JP6205982B2 - RELAY DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND RELAY DEVICE CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  In this specification, a relay device connected to the image processing device and the server device via a network is disclosed.

  The user registration support system disclosed in Patent Document 1 provides a user with an input form for inputting a user's mail address. When the user inputs a mail address, an e-mail including the URL of the registration page is transmitted to the input mail address. The user who has received the e-mail accesses the registration page using the URL included in the e-mail and executes user registration.

JP 2003-196468 A

  In the present specification, a new technique capable of prompting the user to perform user registration is disclosed.

  The relay device described in this specification is a relay device that can be connected to the image processing device, the first server device, and the second server device via a network, and the first server device includes a plurality of relay devices. It is a device capable of storing first identification information for identifying each user, and the second server device is a device storing first type information and second type information, and is relayed The apparatus includes: a network interface capable of communicating with a network; and access information for the image processing apparatus to request access to at least one of the first type information and the second type information stored in the second server device; And the second identification information for identifying the specific user who is the user of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. First confirmation means for confirming whether or not the specific first identification information that is the first identification information corresponding to the specific user identified is in the first state stored in the first server device; In this state, selection information instruction information indicating selection information selected from the first type information and the second type information is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface, and the first information If the state is not the state, the selection information instruction information indicating the selection information selected from the first type of information is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface and the selection information instruction information. The selection information acquisition information for causing the image processing apparatus to acquire the selected selection information from the second server apparatus is applied to the image processing apparatus and transmitted to the network interface. Selection information acquisition information output means.

  According to the relay device or the like described in this specification, when the specific user does not store the specific first identification information in the first server device, the selection information selected from the first type of information is selected. , From the second server device. On the other hand, when the specific user stores the specific first identification information in the first server device, the selection information selected from the first type information and the second type information is acquired from the second server device. can do. Thereby, since the choice of selection information spreads by memorizing specific 1st discernment information in the 1st server device, a user has the motivation for memorizing specific 1st discernment information in the 1st server device. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to register the specific first identification information in the first server device.

  According to the relay device and the like described in this specification, it is possible to relay the delivery of a specific mail address from the image processing device to the first server device. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the specific user to execute the process of storing the specific first identification information in the first server device using the electronic mail.

  According to the relay device or the like described in the present specification, it is possible to inquire of the first server device whether or not the specific first identification information is stored in the first server device. Become. Thereby, it is possible to surely confirm whether or not the specific first identification information is stored.

  According to the relay device or the like described in the present specification, the confirmation result as to whether or not the specific first identification information is stored in the first server device may be stored in the relay device. it can. Thereby, since it is not necessary to store the specific first identification information in the relay device, it is possible to improve the security of personal information in the relay device. In addition, after the confirmation result is stored in the storage unit, it is possible to perform authentication using the device identification information, so that it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the user identification information to the image processing device. . Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  According to the relay device and the like described in the present specification, an image showing selection information options can be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device. And the image which shows an option can be increased by memorize | storing specific 1st identification information in a 1st server apparatus. This makes it possible for the user to have a motivation for storing the specific first identification information in the first server device.

  According to the relay device and the like described in the present specification, an image indicating an option of whether or not to input a specific mail address can be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device. When the user selects to input the specific mail address, an image for accepting the input of the specific mail address can be displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to input a specific mail address.

  According to the relay device and the like described in the present specification, it is possible to receive an input of a specific mail address using the display unit of the image processing device.

  According to the relay device or the like described in this specification, the selection information can be acquired by the image processing device using the URL. Since the URL is a commonly used protocol, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of providing a dedicated protocol for communication between the relay apparatus and the image processing apparatus.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the relay device are also novel and useful.

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown. The flowchart explaining the processing content of an authentication process is shown. The example of a display of an application selection screen is shown. The example of a display of an authentication expiration alerting | reporting screen is shown. The example of a display of a 1st template selection screen is shown. The example of a display of a 2nd template selection screen is shown. A display example of the registration confirmation screen is shown. A display example of the registration form screen is shown. A display example of the authentication input screen is shown. The sequence diagram of each process performed by each device is shown.

(System configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a multi-function device 10, a mediation server 60, a content server 100, a registration server 200, and an information processing device 400. The multi-function device 10 is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 4. The mediation server 60, the content server 100, the registration server 200, and the information processing apparatus 400 are connected to the Internet 6.

  The multi-function device 10, the mediation server 60, and the registration server 200 perform communication using, for example, HTTP (abbreviation of HyperText Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (abbreviation of HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure). More specifically, the multi-function device 10 operates as an HTTP client. The registration server 200 operates as an HTTP server. On the other hand, the mediation server 60 operates as an HTTP server in communication with the multi-function device 10 and operates as an HTTP client in communication with the registration server 200, so that it is not obstructed by a firewall provided in the LAN 4 or the like. Communication with the multi-function device 10 and communication with the registration server 200 can be performed.

(Configuration of multi-function device 10)
The multi-function device 10 can execute processing for realizing each function such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a FAX function. The multi-function device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a network interface 16, a print execution unit 18, a scan execution unit 19, and a control unit 20. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the multi-function device 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The network interface 16 is connected to the LAN 4. The multi-function device 10 can communicate with the mediation server 60, the registration server 200, and the like via the network interface 16. The print execution unit 18 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scan execution unit 19 includes a scan mechanism such as a CCD or CIS. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24.

