Printing system

Abstract

This printing system includes: a chatbot server (4) that is one member of the same conversation group as an electronic terminal (2) including a message application for realizing interactive message exchange between a plurality of members and can exchange messages; and a print server (5). The printing system enables joint use of an image forming device (1) among the conversation group. When a default setting of the image forming device (1) is changed during an offline period of the electronic terminal (2), the chatbot server (4) transmits a message indicating that the default setting has been changed to the electronic terminal (2) when the electronic terminal (2) returns online.

Description

Printing system

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system using a message application.

[0002] There is a printing service that connects an electronic terminal (for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone) and a printer via a network so that an image based on an image transmitted from the electronic terminal can be printed by the printer. In addition, a message application that realizes the exchange of messages in an interactive format within a conversation group composed of a plurality of members is widely used. In recent years, a bot service using a chatbot server that automatically responds to messages transmitted from an electronic terminal has also become popular.

[0003] And various services have been proposed and put into practical use that link the above-described printing service and bot service so that an image based on an image transmitted from an electronic terminal can be printed by a printer using a message application.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 below describes an invention for giving a print instruction for an image based on an image transmitted from a message application to a printer, performing print settings, and making past print settings reusable. In addition, Patent Document 2 below describes an invention for giving a print instruction for an image based on an image transmitted from a message application to a printer, and enabling the output result to be confirmed on the message application in advance before giving the print instruction.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-18**** Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-11****

[0006] The printing service using a message application is premised on a one-to-one relationship between an electronic terminal and a chatbot server. That is, the above-described conventional printing service is not assumed to jointly use a printer within a conversation group composed of a plurality of members. <00Therefore, when a printer is shared within a conversation group, several inconveniences may arise. For example, if a member MA in a conversation group has an offline mobile device (such as in airplane mode or out of range), and another member MB in the same conversation group changes the default settings for printing on the printer, the member MA may use the printer from the conversation group without realizing that the default settings have been changed, potentially resulting in output that is not what the member MA intended.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to prevent the output of unintended printed content by an image forming apparatus when an image forming apparatus is shared among multiple members in a conversation group.

[0009] A printing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a print server that controls printing and sets the printing operation of an image forming apparatus; an electronic terminal that has a messaging application installed that enables message exchange over a network in a chat format and displays a talk screen showing the message exchange on a display unit; a message server that registers a plurality of the electronic terminals as members of a group capable of exchanging messages and provides a messaging service that enables the exchange of messages; and a chatbot server that is registered with the message server as a member of the group and sends and receives data between the message server and the print server, wherein the message server receives the group's talk from one of the electronic terminals registered in the group. When the chatbot server receives print data and print instructions via the screen, it forwards the received print data and print instructions to the print server via the message server. The print server changes the print operation settings of the image forming apparatus according to the print instructions received from the chatbot server, forwards the received print data to the image forming apparatus, and executes the print operation. If the default settings of the print operation of the image forming apparatus have been changed during the period the electronic terminal is offline, the chatbot server sends a message to the electronic terminal via the message server indicating that the default settings have been changed when the electronic terminal comes back online.

[0010] A printing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an electronic terminal having a messaging application installed that enables message exchange via a network in a chat format and displays a talk screen indicating the message exchange on a display unit; a message server that registers a plurality of the electronic terminals as members of a group capable of message exchange and provides a messaging service capable of message exchange; and a communication server that is registered with the message server as a member of the group, performs print control and print operation settings for an image forming apparatus, and sends and receives data with the message server. When the message server receives print data and print instructions from one of the electronic terminals registered in the group via the group's talk screen, the communication server receives the print data and print instructions from the message server, changes the print operation settings of the image forming apparatus according to the print instructions, transfers the print data to the image forming apparatus and executes the print operation, and if changes have been made to the default settings of the print operation of the image forming apparatus during the electronic terminal's offline period, when the electronic terminal comes back online, a message indicating that the default settings have been changed is sent to the electronic terminal via the message server.

[0011] According to the present invention, when an image forming apparatus is shared among multiple members in a conversation group, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from outputting unintended printed content.

[0012] This is a diagram showing the overall layout of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of an electronic terminal. This is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of a message server. This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of a chatbot server according to the first embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration stored in the group member information storage unit. (B) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration stored in the print permission printer storage unit. This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of a print server. (A) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration stored in the device information storage unit. (B) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration stored in the registration code storage unit. This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit of an image forming apparatus. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process related to the registration of joint use of an image forming apparatus in a conversation group. This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. This is a diagram showing an example of the process related to printing in an image forming apparatus based on instructions from an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of default setting changes to the image forming apparatus during the electronic terminal's offline period. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of default setting changes to the image forming apparatus during the electronic terminal's offline period. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit of an electronic terminal. Figures (A) and (B) are examples of default setting changes to the image forming apparatus during the electronic terminal's offline period.

[0013] A printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] A printing system Sy according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of electronic terminals 2A to 2E (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electronic terminal 2"), a message server 3, a chatbot server 4, and a print server 5.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a printer or a multifunction device with printer functionality. The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a communication unit 14 (Figure 2C) that enables data communication with the outside world and is connected to a print server 5 via a network N.

