JP2018106428A - Information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program, and information processing system, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism that enables a user to easily learn the situation of points provided according to printing.SOLUTION: A point management server is an information processing system including an information processing apparatus that can communicate with printers, manages the printers in association with users, provides points to the users managed in association with the printers according to printing performed by the printers. The point management server determines whether the points provided to the users reach the upper limit, and when determining that the points reach the upper limit, controls to notify the users of the fact that the points reach the upper limit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that allows a user to easily know the status of points given in accordance with printing, a control method and program thereof, an information processing system, and a control method and program thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art A point management system that gives points for receiving predetermined services such as free gifts and product discounts according to printing processing of a printing apparatus is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a mechanism that can give points to a user of a printing apparatus in accordance with a printing process in the printing apparatus using a cartridge whose operation has been confirmed by a printing apparatus manufacturer. Has been.

JP 2004-302955 A

  According to the above-described mechanism, the user can obtain points by performing printing with the printing apparatus. However, for example, if printing of print data that hardly uses ink is repeated, there is a case where this user can obtain points illegally.

  Therefore, there is a case in which an upper limit of points that can be acquired by the user every predetermined period, for example, every month is provided in the point management system so that points are not given indefinitely even if the points are obtained illegally. . Up to this upper limit, the user can obtain points, but if the upper limit is exceeded, points cannot be obtained. In the next month, the upper limit will be reset and you will be able to earn points again.

In such a system, for example, if the point of the current month has already reached the upper limit, if the print data to be printed is urgently printed, the user will print next month. If you decide to do so, you can earn points next month.
In other words, it is important for the user to grasp at a timing corresponding to printing whether or not the point has reached the upper limit within a predetermined period.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily know the situation of points given in accordance with printing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus, comprising: a management unit that associates and manages the printing apparatus and a user; and the printing apparatus. In response to printing, a granting unit that gives points to the user managed in association with the printing apparatus, and determines whether or not the points given to the user by the granting unit have reached an upper limit And a determination control unit configured to control to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit when it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit. And

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the mechanism in which a user can know easily the condition of the point provided according to printing can be provided.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the WEB server 102 and the point management server 103 in 1st Embodiment. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a point management server 103. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing relating to creation of print log information 710 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the process which concerns on a point provision process. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the process which concerns on a 2nd bonus point provision process. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the various data table in embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the detailed process which concerns on a message notification process. It is a screen block diagram which shows an example of the example screen 901, the example screen 902, and the example screen 903. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the detailed process which concerns on the message notification process in 2nd Embodiment. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a message table 1100. It is a screen block diagram which shows an example of the screen example 1201, the screen example 1202, and the screen example 1203.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a point management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a point management system 100 includes printing apparatuses 101a to 101c, a Web server 102, and a point management server 103 as an information processing apparatus.

  When the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c registered in advance execute printing, the point management system 100 gives points according to the printing contents of the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c. Each printing apparatus 101a to 101c is registered in association with a user who uses each printing apparatus 101a to 101c. The user can receive a predetermined service such as gifting or product discounting according to the cumulative number of points granted. The printing apparatuses 101a to 101c execute respective jobs such as copying and scanning based on operation of an operation unit (not shown) or execution data received from an external apparatus (not shown). The Web server 102 acquires print log information 710, which is log information of printing executed by the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c, from the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c, and holds the acquired print log information 710. When the Web server 102 receives a transmission request for the print log information 710 from the point management server 103, the Web server 102 transmits the print log information 710 to the point management server 103. The point management server 103 assigns points according to the printing contents of the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c, accumulates the points for each user, and manages them by a user table 700 shown in FIG.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the Web server 102 and the point management server 103 will be described. In this embodiment, the Web server 102 and the point management server 103 have the same configuration, and the configuration will be described below using the point management server 103 as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the WEB server 102 and the point management server 103 in FIG.

