JP4873670B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, program, and recording medium. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a support tool installed in a client terminal that notifies product information and the like updated in a management server.

  Conventionally, the user PC's user environment (used product, used software, used OS, etc.) is automatically recognized as a resident application, and periodically connected to the Internet to obtain related update information from the management server. There is a support tool that provides services such as a service for notifying a headline such as support information and a WEB link list for displaying a list of links related to automatically recognized products.

  In order to further improve usability, it is necessary for the service provider side to be able to immediately register and reflect update information on the server. In addition, the user side needs to be able to utilize the registered / reflected information without particular awareness.

  Patent Document 1 describes an information distribution method for pushing updated content to a client who has accessed the content within a predetermined period of time on a server initiative.

JP 2002-334033 A

  However, using the technique described in Patent Document 1, the administrator can update the update information immediately. However, the server pushes the information, so the client terminal is connected to the network. If not, there is a problem that the latest information cannot be updated. In addition, update information that the user does not want is reflected without permission.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and when a user selects content desired to be referenced from a plurality of contents prepared for each product, a website on which the latest contents of the selected content are posted It is an object to provide a mechanism that allows a user to refer to

The present invention is an information processing apparatus that displays information prepared for each product in a selectable manner using product menu information managed to be distributed to a client terminal by a server, the product identifying the product from the server A product menu managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server, including identification information, title identification information specifying the type of information prepared for each product, and address information indicating a website on which the information is posted An acquisition means for acquiring information, a storage means for storing product menu information acquired by the acquisition means, and information prepared for each product can be selected by the user for each product, and the information selected by the user is In order to be able to access the website to be posted, the product menu information stored by the storage means is used to display a display screen for each product. Each item corresponding to the title identification information shown is linked to the address information of the website where the information corresponding to the item is posted, and is displayed separately for each product so that the user can select any information. And when the product control information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition means at a predetermined timing, the product identification information included in the acquired product menu information and the Update means for updating the address information corresponding to the combination of the product identification information and the title identification information stored by the storage means specified by the title identification information to the address information included in the acquired product menu information. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, when a user selects content desired to be referenced from a plurality of contents prepared for each product, the user can refer to a website on which the latest contents of the selected content are posted.

It is a system configuration figure showing an information processing system. It is a hardware block diagram. It is a functional block diagram of a management server and a client terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a management server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows notification information. It is a table | surface which shows the specific example of notification information. It is an example of the notice information regarding M products. It is an example of the notice information regarding K product. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a client terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of installation. It is an example of a message. It is an example of a selection screen. It is an example of a setting screen. It is a conceptual diagram which narrows down notice information. It is an example of a pop-up screen. It is an example of a pop-up screen. It is an example of a product detailed information screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a periodic diagnosis. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of apparatus connection. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a manual diagnosis. It is an example of a pop-up screen. It is an example of a product detailed information screen. It is a table | surface which shows the specific example of product information. It is an example of the response message of notice information. It is an example of the response message of the information regarding a product information menu.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this invention.

  The management server 101 and the client terminal 102 exchange information distributed to the support tool (application) via the network 104.

  The configuration of various terminals connected to the network in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

  The management server 101 manages support information and promotion information related to products, and distributes information to the client terminal 102.

  The client terminal 102 is a personal computer operated by a general user. By installing the support tool on the client terminal, it is possible to receive support information and promotion information about the product.

  The inkjet printer 103 can be printed by connecting to the client terminal 102 (for example, USB connection). The user can obtain various information related to the ink jet printer 103 by using the support tool. The inkjet printer is an example, and other examples include an inkjet multifunction peripheral and a personal scanner.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 101 and the client terminal 102 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the management server 101 and the client terminal 102.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204.

  Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  An input controller (input C) 205 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 209 or a mouse (not shown).

  A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. The display device may be a liquid crystal display as well as a CRT. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related.

  The memory controller (MC) 207 is connected via an adapter to a hard disk (HD), FD or PCMCIA card slot for storing boot programs, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. The access to the external memory 211 such as the CF memory to be controlled is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  A program 212 for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, the definition file 213 and various information tables 214 used by the program 212 according to the present invention are stored in the external memory 211, and detailed description thereof will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration in each terminal of the information processing system according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The management server 101 includes a master information registration function 301, an update information registration function 302, a distribution condition registration function 303, and a communication function 304.

