JP2001282679A - Service use support system, retrieval terminal, processing terminal, output terminal, storage medium having retrieval program stored thereon, and storage medium stored having output program stored thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a service use support system which is advantageous in terms of trouble and time, and which can use network resources. SOLUTION: When receiving retrieval request mail a retrieval server 200 obtains retrieval information from the received retrieval request mail and retrieves the electronic mail address of a storage device 62, based on the obtained retrieval information. When the electronic mail address of a print server PS corresponding to the retrieval information is found, retrieval result mail which includes the found electronic mail address is sent to the transmission source of the retrieval request mail. When receiving the print-request mail, print servers PS1 to PS2 obtain print format information and print data from the received print request mail and print the print data, based to the obtained print format information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an output terminal for receiving an output request mail and outputting the output data, and receiving a search request mail and searching for an e-mail address of the output terminal based on the search information. The present invention relates to a system, a terminal, and a storage medium for communicatively connecting a search terminal to be performed on a network and supporting a client user on the network to use an output service provided by the output terminal. The present invention advantageously relates to a service use support system capable of using network resources, a search terminal, a processing terminal, an output terminal, a storage medium storing a search program, and a storage medium storing an output program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to use a print service provided by a network print server in a client connected to a network, a specific driver for controlling the printer is installed in advance, and a client application is installed. Uses such a service by communicating with the printer and printing data by a built-in driver.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional network environment, a driver specific to a printer is incorporated in a client.
A driver must be installed for each client that wants to use the printer. Also, each time a new printer is connected to the network, a driver must be installed in each client. Therefore, it takes time and effort to assemble the driver, and it is hard to say that the driver is easy to use. In particular, in a network environment in which a large number of clients are connected, such as an in-house network, the time and effort required for the entire network is enormous.

In the conventional network environment, only a printer connected to a small network to which a client belongs (for example, a LAN) can be used. Cannot use the printer connected to.

[0005] Further, even if it becomes possible to use a printer connected to a wide area network, the client may change the position of the printer on the network or a new printer may be used on the network. It is considered that it is necessary to acquire and set an address for specifying the position of the printer on the network every time the connection is made. In particular, in a wide area network, it is difficult to obtain a printer address because each administrator of the printer is different from a small network, and moreover, a large number of addresses can be obtained. In such a case, the setting work and management become complicated.

[0006] These are not limited to the print services provided by the printer server, but also include a file sharing service provided by the file server, a search service provided by the database server, and various services using network resources. A similar problem is assumed.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such unresolved problems of the conventional technology, and is a service that can advantageously use network resources in terms of labor and time. It is an object to provide a use support system, a search terminal, a processing terminal, an output terminal, a storage medium storing a search program, and a storage medium storing an output program.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a service use support system comprising: a processing terminal for receiving a processing request mail and providing a predetermined service; A search terminal that receives a search request mail containing information and searches for the e-mail address of the processing terminal based on the search information, and a system that supports use of a service provided by the processing terminal,
A storage unit for registering an e-mail address of the processing terminal; a mail transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data in an e-mail format; and an information acquisition unit for acquiring information from the e-mail received by the e-mail transmission / reception unit. Means, and a search means for searching for an e-mail address of the storage means. When the mail transmission / reception means receives the search request mail, the search is performed based on the search information acquired by the information acquisition means. When the search by means is performed and the e-mail address of the processing terminal corresponding to the search information is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is sent to the transmission source of the search request mail by the mail transmitting / receiving means. The processing terminal transmits the data in an e-mail format; Service providing means for providing a service, and when the processing request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the service providing means provides a service to the transmission source of the processing request mail. ing.

With this configuration, for example, when the client intends to use a service provided by the processing terminal, the client first transmits a search request mail including search information to the search terminal in an e-mail format. I do.

In the search terminal, when the search request mail is received by the mail transmitting / receiving means, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail by the information obtaining means, and the search means stores the search information based on the obtained search information. Is searched. As a result, when the e-mail address of the processing terminal corresponding to the search information is found, the search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the client in an e-mail format by the mail transmitting / receiving means.

Next, when the client receives the search result mail in the e-mail format, the client refers to the e-mail address included in the received search result mail and transmits the processing request mail to the processing terminal in the e-mail format.

In the processing terminal, when the processing request mail is received by the mail receiving means, a predetermined service is provided to the client by the service providing means.

[0013] Thus, the client can use the service provided by the processing terminal as long as the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal, without knowing the e-mail address of the processing terminal.

Here, the services provided by the processing terminal include, for example, a print service provided by a printer server, a file sharing service provided by a file server,
Examples include a search service provided by a database server and various services using other network resources. Therefore, the processing terminals include printer servers, file servers, database servers, and other terminals that control network resources. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 5 and the processing terminal according to claim 7.

The storage means is for registering an e-mail address by any means and at any time. The storage means may have an e-mail address registered in advance, or may have an e-mail address registered in advance. Alternatively, an e-mail address may be registered by an external input or the like during the operation of the present system. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 5.

Further, the search terminal may be configured as one terminal, or may be configured as a set of functions of a plurality of terminals. For example, when a search terminal is configured as a set of functions of two terminals, the following configuration is provided.

That is, one terminal has a mail receiving means and an information obtaining means, and when the search request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the search information obtained by the information obtaining means is transmitted to the other terminal. It has become. The other terminal has a mail transmission unit, a storage unit, and a search unit. When the search information is received from one terminal, a search is performed by the search unit based on the received search information. When the e-mail address of the processing terminal to be retrieved is retrieved, the retrieval result mail including the retrieved e-mail address is transmitted to the transmission source of the retrieval request mail by the mail transmission means.

The same is true for the processing terminal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 5 and the processing terminal according to claim 7.

Further, the service utilization support system according to the second aspect of the present invention includes an output terminal for receiving an output request mail including output data and outputting the output data,
A search request mail including search information is received, and a search terminal for searching for an e-mail address of the output terminal based on the search information is communicably connected to support use of an output service provided by the output terminal. A search unit, wherein the search terminal includes a storage unit for registering an e-mail address of the output terminal, a mail transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data in an e-mail format, and an e-mail received by the e-mail transmission / reception unit. An information acquisition unit for acquiring information; and a retrieval unit for retrieving an e-mail address of the storage unit. When the retrieval request mail is received by the mail transmission / reception unit, the retrieval information acquired by the information acquisition unit When the search by the search means is performed based on the search result, and the search finds the e-mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information, the search is performed. The mail transmitting / receiving means transmits a search result mail including an e-mail address to the transmission source of the search request mail, the output terminal includes: a mail receiving means for receiving data in an e-mail format; An information acquisition unit for acquiring information from the e-mail received by the reception unit, and an output unit for outputting data, and when the output request mail is received by the mail reception unit, the information is acquired by the information acquisition unit. Output data is output to the output means.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client intends to use the output service provided by the output terminal, the client first sends a search request mail including search information to the search terminal in an e-mail format. Send.