  2, the point management server 103 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an input controller 205, a video controller 206, a memory controller 207, a communication I / F controller 208, an input device 209, a display 210, and an external memory 211. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, input controller 205, video controller 206, memory controller 207, and communication I / F controller 208 are connected to each other via a system bus 204. The input controller 205 is connected to the input device 209, the video controller 206 is connected to the display 210, and the memory controller 207 is connected to the external memory 211.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the CPU 201 loads a program necessary for executing the process from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203 and executes the loaded program to realize each operation. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory. The external memory 211 is a hard disk (HD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk (FD), a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected to the PCMCIA card slot via an adapter, or the like. The ROM 202 and the external memory 211 store a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is a control program of the CPU 201, an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), and various programs necessary for realizing the functions of the point management server 103. Remember. The RAM 203 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 201.

  The input controller 205 acquires input information input by operating the input device 209 or an input device such as a mouse (not shown) from the input device. The video controller 206 performs display control on a display 210 such as a liquid crystal display and a CRT. The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211. The communication I / F controller 208 performs communication control with the Web server 102 and the like, and performs communication using TCP / IP, for example.

  The description of the hardware configuration of the Web server 102 and the point management server 103 illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the functional configuration of the point management server 103 will be described using the conceptual diagram of FIG.

  The point management server 103 includes a management unit 301, a grant unit 302, a determination unit 303, a notification control unit 304, and a bonus grant unit 305 as functional units. The management unit 301 is a functional unit that manages the printing apparatus 101 and a user in association with each other. The assigning unit 302 is a functional unit that gives points to the user in accordance with printing by the printing apparatus. The determination unit 303 is a functional unit that determines whether or not the points given to the user have reached the upper limit. The notification control unit 304 is a functional unit that notifies the user. The bonus grant unit 305 is a functional unit that grants bonus points to the user.

  The functional configuration described above is an example, and can be changed according to the purpose and application.

  Next, a process in which each of the printing apparatuses 101a to 101c executes printing and transmits print log information 710 of the printing to the Web server 102 will be described. Hereinafter, as an example, a process in which the printing apparatus 101a executes printing and transmits print log information 710 of the printing to the Web server 102 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of log information communication processing executed by the printing apparatus 101a and Web server 102 of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a procedure of transmission processing executed by the printing apparatus 101, and FIG. 4 shows a procedure of reception processing executed by the Web server 102.

  In FIG. 4, first, the printing apparatus 101 receives execution data instructing execution of printing from a user terminal (not shown) (step S401). The execution data includes, for example, a paper type 713 and the number of sheets 714 used for printing, and a printer ID 711. The printer ID 711 is an arbitrary character string for specifying the printing apparatus 101 that is the transmission destination of execution data. The printing apparatus 101 starts printing based on the received execution data (step S402), and determines whether printing has ended normally (step S403).

  As a result of the determination in step S403, if the printing is not normally terminated, the printing apparatus 101 notifies the user terminal that has transmitted the execution data that the printing has failed (step S404), and the present process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S403, when printing is normally completed, the printing apparatus 101 generates print log information 710 for the executed printing based on the execution data.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the print log information 710 includes a printer ID 711 that is an ID of a printing apparatus on which execution data is printed, a type 713, a number 714, a reception date 715, a genuine CRG print number 716, and a non-genuine CRG print number. 717, a normal point 718, a first bonus point 719, a user CD 701, an acquisition point 720, and a current month point 702. Also, the printing apparatus 101 adds CRG information 712 indicating whether the ink cartridge used for printing by the printing apparatus 101 is a genuine product or a non-genuine product to the print log information 710. The genuine ink cartridge here is a cartridge whose operation has been confirmed by the printing apparatus manufacturer, and the non-genuine ink cartridge is a cartridge whose operation has not been confirmed by the printing apparatus manufacturer. As a method for determining whether or not it is genuine, it is possible to determine whether or not the information read from the IC chip contained in the ink cartridge used for printing is information indicating genuine when printing is performed. Can do. The type 713 indicates the type of printing paper that is printed with the execution data, and includes, for example, plain paper, photographic paper, postcard, and the like. The number of sheets 714 is the number of printed materials printed with the execution data. The reception date and time 715 is information on the date and time when execution data is received in step S401. The genuine CRG print number 716 stores the number 714 when the CRG information 712 is genuine. The non-genuine CRG print number 717 stores the number 714 when the CRG information 712 is non-genuine. The normal point 718 is point information given in accordance with the genuine CRG printed sheet number 716.