  The master information registration function 301 is a function for registering master information related to products and software. Here, the master information includes a product master, a software master, and a category master.

  In the product master, a plurality of information (items) related to the product is registered for each product. Specifically, product classification, product name, model number, support period, compatible software (compatible driver, compatible application, compatible OS), and the like are registered.

  In the software master, a plurality of pieces of information (items) related to software are registered for each software. Specifically, software classification, software name, corresponding OS, release period, etc. are registered.

  The category master registers product and software category classifications. Specifically, product categories, categories, category images, and the like are registered (categories and category images can be registered from the first layer to the third layer). Note that there are M categories and K categories (also referred to as M products and K products). “M” is an abbreviation for a product (owned product) that is held, and “K” is an abbreviation for a product (non-owned product) that is of interest (the same applies hereinafter). By performing such categorization, it becomes possible to selectively use information for the M section and information for the K section. Furthermore, since up to three layers can be registered, more detailed classification is possible.

  For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 are examples of classification. FIG. 7 shows an example of an M product, and FIG. 8 shows an example of a K product.

  The update information registration function 302 is a function for registering update information related to products and software. The update information includes notification information, product information menu information (product menu information), Q & A list information, software version information, and the like.

  The notice information includes URL information of a WEB page on which the information is posted, together with a title, a headline, and contents for informing the user of campaign information, event information, etc. regarding the product. In addition, information specifying the hierarchy of the notification is also included.

  An example of registered notification information is shown in FIG. It is possible to register collectively as a CSV format file or to register individually via a registration screen.

  Information related to the product information menu is information for displaying content prepared for an individual product or a product of a specific genre, and includes a title, display content, URL information, and the like. An example is shown in FIG.

  The distribution condition registration function 303 is a function for registering a distribution condition as to which product or software the registered update information is distributed to. The distribution condition is registered in the distribution condition master. Specifically, the distribution condition name, product (classification, name), software (classification, name), OS classification, and the like are registered. Thereby, for example, it can be distributed to all product categories, or can be distributed to a user who owns an inkjet printer of M category.

  The communication function 304 is a function for exchanging information with the client terminal 102 by data communication.

  In addition, the client terminal 102 in which the support tool is installed includes an update information diagnosis function 305, an HW / SW detection function 306, a setting file registration function 307, a communication function 308, and a display function 309.

  The update information diagnosis function 305 is a function for determining whether or not new update information is included in the update information already acquired from the update information acquired from the management server.

  The HW / SW detection function 306 is a function for detecting hardware connected to the client terminal 102 and installed software.

  The setting file registration function 307 is a function for registering a setting file related to the support tool. The setting file defines various setting information such as M / K product information, notification frequency, and notification method.

  The communication function 308 is a function for exchanging information with the management server 101 by data communication.

  The display function 309 is a function for displaying a support tool screen, a pop-up screen, update information, and the like on the display device.

  Note that it is necessary to perform various registrations in the management server before providing a service for distributing update information to client terminals. Therefore, registration processing in the management server will be described next.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of various registration processes in the management server.

  In step 401, the management server registers master information. Specifically, the administrator inputs information for each product or software on a master information registration screen (not shown). As described above, the master information includes a product master and a software master.

  In step 402, the management server performs category registration. Specifically, the administrator inputs category information from a category registration screen (not shown). For example, “Inkjet Printer”, “Inkjet Multifunction Device”, and “Personal Scanner” are registered as the product category (M division). In addition, as product categories of interest (K category), “Inkjet printer” “Inkjet MFP” “Personal scanner” “Compact digital camera” “Digital SLR camera” “Digital video camera” “Digital photo printer” To do. This categorization can be added, changed, or deleted as required by the service provider. As described above, it is registered as a category master.

  In addition, for each category, notification information to be distributed can be registered in three layers. Registration can be made in three layers, but it is not always necessary to register three layers. If necessary, the registration can be divided into 1 and 2 layers.

  FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the category registered M / K classification.

  In step 403, the management server registers distribution conditions. Specifically, the administrator inputs distribution conditions from a distribution condition registration screen (not shown). First, “distribution condition name” is input, and distribution conditions are selected for each of “product”, “software”, and “OS”. “Product” is selected from a pull-down list for each item of category, name, and recognition. For example, the category “all products category”, the name “all products in the selected category”, and the recognition “common” are selected, or the category “inkjet printer”, the name “Printer-001”, and the recognition “M category” are selected. To do. Thereby, the administrator can register the delivery destination in detail.