[0016] The electronic terminal 2 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, and is equipped with a display unit 21 having a touch panel function, as well as a communication unit consisting of a communication interface that enables data communication with the outside, and is connected to the message server 3 via a network N. The electronic terminal 2 is also equipped with a messaging application such as LINE® that enables the exchange of messages (e.g., text and images) in a conversational format among multiple members that constitute a conversation group.

[0017] Message server 3 provides a messaging service that enables message exchange over network N. Message server 3 also registers electronic terminal 2 and chatbot server 4 as members of a group capable of exchanging messages (group members). In other words, message server 3 is a server that manages and relays messages exchanged within a conversation group composed of multiple members.

[0018] The chatbot server 4 sends and receives data with the message server 3 and the print server 5 via the network N. The chatbot server 4 performs processing on messages received by the message server 3 according to their content. Specifically, the chatbot server 4 creates a message in response to a message received from the electronic terminal 2 via the messaging service, and sends an instruction to the print server 5 in response to a print command from the electronic terminal 2.

[0019] The print server 5 transmits and receives data with the image forming apparatus 1 via the network N and controls the printing of the image forming apparatus 1. The print server 5 performs processing such as sending print data and print instructions to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 prints images on paper according to the print data transmitted from the print server 5 or the print data obtained by user operation.

[0020] The printing system Sy is a system that enables the shared use of the image forming apparatus 1 within a conversation group. The electronic terminal 2, in accordance with user operations, uses a messaging application to send an image as print data to the chatbot server 4 via the message server 3, and requests the printing of an image based on that image. The chatbot server 4 requests the print server 5 to perform a print operation based on the above image. The print server 5 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the printing of the image based on the above image. The image forming apparatus 1 then performs the printing.

[0021] Figure 2A shows an example of the electrical configuration of an electronic terminal 2. The electronic terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone and includes a control unit 20, an input receiving unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24, etc. The control unit 20 consists of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 20 functions as a control unit 201 when the processor executes a control program stored in the ROM, etc. The control unit 201 is responsible for the overall operation control of the electronic terminal 2.

[0022] The input receiving unit 22 is a hard button, touch panel, etc., that accepts input operations from the user. The input receiving unit 22 also has a display unit 21 that displays operation screens, messages, etc., and in this embodiment, the display unit 21 and the touch panel are integrally configured. The communication unit 24 is composed of a communication module, etc., and transmits and receives data with external devices via the network N. The display unit 21 is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display).

[0023] The storage unit 23 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and data tables, and stores the message application 231 for using the messaging service described above. The control unit 201 executes the message application 231 and performs the necessary processes to use the messaging service provided by the message server 3.

[0024] Figure 2B shows an example of the electrical configuration of the message server 3. The message server 3 consists of, for example, a computer, and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31 consists of a processor, RAM, and ROM. The processor is a CPU, MPU, or ASIC. The control unit 31 functions as a control unit 311 when the processor executes a control program stored in the ROM, etc. The control unit 311 is responsible for the overall operation control of the message server 3.

[0025] The storage unit 32 is a large-capacity storage device consisting of an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various programs and data tables. The storage unit 32 also stores the message application 321. The control unit 311 executes the message application 321, performing various processes to provide messaging services to the electronic terminal 2 or image forming apparatus 1 on which the message application is installed. The communication unit 33 consists of a communication module and the like, and transmits and receives data with external devices via the network N.

[0026] Figure 2C is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that combines multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 10, an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The image reading unit 11 is equipped with a scanner or the like, and optically reads an image from a document to generate image data.

[0028] The image forming unit 12 is an electrophotographic image forming mechanism that includes a photoreceptor drum, charging device, exposure device, developing device, and primary transfer device for each color, and forms an image on recording paper, which serves as a recording medium, by secondary transfer via an intermediate transfer belt. Based on image data generated by the document reading operation, image data stored in image memory, image data received from a network-connected computer, etc., the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit (not shown) to create a printed document. The recording paper on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 is subjected to a fixing process in a fixing unit (not shown).

[0029] The operation unit 13 is equipped with various hard keys operated by the user, and in response to the operation of the hard keys, it receives instructions from the user, such as instructions to execute image forming operations, regarding various operations and processes that the image forming apparatus 1 can perform.

[0030] The operation unit 13 is equipped with a display unit 130 that displays operation instructions and other information to the operator. The operation unit 13 also accepts user input based on user operations (touch operations) on the screen displayed on the display unit 130 via the touch panel of the display unit 130.

[0031] The display unit 130 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. When an operator touches a button or key displayed on the screen, the touch panel receives an instruction corresponding to the touched location. In this case, the touch panel functions as an operation unit.

[0032] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that sends and receives various types of data with external devices (for example, a print server 5) within the local area network or on the internet.

[0033] The storage unit 15 is a high-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0034] The control unit 10 comprises a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and dedicated hardware circuits. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100.

[0035] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100 through the operation of the processor in accordance with the control program stored in the memory unit 15. However, the control unit 100 can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation in accordance with the control program of the control unit 10. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0036] The control unit 100 is responsible for the overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the image reading unit 11, the image forming unit 12, the operation unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the storage unit 15, and performs drive control and other operations on each of these units. For example, the control unit 100 performs various processes necessary for image forming by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the chatbot server 4. The chatbot server 4 comprises a control unit 40, a communication unit 41, and a storage unit 42.