  The memory 24 includes a program 25 and a device information storage area 26. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to the program 25 stored in the memory 24. The device information storage area 26 is an area for storing a multi-function device serial number and an initialization flag. The multi-function device serial number is information assigned by the manufacturer of the multi-function device, and is information that uniquely identifies each of the plurality of multi-function devices. The contents of the initialization flag will be described later. The information stored in the device information storage area 26 may be MIB (abbreviation of Management Information Base) information that can be disclosed to the outside. The memory 24 may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium such as a ROM, RAM, flash memory, or hard disk. Electric signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are not included in non-transitory media.

(Configuration of Mediation Server 60)
The mediation server 60 is a server configured separately from the registration server 200 and the content server 100. The mediation server 60 is a server for mediating communication of various data between the registration server 200 and the multi-function device 10. The mediation server 60 is a server provided by the vendor of the multi-function device 10. The mediation server 60 includes a network interface 62 and a control unit 70. The mediation server 60 can communicate with the multi-function device 10, the content server 100, the registration server 200, and the like via the network interface 62. The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The memory 74 stores a program 75 and an authentication database 76. The CPU 72 executes various processes according to the program 75. Similar to the memory 24, the memory 74 may be a computer-readable storage medium.

  The authentication database 76 is a database that stores a multi-function device serial number, an authentication flag, and last authentication date information in association with each other. The authentication flag is information indicating whether or not the account information of the user of the multi-function device is registered in the registration server 200. The account information is information used for the user to log in to the registration server 200. The account information may include the user's email address and password information. The authentication flag “authenticated” indicates that the account information of the user of the multi-function device is registered in the registration server 200. The authentication flag “unauthenticated” indicates that the account information of the user of the multi-function device is not registered in the registration server 200. The final authentication date / time information is information indicating the final authentication date / time, which is the date / time when the user's account information of the multi-function device is finally confirmed to be registered in the registration server 200.

(Configuration of registration server 200)
The registration server 200 is a server configured separately from the mediation server 60 and the content server 100. The registration server 200 may be a server provided by the vendor of the multi-function device 10. The registration server 200 includes a network interface 262 and a control unit 270. The control unit 270 includes a CPU 272 and a memory 274. Similar to the memory 24, the memory 274 may be a computer-readable storage medium. The memory 274 stores a program 275 and an account information storage area 276. The CPU 272 executes various processes according to the program 275. The account information storage area 276 stores account information for a plurality of users. Each of the plurality of users can obtain the right to use various functions provided from the registration server 200 by storing the account information. As an example of the function provided by the registration server 200, there is a function of delivering an email including useful information to each user.

(Configuration of content server 100)
The content server 100 is a server configured separately from the mediation server 60 and the registration server 200. The content server 100 may be a server provided by the vendor of the multi-function device 10. The content server 100 includes a memory 101. A template storage area 102 is stored in the memory 101. The template storage area 102 stores normal template image data 121 and premium template image data 122. The normal template image data 121 is data for displaying a normal template image. The premium template image data 122 is data for displaying a premium template image. The normal template image data 121 and the premium template image data 122 are data used for various types of image processing in the multi-function device 10. For example, the multi-function device 10 can cause the print execution unit 18 to execute print processing using the normal template image data 121 and the premium template image data 122.

  The premium template image data 122 is data that is more rare than the normal template image data 121. Specifically, the normal template image data 121 can be acquired regardless of whether or not the user of the multi-function device 10 has registered his / her account information in the registration server 200. On the other hand, the premium template image data 122 can be acquired only when the user of the multi-function device 10 has registered his / her account information in the registration server 200.

(Configuration of information processing apparatus 400)
The information processing apparatus 400 is an apparatus that can send and receive e-mails and access the registration server 200 to input and output various types of information. Examples of the information processing apparatus 400 include a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a tablet terminal. Note that a specific configuration of the information processing apparatus 400 is omitted.

  The precautions for description in this specification will be described. In this specification, the description that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 receives various types of information” includes the technical content that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 acquires various types of information via the network interface 62”. Suppose that Further, the description “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 transmits various types of information” includes the technical content that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 outputs various types of information via the network interface 62”. And Note that similar precautions exist for the CPU 272 and the network interface 262 of the registration server 200. Similar precautions exist for the CPU 22 and the network interface 16 of the multi-function device 10.

  Here, the definition of the words “data” and “information” will be described. In this specification, “data” and “information” use “information” as a superordinate concept of “data”. Therefore, “A data” may be rephrased as “A information”. Further, “information” is treated as the same information as long as it is recognized as the same meaning content even if the format as “data” (for example, text format, binary format, flag format, etc.) is different. For example, as long as the apparatus handles as information indicating that the number of copies is 2, the text format data “COPY = 2” and the binary format data “10” are the same information.

  In this specification, when the mediation server 60, the registration server 200, and the content server 100 are connected via the Internet 6 (that is, the devices that function as the mediation server 60, the registration server 200, and the content server 100 are physically In the case of being arranged at a distant position), the present invention is not limited to this form. At least two of the mediation server 60, the registration server 200, and the content server 100 may be realized by one server device. For example, when the mediation server 60 and the registration server 200 are realized by one server device, a program that functions as the mediation server 60 and a program that functions as the registration server 200 operate on one server device, This communication is performed via a bus line in the server device. Note that when the mediation server 60 and the registration server 200 are configured by a single server device, the communication described in this specification as the communication between the mediation server 60 and the registration server 200 is the mediation. Data exchange between the program functioning as the server 60 and the program functioning as the registration server 200 may be replaced. Further, a program that functions as the mediation server 60 and also functions as the registration server 200 may be realized in a form that operates on one server device. In this case, the communication described in this specification as the communication between the mediation server 60 and the registration server 200 functions as the mediation server 60 and the data in the program that also functions as the registration server 200. It may be replaced with delivery.