  Similarly, for “software”, the category and name are selected from the pull-down list. “OS” is selected by checking the target OS.

  After entering and selecting all, the delivery condition can be registered by pressing the registration button. A plurality of distribution conditions can be registered. Each distribution condition can be specified by “distribution condition name”. As described above, it is registered as a distribution condition master.

  In step 404, the management server registers update information. Specifically, the administrator inputs update information from an update information registration screen (not shown). In the present embodiment, registration is performed by taking in a CSV file in which update information is defined.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a CSV format file.

  Items include category product category 601, first hierarchy 602, second hierarchy 603, third hierarchy 604, title 605, heading 606, notification content 607, distribution condition 608, font 609, title image 610, link URL 611, priority order 612. , Display order 613, release start date 614, release end date 615, and update date 616.

  In the category product category 601, a value indicating a category is input (category category). For example, M1 indicates an inkjet printer (M section), M2 indicates an inkjet multifunction peripheral (M section), and K1 indicates an inkjet printer (K section). This category is used for comparison with the category category of the setting file registered in the client terminal when distributed to the client terminal.

  A value for identifying the first hierarchy is input to the first hierarchy 602. For example, 100 is “recommended information”, and 200 is “support information”.

  A value for identifying the second hierarchy is input to the second hierarchy 603. For example, 110 is “event” information, 130 is “seminar” information, and the like.

  Similarly, a value for identifying the third hierarchy is input to the third hierarchy 604.

  In the first hierarchy 602 to the third hierarchy 604, this division is used for comparison with the hierarchy of the setting file registered in the client terminal when distributed to the client terminal.

  In the title 605, the title of the notification is input.

  In the headline 606, a headline sentence for notification is input.

  In the notification content 607, detailed notification content is input.

  The distribution condition 608 designates a distribution condition name registered in advance.

  A font 609 is used to input a font type for the font to be displayed.

  The title image 610 specifies an image file to be displayed as a title.

  The link URL 611 inputs URL information where related information is posted.

  The priority order 612 specifies the priority for display. For example, the smaller the numerical value, the higher the priority. In this example, M1 and M2 are set to “1” and K1 is set to “2”. This is because the M section has a product and the K section is an interesting section, so the M section is displayed with priority.

  The display order 613 specifies the display order in the case of the same priority. For example, the smaller the numerical value, the faster the display order. In the case of the same priority order, the display is performed according to this display order.

  The publication start date 614 is used to input a date for releasing the notification information.

  As the publication end date 615, a date for ending the notification information is input.

  In the update date 616, an update date to be displayed is input.

  An example of the notification information registered in FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in the case of M products, and FIG. 8 shows an example in the case of K products. In the case of M products, “recommended information” and “support” are registered in the first layer. On the other hand, in the case of K products, only “recommended information” is registered in the first layer. This is because it is necessary to distribute support information (software update information, failure information) about the product to those who actually have the product. Therefore, support information about the M product can be distributed to the user registered as the M product. On the other hand, in the case of the K product, since it is not a product actually possessed, it is not necessary to distribute support information. Therefore, “support” is not registered in the first layer.

  As described above, by properly using the registered contents for each of the M product and the K product, it is possible to distribute detailed information. That is, the minimum necessary information can be acquired for the user, and the service provider can distribute the necessary information to the required user.

  The registration process in the management server has been described above.

  Further, as update information, information on a product information menu to be displayed on a product information menu described later can be registered. This information is registered by importing a CSV file.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of a CSV format file.

Items include model number 2301, title 2302, display content 2303, font 2304, title image 2305, link URL 2306, display order 2307.
There are a release start date 2308, a release end date 2309, and an update date 2310.

  In the model number 2301, a product name specifying a product is input. For example, “Printer-001”. Thereby, it is possible to specify which product this record is information about.

  As the title 2302, the title (title information) in the product information menu is input. With this title, it is possible to specify what kind of information this record is.

  The display content 2303 is input with the content to be displayed on the product information menu.