[0038] The communication unit 41 is a communication interface that performs data communication with external devices on the network N. For example, the communication unit 41 performs data communication with the message server 3 and the print server 5.

[0039] The storage unit 42 is a high-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 42 stores various control programs and the like, and as part of its storage area, it includes a group member storage unit 420, a user authorization device storage unit 421, and an image storage unit 422 that stores images transmitted from the electronic terminal 2.

[0040] The storage unit 42 stores the bot application 423. The control unit 400 executes the bot application 423, sending and receiving data between the message server 3 and the print server 5. For example, the chatbot server 4 creates a reply message to a message received from the message server 3 and sends it to the message server 3, and also sends print data to the print server 5.

[0041] The group member storage unit 420 stores member information that constitutes a conversation group that exchanges messages using a messaging application. Figure 4(A) shows an example of the data structure stored in the group member storage unit 420. The group member storage unit 420 stores the user IDs of members belonging to the conversation group indicated by the group ID, which is associated with the group ID that identifies each conversation group. The user ID and group ID are identifiers issued by the message server 3, respectively.

[0042] The user authorization device storage unit 421 stores information about the image forming apparatus 1 (printer) that is permitted for shared use within the conversation group. Figure 4(B) shows an example of the data structure stored in the user authorization device storage unit 421. The user authorization device storage unit 421 stores, in association with the group ID, the printer ID and model name of the image forming apparatus 1 that is permitted for shared use within the conversation group indicated by the group ID, the user ID of the permission applicant member who applied for permission for shared use, and the user IDs of the members belonging to the conversation group (i.e., members who are permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1).

[0043] The control unit 40 comprises a processor, RAM, ROM, and dedicated hardware circuits. The control unit 40 includes a control unit 400 and a request unit 401. The control unit 40 functions as the control unit 400 and the request unit 401 through the operation of the processor according to the control program stored in the storage unit 42.

[0044] The control unit 400 is responsible for the overall operation control of the chatbot server 4. The control unit 400 is connected to the communication unit 41 and the storage unit 42, and performs drive control and the like for each of these units.

[0045] When the request unit 401 receives an image as print data and a message indicating a print request for the image via the communication unit 41, the request unit 401 causes the communication unit 41 to transmit, to the print server 5, the image and the message, as well as a print request for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to print an image based on the above image.

[0046] When a change has been made to the default settings for the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during the offline period of the electronic terminal 2, the notification unit 402 transmits, to the electronic terminal 2, a message indicating that the default settings have been changed when the electronic terminal 2 returns to online.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the print server 5. The print server 5 includes a control unit 50, a communication unit 51, and a storage unit 52.

[0048] The communication unit 51 is a communication interface that performs data communication with external devices on the network N. The communication unit 51 performs data communication with, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 and the chatbot server 4.

[0049] The storage unit 52 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 52 stores various control programs and the like, and includes, as a part of the storage area, a device information storage unit 520, a registration code storage unit 521, a print data storage unit 522, and a print setting storage unit 523.

[0050] The device information storage unit 520 stores information on each of the image forming apparatuses 1 managed by the print server 5. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration stored in the device information storage unit 520. In the device information storage unit 520, a model name, an IP address, and the like are stored in association with a printer ID for identifying the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] The registration code storage unit 521 stores a registration code unique to the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 6(B) shows an example of the data structure stored in the registration code storage unit 521. The registration code storage unit 521 stores the registration code and the number of times the registration code has been issued (number of issuances), associated with the printer ID that identifies the image forming apparatus 1. The print data storage unit 522 stores the print data sent from the chatbot server 4.

[0052] The print setting storage unit 523 stores the setting values ​​of each print setting item that is continuously used for printing operations as default setting information for each image forming apparatus 1, which is managed as an image forming apparatus that performs printing operations, and associates them with the printer ID of each image forming apparatus 1. When the default setting information is changed, the print setting storage unit 523 stores the changed content as history information each time a change is made.

[0053] The control unit 50 comprises a processor, RAM, ROM, and dedicated hardware circuits. The control unit 50 includes a control unit 500, an instruction unit 501, an issuing unit 502, and an authorization unit 504.

[0054] The control unit 50 functions as a control unit 500, an instruction unit 501, an issuing unit 502, and an authorization unit 504 through the operation of the processor in accordance with the control program stored in the storage unit 52. The control unit 500 is responsible for the overall operation control of the print server 5. The control unit 500 is connected to the communication unit 51 and the storage unit 52 and performs drive control of these units, etc.

[0055] The instruction unit 501 transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the print request from the chatbot server 4 and instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing based on the print data.

[0056] The issuing unit 502, in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 1, randomly issues a registration code unique to the image forming apparatus 1, associates the issued registration code and the number of times the registration code has been issued with the printer ID of the image forming apparatus 1, and registers them in the registration code storage unit 521 (Figure 6(B)). The issuing unit 502 issues a registration code each time a request is made from the image forming apparatus 1, but from the second time onward, it issues the same registration code as the first time and counts up the number of issuances.

[0057] The control unit 500 transmits image data showing a notification screen G1 (Figure 7) that notifies the user of the registration code issued by the issuing unit 502 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 51.

