thus, the user of the personal computer 100, i.e., the third user UC, can easily manage the deadline TL.

[0091] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, the second deadline information TE2 includes at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the period until the deadline TL.

[0092] According to this configuration, the second deadline information TE2 includes at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the period until the deadline TL. Furthermore, the second deadline information TE2 is notified by the server device 200 to at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300. Therefore, users of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 can check at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the time until the deadline TL. In other words, the first user UA and the second user UB can check at least one of the date and time information of the deadline TL and the period information indicating the time until the deadline TL. Thus, the convenience of the first user UA and the second user UB can be improved. For example, if the second deadline information TE2 includes period information indicating the time until the deadline TL, the first user UA and the second user UB can check the time until the deadline TL. As a result, the convenience of the first user UA and the second user UB can be improved.

[0093] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, the first notification unit 212 notifies the second deadline information TE2 at a predetermined timing.

[0094] This configuration allows for improved convenience for both the first user (UA) and the second user (UB) by appropriately setting predetermined timings. For example, if the time required to generate the response information (JR) is, for instance, one day, then the predetermined timings can be set to, for example, three days before the deadline (TL) and one day before the deadline (TL). In this way, by setting predetermined timings according to the time required to generate the response information (JR), the convenience for both the first user (UA) and the second user (UB) can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, when the first notification unit 212 notifies the smartphone 400 of the second deadline information TE2, the smartphone 400 displays the second deadline information TE2, and when the first notification unit 212 notifies the multifunction printer 300 of the second deadline information TE2, the multifunction printer 300 displays the second deadline information TE2.

[0096] With this configuration, both the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 display the second deadline information TE2, allowing users of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 to confirm the second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1. In other words, the first user UA and the second user UB can confirm the deadline TL for sending the response information JR from the multifunction printer 300 to the server device 200. Therefore, the convenience for the first user UA and the second user UB can be improved.

[0097] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 315 transmits the start date and time TS, which is the date and time when the reading execution unit 314 started reading the second printed document P2, to the server device 200, and the second notification unit 213 determines, based on the start date and time TS, whether or not the multifunction printer 300 has transmitted the response image JP by the deadline TL.

[0098] With this configuration, the second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 can properly determine whether the multifunction printer 300 has sent the response image JP by the deadline TL, based on the start date and time TS. For example, if the start date and time TS is within the time frame of the deadline TL, the second notification unit 213 should determine that the multifunction printer 300 has sent the response image JP by the deadline TL. On the other hand, if the start date and time TS is not within the time frame of the deadline TL, the second notification unit 213 should determine that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL. In this way, the second notification unit 213 can properly determine whether the multifunction printer 300 has sent the response image JP by the deadline TL.

[0099] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, if the second notification unit 213 determines that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL, it notifies the smartphone 400 of deadline determination information JD indicating that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL.

[0100] With this configuration, the smartphone 400 is notified of deadline determination information JD indicating that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL, so the user can easily confirm that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL. In other words, the first user UA and the second user UB, who are users of the smartphone 400, can easily confirm that the multifunction printer 300 has not sent the response image JP by the deadline TL. Therefore, the convenience for the first user UA and the second user UB can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, the multifunction printer 300 is further equipped with a printing function, the first notification unit 212 notifies the multifunction printer 300 of the second deadline information TE2, and the multifunction printer 300 prints the second deadline information TE2.

[0102] With this configuration, the first notification unit 212 notifies the multifunction printer 300 of the second deadline information TE2, and the multifunction printer 300 prints the second deadline information TE2. As a result, the user of the multifunction printer 300 can confirm the second deadline information TE2 by looking at the printed document. Therefore, the convenience of the first user UA and the second user UB, who are users of the multifunction printer 300, can be improved.

[0103] Furthermore, in the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment, the multifunction printer 300 is configured as an integrated device comprising a reader and a printing device.

[0104] With this configuration, the multifunction printer 300 is configured as an integrated device with a reader and a printer, allowing for a compact arrangement of the reader and printer. Therefore, the convenience of the users of the multifunction printer 300, namely the first user UA and the second user UB, can be improved.

[0105] The control method for the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a personal computer 100, a smartphone 400, a multifunction printer 300, and a server device 200 that is communicatively connected to each of the personal computer 100, the smartphone 400, and the multifunction printer 300, wherein the server device 200 receives from the personal computer 100 a first deadline information TE1 indicating the deadline TL for sending response information JR to the teaching material content CT for which a first printed document P1 has been sent in advance from the multifunction printer 300 to the server device 200. The system performs a first notification step of notifying at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 of second deadline information TE2 corresponding to first deadline information TE1, and a second notification step of notifying the personal computer 100 of deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not a response image JP containing an image corresponding to response information JR has been received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL. The multifunction printer 300 then performs a read execution step of reading a second printout P2 containing an image corresponding to response information JR and generating a response image JP, and a transmit step of sending the response image JP to the server device 200.