(Operation of communication system)
The operation of the communication system will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. In the present embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the multi-function device 10 and the information processing apparatus 400 are operated by the user A who is the same user. When receiving the instruction to display the main screen, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays a main screen (not shown) on the display unit 14 in S1. The command for displaying the main screen may be input from the operation unit 12 by the user A. Data representing the main screen may be stored in the memory 24 in advance.

  The user A operates the operation unit 12 to select a button image corresponding to a function to be used from a plurality of button images displayed on the main screen. In the description example of the present embodiment, a case where an application execution button image for executing various applications is selected will be described. In S <b> 2, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 transmits application execution button image identification information for identifying the application execution button image to the mediation server 60. The application execution button image identification information is also information for the multi-function device 10 to request access to at least one of the normal template image data 121 and the premium template image data 122 stored in the content server 100.

  In S <b> 3, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 transmits serial number acquisition request information to the multi-function device 10. The serial number acquisition request information is information for requesting the multi-function device 10 to acquire the multi-function device serial number of the multi-function device 10. In S <b> 5, the CPU 72 acquires the multi-function device serial number of the multi-function device 10 from the multi-function device 10. In S <b> 6, the CPU 72 reads an authentication flag and final authentication date / time information corresponding to the acquired multi-function device serial number from the authentication database 76.

  In S9, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 executes an authentication process. The authentication process is a process for confirming whether or not the account information of the user A is registered in the registration server 200. The processing content of the authentication processing will be described using the flow of FIG. In S800, the CPU 72 determines whether or not the authentication flag and the last authentication date / time information corresponding to the multi-function device serial number have been acquired from the authentication database 76 in S6. When a negative determination is made (S800: NO), the process proceeds to S820, and it is determined that the user A is not authenticated. Then, the process proceeds to S13.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S800 (S800: YES), the process proceeds to S810. In S810, the CPU 72 confirms the content of the acquired authentication flag. When the content of the authentication flag is “unauthenticated” (S810: Unauthenticated), the process proceeds to S820, and it is determined that the user A is unauthenticated. Then, the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when the content of the authentication flag is “authenticated” (S810: authenticated), the process proceeds to S830.

  In S830, the CPU 72 determines whether the final authentication date / time is within a predetermined period from the current date / time. For example, it may be determined whether the final authentication date is within the past half year. If a positive determination is made (S830: YES), the process proceeds to S840. In S840, the CPU 72 determines that the user A has been authenticated. Then, the process proceeds to S13.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S830 (S830: NO), the process proceeds to S850. In S850, the CPU 72 determines that the user A is out of authentication. In S860, the CPU 72 rewrites the content of the authentication flag to “unauthenticated”. Then, the process proceeds to S13.

  In S13, the CPU 72 determines the result of the authentication process. If the result of the authentication process is authenticated or unauthenticated (S13: authenticated, unauthenticated), the process proceeds to S18.

  In S <b> 18, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates application selection screen data for displaying the application selection screen 211. The memory 74 stores information (not shown) that indicates what information needs to be included in the application selection screen data. The CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates application selection screen data according to this information. The application selection screen data includes information indicating that the button images B11 to B14 are included in the application selection screen 211, information indicating that a screen for selecting any of the button images B11 to B14, and a button Information indicating that “A application”, “B application”, “login application”, and “new registration application” correspond to each of the images B11 to B14, and button images B11 to B14 for display. And information indicating a character string. In S <b> 19, the CPU 72 transmits application selection screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When receiving the application selection screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays the application selection screen 211 on the display unit 14 in S21. As shown in FIG. 8, the application selection screen 211 includes button images B11 to B14. Each of the button images B11 to B14 is an image for receiving selection of each application function of “A application”, “B application”, “login application”, and “new registration application”. Note that the application selection screen data received from the mediation server 60 includes information for accessing bitmap information for displaying the images of the button images B11 to B14. Based on this information, the CPU 22 acquires bitmap information from the mediation server 60 and displays the application selection screen 211 on the display unit 14. Therefore, it is not necessary to include bitmap information for displaying the button images B11 to B14 in the application selection screen data. Then, the process proceeds to S40.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S13 that the result of the authentication process is an authentication failure (S13: authentication failure), the process proceeds to S28. In S28, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates an authentication expiration notification screen data and application selection screen data. The authentication failure notification screen data is data for displaying the authentication failure notification screen 212 on the display unit 14 of the multi-function device 10. In S <b> 29, the CPU 72 transmits the authentication failure notification screen data and the application selection screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  In S <b> 31, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays the authentication expiration notification screen 212 on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the authentication failure notification screen 212 includes a message image M11 and a button image B21. The message image M11 is an image for notifying the user of the multi-function device 10 that the user authentication at the registration server 200 has expired. The button image B21 is an image for accepting that the user has confirmed the message content. When the button image B21 is selected, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 displays the application selection screen 211 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to S40.

  In S <b> 40, the CPU 22 accepts selection of an application by the user A. The user A operates the operation unit 12 to select a button image corresponding to an application to be used from a plurality of button images. When the button image B14 corresponding to the new registration application is selected (S40: new registration application), the process proceeds to S158 in FIG. When the button image B11 or the button image B12 is selected, it is determined that the A application or the B application is selected (S40: A or B application), and the process proceeds to S48. In S <b> 48, the CPU 22 transmits application identification information for identifying the selected application to the mediation server 60. The application identification information is information for identifying a selected application that is an application selected by the user A. An example of application identification information is the name of an application function. That is, the application identification information may be information indicating the selected button.