[0058] When the control unit 100 (Figure 2) of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the image data transmitted from the print server 5, it displays a notification screen G1 on the display unit 130, as shown in Figure 7. The notification screen G1 displays the registration code (a 5-character code CD1) issued by the print server 5 (issuing unit 502), along with an operation button B1 labeled "Register".

[0059] When the authorization unit 504 receives a registration code unique to the image forming apparatus 1 transmitted from the electronic terminal 2 of a member belonging to the conversation group, it authorizes the joint use of the image forming apparatus 1 within the conversation group.

[0060] Next, an example of the process for registering the joint use of the image forming apparatus 1 within a conversation group will be explained using the sequence diagram shown in Figure 8.

[0061] Based on the user's operation of the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A, the control unit 201 of the electronic terminal 2 starts the message application 231 and begins executing the necessary processes to use the messaging service (group talk service) provided by the message server 3.

[0062] In this state, based on the user's operation of the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A, the control unit 201 of the electronic terminal 2A sends a predetermined text message, "Printer Registration," with the user ID and group ID attached, to the messaging service (message server 3) via the communication unit 24 (S1).

[0063] When the message server 3 receives the text "Printer Registration" sent from electronic terminal 2A via the communication unit 34, it sends the text "Printer Registration" to the chatbot server 4 and the group members electronic terminals 2B to 2E via the communication unit 34 (S2). At this time, as shown in the example in Figure 9, the control unit 201 of electronic terminal 2A displays an image 215A indicating "Printer Registration" in the chat screen displayed on the display unit 21. In addition, the control units 201 of the group members electronic terminals 2B to 2E display the image indicating "Printer Registration" sent by electronic terminal 2A in the chat screen displayed on the display unit 21.

[0064] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives the text "Printer Registration" via the communication unit 41, it sends a message to the message server 3 from the communication unit 41 requesting the input of a registration code (code) (S3).

[0065] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the above message sent from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 33, it transmits the message from the communication unit 33 to each electronic terminal 2A to 2E that is a member of the group (S4).

[0066] When the control unit 201 receives the above message via the communication unit 24 in each electronic terminal 2 that is a group member, it displays a message 216A, as shown in Figure 10 as an example, in the talk screen displayed on the display unit 21 (S5). The message 216A displays the text 2161A, which says, "Please enter your registration code."

[0067] Here, we assume that a user who knows the registration code of the image forming apparatus 1 used for printing, for example, a user of an electronic terminal 2A who saw the notification screen G1 displayed on the display unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 1, operates the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A and enters the registration code.

[0068] When the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A receives the registration code (S6), the control unit 201 displays it as a message from the electronic terminal 2A on the talk screen of the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 11. The control unit 201 then transmits the registration code to the message server 3 via the communication unit 24 (S7).

[0069] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the registration code via the communication unit 33, the communication unit 33 sends the registration code to the chatbot server 4 (S8).

[0070] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives a registration code via the communication unit 41, it transmits the received registration code and its authentication request to the print server 5 from the communication unit 41 (S9).

[0071] In the print server 5, when the control unit 500 receives the registration code and authentication request via the communication unit 51, the authorization unit 504 determines whether the registration code is stored in the registration code storage unit 521, that is, whether the registration code is valid (S10). If the authorization unit 504 determines that the registration code is valid, it retrieves the printer ID stored in association with the registration code from the registration code storage unit 521 (S11), and further retrieves the model name of the image forming apparatus 1 associated with the retrieved printer ID (for example, "4053ci for the sales department," not the registration code) from the device information storage unit 520 (S12).

[0072] Next, the authorization unit 504 transmits the acquired printer ID and model name from the communication unit 51 to the chatbot server 4 (S13).

[0073] Furthermore, if the authorization unit 504 determines in S10 that the registration code is invalid, it will not authorize the registration of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the registration code as an image forming apparatus for shared use by the conversation group. In this case, the authorization unit 504 will send a message from the communication unit 51 to the message server 3 indicating that it will not authorize the registration of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the registration code.

[0074] After S13, the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives the printer ID and model name sent from the print server 5 via the communication unit 41, registers the received printer ID and model name, the applicant member's user ID (the user ID of the user of the electronic terminal 2A that sent the predetermined text "Printer Registration" in S1), and the user IDs of each member currently belonging to the conversation group in the usage permission device storage unit 421, associating them with the group ID of the source of the registration code (i.e., the group ID indicating the conversation group to which the applicant member for permission to use belongs) (S14). As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the registration code is set in the chatbot server 4 as an image forming apparatus that performs printing operations according to the print instructions from each electronic terminal 2 that is a member of the conversation group.

[0075] Subsequently, the control unit 400 of the chatbot server 4 sends a registration completion message (preferably including the model name) to the message server 3 via the communication unit 41, indicating that the printer registration is complete (S15).

[0076] When the message server 3 receives the registration completion message sent from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 33, it sends the registration completion message from the communication unit 33 to each member's electronic terminal 2 (S16).

[0077] On each member's electronic terminal 2, when the control unit 201 receives the registration completion message via the communication unit 24, it displays a message 216B, as exemplified in Figure 12, on the talk screen of the display unit 21 (S17). Message 216B includes "Image forming apparatus registration complete" and the model name "4053ci for sales department". This allows the user to confirm that the printer with model name "4053ci for sales department" has been registered.