A font 2304 is used to input a font type for the font to be displayed.
The title image 2305 designates an image file to be displayed on the product information menu. For example, an image in which characters such as “mail inquiry” and “download” are displayed, or a symbol image image such as a clip art may be used. What is necessary is just to be able to identify what information is when the user looks at this image.
The link URL 2306 inputs URL information where related information is posted. URL information is address information indicating a website where information related to a product is posted. In this embodiment, the title image and the URL information are displayed in association with each other, and when the title image is selected by the user with the mouse or the like, the URL information can be used to access the website. ing.

  The display order 2307 specifies the display order. For example, the smaller the numerical value, the faster the display order. This order is determined in the same model number. In this example, “Printer-001” indicates that “Q & A list”, “mail inquiry”, and “download” are displayed in this order. The number of displays is not particularly limited, and the number of titles can be increased or decreased. That is, the administrator can increase or decrease the number of titles to be displayed on the user's product information menu by registering new product information menu information.

  As the publication start date 2308, a date for publishing product information is input.

  As the publication end date 2309, a date for ending the product information is input.

  The update date and time 2310 inputs the update date and time to be displayed.

  The registration process in the management server has been described above.

  Next, the processing flow of the support tool in the client terminal will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the support tool in the client terminal.

  The support tool starts processing at four timings: installation time 901, periodic diagnosis 902, device connection time 903, and manual diagnosis 904. Each will be described in detail below.

  First, the operation at the time of installation 901 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the support tool.

  First, a user operating a client terminal obtains a support tool installer from a homepage on the Internet.

  In step 1001, the client terminal starts installation processing when an execution instruction is given to the installer.

  In step 1002, the client terminal requests master information from the management server. For example, the master information is requested to the management server by a SOAP message.

  In step 1003, the management server accepts the request.

  In step 1004, the management server transmits master information. As described above, the master information includes a product master, a software master, and a category master.

  Data communication between the client terminal and the management server is performed in the XML format.

  In step 1005, the client terminal receives the master information. Master information can be saved for future use. When the master information is acquired again from the management server, the new master information is compared with the stored information, and the information is updated and stored. Specifically, in the case of the product master, the model number before the update and the acquired model number are matched, and if there is a match, the record is updated. If there is no match, a new record is added. The same applies to the software master and category master.

  In step 1006, the client terminal detects hardware and software. Note that hardware detection is performed based on whether a hardware driver is installed. Software detection detects installed software.

  In step 1007, the client terminal displays a list of products (M products) that the client terminal has.

  Specifically, when a product corresponding to the M category included in the acquired master information (category master) is detected, it is displayed as an M product. For example, when “inkjet printer” is included in the M section and “Printer-001” is detected, it is displayed as an M product. FIG. 11 shows a display example. Information that the M product of the M section has been extracted is recorded in the setting file. When a plurality of products are extracted, each product is recorded as M products in M sections.

  In step 1008, the client terminal displays a screen for adding a product. By default, the product (M product) you have is in the selected state, so here you register the product you are interested in (K product). In the present embodiment, for example, instead of selecting individual products such as “Printer-001” and “Printer-003”, a category of a product of interest is selected (selection of K section). Thereby, the user can obtain information on the product he is interested in. On the other hand, the service provider can efficiently distribute the promotion information to such users. FIG. 12 shows a display example. At the time of installation, only the product category is selected for convenience, but the user can make more detailed settings from the environment settings after installation. Information desired to be distributed can be set at each hierarchical level. FIG. 13 shows a display example. This is an example in which “personal scanner” is selected as the K category. By default, all hierarchical levels are selected, but can be reselected arbitrarily. Here, “service information” in the first hierarchy is selected. Further, “product information” and “event” in the second hierarchy are selected, and “campaign” is not selected. Further, “new product information”, “special content”, “exhibition”, and “photo exhibition” in the third hierarchy are selected. This selection information is recorded in the setting file. Specifically, which item of which hierarchy is selected is recorded for each K category. This makes it possible to exchange more detailed information. It should be noted that the M section can be set similarly.

  In step 1009, the client terminal determines whether the K section has been added. If added, the process proceeds to step 1010. If not added, the process proceeds to step 1011.

  In step 1010, the client terminal records the added K section in the setting file.

  In step 1011, the client terminal requests update information. For example, the update information is requested to the management server by a SOAP message. The request message includes a message requesting notification information, a message requesting information on the product information menu, and a message requesting information on the Q & A list.