[0106] This configuration provides the same effects as the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0107] The server device 200 according to this embodiment is a server device 200 that is communicably connected to a personal computer 100, a smartphone 400, and a multifunction printer 300, and includes a reception unit 211 that receives from the personal computer 100 first deadline information TE1 indicating the deadline TL for the multifunction printer 300 to send response information JR for educational content CT for which a first printed document P1 has been sent in advance to the server device 200, a first notification unit 212 that notifies at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 second deadline information TE2 corresponding to the first deadline information TE1, and a second notification unit 213 that notifies the personal computer 100 deadline determination information JD indicating whether or not a response image JP including an image corresponding to the response information JR has been received from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL.

[0108] This configuration provides the same effects as the deadline management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0109] This embodiment illustrates one aspect and can be modified and applied arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0110] In this embodiment, the case in which the "information processing device" is configured as a server device 200 is described, but it is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be configured as, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal.

[0111] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the case where the "reading device" is an inkjet-type multifunction printer 300, but is not limited to this. The "reading device" may also be a so-called scanner device. Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case where the "printing device" is configured as an integrated device with the "reading device," i.e., as a multifunction device 300, but is not limited to this. The "printing device" may be configured as a separate device from the "reading device." For example, the "printing device" may be a so-called printer. Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case where the multifunction printer 300 includes two multifunction printers, namely a first multifunction printer 300A and a second multifunction printer 300B, but is not limited to this. The multifunction printer 300 may consist of one or more multifunction printers, or it may consist of three or more multifunction printers.

[0112] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where the "first terminal device" is a personal computer 100, it is not limited to this. The "first terminal device" may be, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0113] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where the "second terminal device" is a smartphone 400, it is not limited to this. The "second terminal device" may be, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, we will describe a case where smartphone 400 consists of two smartphones, namely a first smartphone 400A and a second smartphone 400B, but it is not limited to this. Smartphone 400 may consist of one smartphone, or smartphone 400 may include three or more smartphones.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first notification unit 212 of the server device 200 will be described as notifying the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 of the second deadline information TE2, but it is not limited to this. The first notification unit 212 of the server device 200 only needs to notify at least one of the smartphone 400 and the multifunction printer 300 of the second deadline information TE2.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 notifies the smartphone 400 of deadline determination information JD if it has not received the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL, but is not limited to this. The second notification unit 213 of the server device 200 may also notify the smartphone 400 of deadline determination information JD if it has received the response image JP from the multifunction printer 300 by the deadline TL.

[0116] This embodiment describes a control method realized by the execution of a second control program PG2 by a second processor 210A in the server device 200. However, the second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 210A to realize this control method can also be configured as a recording medium in which a computer-readable record is stored, or as a transmission medium for transmitting the second control program PG2. The above recording medium can be a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory device. Examples of recording media include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray® Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. The above recording medium may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device of the server device 200.

[0117] The functions of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200 may be implemented by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The second control unit 210 may also be configured to further include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), MCU (Micro Control Unit), or FPGA. The second control unit 210 may perform various controls by having both the CPU and the co-processor work together, or by selectively using one of them.

[0118] This embodiment describes a control method realized by the execution of a third control program PG3 by a third processor 310A in the multifunction printer 300. However, the third control program PG3 executed by the third processor 310A to realize this control method can also be configured as a recording medium in which a computer-readable record exists, or as a transmission medium for transmitting this third control program PG3. The above recording medium can be a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory device. Examples of recording media include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray® Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. The above recording medium may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device of the multifunction printer 300.

[0119] The functions of the third control unit 310 of the multifunction device 300 may be implemented by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The third control unit 310 may also be configured to further include sub-processing devices such as SoCs, MCUs, or FPGAs. The third control unit 310 may perform various controls by having both the CPU and the sub-processing devices work together, or by selectively using one of them.

[0120] The processing units in the flowchart of Figure 5 are divided according to their main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200 and the third control unit 310 of the multifunction printer 300, and are not limited by the way the processing units are divided or their names. The processing units in the flowchart may be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. One processing unit may be further divided to include more processing. The order of processing may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the purpose.