[0078] Next, an example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 based on instructions from each electronic terminal 2, which are members of the conversation group, will be explained using the sequence diagram shown in Figure 13.

[0079] Based on the user's operation of the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A, the control unit 201 of the electronic terminal 2 starts the message application 231 and begins executing the necessary processes to use the messaging service (group talk service) provided by the message server 3.

[0080] In this state, based on the user's operation of the input receiving unit 22 of the electronic terminal 2A, the control unit 201 of the electronic terminal 2A sends, via the communication unit 24, a user ID and group ID to the messaging service (message server 3), and transmits, for example, an image as print data from the communication unit 24 (S21). At this time, the control unit 201 displays a message 611A showing the image on the talk screen of the display unit 21 (an example is shown in Figure 14(A)).

[0081] When the message server 3 receives an image transmitted from the electronic terminal 2 via the communication unit 33, it transmits the image to the chatbot server 4 from the communication unit 33 (S22).

[0082] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives the image via the communication unit 41, it stores the image in the image storage unit 422 (S23), searches the usage permission device storage unit 421 (Figure 4(B)) using the group ID of the image sender as a search key, and determines whether an image forming device 1 (printer ID) that is permitted for shared use within the conversation group indicated by the group ID is stored there (S24).

[0083] When the control unit 400 of the chatbot server 4 determines that an image forming apparatus 1 that is permitted for shared use within the conversation group indicated by the group ID is stored, it creates an image reception message as a reply message and has the communication unit 41 send the image reception message to the message server 3 (S25). When the communication unit 33 of the message server 3 receives the image reception message, the control unit 311 sends the image reception message from the communication unit 33 to all electronic terminals 2 that are members of the group (S26).

[0084] On the other hand, if the control unit 400 of the chatbot server 4 determines that no image forming apparatus 1 permitted for shared use within the conversation group indicated by the group ID is stored, it sends a message containing the text "No available printers are registered" to the message server 3 via the communication unit 41. Further processing in this case will not be explained.

[0085] In each electronic terminal 2, when the control unit 201 receives the image reception message via the communication unit 24, it displays a message 612A, as exemplified in Figure 14(B), on the talk screen of the display unit 21 (S27). The message 612A includes a thumbnail image showing the image as print data, an operation button 6121A labeled "Print", and an operation button 6122A labeled "Print Settings".

[0086] In the electronic terminal 2, when the control unit 201 receives a print command from the input reception unit 22 based on a touch operation of the operation button 6121A labeled "Print", it adds the user ID and group ID and sends the print command for the image to the message server 3 from the communication unit 24 (S28).

[0087] Furthermore, in the electronic terminal 2, if the control unit 201 receives a touch operation on the operation button 6122A "Print Settings" before the print instruction is received by the input receiving unit 22, it displays the print settings screen (not shown) on the display unit 21. In response to the touch operation on the print screen, the control unit 201 receives from the user via the input receiving unit 22 a selection instruction to choose either to change the default settings of the print operation of the image forming apparatus 1 associated with the group, or to temporarily change the print settings for the print operation of the image forming apparatus 1 for this time only, and a change instruction to change the print settings.

[0088] When the control unit 201 receives the selection instruction and the change instruction, it sends print setting information, including the contents indicated by the selection instruction and the change instruction, to the message server 3 from the communication unit 24, along with the print instruction. At this time, as shown in the example in Figure 15(A), the control unit 201 displays message 613A on the display unit 21 indicating that the paper size will be changed from "postcard" to "A4" by a temporary change in print settings. Alternatively, as shown in the example in Figure 15(B), the control unit 201 displays message 614A on the display unit 21 indicating that the paper size will be changed from "postcard" to "A4" by changing the default settings for the print operation.

[0089] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives print instructions and print setting information transmitted from the electronic terminal 2 via the communication unit 34, it transmits the print instructions and print setting information (sometimes only print instructions) to the chatbot server 4 from the communication unit 34 (S30).

[0090] When the chatbot server 4 receives the above-mentioned print instruction etc. via the communication unit 41, it searches the usage permission device storage unit 421 using the group ID of the sender of the print instruction as a search key, and obtains the printer ID that indicates the image forming apparatus 1 which is permitted to be used jointly within the conversation group indicated by the group ID (S31).

[0091] Next, the chatbot server 4, via the communication unit 41, sends a print request to the print server 5, along with the acquired printer ID and print setting information (which may only be a print instruction), for the image stored in the image storage unit 422 (S32).

[0092] At this time, the control unit 400 of the chatbot server 4 sends a message containing the text "Please wait until it is printed" to the message server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S33).

[0093] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the above message sent from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 33, it transmits the message from the communication unit 33 to each electronic terminal 2 of the group members (S34).

[0094] When the control unit 201 receives the above text via the communication unit 24 on each electronic terminal 2 of the group members, it displays a message 616A containing the text "Please wait until it is printed" on the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 16(A) (example when the default settings are changed) (S35).

[0095] Furthermore, in the print server 5, when the instruction unit 501 receives print instructions, etc., from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 51, it stores the above image as print data in the print data storage unit 522 (S36), and uses the received printer ID as a search key to search the device information storage unit 520 and identify the IP address indicating the image forming apparatus 1 to be used for printing (S37).