  Next, the printing apparatus 101 transmits the print log information 710 to which the CRG information 712 is added to the Web server 102 (Step S404). In step S405, for example, if the communication apparatus temporarily falls into a communication disabled state and communication with the Web server 102 cannot be performed, the printing apparatus 101 holds the print log information 710, and the print log information 710 is stored in the Web server 102 after the communication state is restored. Send to. Thereafter, the printing apparatus 101 ends this process. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatuses 101 b and 101 c also perform the same processing as in FIG. 4, and each printing apparatus 101 b and 101 c transmits print log information 710 of the executed printing to the Web server 102.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the Web server 102 waits until the print log information 710 is received. When the print log information 710 is received from any of the printing apparatuses 101 to 101 c (YES in step S <b> 406), the Web server 102 stores the print log information 710. The received date / time information is added (step S407), the print log information 710 with the date / time information added is held, and the process returns to step S406. In this way, the Web server 102 holds the print log information 710 of the registered printing apparatuses 101 to 101c.

  This is the end of the description of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a mechanism for giving points to a user associated with the printing apparatus based on the print log information 710 held in FIG.

  In step S501, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 notifies the transmission request of the print log information 710 to the Web server 102 at a predetermined interval, for example, every hour. As a result, the number of print log information 710 to be subjected to the point grant process is divided, and the load in the point grant process is reduced.

  In step S502, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether or not the print log information 710 is received from the Web server 102. If received, the process proceeds to step S503. If not, wait until it is received.

  In step S503, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether reception in step S502 is reception of the first print log information 710 of the current month. For example, it is determined based on the reception date and time. If it is determined that the first print log information 710 of the current month has been received, the process proceeds to step S504. If not, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S504, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 initializes a part of the user table 700 of FIG. 7 stored in the ROM 202 or the like when reception in step S502 is reception of the first print log information 710 of the current month. The user table 700 manages the grant points of users (hereinafter referred to as “registered users”) managed in association with the registered printing apparatuses 101a to 101c, and includes a user CD 701, current month points 702, possession points 703, and The contact information 704 is managed in association with each other. The user CD 701 is an arbitrary character string for identifying a registered user. The current month point 702 indicates the total number of points given during the current month for each registered user, and the possession point 703 indicates the time after registration of each registered user is completed. Indicates the total number of points granted. The contact address 704 is, for example, a user's e-mail address, and includes information that can be contacted to the user. In step S404, the point management server 103 specifically sets the value of the current month point 702 of all registered users in the user table 700 to “0”.

  In step S505, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 reads all the received print log information 710. The read print log information 710 is processed in step S506 described later.

  In the following, a process for one print log information 710 among a plurality of print log information 710 received as an example will be described.

  In step S506, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether or not the CRG information 712 of the one print log information 710 is “genuine”. As a result of the determination, when the CRG information 712 of the received one print log information 710 is not “genuine”, the point management server 103 performs the process of step S511 described later. When it is “genuine”, the point management server 103 performs the process of step S507 described later.

  In step S507, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 assigns a normal point 718 per sheet to the printing apparatus for the received print log information based on the point master 730 in FIG. 7 stored in advance in the ROM 202 or the like. Give. For example, if the type 731 is plain paper, 1 point is given every time one sheet is printed, and if it is a photograph, 2 points are given every time one sheet is printed, and a normal point 718 is given. In short, the normal point 718 is calculated and given by multiplying the number of printed sheets by the normal point coefficient 732.

  In step S <b> 508, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 gives the first bonus point 719. The first bonus point 719 is a value obtained by multiplying the number 714 by the value of the first bonus point coefficient 733.