In the search terminal, when the search request mail is received by the mail sending / receiving means, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail by the information obtaining means, and the search means stores the search information based on the obtained search information. Is searched. As a result, when the e-mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information is found, the search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the client in an e-mail format by the mail transmitting / receiving means.

Next, when the client receives the search result mail in the e-mail format, the client refers to the e-mail address included in the received search result mail and sends an output request mail including the output data in the e-mail format to the output terminal. Send.

In the output terminal, when the output request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the output data is obtained from the received output request mail by the information obtaining means, and the obtained output data is output by the output means.

Thus, the client can use the output service provided by the output terminal as long as the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal, without knowing the e-mail address of the output terminal.

Here, the output terminal may have any configuration as long as it can output data. Examples of the output terminal include display means for displaying data, and output of data as voice or the like. It includes a sound output unit or a unit having a printing unit for printing data. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 6 and the output terminal according to claim 8.

The storage means is for registering an e-mail address by any means and at any time, and may be one in which an e-mail address is registered in advance, or in which an e-mail address is registered in advance. Alternatively, an e-mail address may be registered by an external input or the like during the operation of the present system. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 6.

Further, the search terminal may be configured as one terminal, or may be configured as a set of functions of a plurality of terminals. For example, when a search terminal is configured as a set of functions of two terminals, the following configuration is provided.

That is, one terminal has a mail receiving means and an information obtaining means, and when the search request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the search information obtained by the information obtaining means is transmitted to the other terminal. It has become. The other terminal has a mail transmission unit, a storage unit, and a search unit. When the search information is received from one terminal, a search is performed by the search unit based on the received search information. When the e-mail address of the output terminal to be retrieved is retrieved, the retrieval result mail including the retrieved e-mail address is transmitted to the transmission source of the retrieval request mail by the mail transmission means.

The same is true for the output terminal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the search terminal according to claim 6 and the output terminal according to claim 8.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the service utilization support system according to the second aspect, wherein the output terminal has a mail transmission means for transmitting data in an electronic mail format. An e-mail address of the output terminal and a registration request e-mail including terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the output terminal are transmitted to the retrieval terminal by the e-mail transmitting means, and the e-mail address is Has registration means for registering the storage means in association with the terminal feature information,
When the registration request mail is received by the mail transmission / reception unit, registration by the registration unit is performed based on the e-mail address and the terminal characteristic information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

With this configuration, when a new output terminal is to be registered in the search terminal, the output terminal uses:
The mail transmission means transmits a registration request mail including an electronic mail address of the output terminal and terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the output terminal to the search terminal in an electronic mail format.

In the retrieval terminal, when the registration request mail is received by the mail transmission / reception means, the information acquisition means acquires the e-mail address and the terminal characteristic information from the received registration request mail, and the registration means acquires the acquired e-mail address. Is registered in the storage means in association with the terminal characteristic information.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the service utilization support system according to the second aspect, wherein the output terminal has a mail transmission means for transmitting data in an electronic mail format. When the guide request mail is received by the mail receiving unit, a guide mail including use guide information indicating use guide of the output terminal is transmitted to the transmission source of the guide request mail by the mail transmission unit. I have.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client wants to obtain the use guidance of the output terminal, the client first transmits a guidance request mail to the output terminal in an e-mail format.

In the output terminal, when the guide request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the mail sending means transmits a guide mail including use guide information indicating use guide of the output terminal to the client in an electronic mail format.

Thus, the client can use the output service provided by the output terminal without knowing in advance how to use the output terminal.

[0037] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a search terminal according to a fifth aspect of the present invention registers an e-mail address of a processing terminal which receives a processing request mail and provides a predetermined service, and performs a search. A terminal for receiving a search request mail containing information and searching for an e-mail address of the processing terminal based on the search information, comprising storage means for registering an e-mail address of the processing terminal; When the search request mail is received in an e-mail format, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail, and the electronic mail address of the storage unit is searched based on the obtained search information. When the e-mail address of the processing terminal to be searched is searched, the search result mail including the searched e-mail address is sent to the sender of the search request mail. It is adapted to transmit in the formula.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client intends to use the service provided by the processing terminal, the client transmits a search request mail including search information to the search terminal in an electronic mail format.

When the search terminal receives the search request mail in the electronic mail format, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail, and the electronic mail address of the storage means is searched based on the obtained search information. As a result, when an e-mail address of the processing terminal corresponding to the search information is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the client in an e-mail format.

Thus, the client can use the service provided by the processing terminal as long as the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal, without knowing the e-mail address of the processing terminal.

Further, the search terminal according to claim 6 of the present invention receives an output request mail including output data, registers the e-mail address of the output terminal that outputs the output data, and searches for the search request including search information. A terminal for receiving an e-mail request and searching for an e-mail address of the output terminal based on the search information, comprising storage means for registering the e-mail address of the output terminal; When received in the e-mail format, obtain the search information from the received search request mail, search for the e-mail address of the storage unit based on the obtained search information, the output terminal corresponding to the search information When an e-mail address is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is sent to the sender of the search request mail in an e-mail format. It has become way.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client intends to use the output service provided by the output terminal, the client transmits a search request mail including the search information to the search terminal in an e-mail format. .

When the search terminal receives the search request mail in the e-mail format, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail, and the electronic mail address of the storage means is searched based on the obtained search information. As a result, when the e-mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the client in an e-mail format.

Thus, the client can use the output service provided by the output terminal as long as the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal without knowing the e-mail address of the output terminal.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a processing terminal according to claim 7 of the present invention is a terminal for providing a predetermined service, and when a processing request mail is received in an electronic mail format, When the predetermined service is provided to the sender of the processing request mail, and the guidance request mail is received in an electronic mail format, the guidance request including usage guidance information indicating usage guidance of the terminal is transmitted to the guidance request. The e-mail is sent to the sender of the e-mail.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client intends to use the service provided by the processing terminal, the client first transmits a guidance request mail to the processing terminal in an e-mail format.