[0096] If the instruction unit 501 has received print setting information from the chatbot server 4, and the content indicated by the selection instruction is a change to the default settings for the print operation, the instruction unit 501 changes the part of the print settings indicated by the default setting information stored in the print setting storage unit 523, which is associated with the printer ID, to the content indicated by the received print setting information (S38). The print setting storage unit 523 stores the content of the change as history information associated with the printer ID.

[0097] Furthermore, if the content indicated by the above selection instruction is a temporary change in the print settings, the instruction unit 501 does not change the print settings indicated by the default setting information stored in the print setting storage unit 523. Instead, it temporarily creates a print setting that is a one-time print setting in which the part of the default setting information stored in the print setting storage unit 523 that corresponds to the change indicated by the received print setting information is changed to match the change indicated by the print setting information.

[0098] The instruction unit 501 generates print data based on either the print settings consisting of the modified default settings or the created temporary print settings and the image, and transmits the print job and print execution instruction containing the print data to the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the IP address via the communication unit 51 (S40).

[0099] In the image forming apparatus 1, when the control unit 100 receives the print job and print execution instruction via the communication unit 14, it temporarily stores the print data included in the print job in the memory built into the control unit 10, and executes printing according to the image as said print data (S41). When printing is complete, the control unit 100 sends a completion message indicating the completion of printing to the print server 5 via the communication unit 14 (S42).

[0100] In the print server 5, when the control unit 500 receives a completion message transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 51, the communication unit 51 transmits the completion message to the chatbot server 4 (S43).

[0101] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives a completion message sent from the print server 5 via the communication unit 51, it sends a message containing predetermined text, such as "Printing complete," from the communication unit 41 to the message server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S44).

[0102] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the above message sent from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 33, it transmits the message from the communication unit 33 to each electronic terminal 2 that is a group member (S45).

[0103] When each electronic terminal 2, a group member, receives the above text via the communication unit 24, it displays a message 616B containing the text "Printing complete" on the talk screen of the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 16(B) (example when default settings are changed) (S46).

[0104] Thus, the printing system Sy can change the default setting information for the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to instructions from the electronic terminal 2, and then cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the printing operation with the changed printing settings.

[0105] Next, an example of the processing that occurs when the default settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are changed during the offline period of the electronic terminal 2 will be explained using the sequence diagram shown in Figure 17. Here, the explanation will be based on the example of a conversation group consisting of four members, MA through MD, where member MA's electronic terminal 2A switches to in-flight mode and goes offline.

[0106] In an electronic terminal 2 other than member MA's electronic terminal 2A, which is in airplane mode, for example, electronic terminal 2B, user MB operates the input reception unit 22 to input a default change instruction to change the default setting information for the image forming apparatus 1 stored at that time in the chatbot server 4's usage permission device storage unit 421 as the image forming apparatus used for printing (S51). At this time, the control unit 201 of electronic terminal 2B displays a message M5 indicating the content of the default change instruction on the group talk screen of the display unit 21 (Figure 18(A)). The control unit 201 of electronic terminal 2B also sends the default change instruction to the message server 3 via the communication unit 24, with the user ID and group ID added (S52).

[0107] When the message server 3 receives the default change instruction, user ID, and group ID via the communication unit 33, the control unit 311 transmits the default change instruction from the communication unit 33 to the chatbot server 4 (S53).

[0108] When the chatbot server 4 receives the default change instruction, user ID, and group ID via the communication unit 41, the request unit 401 obtains the printer ID that indicates the image forming apparatus 1 that is permitted for shared use within the conversation group indicated by the group ID (S54).

[0109] Next, the chatbot server 4, via the communication unit 41, sends the acquired printer ID, user ID, group ID, and the default change instruction to the print server 5 (S55).

[0110] In the print server 5, when the instruction unit 501 receives the printer ID, user ID, group ID, and default change instruction from the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 51, it changes the part of the default settings (print settings indicated by the default setting information) stored in the print setting storage unit 523 associated with the printer ID that corresponds to the change indicated by the received default change instruction (S56). Note that if the default settings are changed in S38 above, the processing from S57 onwards shown below will also be performed in the same manner.

[0111] In other words, in the case of a temporary change to the print settings as described above, the processes S51 to S56 above are not performed, and the processes from S57 onwards shown below are also not performed.

[0112] The print setting storage unit 523 stores the changes to the default setting information as history information of the default setting information, associated with the printer ID. The instruction unit 501 then sends a change completion message indicating that the change to the default setting information has been completed, along with the printer ID, user ID, and group ID, to the chatbot server 4 via the communication unit 51 (S57).

[0113] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives the change completion message, etc. via the communication unit 41, it transmits the change completion message, etc. from the communication unit 41 to the message server 3 (S58).

[0114] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the above-mentioned change completion message, etc. via the communication unit 34, it transmits the change completion message from the communication unit 34 to the respective electronic terminals 2A to 2D of the group members MA to MD, based on the received user ID and group ID (S59).

[0115] In electronic terminals 2A to 2D, when the control unit 201 receives the change completion message via the communication unit 24, it displays the message TX8 indicated by the change completion message on the group talk screen of the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 18(B) (S60). The control unit 201 then sends a confirmation message indicating the completion of receipt of the change completion message to the message server 3 via the communication unit 24, along with the user ID indicating the user of each electronic terminal (S61).