  In S100, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines the result of the authentication process performed in S9. If the result of the authentication process is authentication OK (S100: OK), the process proceeds to S105.

  In S <b> 105, the CPU 72 transmits the first template list information acquisition request information to the content server 100. The first template list information acquisition request information is information for requesting the content server 100 for the first template list information that is necessary for displaying the first template selection screen 221. The first template list information includes information indicating whether each template image is a normal template image or a premium template image. In S110, the CPU 72 receives the first template list information transmitted from the content server 100.

  In S112, the CPU 72 generates first template selection screen data for displaying the first template selection screen 221 based on the first template list information. The first template selection screen 221 is a screen for displaying a list of button images for selecting a template image corresponding to the selected application and accepting selection of one template image. For example, when the selected application is an A application, a list of button images for selecting a template image used in the A application is displayed on the first template selection screen 221. When the selected application is the B application, a button image for selecting a template image used in the B application is displayed in a list on the first template selection screen 221. Further, on the first template selection screen 221, the button image is displayed in such a manner that both the normal template image and the premium template image can be selected. In S <b> 116, the CPU 72 transmits the first template selection screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When receiving the first template selection screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 causes the display unit 14 to display the first template selection screen 221 in S120. FIG. 10 shows a display example of the first template selection screen 221. The first template selection screen 221 includes button images B31 to B33. Button images B31 and B32 are images for accepting selection of normal template images x and y. The button image B33 is an image for accepting selection of the premium template image z. That is, on the first template selection screen 221, all of the button images B31 to B33 are displayed in such a manner that a template image can be selected. Then, the process proceeds to S150.

  On the other hand, if the authentication has failed (S100: NG), the process proceeds to S125. In S <b> 125, the CPU 72 transmits second template list information acquisition request information to the content server 100. The second template list information acquisition request information is information for requesting the content server 100 for the second template list information that is necessary for displaying the second template selection screen 222. The second template list information includes information indicating whether each template image is a normal template image or a premium template image. In S <b> 130, the CPU 72 receives the second template list information transmitted from the content server 100.

  In S132, the CPU 72 generates second template selection screen data for displaying the second template selection screen 222 based on the second template list information. The second template selection screen 222 is a screen for displaying a list of button images for selecting a template image corresponding to the selected application and accepting selection of one template image. On the second template selection screen 222, a button image is displayed in such a manner that a normal template image can be selected but a premium template image cannot be selected. As an example of the display mode of the button image on the second template selection screen 222, a mode in which the button image for selecting the premium template image is a specific button image (eg, key icon image) can be cited. In S <b> 136, the CPU 72 transmits the second template selection screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 receives the second template selection screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 displays the second template selection screen 222 on the display unit 14 in S140. FIG. 11 shows a display example of the second template selection screen 222. The second template selection screen 222 includes button images B31, B32, and B33a. Button images B31 and B32 are images for accepting selection of normal template images x and y. The button image B33a is a specific button image indicating that the premium template image z exists but cannot be selected. The specific button image is also an image for receiving an instruction to execute a process for displaying a registration confirmation screen 231 described later on the display unit 14. That is, on the second template selection screen 222, only the button images B31 and B32 are displayed in such a manner that a template image can be selected.

  The user A operates the operation unit 12 to select a button image corresponding to a template image to be used from a plurality of button images. Thereby, the selected template image which is the template image selected by the user A is determined. In S <b> 150, the CPU 22 transmits button image identification information for identifying the selection button image that is the button image selected by the user A to the mediation server 60.

  In S152, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines whether or not the selection button image is a specific button image. When a positive determination is made (S152: YES), the process proceeds to S153. In S153, the CPU 72 generates registration confirmation screen data for displaying the registration confirmation screen 231. In S <b> 154, the CPU 72 transmits registration confirmation screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 receives the registration confirmation screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 displays the registration confirmation screen 231 on the display unit 14 in S155. FIG. 12 shows an example of the registration confirmation screen 231. The registration confirmation screen 231 includes a message image M21 and button images B41 and B42. The message image M21 is an image for notifying the user A that the premium template image cannot be selected because the account information of the user A is not registered in the registration server 200. The button images B41 and B42 are images for accepting selection as to whether or not to execute a registration process for registering the account information of the user A in the registration server 200.

  User A operates the operation unit 12 to select the button image B41 or B42. In S156, the CPU 22 transmits user instruction information for identifying the instruction content of the user A to the mediation server.

  In S157, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines whether or not the user's instruction content instructs execution of the registration process. When a negative determination is made (S157: NO), the process returns to S125, and when an affirmative determination is made (S157: YES), the process proceeds to S158. In S158, the CPU 72 generates registration form screen data for displaying the registration form screen 241. The registration form screen 241 is a screen for accepting input of account information to be registered in the registration server 200. In S <b> 160, the CPU 72 transmits registration form screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When receiving the registration form screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays the registration form screen 241 on the display unit 14 in S164. FIG. 13 shows an example of the registration form screen 241. The registration form screen 241 includes a message image M31, an input box image B51, and a button image B53. The message image M31 is an image for informing the user A that the user A's mail address is registered in the registration server 200 as account information. The input box image B51 is an image that accepts input of a mail address. The button image B53 is an image for receiving a mail address input completion operation.