When the processing terminal receives the guidance request mail in the e-mail format, the guidance mail including the usage guidance information indicating the usage guidance of the processing terminal is transmitted to the client in the e-mail format.

Next, when the client receives the guide mail in the electronic mail format, the client refers to the use guide information included in the received guide mail, and in accordance with the use guide information, sends a processing request mail to the processing terminal in the electronic mail format. Send.

When the processing terminal receives the processing request mail in the e-mail format, a predetermined service is provided to the client.

Accordingly, the client can use the service provided by the processing terminal without knowing in advance how to use the processing terminal.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, an output terminal according to claim 8 of the present invention is a terminal that receives an output request mail including output data and outputs the output data, Output means for outputting, when the output request mail is received in an e-mail format, obtain the output data from the received output request mail, output the obtained output data to the output means, and provide a guidance request mail Is received in the form of an e-mail, a guide mail including use guide information indicating the use guide of the terminal is transmitted to the transmission source of the guide request mail in the form of an e-mail.

With such a configuration, for example, when the client intends to use the output service provided by the output terminal, the client first transmits a guidance request mail to the output terminal in an e-mail format.

When the output terminal receives the guide request mail in the e-mail format, the guide mail including the use guide information indicating the use guide of the output terminal is transmitted to the client in the e-mail format.

Next, when the client receives the guide mail in the e-mail format, the client refers to the use guide information included in the received guide mail, and outputs an output request mail including output data in the e-mail format according to the use guide information. To send to the output terminal.

When the output terminal receives the output request mail in the e-mail format, the output data is obtained from the received output request mail, and the obtained output data is output by the output means.

As a result, the client can use the service provided by the output terminal without knowing in advance how to use the output terminal.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a storage medium storing a search program according to claim 9 of the present invention is a storage medium storing a search program applied to a search terminal according to claim 6. Receiving the search request mail in an e-mail format, obtaining the search information from the received search request mail, searching the e-mail address of the storage unit based on the obtained search information, When the e-mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the information is found, the computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting a search result mail including the found e-mail address to the sender of the search request mail in an e-mail format. Is a storage medium storing an output program storing a program for the same.

With such a configuration, the program stored in the storage medium is read by the computer,
When the computer executes according to the read program, an operation equivalent to that of the retrieval terminal according to the sixth aspect is obtained.

On the other hand, to achieve the above object, a storage medium storing an output program according to claim 10 of the present invention is a storage medium storing an output program applied to an output terminal according to claim 8. Receiving the output request mail in an e-mail format, obtaining the output data from the received output request mail, outputting the obtained output data to the output means, and sending the guidance request mail in an e-mail format. When received, an output program storing a program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting a guide mail including use guide information indicating use guide of the terminal to the transmission source of the guide request mail in an electronic mail format. This is a storage medium that stores the information.

With such a configuration, the program stored in the storage medium is read by the computer,
When the computer executes in accordance with the read program, an operation equivalent to that of the output terminal according to claim 8 is obtained.

[0061]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 16 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a service use support system, a search terminal, a processing terminal, an output terminal, a storage medium storing a search program, and a storage medium storing an output program according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, a service use support system, a search terminal, a processing terminal, an output terminal, a storage medium storing a search program, and a storage medium storing an output program according to the present invention are shown in FIG. The present invention is applied to a case where the client 100 uses the print service provided by the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n by exchanging information by e-mail.

First, the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, a network 400 includes:
Three networks 402 to 406 are connected.
Each of the networks 402 to 406 is connected to the network 400 via a router or the like (not shown).

The mail server 1 is connected to the network 402.
50 and a client 100 having a function of transmitting and receiving electronic mail via a mail server 150 are connected. A plurality of print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n that receive a print request mail including print data and print the print data are connected to the network 404. The network 406 is connected to a search server 200 that receives a search request mail including search information and searches for an email address of the print server PS based on the search information.

The mail server 150 is connected to the client 10
When an e-mail transmission request is received from 0, an e-mail related to the e-mail transmission request is transmitted to a destination specified by a specified e-mail address. In addition, external (search server 200 or print server PS _1-
The e-mail addressed to the client 100 transmitted from the PS _n ) is received and stored. When a mail distribution request is received from the client 100, the stored e-mail addressed to the client 100 is distributed to the client 100. It has become.

Next, the configuration of the client 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows the client 1
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 00.

As shown in FIG. 2, the client 100 has a CPU 30 for controlling the operation and the entire system based on the control program, and a CPU 30
A ROM 32 storing a control program and the like for 30;
A RAM 34 for storing data read from the ROM 32 and the like and calculation results required in the calculation process of the CPU 30;
A CRTC 36 that converts data stored in a specific area of the RAM 34 into an image signal and outputs the image signal to the display device 44;
I / F 38 for mediating data input / output to / from external devices
These are mutually connected by a bus 39, which is a signal line for transferring data, so that data can be exchanged.

The I / F 38 includes, as external devices, an input device 40 such as a keyboard and a mouse capable of inputting data as a human interface, a storage device 42 for storing data and tables as files, and an image signal A display device 44 for displaying a screen based on the information and a signal line for connecting to a network 402 are connected.

The RAM 34 is a VRAM that stores display data to be displayed on the display device 44 as a specific area.
The VRAM 35 includes a CPU 30 and a CR.
Access is possible independently with the TC 36.

The CRTC 36 sequentially reads the display data stored in the VRAM 35 from the head address at a predetermined period, converts the read display data into an image signal, and outputs the image signal to the display device 44.

The CPU 30 comprises a microprocessing unit MPU and the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, and executes a search request process and a guide request process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. And print request processing.

First, the search request processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the search request process.

The search request process is a process of requesting the search server 200 to search the print server PS by transmitting a search request mail to the search server 200.
When executed in the CPU 30, as shown in FIG.
First, the process proceeds to step S100.

In step S100, a search request mail including the search information is transmitted to search server 200 in the form of an e-mail, and the process proceeds to step S102 to determine whether the search result mail has been received in the form of an e-mail. If it is determined that the search result mail has been received (Yes), the step S
Move to 104.