  The message requesting notification information includes MAC address (terminal information MAC address), resident APL access classification (immediately after installation, periodic diagnosis, device connection, manual diagnosis), OS classification (terminal information OS classification), M / K category (M / K category of distribution target product category list), product category (product category of distribution target product category list), category 1 code (category 1 code of distribution target product category list), category 2 code (delivery target product) Category list code (category 2 code), category 3 code (category 3 code of distribution target product classification list), model number (model number of distribution target product list), recognition classification (recognition classification of distribution target product list), software name (distribution target) Software name of software list), last update date of notification information (time stamp of notification information file (if it does not exist) Has been left empty)), login ID of the login ID (APL definition), password (password of APL definition), are included, such as resident APL version (resident APL version of APL definition).

  In addition, a message requesting information related to the product information menu includes a MAC address (MAC address of terminal information), a resident APL access classification (immediately after installation, periodic diagnosis, when connected to a device), an OS classification (OS classification of terminal information), Model number (model number of the distribution target product list), product information menu last update date (time stamp of product information menu file (leave empty if not present)), login ID (login ID of APL definition), password (APL Definition password), resident APL version (resident APL version of APL definition), and the like.

  In step 1012, the management server accepts the request.

  In step 1013, the management server transmits update information. As described above, the update information includes notification information, information on the product information menu, Q & A list information, and software version information.

  This update information is the notification information distributed to the requesting client terminal using the request message received from the client terminal in step 1012 and the information of the product information master, software master, category master, and distribution condition master. The product information menu information, Q & A list information, and software version information are specified.

  Note that the response message of the notification information is as shown in FIG.

  Moreover, the response message of the information regarding the product information menu is as shown in FIG.

  Data communication between the client terminal and the management server is performed in the XML format.

  In step 1014, the client terminal receives the update information. The received update information is stored in a file (may be stored in a plurality of files such as notification information and product information menu information).

  In step 1015, the client terminal performs diagnosis using the received update information. Update processing is also performed. At the time of installation, since update information is acquired for the first time, it is determined that there has been an update. On the other hand, in cases other than installation, since update information is already stored as a file in the client terminal, this is used.

  In the case of notification information, the notification ID included in the file before update is compared with the notification ID included in the response message file. If there is a match, the record is updated. If there is no match, Add a record. Also, records whose release end date has passed the current date are deleted. Thereby, it can update to the newest information information.

  In the case of information related to the product information menu, the product information menu ID before update is compared with the product information menu ID included in the response message file. If there is a match, the record is updated and the match is made. If there is no record, add a record. Also, records whose release end date has passed the current date are deleted. Thereby, it can update to the information regarding the newest product information menu.

  In step 1016, the client terminal determines whether new information is included in the received update information as a result of diagnosis. If it is included, the process proceeds to step 1017, and if it is not included, the process ends. At the time of installation, the process always proceeds to step 1017.

  In step 1017, the client terminal displays a pop-up screen. An example of the pop-up screen is shown in FIG. When the pop-up screen is displayed, the installation process is complete.

  Thereafter, the user operates the mouse or the like to check the notification information from the pop-up screen. The notification information is displayed as shown in the screen of FIG. If more detailed information is to be confirmed, a “detailed information screen” button 1601 is pressed to switch to a detailed screen. An example of the details screen is shown in FIG. The detailed screen displays more detailed information than the pop-up screen.

  Here, it is determined whether an M / K classification and a hierarchy that match the category classification and hierarchy included in the acquired notification information are registered in the setting file. If there is a match, the notification information is displayed.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the client terminal is a distribution target using the distribution condition and the distribution condition master, and if it is the target, the notification information is displayed. For example, when the type of OS is described in the distribution condition, it is determined whether the OS of the client terminal is the OS to be distributed. If the OS is the distribution target, the notification information is displayed.

  In this way, the notification information to be displayed is specified.

  The processing flow of the support tool in the client terminal has been described above.

  As a result, the service provider can distribute the update information (notification information, etc.) by narrowing down the target to specific users who meet the conditions. Only information that meets the above conditions can be displayed. FIG. 14 shows an image of narrowing down. The user displays only information that matches the conditions (1) to (5).