  User A operates the operation unit 12 to input his / her mail address. In S168, the CPU 22 transmits registration information to the mediation server. The registration information is information including the input mail address, which is the mail address accepted in S164.

  In S <b> 172, the CPU 72 transmits registration mail transmission request information to the registration server 200. The registered mail transmission request information is information for requesting the registration server 200 to execute mail transmission processing. The mail transmission process is a process of transmitting a user registration promotion mail having contents for prompting to register the account information by accessing the registration server 200 to the input mail address. The user registration promotion mail may include a URL for accessing the registration server 200.

  In S176, the CPU 272 of the registration server 200 executes mail transmission processing. In the mail transmission process, since a well-known mail transmission method can be used, the description is omitted here. User A uses the information processing apparatus 400 to receive a user registration promotion mail. Further, the user A accesses the registration server 200 based on the URL described in the user registration promotion mail, and registers the account information of the user A in the registration server 200. As a result, the user A can obtain the right to use various functions provided from the registration server 200.

  In S180, the CPU 72 receives mail transmission completion notification information transmitted from the registration server 200. The mail transmission completion notification information is information indicating that the transmission of the user registration promotion mail has been completed.

  In S184, the CPU 72 generates mail transmission completion screen data for displaying the mail transmission completion screen and application selection screen data. The mail transmission completion screen is a screen for notifying the user that the mail transmission processing in the registration server 200 has been completed. In S188, the CPU 72 transmits the mail transmission completion screen data and the application selection screen data to the multi-function device 10. When receiving the mail transmission completion screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays the mail transmission completion screen on the display unit 14 in S192. For example, a character string such as “I sent an email. Please check the email and complete the registration procedure.” May be displayed on the email transmission completion screen. On the mail transmission completion screen, a button image for accepting that the user has confirmed the message content may be displayed. When the button image is selected, the CPU 22 may display the application selection screen 211 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 14. And it returns to S40 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S152 (S152: NO), the process proceeds to S253 in FIG. S253 to S273 are steps for causing the multi-function device 10 to execute a printing process using the selected template image data. In S253, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates selection template image data acquisition command information. In S257, the CPU 72 transmits the selected template image data acquisition command information to the multi-function device 10. The selected template image data acquisition command information may be described in a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) description method.

  In S <b> 259, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 transmits download source URL request information to the mediation server 60. The download source URL request information is information for requesting the mediation server 60 for a download source URL for accessing the selected template image data.

  In S <b> 261, the CPU 72 generates a download source URL for acquiring the selected template image data from the content server 100 and transmits it to the multi-function device 10. The download source URL may be described by a URL description method. In S263, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 transmits download request information for downloading the selected template image data to the content server 100 based on the download source URL. In S <b> 265, the content server 100 transmits the selected template image data specified by the download request information to the multi-function device 10.

  In S267, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 causes the print execution unit 18 to execute print processing. In S <b> 269, the CPU 22 transmits print completion notification information indicating that the printing process has been completed to the mediation server 60. In S <b> 271, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 transmits processing completion notification information to the multi-function device 10. In S <b> 273, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 displays a completion screen on the display unit 14. Then, the flow ends.

  On the other hand, in S40 of FIG. 2, when the button image B13 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the login application is selected (S40: login application), the process proceeds to S410 of FIG. In S410, the CPU 22 transmits authentication input screen request information for requesting the display unit 14 to display the authentication input screen 251 to the mediation server 60.

  In S415, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates authentication input screen data for displaying the authentication input screen 251. The authentication input screen 251 is a screen used for the user A to log in to the registration server 200. Specifically, the authentication input screen 251 accepts input of user A's account information. In S430, the CPU 72 transmits authentication input screen data to the multi-function device 10.

  When receiving the authentication input screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 causes the display unit 14 to display the authentication input screen 251 in S435. FIG. 14 shows an example of the authentication input screen 251. The authentication input screen 251 includes a message image M41, input box images B61 and B62, and a button image B63. The message image M41 is an image for informing the user A that the user inquiry process for authenticating whether or not the account information of the user A is registered in the registration server 200 is executed. The input box image B61 is an image that accepts input of a registered mail address that is a mail address registered by the user A in the registration server 200. The input box image B62 is an image that accepts an input of a password registered by the user A in the registration server 200. The button image B53 is an image for accepting an account information input completion operation.

  User A operates the operation unit 12 to input account information (that is, a registered mail address and password). In S440, the CPU 22 transmits the input account information to the mediation server 60.

  In S445, the CPU 72 transmits authentication request information to the registration server 200. The authentication request information is information for requesting the registration server 200 to execute the user inquiry process. The authentication request information includes account information. In S450, the CPU 272 of the registration server 200 executes a user inquiry process. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the account information included in the authentication request information is stored in the account information storage area 276. In S455, the CPU 72 receives the inquiry result information transmitted from the registration server 200.

  In S460, the CPU 72 determines whether the authentication is successful based on the inquiry result information. If a positive determination is made (S460: YES), the process proceeds to S465. In S465, the CPU 72 executes an authentication registration process. Specifically, the CPU 72 rewrites the content of the authentication flag to “authenticated”. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made (S460: NO), S465 is skipped and the process proceeds to S470. Thereby, when the authentication flag is “authenticated”, the authentication flag is not changed to “unauthenticated” even if the authentication fails.