In step S104, it is determined whether or not a message indicating that the print server PS relating to the search request cannot be found is included in the search result mail, and it is determined that the message indicating that the search cannot be performed is included. (Yes)
Moves to step S106, displays a message indicating that the search request has failed on the display device 44, and ends the series of processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the message indicating that the print server PS relating to the search request cannot be found is not included in the search result mail (No),
A series of processing ends. When the search is completed after step S104, the e-mail address of the print server PS related to the search request is included in the search result mail. You can know your email address.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S102 that the search result mail is not received in the electronic mail format (No)
Moves to step S108, determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the search request mail was transmitted, and determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes).
Moves to step S110, displays a message indicating that the search request has failed on the display device 44, and ends the series of processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the search request mail (No), the process proceeds to step S102.

Next, the guidance request processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the guidance request processing.

The guidance request process is a process of requesting the print server PS to transmit a use guidance by transmitting a guidance request mail to the print server PS searched out by the search server 200. When done
As shown in FIG. 4, first, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, an empty message mail is transmitted to the print server PS in the form of an e-mail as a guidance request mail, and the flow advances to step S132 to determine whether the guidance mail has been received in the e-mail format. When it is determined that the guide mail has been received (Yes), a series of processing ends. When the process is completed after step S132, the user can refer to the guide mail because the guide mail contains the use guide information of the print server PS.
It is possible to know how to use the print server PS for the search request.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S132 that the guide mail is not received in the e-mail format (No),
The process shifts to step S134 to determine whether a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the transmission of the guidance request mail. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes),
The process moves to step S136, a message indicating that the guidance request has failed is displayed on the display device 44, and the series of processes ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S134 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the guidance request mail (No), the flow shifts to step S132.

Next, the print request processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the print request processing.

The print request process is a process of requesting the print server PS to perform printing by transmitting a print request mail to the print server PS searched out by the search server 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the process first proceeds to step S160.

In step S160, a print request mail including print format information and print data is transmitted to the print server PS in the form of an e-mail, and the flow advances to step S162 to determine whether a print completion mail has been received in the form of an e-mail. When it is determined that the print completion mail has been received
(Yes) moves to step S164.

In step S164, it is determined whether or not a message indicating that printing has abnormally ended is included in the print completion mail. If it is determined that a message indicating that printing has ended abnormally is included (Yes), Then, the process proceeds to step S166, where a message indicating that the print request has failed is displayed on the display device 4.
4 is displayed, and the series of processes is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S164 that a message indicating that printing has been abnormally terminated is not included in the print completion mail (No), a series of processing ends. When the printing is completed after step S164, the message that the printing has been normally completed is included in the print completion mail, and the user can know that the printing has been normally completed by referring to the message. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S162 that the print completion mail is not received in the e-mail format (No)
Proceeds to step S168, determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the transmission of the print request mail, and determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes).
Shifts to step S170, displays a message indicating that the print request has failed on the display device 44, and ends the series of processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S168 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the print request mail (No), the flow shifts to step S162.

Next, the configuration of the search server 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the search server 200
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

The search server 200, as shown in FIG.
A CPU 50 for controlling arithmetic and the entire system based on the control program;
ROM 52 storing a control program for the
A RAM 54 for storing data read from the M52 and the like and calculation results necessary in the calculation process of the CPU 50;
It comprises a CRTC 56 that converts data stored in a specific area of the M54 into an image signal and outputs it to the display device 64, and an I / F 58 that mediates data input / output to and from an external device. , Are mutually connected so as to be able to send and receive data via a bus 59 which is a signal line for transferring data.

The I / F 58 includes, as external devices, an input device 60 such as a keyboard and mouse capable of inputting data as a human interface, a storage device 62 for storing data and tables as files, and an image signal A display device 64 for displaying a screen based on the signal and a signal line for connecting to a network 406 are connected.

The CPU 50 comprises a microprocessing unit MPU or the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 52, and executes the registration processing and the search processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the program. It is supposed to.

First, the registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the registration process.

The registration process is a process of receiving the registration request mail and registering the e-mail address of the print server PS in the storage device 62 in response to the registration request. As shown in (1), first, the process proceeds to step S200. Note that this registration process, which corresponds to the registration request processing which are executed in the print server PS ₁ ~PS _n.

In step S200, it is determined whether or not the registration request mail has been received in the e-mail format. If it is determined that the registration request mail has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S200.
Move to 202, but if not (No)
Waits in step S200 until a registration request mail is received.

In step S202, an e-mail address and terminal characteristic information are obtained as registration information from the received registration request mail, and the flow advances to step S204 to associate the obtained e-mail address with the terminal characteristic information in the storage device 62. And the process moves to step S206.
Therefore, when receiving the registration request mail from all of the print server PS ₁ ~PS _n, in the storage device 62, each print server PS ₁ ~PS _n, e-mail address of the print server PS is the print server PS Will be registered in association with the terminal feature information.

In step S206, a registration completion mail including a message indicating that the registration has been completed is transmitted to the transmission source of the registration request mail in an electronic mail format, and a series of processing ends.

Next, the search processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the search processing.

The search process is a process of searching for an e-mail address of the storage device 62 in response to the search request by receiving the search request mail. When the search process is executed by the CPU 50, as shown in FIG. First, the process proceeds to step S250. This search processing corresponds to the search request processing executed in the client 100.

In step S250, it is determined whether or not the search request mail has been received in the e-mail format. If it is determined that the search request mail has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S250.
Move to 252, but when it is determined that it is not (No)
Waits in step S250 until a search request mail is received.

In step S252, the search information is obtained from the search request mail, and the flow shifts to step S254 to search the electronic mail address of the storage device 62 based on the obtained search information, and shifts to step S256. It is determined whether or not the e-mail address of the print server PS corresponding to the search information has been found, and it is determined that the e-mail address of the print server PS has been found (Yes).
Shifts to step S258.

In step S258, the search result mail including the searched out e-mail address of the print server PS is transmitted to the transmission source of the search request mail in the form of e-mail, and a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S256 that the e-mail address of the print server PS corresponding to the search information is not found (No), the process shifts to step S260, where the print server PS corresponding to the search request is A search result mail including a message indicating that the search cannot be performed is transmitted to the transmission source of the search request mail in an e-mail format, and a series of processing ends.