[0116] For example, if, during the offline period of electronic terminal 2A, a command is issued from member MB's electronic terminal 2B to change the default paper size setting from "A4" to "postcard," the display unit 21 of electronic terminal 2B will display a screen as shown in Figure 18(A), and the display units 21 of member MC and MD's electronic terminals 2C and 2D will display a screen as shown in Figure 18(B). These screens display a message M5 indicating the change in the default setting, and text TX8 indicating that the default setting has been changed by member MB.

[0117] Furthermore, if, during the offline period of electronic terminal 2A, a member MC's electronic terminal 2C issues an instruction to change the default color selection from "monochrome" to "color," the display unit 21 of electronic terminal 2C will display a screen as shown in Figure 19(A), and the display units 21 of member MB and MD's electronic terminals 2B and 2D will display a screen as shown in Figure 19(B). These screens display a message M6 indicating the change in the default setting and text TX9 indicating that the default setting has been changed by the member MC.

[0118] When the message server 3 receives the confirmation message and user ID via the communication unit 34, the control unit 311 transmits the confirmation message and user ID from the communication unit 34 to the chatbot server 4 (S62).

[0119] In the chatbot server 4, when the control unit 400 receives the confirmation message and user ID via the communication unit 41, it stores online information in the connection status storage unit 424 of the storage unit 42 indicating that the electronic terminal corresponding to the user ID is online, and stores offline information in the connection status storage unit 424 indicating that the electronic terminal that sent the change completion message but did not receive the confirmation message and user ID is offline (S63). In this example, of the electronic terminals 2A to 2D, electronic terminal 2A is in in-air mode, so its control unit 201 cannot receive the change completion message via the communication unit 24, and the control unit 100 stores offline information for electronic terminal 2A in the connection status storage unit 424.

[0120] Here, when an electronic terminal that was offline, in this example, electronic terminal 2A, returns to the online state from the offline period, the control unit 201 of electronic terminal 2A, using the functions of the message application, sends return information indicating the return to the online state, along with the user ID and group ID, from the communication unit 24 to the message server 3 (S64).

[0121] When the message server 3 receives the recovery information, user ID, and group ID via the communication unit 34, the control unit 311 transmits the recovery information, etc., to the chatbot server 4 (S65).

[0122] In the chatbot server 4, when the notification unit 402 receives the recovery information, user ID, and group ID via the communication unit 41, it determines in the connection status storage unit 424 of the storage unit 42 whether offline information is stored in association with the electronic terminal corresponding to the user ID (S66). In this example, the notification unit 402 determines that offline information is stored for the electronic terminal 2A.

[0123] Then, the notification unit 402 sends the above change completion message from the communication unit 41 along with the user ID (information indicating the final destination) corresponding to the electronic terminal (in this example, electronic terminal 2A) where the offline information was stored (S67). For example, along with the above change completion message, the notification unit 402 sends the predetermined text "The device's default settings have been changed. Please check the settings" from the communication unit 41 to the message server 3.

[0124] Furthermore, if the notification unit 402 determines that offline information associated with the electronic terminal corresponding to the above-mentioned user ID is not stored in the connection status storage unit 424 of the storage unit 42, it will not send the above-mentioned change completion message, etc.

[0125] In the message server 3, when the control unit 311 receives the change completion message, the text, and the user ID via the communication unit 33, it transmits the change completion message and the text from the communication unit 33 to the electronic terminal 2A indicated by the user ID (S68).

[0126] In the electronic terminal 2A, when the control unit 201 receives the above-mentioned change completion message and the above-mentioned text via the communication unit 24, it displays the message TX10 "@A-san... Please confirm the settings" on the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 20 (S69).

[0127] This allows each member to recognize that the print settings of the image forming apparatus 1 have been changed when they are offline due to their own electronic device being set to airplane mode, etc., and the changes apply to subsequent printing (when the default settings are changed). This prevents the image forming apparatus 1 from printing content that the member did not intend.

[0128] Next, other embodiments will be described. In other embodiments, the chatbot server 4 does not send the message if there are no differences in the default settings between the beginning and end of the offline period, even if there are changes to the default settings during the offline period of the electronic terminal 2. This will be explained in detail below.

[0129] Figures 21(A) and (B) show an example of the history of default setting changes for the image forming apparatus 1 during the offline period of the electronic terminal 2A. As shown in Figure 21(A), when the default settings are changed, during the offline period of member MA's electronic terminal 2A, the default setting for paper size was changed from "A4" to "postcard," and the default setting for color selection was changed from "monochrome" to "color." In such a case, the notification unit 402 of the chatbot server 4 performs processing to send the above-mentioned change completion message, etc., to the electronic terminals that had the offline information stored as described above.

[0130] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21(B), if the default settings are changed, there is no difference in the content of the default settings at the beginning and end of the offline period. In such cases, the notification unit 402 of the chatbot server 4 does not perform the process of sending the above-mentioned change completion message, etc., to the electronic terminals that had the offline information stored as described above.

[0131] As a result, each member does not need to view the content of the change completion message or similar on their electronic device if the print settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are changed and the default settings are altered while their personal electronic device is offline due to airplane mode settings, etc., but the settings revert to the original default settings after multiple changes.