  In S470, the CPU 72 generates authentication result display screen data and application selection screen data for displaying the authentication result display screen. The authentication result display screen is a screen for notifying the user of the authentication result. In S475, the CPU 72 transmits authentication result display screen data and application selection screen data to the multi-function device 10. When receiving the authentication result display screen data from the mediation server 60, the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 causes the display unit 14 to display the authentication result display screen in S480. On the authentication result display screen, for example, a character string such as “Authentication is complete. Premium template images can be used.” May be displayed. On the authentication result display screen, a button image for accepting that the user has confirmed the message content may be displayed. When the button image is selected, the CPU 22 may display the application selection screen 211 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 14. Then, the process returns to S40.

(Multifunction device initialization process)
The operation of the multi-function device initialization process for returning the various settings of the multi-function device 10 to the initial state will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. When the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 receives a command to display a setting screen, the CPU 22 displays a setting screen (not shown) on the display unit 14. The setting screen is a screen for accepting input and change of various settings of the multi-function device 10.

  The user A operates the operation unit 12 to select a button image corresponding to a setting content to be input or changed from among a plurality of button images. In S500, the CPU 22 determines whether an initialization button image for initializing the settings of the multi-function device 10 has been selected. If a negative determination is made (S500: NO), the process proceeds to S501, and the CPU 22 executes another setting process. On the other hand, when a positive determination is made (S500: YES), the process proceeds to S502.

  In S502, the CPU 22 returns various settings of the multi-function device 10 to the initial state. In S <b> 504, the CPU 22 sets the initialization flag stored in the device information storage area 26 to “ON”. The “ON” initialization flag is information indicating that the initialization of the multi-function device 10 has not been reflected in the stored contents of the authentication database 76 of the registration server 200.

  In S <b> 506, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 transmits serial number acquisition request information and initialization flag acquisition request information to the multi-function device 10. The initialization flag acquisition request information is information for requesting the multi-function device 10 to acquire the initialization flag of the multi-function device 10. In S <b> 508, the CPU 72 acquires the multi-function device serial number and initialization flag of the multi-function device 10 from the multi-function device 10. In S510, the CPU 72 determines whether or not the acquired initialization flag is “ON”. If a negative determination is made (S510: NO), the flow ends. If an affirmative determination is made (S510: YES), the process proceeds to S515.

  In S515, the CPU 72 executes an account information deletion process. Specifically, the CPU 72 deletes the account information corresponding to the multi-function device serial number acquired in S508 from the authentication database 76. In S520, the CPU 72 transmits initialization flag reset instruction information to the multi-function device 10. The initialization flag reset instruction information is information for instructing the multi-function device 10 to reset the initialization flag. In S525, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 resets the initialization flag stored in the device information storage area 26 to “off”. The initialization flag “OFF” is information indicating that the initialization of the multi-function device 10 has been reflected in the stored contents of the authentication database 76 of the registration server 200. In S530, the CPU 22 transmits reset completion information notifying that the reset of the initialization flag has been completed to the mediation server 60. Then, the flow ends.

  Thus, unnecessary account information can be deleted from the registration server 200 in response to the initialization of the multi-function device 10. The handling of personal information can be tightened.

(effect)
According to the communication system 2 described in this specification, when the user of the multi-function device 10 does not store the account information of the multi-function device user in the registration server 200 (S100: NG), the normal template image The selected template image data selected from the data can be acquired from the content server 100. On the other hand, when the user of the multi-function device 10 stores the account information of the multi-function device user in the registration server 200 (S100: OK), the selected template selected from the normal template image data and the premium template image data Image data can be acquired from the content server 100. As a result, since the options of the selected template image are expanded by storing the multi-function device user account information in the registration server 200, the motivation for storing the multi-function device user account information in the registration server 200 is multifunctional. The user of the machine 10 can have it.

  The mediation server 60 can acquire an e-mail address from the multi-function device 10 as information for identifying the user of the multi-function device 10 (S168). Then, the registration server 200 can be requested to execute a mail transmission process for transmitting the user registration promotion mail to the acquired mail address (S172). As a result, the transfer of the mail address from the multi-function device 10 to the registration server 200 can be relayed by the mediation server 60. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user of the multi-function device 10 to register the account information with the registration server 200 using an electronic mail.

  The mediation server 60 can transmit authentication request information for requesting execution of the user inquiry process to the registration server 200 (S445). Then, the mediation server 60 receives the inquiry result information from the registration server 200 (S455), and can determine whether the authentication is successful (S460). As a result, it is possible to reliably confirm the storage state of the account information by inquiring of the registration server 200 whether or not the account information of the multi-function device user is stored.

  The mediation server 60 can acquire the multi-function device serial number of the multi-function device 10 from the multi-function device 10 (S5). When it is confirmed that the account information of the user of the multi-function device 10 is registered in the registration server 200 (S460: OK), the contents of the authentication flag corresponding to the acquired multi-function device serial number are It can be rewritten to “authenticated” (S465). Thereby, the confirmation result as to whether or not the account information of the user of the multi-function device 10 is stored in the registration server 200 can be stored in the mediation server 60. Therefore, since it is not necessary to store the account information in the mediation server 60, the security of personal information in the mediation server 60 can be improved. In addition, since the confirmation result is stored in the authentication database 76 of the mediation server 60, it is possible to perform authentication using the multi-function device serial number, so that it is troublesome to input the user account to the multi-function device 10. Can be omitted. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  When the account information of the user of the multi-function device 10 is not registered in the registration server 200 (S100: NG), the second template selection screen 222 can be displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function device 10 (S140). ). The second template selection screen 222 is a screen that can select only a normal template image. On the other hand, when the account information of the user of the multi-function device 10 is registered in the registration server 200 (S100: OK), the first template selection screen 221 can be displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function device 10. (S120). The first template selection screen 221 is a screen capable of selecting both a normal template image and a premium template image. Thereby, the premium template image is added as an option by storing the account information of the user of the multi-function device 10 in the registration server 200. Therefore, the user can be motivated to store the account information in the registration server 200.