  The point master 730 is a standard for granting the normal points 718 and the first bonus points 719. The point master 730 multiplies the number of points 714 to be given for each paper type 731 such as “plain paper”, “photo”, and “postcard”. to manage. In the present embodiment, the first bonus point is given in addition to the normal point every time one sheet of the specified paper type is printed, which satisfies the predetermined condition defined in the point master 730. Is done.

  In step S509, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 calculates provisional earned points obtained by summing up the granted points in steps S507 and S508. In step S509, for example, if the received print log information is such that “five photos” are printed, the provisional earned point is based on the point master 730 and the number “ “10” multiplied by “5” and “10” obtained by multiplying the number “5” by “2” of the first bonus point coefficient 733 are added, and the provisional earned point becomes “20”.

  In step S <b> 510, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 executes a second bonus point 752 giving process for giving a second bonus point 752. The second bonus point 752 grant process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the processing of the second bonus point 752 grant processing.

  In step S601, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 acquires the printer ID 711 based on the received one print log information 710, and the user CD 701 associated with the acquired printer ID 711 is based on the user table 700 of FIG. Identify. A user CD associated with each printer ID is set in the user table 700.

  In step S602, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 adds the user CD 701 specified in step S601 to the received one print log information 710.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether or not the provisional acquisition points of the granted points in the one print log information 710 have been calculated in step S <b> 509.

  As a result of the determination in step S603, when the provisional acquisition point has not been calculated, the point management server 103 gives “0” to the acquisition point 720 to the user CD 701 of the one print log information 710 (step S612), which will be described later. The process after step S613 is performed. An example when the value of the current month point 702 matches the upper limit point 751 is, for example, a record in which the printer ID 711 of the print log information 710 in FIG. 7 is “A003”.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S603, when the provisional acquisition points have been calculated, the point management server 103 determines that the value of the current month point 702 of the user CD specified in step S601 is the point upper limit in FIG. It is determined whether or not the upper limit point 751 defined in the master 750 is matched.

  The point upper limit master 750 is a point grant reference for the second bonus point 752, and an upper limit point 751 and a second bonus point 752 that are conditions for granting the second bonus point 752 are defined. The point management server 103 gives the second bonus point 752 to the registered user whose value (total value) of the current month point 702 has reached the upper limit point 751. In other words, in the present embodiment, the point management server 103 gives the second bonus point 752 to a registered user of one print log information, not to a printing apparatus of one print log information. As a result, a user who uses a plurality of printing apparatuses, for example, a user A who uses the printing apparatuses 101a and 101b, based on the points obtained by adding the respective grant points of the printing apparatuses 101a and 101b associated with the user A. When the current month point 702 of A is calculated and the corresponding month point 702 reaches the preset upper limit point 751, the point management server 103 gives the user A a second bonus point 752 in addition to the normal point. Further grant.

  As a result of the determination in step S604, when the value of the current month point 702 matches the upper limit point 751, the point management server 103 performs the processing from step S612 onward. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S604, when the value of the current month point 702 does not match the upper limit point 751, the point management server 103 matches the sum of the current month point 702 and the provisional acquisition point with the upper limit point 751 (“sum”). = “Upper limit point 751”), smaller than upper limit point 751 (“sum” <“upper limit point 751”), and larger than upper limit point 751 (“sum”> “upper limit point 751”). (Step S605).

  If “sum” = “upper limit point 751” as a result of the determination in step S605, the point management server 103 gives the provisional acquisition point as the acquisition point 720 as it is to the registered user of one print log information (step S606). ). Next, the point management server 103 adds the earned points 720 to the current month points 702 and possessed points 703 of the user table 700 (step S607), and further adds the acquired points 703 to the possessed points 703 based on the point upper limit master 750 of FIG. Of bonus points 752 are added (step S608).

  Specifically, in step S607, the point management server 103 adds the acquired points 720 granted in step S606 to the current month points 702 and possessed points 703 of the user CD 701 specified in step S601 in the user table 700. In step S608, the second bonus point 752 is added to the possessed point 703. Next, the point management server 103 performs processing after step S613 described later.