  In this embodiment, the client terminal performs the update process in step 1015. However, the update process may be performed on the management server side by passing the file to be updated to the management server. In this case, the client terminal receives the updated file and displays the screen using this file.

For example, the server acquires from the client terminal the product category classification of the owned product and the product category classification of the product of interest registered in the setting file from the client terminal, and the product category classification of the owned product and the product of the interest product acquired. The product information to be transmitted to the client terminal is identified from the category classification and the product information managed by itself using the category classification included in the product information, and the identified product information is transmitted.
Then, the client terminal displays the received product information.

  Next, the operation at the time of periodic diagnosis 902 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the support tool.

  In step 1801, the client terminal determines whether it is the start timing of the periodic diagnosis. If it is the start timing, the process proceeds to step 1802, and if it is not the start timing, the process loops and returns to step 1801. Specifically, the start timing is determined based on the update frequency described in the setting file.

  In step 1802, the client terminal detects hardware and software. Note that hardware detection is performed based on whether a hardware driver is installed. Software detection detects installed software.

  In step 1803, the client terminal determines whether there is a change in the product it has. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step 1804. If there is no change, the process proceeds to step 1011. Here, it is determined whether there is a change by comparing the detected hardware with the M product recorded in the setting file.

  In step 1804, the client terminal updates the setting file. When new hardware is detected, it is added to the M product. When hardware registered as the M product is not detected, the M product is deleted. Further, it is determined whether a product registered as a K product has been added as an M product. If it is determined that the product has been added as an M product, the K product may be deleted. For example, when an ink jet printer is registered as a K product, and a driver of a predetermined model number is newly installed, the ink jet printer is already an M product and therefore needs to be a K product. Because there is no.

  Steps 1011 to 1017 are the same as steps 1011 to 1017 in FIG.

  The operation at the time of periodic diagnosis 902 has been described above.

  Next, the operation at the time of device connection 903 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the support tool.

  In step 1901, the client terminal connects to the device. A device that is powered on is connected.

  In step 1902, the client terminal determines whether the driver has been detected. If it can be detected, the process proceeds to step 1903, and if it cannot be detected, the process ends. Specifically, a product registered in the master information can be detected by a driver, but a product that is not registered cannot be detected by a driver.

  In step 1903, the client terminal determines whether the product detected by the driver is a newly added product. If it is an added product, the process proceeds to step 1904, and if it is not an added product, the process proceeds to step 1011. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the product detected by the driver is recorded as the M product in the setting file. If it is not recorded, it can be determined that the product is newly added.

  In step 1904, the client terminal updates the setting file. The newly added product is added as M product. Further, it is determined whether a product registered as a K product has been added as an M product. If it is determined that the product has been added as an M product, the K product may be deleted.

  Steps 1011 to 1016 are the same as steps 1011 to 1016 in FIG.

  In step 1905, the client terminal determines whether update information of the additional device is included. If it is included, the process proceeds to step 1907; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1908.

  In step 1906, the client terminal performs balloon display. This is to alert the user by performing balloon display.

  In step 1907, the client terminal determines whether the balloon has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process proceeds to step 1908. If not clicked, the process loops and returns to step 1907.

  In step 1908, the client terminal displays a pop-up screen or a detailed information screen.

  The operation at the time of device connection 903 has been described above.

  The operation of the manual diagnosis 904 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the support tool.

  In step 2001, the client terminal determines whether an icon has been clicked. If clicked, the process proceeds to step 2002 and step 1011. If not clicked, the process loops and returns to step 2001. Here, the icon means a shortcut icon for starting a pop-up screen or a detailed information screen.

  In step 2002, the client terminal displays a pop-up screen or a detailed information screen, and displays a product information menu instead of a notification information menu. FIG. 21 shows an example of the product information menu on the pop-up screen, and FIG. 22 shows an example of the product information menu on the detailed information screen. Both are displayed with the product information menus 2102 and 2202 selected. This is because the information in the product information menu is updated less frequently and can be displayed immediately because manual update does not acquire update information from the management server. On the other hand, the notification information is frequently updated, and it is necessary to display the screen after the update information is acquired from the management server. Therefore, the product information menu is displayed first, and update information is acquired behind the menu.