Next, the configuration of the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the print server PS _1. Since each of the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n has the same function, only the configuration of the print server PS ₁ will be described below, and the description of the other components will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the print server PS ₁
A CPU 70 for controlling calculations and the entire system based on a control program;
ROM 72 storing a control program for the
A RAM 74 for storing data read from the M72 or the like and a calculation result required in a calculation process of the CPU 70;
It comprises a CRTC 76 that converts data stored in a specific area of the M74 into an image signal and outputs it to the display device 84, and an I / F 78 that mediates data input / output to and from an external device. , Are mutually connected so as to be able to exchange data by a bus 79 which is a signal line for transferring data.

The I / F 78 includes, as external devices, an input device 80 such as a keyboard and a mouse capable of inputting data as a human interface, a storage device 82 for storing data and tables as files, and an image signal A display device 84 for displaying a screen based on the data, a printing device 86 for printing data on paper, and a network 40.
4 is connected to a signal line for connection.

The CPU 70 comprises a microprocessing unit MPU or the like, activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 72, and executes the registration request processing and the guidance transmission processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. And print processing.

First, the registration request process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the registration request processing.

The registration request process is a process of requesting the search server 200 to register the print server PS ₁ by transmitting a registration request mail to the search server 200. As shown in (1), the process first proceeds to step S300.

In step S300, a registration request mail including registration information is transmitted to search server 200 in the form of e-mail, and the flow advances to step S302. Here, the registration information includes an e-mail address of the print server PS _1, and the terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the print server PS ₁ is.

In step S302, it is determined whether or not the registration completion mail has been received in the e-mail format. If it is determined that the registration completion mail has been received (Yes), a series of processing ends. If the processing is completed after step S302,
A message to the effect that registration of the print server PS ₁ has been completed is contained in the registration confirmation email, the administrator of the print server PS _1, by reference thereto, can know that the registration is complete.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the registration completion mail is not received in the e-mail format (No)
Moves to step S304, determines whether a predetermined time (for example, three minutes) has elapsed since the transmission of the registration request mail, and determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes).
Moves to step S306, displays a message to the effect that the registration request has failed on the display device 84, and ends the series of processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the registration request mail (No), the flow shifts to step S302.

Next, the guidance transmission process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the guidance transmission process.

The guide transmission process is a process of receiving a guide request mail and transmitting a use guide to the transmission source of the guide request mail in response to the guide request.
When executed in, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the process proceeds to step S330. This guidance transmission processing corresponds to the guidance request processing executed in the client 100.

In step S330, it is determined whether or not the mail has been received in the e-mail format. When it is determined that the mail has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S332, but when it is determined that the mail has not been received. (No) stands by at step S330 until the mail is received.

[0120] In step S332, the received mail is determined whether the empty message, when it is determined that the empty message (Yes), the process proceeds to step S334, Works of the print server PS ₁ Is transmitted in an e-mail format to the transmission source of the mail, and a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S332 that the received mail is not an empty message (No), the flow shifts to step S330.

Next, the printing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the printing process.

The printing process is a process of printing print data in response to a print request by receiving a print request mail.
As shown in FIG. 2, first, the process proceeds to step S360. Note that this printing process corresponds to a print request process executed in the client 100.

In step S360, it is determined whether the print request mail has been received in the e-mail format. If it is determined that the print request mail has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S360.
Move to 362, but when it is determined that it is not (No)
Waits in step S360 until a print request mail is received.

In step S362, print format information and print data are obtained from the received print request mail, and the flow advances to step S364 to print the print data in the printing device 86 based on the obtained print format information.
The process moves to 366.

In step S366, it is determined whether or not the printing has been completed normally. If it is determined that the printing has been completed normally (Yes), the process proceeds to step S368 to indicate that the printing has been completed normally. The print completion mail including the message is transmitted to the sender of the print request mail in the form of an e-mail, and a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S366 that the printing does not end normally (No), the process proceeds to step S370.
Then, a print completion mail including a message indicating that the printing has been abnormally ended is transmitted to the transmission source of the print request mail in an electronic mail format, and a series of processing ends.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, a case where a new print server PS is registered in the search server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows the contents of the registration request mail.

When a new print server PS (for example, print server PS ₁ ) is to be registered in the search server 200, in the print server PS ₁ , the administrator creates a registration request mail including registration information. When the registration request mail is created, the created registration request mail is transmitted to the search server 200 via step S300.

The registration request mail is, as shown in FIG.
"Lookup" which is the e-mail address of the search server 200
@ aaa.com "in the destination description area 300, the character string" register "indicating that it is a registration request mail in the subject description area 302, and the registration information in the message description area 304. Create by As registration information, "MailAddress" indicating an email address,
It includes a terminal characteristic information 310 indicating a characteristic of the print server PS ₁ is. The terminal feature information 310 includes, for example, “Name” indicating a service name, “Device” indicating a type of a device providing the service, “Format” indicating a printable data format, and a printable paper size. "PaperS
ize "and" L "indicating the location of the equipment that provides the service
ocation ".

[0132] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the "MailAddress", is an e-mail address of the print server PS ₁ "printer @ x
Set xx.com "indicates that the" Name ", the service provided by the print server PS ₁ is a print service" Prin
terService ”and set“ Device ”to the print server PS
Set to “Printer” indicating that the device that provides the service ₁ is a printing device. Further, the "Format" is set to "jpeg" indicating the print server PS ₁ is a data format printable, set the "PaperSize", the print server PS ₁ is a sheet size printable "A4", "Location"
Is the installation location of the equipment to provide the services of the print server PS ₁ is set to "XXX Building".

Upon receiving the registration request mail, the search server 200 obtains the e-mail address “printer@xxx.com” and the terminal characteristic information as registration information from the received registration request mail via steps S202 and S204. Email address "printer@xxx.co"
m ”is associated with the terminal characteristic information and the storage device 62
Registered in. When the registration is completed, through step S206, registration completion mail including a message that the registration has been completed is transmitted to the print server PS _1.

When the print server PS ₁ receives the registration completion mail, the received registration completion mail includes a message indicating that the registration has been completed. Is completed.

Note that the print server PS₁Registration sent from
Request email reaches search server 200 for some reason
If it has not been reached, or if
Whether registration is not possible with search server 200 due to incomplete contents
Print server PS ₁Then, step S306
A message that the registration request failed
You. By referring to this, the administrator can request the registration
You can know that it failed.

