Server device, control method and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a server device, a control method and a storage medium. The server device provides a cloud printing service, the cloud printing service receives a print job and causes an image forming device to print the received print job, and the server device includes: a first receiving unit, which is configured to receive a print job from a client terminal or from other server devices that provide other cloud printing services; a second receiving unit, which is configured to receive an instruction to change the setting of the print job received by the first receiving unit, the instruction being given via the image forming device; and a notification unit, which is configured to notify the other server devices of the content of the instruction when the instruction received by the second receiving unit is an instruction for the print job received by the first receiving unit from the other server devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a server device, a control method, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] There is a cloud printing service that sends and receives print jobs between a terminal and an image forming apparatus via a cloud computing system. As cloud printing services, there are various cloud printing services such as Google Cloud Print (registered trademark), Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Print (registered trademark), and Uniflow On Line (registered trademark).

[0003] As part of the functions provided by the cloud print service, there is a function of generating reports for users to manage the number of output sheets, etc. Through the report generated by the cloud print service, users can check the total number of printed sheets per month, the number of printed sheets per user or per printer, etc.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-133489 has described a printing system as a system for providing a cloud printing service, the printing system including a client terminal, a printing service apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connected via a network.

[0005] In a printing system using a cloud print service (also referred to as CPS), it is considered to construct the printing system by causing a plurality of CPSs to cooperate with each other. Figure 4 The printing system in is an example of a printing system that enables multiple CPSs to cooperate with each other. Figure 4 As shown, the following configuration of the printing system is considered, in which, when a user inputs a print job from a client terminal by setting CPS 405 or CPS 406 as a destination, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via CPS 404. With this configuration, even in the case where a plurality of client terminals are connected to different CPSs, the CPSs that send print jobs to the image forming apparatus can be aggregated.

[0006] In the case where a print job input from a client terminal to CPS 405 or CPS 406 is sent to an image forming apparatus via CPS 404, it may sometimes happen that an instruction to change the print settings included in the print job is given via the image forming apparatus. In this case, CPS 405 or CPS 406 to which the print job is input cannot check that the print settings included in the print job have been changed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the content of the report generated by CPS 405 or CPS 406 is different from the content of the print settings when the image forming apparatus actually outputs. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technology disclosed herein aims to appropriately reflect setting changes made by an image forming apparatus in a report of a CPS to which a print job is input, even when the image forming apparatus is caused to print a print job sent from the CPS to which the print job is input, via another CPS.

[0008] The server device disclosed in the present invention is a server device that provides a cloud printing service, which receives a print job and enables an image forming device to print the received print job. The server device includes: a first receiving unit, which is configured to receive a print job from a client terminal or from other server devices that provide other cloud printing services; a second receiving unit, which is configured to receive an instruction to change the setting of the print job received by the first receiving unit, the instruction being given via the image forming device; and a notification unit, which is configured to notify the other server device of the content of the instruction when the instruction received by the second receiving unit is an instruction for the print job received by the first receiving unit from the other server device.

[0009] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a printing process using a cloud printing service;

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a printing system with multiple cloud printing services;

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a report generated in a cloud printing service;

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a printing system with multiple cloud printing services;

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a print process of a comparative example using a plurality of cloud print services;

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a cloud printing service;

[0016] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a cloud printing service;

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of print job information;

[0018] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a printing process using a plurality of cloud printing services;

[0019] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the cloud printing service;

[0020] Fig.11 is a diagram for explaining a printing process using a plurality of cloud printing services;

[0021] Fig.12 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the cloud printing service;

[0022] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a report generated in a cloud print service;

[0023] Fig.14 is a diagram for explaining a printing process using a plurality of cloud printing services;

[0024] Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of outputting printer information; and

[0025] Fig.16 is a diagram showing an example of a printer information list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Aspects of the technology for carrying out the present disclosure are explained below by using the drawings.

[0027] <First Embodiment>

[0028] [About Cloud Print Service]

[0029] Before describing this embodiment, a cloud printing service is described. The cloud printing service is a printing service that sends and receives print jobs between a terminal and an image forming device via a cloud computing system. In the following, it is assumed that the cloud printing service (CPS) refers to a server device that provides the cloud printing service.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the printing process of a printing system including a client terminal, a CPS, and an image forming apparatus connected via a network. Figure 1 The following describes the outline of the printing process of the printing system using CPS. The symbol "S" in the description of each process represents a step in the flow. For the sake of convenience, the user's operation is also described by adding "S" to it.