  In step 2003, the client terminal determines whether the notification menu has been selected. If selected, the process proceeds to step 1017. If not selected, the process loops and returns to step 2003. Specifically, it is determined whether notification menus 2101 and 2101 have been selected.

  Steps 1011 to 1017 are the same as steps 1011 to 1017 in FIG.

  The operation of manual diagnosis 904 has been described above.

  Finally, a method of using the product information menu shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 by the user will be described.

  The user selects desired product tabs 2101 and 2201 using a mouse or the like.

  In the product information menu, a plurality of menus related to the product are displayed. For example, “Q & A” and “Mail inquiry”. Here, the display is made based on the information shown in FIGS. A corresponding URL is linked to the title image. This menu is displayed by the client terminal using information relating to the product information menu. The display order follows the “display order” shown in FIGS. In the case of FIG. 21, the display is performed in the order from the first stage to the right, and in the case of FIG.

  In the management server, the menu displayed on this screen can be added / deleted by adding / deleting a new record to / from the table shown in FIG. That is, the administrator can add or delete menus at the client terminal of each user simply by adding or deleting records. Also, by setting the release start date and the release end date, it is possible to easily add / delete menus for a limited time.

  For example, when the user selects “Q & A” 2104, 2204, the Q & A about the product is displayed on a pop-up screen or a detailed information screen. The “Q & A” displays the information obtained from the management server in step 1013 shown in FIG. 10 as it is.

  On the other hand, if any item other than “Q & A” 2104 and 2204 is selected, a command for starting the browser is issued to display the URL destination content associated with the menu, and the browser is started on a separate screen. To display the content. That is, the user can browse the content on the browser screen by URL direct only by selecting the menu. For example, when “Mail inquiry” is selected, a page for inputting a mail form is displayed. If “Download” is selected, the latest download site is displayed.

  This URL information is included in the information related to the product information menu acquired from the management server in step 1013 shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 18 to 20, the product information is obtained every time at a predetermined timing.

  Therefore, even if the administrator changes the URL of the information related to the product information menu, the fact that the product information is obtained every time means that the latest URL information is also acquired, so the user is particularly aware The latest URL information can be obtained.

  Therefore, the service provider can update and register product information (URL information) in real time when an information update occurs.

  In addition, since the link is not broken due to the URL information becoming old, the user improves usability and promotes continuous use.

  In this embodiment, the client terminal receives the information related to the notification information and product information menu registered in the server. However, as another embodiment, the following may be used. Good.

(1) With regard to information related to the product information menu, a model number may be specified from the client terminal, and information regarding the product information menu corresponding to the model number may be specified from the specified model number and transmitted to the client terminal. . For example, when “Printer-001” is designated by Klein and the terminal, a record whose model number is “Printer-001” is extracted from the table shown in FIG. 23 and transmitted to the client terminal.
(2) For information related to the product information menu, a model number and title information (product information menu ID) are specified from the client terminal, and the product information menu corresponding to the model number and title information is specified from the specified model number and title information in the server. The information regarding may be specified and transmitted to the client terminal. For example, when “Printer-001” and “Mail inquiry” are specified by Klein and the terminal, a record having a model number “Printer-001” and a title “Mail inquiry” is extracted from the table shown in FIG. It is sent to the terminal.
(3) The title information (product information menu ID) of the information related to the product information menu received by the client terminal may be the title itself or an ID for identifying the title. For example, although the title itself is described in “Title” shown in FIG. 23, it may be an arbitrary number specifying the title. These two are called title identification information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the latest content can be referred to without the user being aware of it.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