Next, a case in which the client 100 searches for the print server PS using the search server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows the contents of the search request mail.

In the client 100, the search server 2
When trying to search the print server PS using 00, in the client 100, the user creates a search request mail including search information. When the search request mail is created, the created search request mail is transmitted to the search server 200 via step S100.

The search request mail is as shown in FIG.
"Lookup" which is the e-mail address of the search server 200
"@ aaa.com" should be described in the destination description area 300, the character string "search" indicating the search request mail should be described in the subject description area 302, and the search information should be described in the message description area 304. Create by The search information includes “Device” indicating the type of device that provides the service to be used. Of course, other items included in the terminal characteristic information 310 can be used as search information.

In the example of FIG. 14, “Device” is set to “Printer” indicating that the device providing the service to be used is a printing device.

When the search server 200 receives the search request mail, the search information “Printer” is obtained from the search request mail via steps S252 and S254, and the electronic mail in the storage device 62 is obtained based on the obtained search information. The address is searched. As a result, as the address of the print server PS corresponding to the search information "Printer", for example, e-mail address of the print server PS ₁ "printer@xxx.co
m ”are found, steps S256 and S256
E-mail address "printe"
search result mail containing "r@xxx.com"
Sent to 0.

When the client 100 receives the search result mail, the received search result mail includes the electronic mail address “printer @” of the print server PS relating to the search request.
Since "xxx.com" is included, the user can know the e-mail address of the print server PS pertaining to the search request by referring to this.

When the search request mail transmitted from the client 100 does not reach the search server 200 for some reason, even if it arrives, the content of the search request mail is incomplete and the search server 200 cannot search. In this case, or when the e-mail address of the print server PS corresponding to the search information is not found, the client 100 proceeds to step S106 or step S11.
After 0, a message indicating that the search request has failed is displayed. By referring to this, the user can know that the search request has failed.

Next, a case where the client 100 obtains the use guide of the print server PS ₁ searched by the search server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Is a diagram showing the contents of a guide mail.

The search server 2 in the client 100
If you want to try to get the retrieved Works of the print server PS ₁ in 00, in the client 100, the user,
Create a guide request email. When the guide request mail is created, through steps S130, a guide request mail created and transmitted to the print server PS _1. Guide request mail, although not shown, it is the search server 200 retrieved e-mail address of the print server PS ₁ was "printer@xxx.c
"om" is described in the destination description area and nothing is described in the message description area.

When the print server PS ₁ receives the mail of the empty message, the print server PS ₁ goes through step S
A guide mail including use guide information indicating the _first use guide is transmitted to the client 100.

As shown in FIG. 15, the guide mail has the use guide information 320 described in the message description area 304. As the usage guidance information 320, “Orientation” indicating the printing direction for the paper, “PaperSize” indicating the printable paper size, “Number” indicating the maximum number of printable copies, and “Layout” indicating the page layout Is included.

In the example of FIG. 15, “Orientation” indicates that the printing direction on the paper can be either “portrait” in the vertical direction or “landscape” in the horizontal direction, and “PaperSize” is A4 size “ Indicates that either "A4" or letter size "Letter" can be selected, and the maximum number of printable copies is "100" as "Number"
And “Layout”, 1 division “1-up”
This indicates that either one of the two divisions “2-up” and the three divisions “3-up” can be selected. That is, the print server PS
_{For 1} , the print format can be specified within this range. It is to be noted that the reply address, which is set e-mail address of the print server PS _1, the reply button 306
Just click the, and to be able to omit the input of the e-mail address of the print server PS _1.

[0148] In the client 100, upon receiving the invitation, the received guide completion mail, because it contains use guide information, the user, by referring to this, how to use the print server PS ₁ You can know.

[0149] It should be noted that, when the guide request email sent from the client 100 did not reach the print server PS ₁ for some reason, or reached the print server PS ₁ if there is a defect in the contents of the guide request mail even if the guide mail Is not transmitted, the client 100 displays a message to the effect that the guidance request has failed through step S136. By referring to this, the user can know that the guidance request has failed.

Next, a case where the client 100 uses the print service provided by the print server PS ₁ searched by the search server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows the contents of the print request mail.

In the client 100, the search server 2
If 00 print server PS ₁ retrieved in attempts to use the printing service provided, the client 100, the user creates a print request mail including the print format information and the print data. When the print request mail is created, through steps S160, print request mail created and transmitted to the print server PS _1.

As shown in FIG. 16, the print request mail is
It is an e-mail address of the print server PS ₁ "printer
"@ xxx.com" is described in the destination description area 300, the character string "print" indicating the print request mail is described in the subject description area 302, and the print format information 330 is described in the message description area 304. And print data 33
Item 30 with file 2 "print data.jpg" attached
8 to be created. As the print format information, "Orientation" indicating the print direction with respect to the paper,
“PaperSize” indicating the printable paper size, “Number” indicating the maximum number of printable copies, and “Layout” indicating pagination are included.

In the example of FIG. 16, “Orientation” is set to “portra” indicating that the printing direction on the paper is the vertical direction.
it ", set" PaperSize "to" A4 "indicating that the paper size is A4 size, and set" Number "to
Set to “2” to indicate that the number of copies is two,
out "to" 2-u "indicating that the page is divided into two
p ".

Upon receiving the print request mail, the print server PS ₁ obtains the print format information and the print data from the received print request mail via steps S362 and S364, and prints the print data based on the obtained print format information. Is printed by the printing device 86. When the printing is normally completed, a print completion mail including a message indicating that the printing has been normally completed is transmitted to the client 100 via steps S366 and S368.

When the client 100 receives the print completion mail, the received print completion mail includes a message indicating that the printing has been completed normally. You can know that it has completed successfully.

[0156] In the case where the print request mail sent from the client 100 did not reach the print server PS ₁ for some reason, it can be printed by the printing server PS ₁ if there is a defect in the contents of the print request mail be reached If no, or if the print by the print server PS ₁ was unsuccessful, the client 100, step S1
66 or through step S170, a message indicating that the print request has failed is displayed. By referring to this, the user can know that the print request has failed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the search server 200 receives the search request mail, the search server 200 obtains the search information from the received search request mail, and stores the search information in the storage device based on the obtained search information. When the e-mail address of the print server PS is searched for and the e-mail address of the print server PS corresponding to the search information is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the sender of the search request mail. In this way, each print server PS ₁ -PS ₂
When a print request mail is received, print format information and print data are obtained from the received print request mail, and the print data is printed based on the obtained print format information.