  If “sum”> “upper limit point 751” as a result of the determination in step S605, the point management server 103 determines the value of the current month point 702 of the user CD 701 specified in step S601 in the user table 700 from the upper limit point 751. A value obtained by subtraction is given as an acquisition point 720 for a registered user of one print log information (step S609). That is, in the present embodiment, the value of the current month point 702 does not exceed the upper limit point 751. Next, the point management server 103 performs the processing after step S607.

  As a result of the determination in step S605, if “sum” <“upper limit point 751”, the point management server 103 gives the provisional acquisition point as the acquisition point 720 as it is to the registered user of one print log information 710 (step 605). In step S610, the acquired point 720 is added to the current month point 702 in the user table 700 (step S611). Next, the point management server 103 gives the current month point 702 to the received print log information 710 based on the user table 700 (step S613). The print log information 710 in FIG. 7 is generated by the above-described processes.

  In step S614, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 performs message notification processing. The detailed processing flow of the message notification processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed processing flow of the message notification processing.

  In step S801, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether the value of the earned points given in any of step S606, step S609, step S610, and step S612 is greater than 0 and the current month point 702 is equal to the upper limit point 751. Determine. If the acquired point value is greater than 0 and current month point 702 is equal to upper limit point 751, the process proceeds to step S802; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S <b> 802, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 acquires information related to the message stored in the external memory 211 or the like. The message-related information is a message with a content that can notify the user that the points granted have reached the upper limit. For example, this is template information of a message for sending the screen example 901 shown in FIG. 9 to the user.

  In step S 803, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 sends an e-mail form to the contact 704 corresponding to the user CD 701 whose points have been reached based on the information about the message acquired in step S 803. Send a message at For example, it is a screen example 901 shown in FIG. Thus, by automatically notifying that the points given this month have reached the upper limit according to the printing status, it is possible to easily grasp the status of its own points. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the screen example 901 is also notified to the user that the second bonus point 752 has been given. Thus, notifying that the second bonus point 752 has been awarded helps to grasp the user's own point information.

  In this embodiment, the user is notified in the form of e-mail, but the message may be displayed on a display mounted on the printing apparatus 101 main body. In this case, the IP address of the printing apparatus corresponding to the printer ID 711 is associated as the contact address 704, and a message is sent to this IP address.

  In step S804, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 determines whether or not the possessed point 703 exceeds the coupon setting value 742. If it is determined that the coupon setting value 742 has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S805; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S806.

  The coupon setting value 742 is a setting value defined in the coupon master 740. The coupon master 740 is a data table in which coupon IDs 741 and coupon setting values 742 are managed in association with each other as shown in FIG. When the possession point 703 reaches the coupon setting value 742, the user can have the right to exercise the coupon corresponding to the coupon setting value 742. The coupon is, for example, a cash voucher that can be used for online shopping.

  In step S805, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 sends a message in the form of an e-mail to the contact 704 corresponding to the user CD 701 whose possessed point 703 has reached the coupon setting value 742. The message to be sent is, for example, the screen example 902 in FIG. In this way, by notifying the user that points that can be exchanged for coupons have been accumulated, it becomes possible for the user to know without logging in to the point management system. There is an effect that can be used. The notification method may be via the screen of the printing apparatus as described above.

  In step S806, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 obtains a value obtained by subtracting the possessed points 703 from the coupon setting value 742, and performs processing for notifying this value to the user. For example, it is a screen example 903 of FIG. In this way, by clearly indicating the number of points from the user's current possession point 703 to the coupon setting value 742 and notifying the user, the user is encouraged to print on the printing apparatus and motivates the user to acquire points. There is an effect that can be given.

  Note that an embodiment in which the notification in step S806 is not performed when the subtracted value is larger than the upper limit point 751 can also be adopted. This is because even if notification is given, no more points will be awarded this month. According to this aspect, there is an effect that the value up to the target coupon setting value 742 can be appropriately notified to the user in consideration of the upper limit of points that can be given this month.

This is the end of the detailed process flow of the message notification process shown in FIG.
Returning to the description of FIG.