101 Management Server 102 Client Terminal 103 Inkjet Printer 104 Network

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus for selectively displaying information prepared for each product using product menu information managed to be distributed to a client terminal by a server,
A client terminal in the server including product identification information for identifying a product from the server, title identification information for identifying a type of information prepared for each product, and address information indicating a website on which the information is posted Acquisition means for acquiring product menu information managed to be distributed to
Storage means for storing the product menu information acquired by the acquisition means;
The product menu information stored by the storage means is used so that the user can select the information prepared for each product and can access the website where the information selected by the user is posted. Link the address information of the website where the information corresponding to the item is linked to each item corresponding to the title identification information displayed on the display screen for each product, and give the user any information Display control means for displaying separately for each product so as to be selectable;
When product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition means at a predetermined timing, it is specified by the product identification information and the title identification information included in the acquired product menu information. Update means for updating address information corresponding to a combination of product identification information and title identification information stored by the storage means to address information included in the acquired product menu information. apparatus. When the product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition unit at a predetermined timing, a combination of the product identification information and the title identification information included in the acquired product menu information; 2. The storage unit additionally stores the acquired product menu information when a combination of matching product identification information and title identification information is not stored in the storage unit. Information processing device. The product identification information and the title included in the product menu information stored by the storage unit when the product unit information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition unit at a predetermined timing When the combination of product identification information and title identification information that matches the combination of identification information is not included in the acquired product menu information, the storage means stores the product menu information not included in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is deleted from the product menu information to be processed. The product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server acquired by the acquisition means includes order information for displaying information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the information in a selectable manner according to the order information acquired by the acquisition unit. Product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server acquired by the acquisition means includes image data,
The display control means displays the image data acquired by the acquisition means, and links the address information of a website on which the information is posted to the displayed image data. 5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 4.   When one piece of information is selected from the information displayed by the display control means by the user, control is performed to display the website indicated by the address information on the browser screen using the address information corresponding to the selected information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising browser control means for performing the operation. Model number information storage means for storing model number information for identifying a product used when requesting product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server;
The information according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: requesting means for requesting the product menu information from the server using the model number information stored by the model number information storage means. Processing equipment. An information processing system in which a server and an information processing apparatus that selectively displays information prepared for each product using product menu information managed to be distributed to a client terminal by the server can be communicated via a network There,
The information processing system includes:
A client terminal in the server including product identification information for identifying a product from the server, title identification information for identifying a type of information prepared for each product, and address information indicating a website on which the information is posted Acquisition means for acquiring product menu information managed to be distributed to
Storage means for storing the product menu information acquired by the acquisition means;
The product menu information stored by the storage means is used so that the user can select the information prepared for each product and can access the website where the information selected by the user is posted. Link the address information of the website where the information corresponding to the item is linked to each item corresponding to the title identification information displayed on the display screen for each product, and give the user any information Display control means for displaying separately for each product so as to be selectable;
When product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition means at a predetermined timing, it is specified by the product identification information and the title identification information included in the acquired product menu information. Update means for updating address information corresponding to a combination of product identification information and title identification information stored by the storage means to address information included in the acquired product menu information. system. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus that includes a storage unit and displays selectably information prepared for each product using product menu information managed to be distributed to a client terminal by a server,
A client terminal in the server including product identification information for identifying a product from the server, title identification information for identifying a type of information prepared for each product, and address information indicating a website on which the information is posted An acquisition step of acquiring product menu information managed to be distributed to
A storage step of storing the product menu information acquired in the acquisition step in the storage means;
The product menu information stored in the storing step is used to enable the user to select information prepared for each product and to access a website on which the information selected by the user is posted. Link the address information of the website where the information corresponding to the item is linked to each item corresponding to the title identification information displayed on the display screen for each product, and give the user any information A display control step for displaying each product in a selectable manner;
When product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition step at a predetermined timing, it is specified by the product identification information and the title identification information included in the acquired product menu information. And updating the address information corresponding to the combination of the product identification information and the title identification information stored in the storing step to the address information included in the acquired product menu information. Method. A program executable in an information processing apparatus that selectively displays information prepared for each product using product menu information managed to be distributed to a client terminal by a server,
A client terminal in the server including product identification information for identifying a product from the server, title identification information for identifying a type of information prepared for each product, and address information indicating a website on which the information is posted Acquisition means for acquiring product menu information managed to be distributed to
Storage means for storing the product menu information acquired by the acquisition means;
The product menu information stored by the storage means is used so that the user can select the information prepared for each product and can access the website where the information selected by the user is posted. Link the address information of the website where the information corresponding to the item is linked to each item corresponding to the title identification information displayed on the display screen for each product, and give the user any information Display control means to display separately for each product so that it can be selected,
When product menu information managed to be distributed to the client terminal by the server is acquired by the acquisition means at a predetermined timing, it is specified by the product identification information and the title identification information included in the acquired product menu information. Causing the information processing apparatus to function as update means for updating address information corresponding to a combination of product identification information and title identification information stored in the storage means to address information included in the acquired product menu information. A featured program.   A storage medium in which the program according to claim 10 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

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