As a result, information is exchanged between the client 100 and the print server PS by electronic mail.
_{1 to} PS _n and a new print server PS
No need to embed drivers even when is connected to the network. Further, since information is exchanged between the client 100 and the print server PS by e-mail, the client 100 uses not only a small network but also a print server PS connected to a wide area network. Can be. In addition, the client 100, if the grasp even e-mail address of the search server 200, even if you do not know the e-mail address of the print server PS ₁ ~PS _n, the print server PS
_{1 to} PS _n can be used.

Therefore, the print services provided by the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than in the past.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n retrieves the registration request mail including the electronic mail address of the print server PS and the terminal characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the print server PS by the search server 200. When the search server 200 receives the registration request mail, the search server 200 acquires the e-mail address and the terminal characteristic information from the received registration request mail, and associates the acquired e-mail address with the terminal characteristic information. The information is registered in the storage device 62.

As a result, the print server PS is registered in the search server 200 only by transmitting the registration request mail, so that the registration of the new print server PS becomes easy and the new print server PS is connected to the network. However, since a setting operation is not separately required on the client 100 side, the convenience of the client 100 can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, when each of the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n receives the guide request mail, the print server PS _{1 to} PS _n transmits the guide mail including the use guide information indicating the use guide of the print server PS to the guide request mail. Was sent to the sender.

[0163] Thus, in the client 100, even if you do not advance understand how to use the print server PS ₁ ~PS _n, it is possible that the print server PS ₁ ~PS _n to use the printing service provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n sets the e-mail address of the print server PS as the return address in the guide mail.

Accordingly, the input of the e-mail address of the print server PS can be omitted when creating the print request mail, so that the convenience of the client 100 can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the search server 20
0 corresponds to the search terminal described in claim 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or 9, and the storage device 62 stores the search terminal in claim 1, 2, 3, 5,
Step S20 corresponds to the storage means described in 6 or 9.
0, S206, S250, S258 and S260
It corresponds to the mail transmitting / receiving means according to claim 1, 2 or 3. Steps S202 and S252 correspond to the information acquiring means of the search terminal described in claim 1, 2, or 3, step S254 corresponds to the search means described in claim 1 or 2, and step S204 corresponds to the claim. 3 corresponds to the registration means.

In the above embodiment, the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n are the processing terminals described in claims 1, 5 or 7, or the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n are described in claims 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 or 10.
Steps S302 and S330 corresponding to the described output terminals
Steps S360 and S360 correspond to the mail receiving means of the present invention. Steps S300 and S300
334, S368 and S370 are the same as in claims 3 or 4.
The printing device 84 corresponds to the service providing unit described in claim 1, or the output unit described in claim 2, 8 or 10, and step S362 corresponds to
It corresponds to the information acquisition means of the output terminal according to claim 2.

In the above-described embodiment, when executing the search request processing, the guidance request processing, and the print request processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5, the control program stored in the ROM 32 is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program indicating these procedures into the RAM 34 and executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the control program stored in the ROM 52 is executed in executing the registration processing and the search processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program indicating these procedures into the RAM 54 and executed.

In the above-described embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 72 in advance is executed when executing the registration request process, the guide transmission process, and the print process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be read into the RAM 74 from a storage medium storing a program indicating these procedures and executed.

Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as an FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as a CD, CDV, LD, DVD, or an MO. A magnetic storage type / optical readout type storage medium includes any storage medium that can be read by a computer regardless of an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other read method.

In the above embodiment, the service use support system, the search terminal, the processing terminal, the output terminal, the storage medium storing the search program, and the storage medium storing the output program according to the present invention are shown in FIG. As shown, the client 100 exchanges information by e-mail so that the print servers PS _{1 to} PS _n
Although the present invention has been applied to the case of using the print service provided by the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0173]

As described above, according to the service use support system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a client uses a processing terminal and a new processing terminal is connected to a network. Sometimes, there is no need to incorporate a driver. Furthermore, processing terminals connected to a wide area network can be used, not limited to a small network. Furthermore, if only the e-mail address of the search terminal is known, the service provided by the processing terminal can be used even if the e-mail address of the processing terminal is not known. Therefore, an effect is obtained that the service provided by the processing terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than in the past.

Further, according to the service utilization support system according to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, the client uses the output terminal, and even when a new output terminal is connected to the network, the driver can use the driver. There is no need to incorporate Furthermore, not only a small-scale network but also an output terminal connected to a wide-area network can be used. Further, as long as the e-mail address of the search terminal is known, the output service provided by the output terminal can be used even if the e-mail address of the output terminal is not known. Therefore, the effect that the output service provided by the output terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than before can be obtained.

Further, according to the service utilization support system of the third aspect of the present invention, the output terminal is registered in the search terminal only by transmitting the registration request mail, so that the registration of a new output terminal is easy. In addition, even if a new output terminal is connected to the network, no additional setting work is required on the client side, so that the effect of improving the convenience of the client can be obtained.

Further, according to the service utilization support system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the client can use the output service provided by the output terminal without knowing in advance how to use the output terminal. The effect that can be obtained is also obtained.

On the other hand, according to the search terminal of the fifth aspect of the present invention, if the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal, it does not need to know the e-mail address of the processing terminal. The service provided by the processing terminal can be used. Therefore, an effect is obtained that the service provided by the processing terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than in the past.

Furthermore, according to the search terminal of the present invention, as long as the client knows only the e-mail address of the search terminal, the client does not need to know the e-mail address of the output terminal. An output service provided by the output terminal can be used. Therefore, the effect that the output service provided by the output terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than before can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the processing terminal of the present invention, since the client uses the processing terminal, it is necessary to install a driver even when a new processing terminal is connected to the network. Absent. Furthermore, processing terminals connected to a wide area network can be used, not limited to a small network. Therefore, an effect is obtained that the service provided by the processing terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than in the past.

On the other hand, according to the output terminal of the present invention, since the client uses the output terminal, it is necessary to incorporate a driver even when a new output terminal is connected to the network. Absent. Furthermore, not only a small-scale network but also an output terminal connected to a wide-area network can be used. Therefore, the effect that the output service provided by the output terminal can be used more advantageously in terms of labor and time than before can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the storage medium storing the search program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the search terminal according to the sixth aspect can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the storage medium storing the output program of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the output terminal of the eighth aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client 100.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a search request process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing guidance request processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print request process.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a search server 200.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a registration process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a search process.