[0031] First, the administrator registers the image forming device to the tenant of the cloud printing service to which the administrator belongs. The administrator sets which user is allowed to use the image forming device among the users belonging to the tenant. A tenant refers to a service system deployed by a user on the cloud (S101-S102).

[0032] A user who is allowed to use the image forming device inputs a print job to the CPS from a client terminal (S103). The CPS causes the memory of the CPS to store the received print job (S104). Thereafter, the user logs in to the image forming device and the image forming device receives print job information about the print job stored in the CPS (S105 to S107). The user checks the print settings included in the print job information, and gives an instruction to change the print settings to the image forming device in the case of changing the print settings (S108). The CPS, which has received a request to change the print settings included in the print job information from the image forming device, changes the print settings of the stored print job (S109-S111). Then, by the user instructing the image forming device to print (S112), the image forming device obtains the print job whose print settings have been changed from the CPS and performs print processing (S113-S115). The method by which the image forming device obtains the print job from the CPS may be a pull method or a push method. When the image forming apparatus completes the print process, the image forming apparatus transmits a notification of completion of the print job to the CPS ( S116 ).

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a printing system for realizing a printing environment through a cloud computing system by making a plurality of CPSs cooperate with each other. Figure 2 In the printing system of FIG. 4 , when a user contracts with one of CPS 204 to 206, the print job can be printed by sending the print job from the terminal 201 to 203 to the image forming device 407 in the printing system. There is also a cloud service that provides a print service through the CPS as part of the function of a composite cloud service having a cloud storage service, a document editing service, and the like.

[0034] Figure 3 : is a diagram for explaining the report provided by the CPS. As part of the functions provided by the CPS to the user, there is a report function that generates a report for managing the number of output sheets, etc. and provides the report to the user. The report function is a function that provides the user with the cumulative results of the printing history, etc. by storing the number of printed sheets of color printing or monochrome printing at the time of printing processing, etc., when a notification of the completion of the print job is received from the image forming device. Through the report function, the total number of printed sheets per month, the number of printed sheets per user or per printer, etc. can be checked, so the printer administrator can easily perform processing such as payment management related to printing based on the total number of printed sheets per month. In addition, through the report function, the user can check the current number of printed sheets, so the user can manage so that the upper limit of the number of printed sheets is not exceeded when an upper limit is set for the number of printed sheets for each user.

[0035] [Configuration of the Printing System of the Present Embodiment]

[0036] Figure 4 406 , and an image forming apparatus 407 .

[0037] The client terminals 401 to 403 are each a client terminal from which a print job is input (sent) to each of the CPSs 404 to 406 , respectively.

[0038] The CPS 404 is a CPS that receives a print job from the client terminal 401 and also receives print jobs from other CPSs 405 and 406 in the printing system. Then, the CPS 404 is a CPS that causes the image forming apparatus 407 to perform print processing on the received print job. In this specification, the CPS 405 and the CPS 406 are sometimes described as external CPS 405 and external CPS 406.

[0039] Each of the external CPSs 405 and 406 is a CPS that receives a print job from the client terminals 402 and 403, transmits the received print job to the CPS 404, and causes the image forming device 407 to perform a print process via the CPS 404. The external CPSs 405 and 406 may be connected to an image forming device (not schematically shown) other than the image forming device 407, in which case the external CPSs 405 and 406 may also be a CPS that enables the image forming device (not schematically shown) to perform a print process without the intervention of the CPS 404.

[0040] For explanation, it is assumed that CPS 404 has "CompanyA.canon.com" as a tenant name, CPS 405 has "CompanyA.onmicrosoft.com" as a tenant name, and CPS 406 has "CompanyA.gmail.com" as a tenant name.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 407 is connected to the CPS 404 so as to be communicable, and receives a print job from the CPS 404 and performs print processing based on the received print job. The image forming apparatus 407 is realized by, for example, a printer.

[0042] As described above, the printing system of the present embodiment is a printing system for realizing a printing environment by making a cloud in which multiple CPSs 404 to 406 cooperate with each other. The construction is designed so that the CPS that is connected to the image forming device 407 and sends the print job to the image forming device is only CPS 404. Therefore, the construction makes it possible for, in the case where a print job is input from a client terminal 402 connected to an external CPS 405 to an external CPS 405, to transmit the print job to the image forming device 407 that actually performs printing via CPS 404. The construction of a printing system such as this can be realized by registering CPS 404 as a virtual printer to a tenant of an external CPS 405. With this construction, print jobs received by multiple CPSs 404 to 406 are aggregated by one CPS 404. Therefore, for example, according to Figure 4 In the printing system, the number of output sheets of the image forming apparatus can be managed by one CPS that aggregates print jobs.