[0132] In another embodiment, when the notification unit 402 of the chatbot server 4 receives a request from the electronic terminal 2A via the message server 3 to notify the electronic terminal 2A of the change history during the period when the electronic terminal 2A was offline, it performs a process to notify the electronic terminal 2A of the change history.

[0133] For example, a request to check the change history is sent from the electronic terminal 2A to the chatbot server 4 via the message server 3. At this time, when the chatbot server 4 receives the request to check the change history via the communication unit 41, the notification unit 402 receives the change history information for the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the print setting storage unit 523 from the print server 5, and sends the history information from the communication unit 41 to the message server 3. When the control unit 311 of the message server 3 receives the history information via the communication unit 33, it sends the history information from the communication unit 33 to the electronic terminal 2A. When the control unit 201 of the electronic terminal 2A receives the history information via the communication unit 24, it displays a message TX12 indicating the history information on the display unit 21, as shown in the example in Figure 22 (S69).

[0134] Furthermore, in the chatbot server 4, when the notification unit 402 receives the change history confirmation request and obtains history information showing the change history for the image forming apparatus 1 from the print server 5, if the history information indicates that there is no difference in the default settings between the beginning and end of the offline period of the electronic terminal 2A, the communication unit 33 does not transmit the history information to the electronic terminal 2A.

[0135] For example, as shown in Figure 23, if the default settings are changed, the default paper size setting will be changed twice during the offline period of Member MA's electronic terminal 2A. However, there is no need to inform Member MA about the intermediate change to "postcard," and it is sufficient to inform them of the latest change, "B4." Similarly, the default color selection setting will also be changed twice, but it will ultimately revert to the initial setting during the offline period, "monochrome," so there is no need to inform Member MA.

[0136] Therefore, the notification unit 402 processes the information that the paper size has been changed from "A4" to "B4" and transmits it to the electronic terminal 2A as the above-mentioned history information, but does not transmit the information regarding the color selection as the above-mentioned history information.

[0137] Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the request unit 401 refrains from performing any processing for printing operations by the image forming apparatus 1 based on a print instruction from the electronic terminal 2A until the notification unit 402 transmits the history information to the electronic terminal 2A. This prevents member MA, who is the owner of the electronic terminal 2A, from printing without knowing the changes (change history) to the default settings of the image forming apparatus 1's print settings.

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, although the above embodiment shows a configuration in which the print server 5 and the chatbot server 4 are separate servers, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one server (for example, a communication server) operates as both the print server 5 and the chatbot server 4. Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the message server 3, the print server 5, and the chatbot server 4 are all on a single server.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the configurations and processes shown in Figures 1 to 23 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to these configurations and processes.

Claims

1. The system comprises: a print server that controls printing and sets the printing operation of an image forming apparatus; an electronic terminal that has a messaging application installed that enables message exchange over a network in a chat format and displays a talk screen indicating the message exchange on a display unit; a message server that registers multiple of the electronic terminals as members of a group capable of exchanging messages and provides a messaging service capable of exchanging messages; and a chatbot server that is registered with the message server as a member of the group and sends and receives data between the message server and the print server. When the message server receives print data and print instructions from one of the electronic terminals registered in the group via the group's talk screen, the chatbot server transfers the print data and print instructions received via the message server to the print server. The print server changes the settings of the printing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the print instructions received from the chatbot server, and transfers the print data received from the chatbot server to the image forming apparatus to execute the printing operation. A printing system in which, if the chatbot server has made changes to the default settings of the printing operation of the image forming apparatus during the period when the electronic terminal is offline, when the electronic terminal comes back online, it sends a message to the electronic terminal via the message server indicating that the default settings have been changed.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic terminal transmits recovery information indicating its return to online status to the message server when it returns to online status, and the chatbot server, upon receiving the recovery information from the message server, transmits a message to the electronic terminal that transmitted the recovery information, via the message server, indicating that the default settings have been changed.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the chatbot server does not send the message if there is no difference in the content of the default settings between the beginning and end of the offline period, even if there are changes to the default settings during the offline period.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the chatbot server receives a request for notification of the default setting change history from the electronic terminal that has returned to the internet via the message server, it sends the default setting change history to the electronic terminal that has returned to the internet via the message server, and does not send the change history if there is no difference in the content of the default settings between the beginning and the end of the offline period.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the chatbot server does not send print data and print instructions from the electronic terminal that has returned to the internet to the print server until it has processed sending the change history to the electronic terminal that has returned to the internet.

6. A printing system comprising: an electronic terminal having a messaging application installed that enables message exchange over a network in a chat format and displays a talk screen showing the message exchange on a display unit; a message server that registers multiple electronic terminals as members of a group capable of message exchange and provides a messaging service capable of message exchange; and a communication server that is registered with the message server as a member of the group, performs print control and print operation settings for an image forming apparatus, and sends and receives data with the message server, wherein when the message server receives print data and print instructions from one of the electronic terminals registered in the group via the group's talk screen, the communication server receives the print data and print instructions from the message server, changes the print operation settings of the image forming apparatus according to the print instructions, transfers the print data to the image forming apparatus to perform the print operation, and if changes have been made to the default settings of the print operation of the image forming apparatus during the period when the electronic terminal is offline, when the electronic terminal comes back online, a message indicating that the default settings have been changed is sent to the electronic terminal via the message server.

Images