  Next, the point management server 103 determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all the print log information 710 read in step S505 (step S615).

  As a result of the determination in step S615, when the processing is not completed for any of the read print log information 710, the point management server 103 returns to the processing in step S506. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S615, when the processing for all the read print log information 710 is completed, the point management server 103 ends this processing.

  According to this embodiment described above, it is possible to notify the user of the status of points given by printing at an appropriate timing. With this notification, the user can take an action to give points to obtain a coupon without taking the trouble of logging into the point management system. That is, there is an effect that the user's activity can be promoted so that the points accumulated by the user can be effectively used in the form of a coupon.

  Further, according to the present embodiment described above, the first bonus point and the second bonus point 752 are further awarded in addition to the normal points when a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied. Thereby, points other than the normal points can be given according to the usage situation, and various point granting services can be provided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the user A who uses the printing apparatuses 101a and 101b is associated with each printing apparatus 101a and 101b, and each grant point of all the printing apparatuses 101a and 101b associated with the user A is obtained. Based on the sum of the points, the current month point 702 of the user A is calculated, and when the corresponding month point 702 reaches the preset upper limit point 751, a second bonus is given to the user A in addition to the normal points. Points 752 are further awarded. Accordingly, the second bonus point 752 can be appropriately given to the user A who satisfies a predetermined condition for giving the second bonus point 752 using the plurality of printing apparatuses 101a and 101b.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment described above, when the CRG information of the print log information is “genuine”, provisional earned points are calculated. That is, points are given only to registered users who have printed using genuine toner cartridges. This makes it possible to give points to registered users who satisfy a predetermined condition using a genuine toner cartridge when performing printing.

  This is the end of the description of the first embodiment.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, the description of the second embodiment is started. Unlike the first embodiment, control is performed so that the message notified when the current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751 is different depending on the timing when the current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751. It is.

  The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the following points in the system configuration, hardware configuration, functional configuration, flowchart, and data table. FIG. 8 is changed to FIG. A description of portions similar to those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed processing flow of the message notification processing in the second embodiment. Description of parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment is omitted, and only parts that are different are described.

  Step S801 has the same processing content as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S1001, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 acquires the message table 1100 from the external memory 211 or the like. For example, the message table 1100 shown in FIG. In the message table 1100, the arrival time 1101 and the message file 1102 are associated with each other. As described above, the message file to be transmitted to different users according to the time when it is determined in step S801 that the current month point 702 has reached the upper limit point 751 is stored.

  In step S <b> 1002, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 acquires date information that is information regarding the current date. In this embodiment, date information is acquired.

  In step S802, the CPU 201 of the point management server 103 acquires a message file 1102 corresponding to the current date and time information acquired in step S1002. Specifically, if the current date and time information acquired in step S1002 is December 8, the arrival time 1101 is between 1 and 10 days, so “001.txt” of the corresponding message file 1102 is acquired. . If it is December 18, the arrival time 1101 is between 11 and 20 days, so “002.txt” of the corresponding message file 1102 is acquired. If it is December 27, “003.txt” is acquired from the message file 1102. Thus, a different message can be sent depending on the time when the current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751.

  For example, a screen example “001.txt” is a screen example 1201 shown in FIG. In this way, a special coupon is distributed to a user whose current month point 702 has reached the upper limit point 751 in the first half of a month. As a result, a user who has reached the upper limit in the first half of a month can obtain a coupon that is superior to other users.

  For example, a screen example “002.txt” is a screen example 1202 shown in FIG. In this way, a normal coupon that is slightly inferior to the special coupon is distributed to a user whose current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751 in the middle of a month. This makes it possible to acquire a coupon that is superior to the user whose current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751 at the end of the month.

  For example, a screen example “003.txt” is a screen example 1203 shown in FIG. This message is sent to the user whose current month point 702 has reached the upper limit point 751 at the end of the month. This message is a screen for notifying that the current month point 702 has reached the upper limit point 751.

  Note that a method other than e-mail may be used as a coupon distribution method. For example, a third bonus point may be given to the user CD 701.