  When the button image B33a, which is a specific button image, is selected on the second template selection screen 222 (see FIG. 11) (S152: YES), whether or not to input the mail address of the user of the multi-function device 10 is determined. The registration confirmation screen 231 for accepting the selection can be displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function device 10 (S155). Then, when the user instructs to input an email address (S157: YES), a registration form screen 241 (see FIG. 13) for accepting the input of the email address is displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function device 10. (S164). Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to input a mail address.

  According to the communication system 2 described in the present specification, it is possible to cause the multi-function device 10 to acquire selected template image data using a URL (S261). Since the URL is a commonly used protocol, it is possible to eliminate the need for a dedicated protocol for communication of the selected template image data.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. For example, the following modifications are included.

(Modification)
The user inquiry process executed in S410 to S480 in FIG. 6 can be automated. In this case, the account information stored in the registration server 200 may include the multi-function device serial number. S410 to S435 may be omitted. In S440, the multi-function device serial number of the multi-function device 10 may be transmitted to the mediation server 60. In S450, the registration server 200 may determine whether or not the multi-function device serial number included in the authentication request information is stored in the account information storage area 276.

  The display of the registration confirmation screen 231 may be omitted. In this case, when a positive determination is made in S152 of FIG. 4 (S152: YES), the process may proceed to S158.

  As described above, generally speaking, the relay device may include at least the “first confirmation unit”, the “first acquisition unit”, and the “selection information acquisition information output unit”. As a specific example, the relay apparatus may execute at least SS445, S150, S257, and S261.

  The information for identifying the user of the multi-function device 10 is not limited to the account information (eg, e-mail address) registered in the registration server 200. After the authentication registration process is performed in S465, the user of the multi-function device 10 can be identified using the multi-function device serial number in S9. Therefore, in this case, the multi-function device serial number can also be used as information for identifying the user of the multi-function device 10.

  In S132, the mode of displaying the button image for selecting the premium template image in an unselectable manner may be various modes. For example, the button image for selecting a premium template image may be grayed out. Further, there is an aspect in which a button image for selecting a premium template image is not displayed in the second template selection screen 222.

  The mode in which the mediation server 60 acquires the template list information from the content server 100 may be various. For example, in S48, when the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 receives the application identification information, the template list information acquisition request information may be transmitted to the content server 100. The template list information acquisition request information is information for requesting the content server 100 for template list information that can display both the first template selection screen 221 and the second template selection screen 222. When receiving the template list information transmitted from the content server 100, the CPU 72 determines the result of the authentication process in S100. If the result of the authentication process is authentication OK (S100: OK), the process proceeds to S112, and first template selection screen data is generated based on the template list information. On the other hand, if the authentication has failed (S100: NG), the process proceeds to S132, and second template selection screen data is generated based on the template list information.

  There may be a plurality of multi-function devices connected to the communication system 2. The application displayed on the application selection screen 211 (see FIG. 8) is an example. The number of displayed applications is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. The number of template images displayed in a list on the first template selection screen 221 (see FIG. 10) is not limited to three, and may be two or less or four or more.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the content server 100 is connected to the Internet 6 has been described, but two or more content servers may be connected to the Internet 6.

  In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the CPUs 22, 72, and 272 of the multi-function device 10, the mediation server 60, and the registration server 200 execute processing according to software. At least a part of the functions realized according to the software may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  The multi-function device 10 is an example of an image processing apparatus. The registration server 200 is an example of a first server device. The content server 100 is an example of a second server device. The Internet 6 is an example of a network. The mediation server 60 is an example of a relay device. The account information is an example of first identification information. The normal template image data is an example of the first type information. Premium template image data is an example of the second type of information. The application execution button image identification information is an example of access information. The multi-function device serial number or the input mail address is an example of second identification information. The multi-function device user account information is an example of specific first identification information. The CPU that executes S9 or S445 is an example of a first confirmation unit. The template selection instruction information is an example of selection information instruction information. The CPU that executes S150 is an example of a first acquisition unit. The download source URL is an example of selection information acquisition information. The CPU that executes S257 or S261 is an example of selection information acquisition information output means. The authentication request information is an example of confirmation request information. The inquiry result information is an example of confirmation result information. The multi-function device serial number is an example of device identification information. The authentication flag is an example of a confirmation result. The authentication database 76 is an example of a storage unit. The CPU that executes S465 is an example of a storage control unit. The first template selection screen is an example of a first image. The first template selection screen data is an example of first image information. The second template selection screen is an example of a second image. The second template selection screen data is an example of second image information. The registration confirmation screen 231 is an example of a third image. The button image B33a is an example of a specific image. The template selection instruction information is an example of information indicating that a specific image has been selected. The registration confirmation screen data is an example of third image information. The CPU that executes S154 is an example of a second output unit. The registration form screen is an example of a fourth image. The registration form screen data is an example of fourth image information. The CPU that executes S160 is an example of a third output unit.