[0121] The functional units shown in Figures 2 and 3 represent functional configurations, and their specific implementation is not particularly limited. It is not necessary for each functional unit to have its own corresponding hardware; a single processor can execute programs to realize the functions of multiple functional units. In the embodiments described above, some functions implemented by software may also be implemented by hardware, or vice versa. Furthermore, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the server device 200 and the multifunction device 300 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the main purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1... Deadline management system, 100... Personal computer (first terminal device), 110... First control unit, 200... Server device (information processing device), 210... Second control unit, 211... Reception unit, 212... First notification unit, 213... Second notification unit, 214... Second communication control unit, 215... Deadline storage unit, 300... Multifunction device (reader, printer), 300A... First multifunction device, 300B... Second multifunction device, 310... Third control unit, 311... Deadline reception unit, 312... Display control unit, 313... Printing control unit, 314... Reading execution unit, 315... Transmission unit, 316... Third communication control unit, 317... Operation date and time storage unit, 320... Scanner mechanism (part of the reader), 360... Printing mechanism (part of the printer), 400... Smart 0.0…2nd terminal device, 400A…1st smartphone, 400B…2nd smartphone, CT…educational content (content), JD…deadline determination information, JDA…1st deadline determination information, JDB…2nd deadline determination information, JP…answer image, JPA…1st answer image, JPB…2nd answer image, JR…answer information, JRA…1st answer information, JRB…2nd answer information, P1…1st printed material, P2, P2A, P2B…2nd printed material, TE…deadline information, TE1, TEA1, TEB1…1st deadline information, TE2, TEA2, TEB2…2nd deadline information, TL…deadline, TS…start date and time, TSA…1st start date and time, TSB…2nd start date and time, UA…1st user, UB…2nd user, UC…3rd user.

Claims

1. A deadline management system comprising a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a reading device, and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to each of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the reading device, The aforementioned information processing device is A receiving unit receives from the first terminal device first deadline information indicating the deadline for transmitting response information for content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance from the reading device to the information processing device, A first notification unit notifies at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device of second deadline information, which includes at least one of date and time information of the deadline and period information indicating the period until the deadline, at a predetermined timing after the receiving unit has received the first deadline information and before the deadline. A second notification unit notifies the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not it has received a response image containing the image corresponding to the response information from the reading device by the deadline, Equipped with, The aforementioned reading device, A reading execution unit reads a second printed document containing an image corresponding to the aforementioned answer information and generates the aforementioned answer image, A transmission unit that transmits the response image to the information processing device, A deadline management system equipped with the following features.

2. When the first notification unit notifies the second terminal device of the second deadline information, The second terminal device displays the second expiration information, When the first notification unit notifies the reading device of the second deadline information, The reading device displays the second expiration information. The deadline management system according to claim 1.

3. The transmitting unit transmits to the information processing device the start date and time, which is the date and time when the reading execution unit started reading the second printed document. The second notification unit determines, based on the start date and time, whether the reading device has transmitted the response image by the deadline. The deadline management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. If the second notification unit determines that the reader has not transmitted the response image by the deadline, it notifies the second terminal device of the deadline determination information indicating that the reader has not transmitted the response image by the deadline. The deadline management system according to claim 1.

5. The printing device further comprises a printing device that is communicatively connected to the aforementioned information processing device. The first notification unit notifies the printing device of the second deadline information, The printing device prints the second expiration information. The deadline management system according to claim 1.

6. The printing device is configured as an integrated device with the reading device. The deadline management system according to claim 5.

7. A control method for a deadline management system comprising a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a reading device, and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to each of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the reading device, The aforementioned information processing device is A reception step in which the first terminal device receives first deadline information indicating the deadline for transmitting response information for content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance from the reader to the information processing device, A first notification step in which, after receiving the first deadline information in the reception step and before the deadline, a second deadline information including at least one of the date and time information of the deadline and period information indicating the period until the deadline, is notified to at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device, the second deadline information corresponding to the first deadline information, A second notification step involves notifying the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not the reader has received a response image containing the image corresponding to the response information by the deadline, Execute, The aforementioned reading device, A reading execution step that reads a second printed document containing an image corresponding to the aforementioned answer information and generates the aforementioned answer image, A transmission step of transmitting the response image to the information processing device, A method for controlling a deadline management system to execute this process.

8. An information processing device that is connected to communicate with each of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the reading device, A receiving unit receives from the first terminal device first deadline information indicating the deadline for transmitting response information for content for which a first printed document has been sent in advance from the reading device to the information processing device, A first notification unit notifies at least one of the second terminal device and the reader device of second deadline information, which includes at least one of date and time information of the deadline and period information indicating the period until the deadline, at a predetermined timing after the receiving unit has received the first deadline information and before the deadline. A second notification unit notifies the first terminal device of deadline determination information indicating whether or not it has received a response image containing the image corresponding to the response information from the reading device by the deadline, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Images