  This is the end of the description of the second embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, different messages can be sent according to the timing when the current month point 702 reaches the upper limit point 751.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism capable of identifiable presentation of a print job that is not a point grant target to the owner of a printing apparatus.

  In this embodiment, the ink cartridges are genuine and non-genuine as examples of appropriate printing forms in the printing apparatus. However, for example, depending on whether the standard of the printing paper is a manufacturer's standard, It may be determined whether or not the print mode is correct.

  In the point management system, a single user can register a plurality of printing apparatuses.

  The present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus. Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the information processing apparatus of the system or apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Therefore, the program code itself installed in the information processing apparatus in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention with the information processing apparatus also realizes the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention also includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention with an information processing apparatus.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let The downloaded key information can be used to execute the encrypted program and install it in the information processing apparatus.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the information processing apparatus executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, the OS or the like operating on the information processing apparatus performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the information processing apparatus or a function expansion unit connected to the information processing apparatus. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

100 Information processing apparatus 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication I / F Controller 209 Keyboard 210 Display 211 External Memory

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus,
Management means for managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting unit for giving points to the user managed in association with the printing device in accordance with printing on the printing device;
Determination means for determining whether or not the point given to the user by the grant means has reached an upper limit;
When it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit, the information processing unit includes notification control means for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit. apparatus. In the case where it is determined by the determination means that the point has reached the upper limit, the apparatus further comprises a bonus granting means for giving further bonus points to the user,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit performs control to notify the bonus points given by the bonus grant unit. The management means also manages the user contact information in association with each other,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification by the notification control unit is a notification for the contact information managed by the management unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification by the notification control unit is notified via a screen of a printing apparatus managed by the management unit. A storage unit for storing a plurality of notification contents notified by the notification control unit;
The notification control means uses any one of the notification contents stored in the storage means according to the timing at which the determination means determines that the upper limit has been reached, to the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein control is performed so as to notify the information. The determination means also determines whether or not the points granted by the grant means have reached a value that allows the points to be exchanged for coupons,
The notification control means also exchanges the point with a coupon for the user when the determination means determines that the point has reached a value at which the point can be exchanged for a coupon. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to notify that a possible value has been reached. When the determination means determines that the point has not reached a value at which the point can be exchanged for a coupon, from the point to a value at which the point can be exchanged for a coupon. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein control is performed so as to notify a user of the number of the information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the points given to the user within a predetermined period have reached an upper limit. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus is
A management step of managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting step of granting points to the user managed in association with the printing device according to printing on the printing device;
A determination step of determining whether or not the point granted to the user in the granting step has reached an upper limit;
And a notification control step for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit when it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit. Control method of the device. A program that can be executed by an information processing apparatus that can communicate with a printing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus;
Management means for managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting unit for giving points to the user managed in association with the printing device in accordance with printing on the printing device;
Determination means for determining whether or not the point given to the user by the grant means has reached an upper limit;
When it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit, the program functions as notification control means for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit. An information processing system including an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus,
Management means for managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting unit for giving points to the user managed in association with the printing device in accordance with printing on the printing device;
Determination means for determining whether or not the point given to the user by the grant means has reached an upper limit;
When it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit, the information processing unit includes notification control means for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit. system. A method for controlling an information processing system including an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus,
The information processing system is
A management step of managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting step of granting points to the user managed in association with the printing device according to printing on the printing device;
A determination step of determining whether or not the point granted to the user in the granting step has reached an upper limit;
And a notification control step for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit when it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit. How to control the system. A program that can be executed by an information processing system including an information processing apparatus that can communicate with a printing apparatus,
The information processing system;
Management means for managing the printing apparatus and the user in association with each other;
A granting unit for giving points to the user managed in association with the printing device in accordance with printing on the printing device;
Determination means for determining whether or not the point given to the user by the grant means has reached an upper limit;
When it is determined by the determination that the point has reached the upper limit, the program functions as notification control means for controlling to notify the user that the point has reached the upper limit.

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