[0043] The various components of the printing system are connected via a network 400 so as to be able to communicate. The network is, for example, one of a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM, etc. Alternatively, the network may be a communication network implemented by a combination of these. That is, the network 400 only needs to be able to transmit and receive data.

[0044] [Comparative Example of Print Processing of Printing System Having Multiple CPSs]

[0045] Figure 5 It is shown that Figure 1 The sequence diagram in the example is applied to a system with multiple CPSs. Figure 4 In the case of printing system Figure 4 A sequence diagram of a comparative example of a printing process of a printing system in FIG. Figure 5 In, with Figure 1 Different, the registration process is omitted. Figure 5 4 is a sequence diagram showing a print process of a print job received by the external CPS 405 .

[0046] In the case where a print job is input to the external CPS 405 ( S501 to S502 ), the CPS 404 receives the print job from the external CPS 405 and stores the received print job ( S503 to S505 ).

[0047] In response to the storage of the print job, the CPS 404 gives a notification of the completion of the print job to the external CPS 405 that has input the print job from the client terminal (S506). After receiving the notification of the completion of the print job, the external CPS 405 reflects the print result of the print job in a report (S519). The processing of S507 to S518 is the same as the processing of S105 to S116.

[0048] In the print processing in the comparative example, as shown in S506, the CPS 404 notifies the external CPS 405 of the completion of the print job by regarding the print processing of the print job as having been completed when the CPS 404 stores the print job. Thereafter, even in the case where the print setting of the print job is changed via the image forming apparatus 407, in the comparative example, the external CPS 405 cannot check that the print setting included in the print job information of the print job has been changed. Therefore, for example, in the case where the user changes the print setting of the print job for color printing to the print setting for monochrome printing through the image forming apparatus and prints, in the report generation of the external CPS 405, the report is generated by regarding the print job as having been printed in color.

[0049] There is a case where the print service of the CPS is provided as part of a composite cloud service including cloud services other than the print service. For example, there is a case where the print service of the external CPS 405 is provided as part of the composite cloud service. In this case, it is considered that the user who uses the composite cloud service uses the report function of the external CPS 405 instead of the report function of the CPS 404. A report indicating the accumulated result of erroneous printing and the like is provided to the user by the external CPS 405. Therefore, for example, the user may mistakenly recognize the number of printed sheets based on the report provided by the external CPS 405.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPS 404 receives a print job from an external CPS and sends the received print job to the image forming apparatus, and the CPS 404 makes a request to change the print job information to the external CPS that has input the print job from the client terminal. The external CPS can change the stored print job information based on the change content of the print job information included in the request to change the print job information.

[0051] [Hardware structure]

[0052] Figure 6 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the CPS 404. The hardware configuration of the external CPSs 405 and 406 is also the same as that of the CPS 404 to be described below.

[0053] The CPU 601 directly or indirectly controls each device (ROM, RAM, etc.) connected by the internal device and executes a program for realizing the functions of the CPS 404. The ROM 602 stores BIOS, etc. The RAM (direct storage device) 603 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 601, and is also used as a temporary storage area for loading software modules for realizing the functions of the CPS 404 of this embodiment. The indirect storage device 604 stores the OS and software modules as basic software, and is implemented by, for example, a HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), etc. The output device 606 is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an LED, etc., and displays various information. The input device 605 is implemented by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., and receives various operations of the user. The I / F 607 is an interface for connecting to the network 400.

[0054] [Functional structure]

[0055] Figure 7 404. The functional configuration of the external CPSs 405, 406 is also the same as that of the CPS 404 to be described below. The CPS 404 has a sending and receiving unit 701, a control unit 702, a page generating unit 703, a setting management unit 704, an authentication unit 705, and a printing management unit 706.

[0056] The sending and receiving unit 701 sends and receives data by processing the communication with the Web browser of the client terminal 44 or the external CPS 405, 406 cooperating with each other. The control unit 702 processes according to the request received by the sending and receiving unit 701. The page generation unit 703 generates a Web page for returning a response to the Web browser of the client terminal 401.

[0057] The setting management unit 704 controls information by storing various setting information related to the CPS 404 , information about external CPSs 405 , 406 cooperating with each other, and information about the image forming apparatus 407 registered in the CPS 404 in a setting DB 707 .

[0058] The authentication unit 705 authenticates a user who has requested to log in to the CPS 404 by using an authentication DB 708 which stores user account information on the CPSs 404 to 406 , and controls a user authentication request to the external CPSs 405 , 406 .