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the print server PS _1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a registration request process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a guidance transmission process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a registration request mail.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the contents of a search request mail.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of a guide mail.

FIG. 16 illustrates the contents of a print request mail.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 client 150 mail server 200 search server PS print server 400-406 network 30, 50, 70 CPU 32, 52, 72 ROM 34, 54, 74 RAM 40, 60, 80 input device 42, 62, 82 storage device 44, 64 , 84 display device 86 printing device

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Joji Onishi 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano F-term (reference) in Seiko Epson Corporation 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB10 CC05

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A processing terminal that receives a processing request mail and provides a predetermined service, and receives a search request mail including search information and searches for an e-mail address of the processing terminal based on the search information. A system for supporting use of a service provided by the processing terminal, comprising: a search terminal, a storage unit for registering an e-mail address of the processing terminal, and data in an e-mail format. An e-mail transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving, an information obtaining means for obtaining information from an e-mail received by the e-mail transmitting / receiving means, and a search means for searching for an e-mail address of the storage means; When the request mail is received, a search is performed by the search unit based on the search information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and the search information is included in the search information. When the e-mail address of the processing terminal to be retrieved is retrieved, the retrieval result e-mail including the retrieved e-mail address is transmitted to the transmission source of the retrieval request e-mail by the e-mail transmitting / receiving means. Has a mail receiving means for receiving data in an e-mail format, and a service providing means for providing the predetermined service. When the mail receiving means receives the processing request mail, the processing request mail A service use support system, wherein a service is provided to the transmission source by the service providing means. 2. An output terminal for receiving an output request mail including output data and outputting the output data, and receiving a search request mail including search information and receiving an e-mail of the output terminal based on the search information. A system for communicatively connecting a search terminal for searching for an address and supporting use of an output service provided by the output terminal, wherein the search terminal stores an e-mail address of the output terminal. Means, an e-mail transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data in an e-mail format, an information obtaining means for obtaining information from the e-mail received by the e-mail transmitting / receiving means, and a search means for searching for an e-mail address of the storage means. When the search request mail is received by the mail transmission / reception unit, the search unit receives the search request mail based on the search information acquired by the information acquisition unit. When an e-mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted to the source of the search request mail by the mail transmitting / receiving means. Wherein the output terminal includes: a mail receiving unit that receives data in an electronic mail format; an information obtaining unit that obtains information from the electronic mail received by the mail receiving unit; and an output unit that outputs data. A service use support system, wherein when the output request mail is received by the mail receiving means, the output data obtained by the information obtaining means is output to the output means. . 3. The output terminal according to claim 2, wherein the output terminal includes a mail transmission unit that transmits data in an e-mail format, and includes an e-mail address of the output terminal and terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the output terminal. The registration request mail is transmitted to the search terminal by the mail transmission means, the search terminal has a registration means for registering an e-mail address in the storage means in association with the terminal characteristic information, A service wherein when the registration request mail is received by the mail transmission / reception means, the registration is performed by the registration means based on the e-mail address and the terminal characteristic information acquired by the information acquisition means. Usage support system. 4. The output terminal according to claim 2, wherein the output terminal has a mail transmitting unit that transmits data in an electronic mail format, and when the mail receiving unit receives a guidance request mail, a use guide of the output terminal. A service use support system characterized in that a guide mail including use guide information indicating the above is transmitted by the mail transmitting means to the transmission source of the guide request mail. 5. An e-mail address of a processing terminal which receives a processing request mail and provides a predetermined service is registered,
A terminal for receiving a search request mail including search information and searching for an email address of the processing terminal based on the search information, comprising a storage unit for registering an email address of the processing terminal, When the search request mail is received in the form of an e-mail, the search information is obtained from the received search request mail, and the e-mail address of the storage unit is searched based on the obtained search information. When the e-mail address of the corresponding processing terminal is found, a search result mail including the found e-mail address is transmitted in an e-mail format to the sender of the search request mail. Search terminal to do. 6. An e-mail address of an output terminal that receives an output request mail including output data and outputs the output data is registered, receives a search request mail including search information, and based on the search information. A terminal for searching for an e-mail address of the output terminal, comprising: storage means for registering the e-mail address of the output terminal; when the search request mail is received in an e-mail format, the received search request The search information is obtained from the mail, the electronic mail address of the storage unit is searched based on the obtained search information, and when the electronic mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information is found, the search is performed. A search terminal, wherein a search result mail including an electronic mail address is transmitted in an electronic mail format to a sender of the search request mail. . 7. A terminal for providing a predetermined service, wherein, when a processing request mail is received in an electronic mail format, the terminal provides the predetermined service to a sender of the processing request mail and provides a guidance request. When the e-mail is received in the e-mail format, a guidance e-mail including usage guidance information indicating usage guidance of the terminal is transmitted to the transmission source of the guidance request e-mail in the e-mail format. Processing terminal. 8. A terminal for receiving an output request mail including output data and outputting the output data, comprising: output means for outputting data, wherein when the output request mail is received in an e-mail format, Acquiring the output data from the received output request mail, outputting the acquired output data to the output unit, and when receiving the guidance request mail in the e-mail format, the use guidance information indicating the use guidance of the terminal is used. An output terminal adapted to transmit a guide mail including the guide mail to a sender of the guide request mail in an electronic mail format. 9. A storage medium storing a search program applied to the search terminal according to claim 6, wherein when the search request mail is received in an electronic mail format, the search information is received from the received search request mail. When the obtained electronic mail address of the storage unit is searched based on the obtained search information and the electronic mail address of the output terminal corresponding to the search information is searched, the search including the searched electronic mail address is performed. A storage medium storing a search program which stores a program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting a result mail to a sender of the search request mail in an electronic mail format. 10. A storage medium storing an output program applied to the output terminal according to claim 8, wherein when the output request mail is received in an electronic mail format, the output data is converted from the received output request mail. Acquiring and outputting the acquired output data to the output means, and when the guidance request mail is received in an e-mail format, transmits a guidance mail including usage guidance information indicating usage guidance of the terminal to the guidance request mail. A storage medium storing an output program, which stores a program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting in an electronic mail format.