  10: Multi-function device, 22 and 72 and 272: CPU, 60: Mediation server, 62: Network interface, 100: Content server, 121: Normal template image data, 122: Premium template image data, 200: Registration server, 400: Information processing device

Claims (10)

A relay device that can be connected to an image processing device, a first server device, and a second server device via a network,
The first server device is a device capable of storing first identification information for identifying each of a plurality of users,
The second server device is a device storing first type information and second type information,
The relay device is
A network interface capable of communicating with the network;
Access information for the image processing device to request access to at least one of the first type information and the second type information stored in the second server device, and a user of the image processing device The first identification information corresponding to the specific user identified by the second identification information in response to acquiring the second identification information for identifying the specific user from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. First confirmation means for confirming whether or not the specific first identification information is in a first state stored in the first server device;
In the case of the first state, selection information indicating information indicating selection information selected from the first type information and the second type information is sent to the image processing apparatus via the network interface. If the information is not in the first state, selection information indicating information indicating the selection information selected from the first type of information is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. First acquisition means for
Selection information for causing the image processing apparatus to transmit selection information acquisition information for causing the image processing apparatus to acquire the selection information identified by the selection information instruction information from the second server apparatus and transmitting the selection information to the network interface. Acquisition information output means;
A relay device comprising: The first confirmation means acquires a specific mail address that is an mail address for identifying the specific user as the second identification information,
Instruction information for causing the first server device to execute a process of sending an e-mail addressed to the specific user to the specific mail address to execute the process of storing the specific first identification information in the first server apparatus The relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relay apparatus further includes a first output unit configured to transmit the data to the first server apparatus and transmit the same to the network interface.   The first confirmation unit sends confirmation request information for confirming to the first server device whether or not the first state is in the first server device, and transmits the confirmation request information to the network interface. Obtaining confirmation result information as a response to the confirmation request information from the image processing apparatus via the network interface, and confirming whether the state is the first state based on the confirmation result information. The relay apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first confirmation means acquires device identification information for identifying the image processing device as the second identification information,
The relay device further includes storage control means for storing a confirmation result in the storage unit of the relay device in association with the device identification information when the relay device is confirmed to be in the first state,
The first confirmation unit determines whether or not the first state is based on whether or not a confirmation result corresponding to the device identification information is stored in the storage unit. The relay apparatus of any one of -3. The first acquisition means includes
In the first state, a first image for accepting selection of the selection information, wherein the first image indicating each of the first type information and the second type information is the first image. First image information to be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device is sent to the network interface to the image processing device,
If not in the first state, a second image for accepting selection of the selection information, and a second image for displaying the second image indicating the first type of information on the display unit. The relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image information is sent to the network interface by being applied to the image processing apparatus. The second image receives an execution instruction for processing to display a third image on the display unit for receiving selection of whether or not to input a specific mail address that is an mail address for identifying the specific user. Specific images of
The relay device is
When the information indicating that the specific image is selected is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface, the third image information for displaying the third image on the display unit is the image. Second output means for sending to the network interface to the processing device;
When information indicating that the input of the specific mail address is executed is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface, a fourth image for receiving the input of the specific mail address is displayed on the display unit. Fourth image information for causing the image processing apparatus to send the fourth image information to the network interface;
The relay device according to claim 5, further comprising: Said first check means, the fourth image information for displaying the fourth image for receiving input of the specific mail address on the display unit of the image processing apparatus, the network interface addressed to the image processing apparatus The relay apparatus according to claim 2, wherein transmission is performed.   The relay apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the selection information acquisition information is described by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) description method. A program readable by a relay device that can be connected to an image processing device, a first server device, and a second server device via a network,
The first server device is a device capable of storing first identification information for identifying each of a plurality of users,
The second server device is a device storing first type information and second type information,
The relay device includes a network interface capable of communicating with the network,
A processor provided in the relay device,
Access information for the image processing device to request access to at least one of the first type information and the second type information stored in the second server device, and a user of the image processing device The first identification information corresponding to the specific user identified by the second identification information in response to acquiring the second identification information for identifying the specific user from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. First confirmation means for confirming whether or not the specific first identification information is in a first state stored in the first server device;
In the case of the first state, selection information indicating information indicating selection information selected from the first type information and the second type information is sent to the image processing apparatus via the network interface. If the information is not in the first state, selection information indicating information indicating the selection information selected from the first type of information is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. First acquisition means for
Selection information for causing the image processing apparatus to transmit selection information acquisition information for causing the image processing apparatus to acquire the selection information identified by the selection information instruction information from the second server apparatus and transmitting the selection information to the network interface. Acquisition information output means;
A program characterized by being able to function. A control method for a relay device that can be connected to an image processing device, a first server device, and a second server device via a network,
The first server device is a device capable of storing first identification information for identifying each of a plurality of users,
The second server device is a device storing first type information and second type information,
The relay device is
A network interface capable of communicating with the network;
Access information for the image processing device to request access to at least one of the first type information and the second type information stored in the second server device, and a user of the image processing device The first identification information corresponding to the specific user identified by the second identification information in response to acquiring the second identification information for identifying the specific user from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. A first confirmation step for confirming whether or not the specific first identification information is in a first state stored in the first server device;
In the case of the first state, selection information indicating information indicating selection information selected from the first type information and the second type information is sent to the image processing apparatus via the network interface. If the information is not in the first state, selection information indicating information indicating the selection information selected from the first type of information is acquired from the image processing apparatus via the network interface. A first acquisition step,
Selection information for causing the image processing apparatus to transmit selection information acquisition information for causing the image processing apparatus to acquire the selection information identified by the selection information instruction information from the second server apparatus and transmitting the selection information to the network interface. Acquisition information output step;
A control method comprising:

Images