[0059] The print management unit 706 performs control to store a print job received from the client terminal 401 or a print job received from the external CPS 405, 406 cooperating with each other in the print job DB 709. Furthermore, the print management unit 706 performs image processing such as rendering on the print job.

[0060] Figure 7 The functions of each unit are implemented by CPU 601 of CPS 404 loading the program code stored in ROM 602 or indirect storage device 604 onto RAM and executing the program code. Alternatively, part or all of the functions of each unit described above may be implemented by hardware such as ASIC and electronic circuits.

[0061] [Regarding Printing Processing of the Printing System of the Present Embodiment]

[0062] Figure 8 is a diagram showing print job information included in a print job. Figure 8 The print job information in is an example of print job information included in a print job input from a client terminal to the external CPS 405. In the print job information, there is an area 801 for storing a job ID indicating a unique identifier for identifying a print job received by the external CPS 405. In addition, in the print job information, there are an area 802 for storing a job name (the job name is information for a user to identify a print job in the image forming apparatus 407) and an area 803 for storing the name of a user who performs printing. In addition, in the print job information, there is an area 804 for storing information on print settings, the information including information indicating whether to perform color printing or monochrome printing at the time of printing, information indicating whether to perform single-sided printing or double-sided printing at the time of printing, and the like.

[0063] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 A sequence diagram of the printing process of this embodiment in the printing system. Fig. 9 The processing in each device shown in the sequence diagram is performed by the CPU of each device loading the program code stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executing the program code. Fig. 9 Some or all of the functions in the steps may be implemented by hardware such as ASIC and electronic circuits of each device. The symbol "S" in the description of each process represents a step in the process. For ease of explanation, the description is also made by adding "S" to the user's operation. Figure 5 Same, Fig. 9 4 is a sequence diagram showing a print process of a print job received by the external CPS 405 .

[0064] In S901, a print job is input from the client terminal 402 to the external CPS 405. In S902, the CPS 405 stores the print job input from the client terminal 402.

[0065] The following S903 to S905 are steps for the CPS 404 to receive a print job from the external CPS 405. In S903, the CPS 404 requests the external CPS 405 to send the print job. Upon receiving the request to send the print job, the external CPS 405 sends the print job stored in S902 to the CPS 404 in S904. In S905, the CPS 404 stores the received print job. Figure 5 Unlike the comparative example in , the CPS 404 does not notify the external CPS 405 of the print job completion in response to the storage of the received print job.

[0066] S906 to S908 are steps in which the image forming apparatus 407 acquires print job information about the print job stored in the CPS 404. In S906, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 407. In S907, the image forming apparatus 407 receiving the user login requests the CPS 404 to send the print job information about the print job stored in the CPS 404. Upon receiving the request to send the print job information, the CPS 404 sends the print job information to the image forming apparatus 407 in S908.

[0067] The user checks the print settings included in the print job information received by the image forming apparatus 407, and in the case of changing the print settings, gives an instruction to change the print settings to the image forming apparatus 407. In this sequence diagram, it is assumed that the user has given an instruction to change the print settings for explanation. In the case where the user has given an instruction to change the print settings via the image forming apparatus 407 at S909, the image forming apparatus 407, which has received the instruction to change the print settings, sends a request (instruction) to change the print job information to the CPS 404 at S910.

[0068] Upon receiving the request to change the print job information, the CPS 404 performs processing of changing the print job information about the stored print job according to the change request from the image forming apparatus 407 in S911 .

[0069] Fig. 10A 4 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing of the CPS 404, which is performed before the processing of changing the print job information of S911. It is assumed that the CPU 601 of the CPS 404 loads the program code stored in the ROM 602 onto the RAM 603 and executes the program code to perform Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe processing shown in the flowchart is described. Fig. 10A or Fig. 10B Part or all of the functions in the steps may be implemented by hardware such as ASIC and electronic circuit.

[0070] The CPU 601 monitors whether a request to change the print job information is sent from the image forming apparatus 407, and at S1001, the CPU 601 determines whether a request to change the print job information is received from the image forming apparatus 407. In the case where a request to change the print job information is received from the image forming apparatus 407, the process proceeds to S1002 and the CPU 601 performs the process of S911. That is, the CPU 601 changes the print job information about the stored print job according to the change content included in the change request received from the image forming apparatus 407.

[0071] Fig. 10B 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the CPS 404 performed after the processing of changing the print job information in S911. When the change of the print job information about the print job stored in the CPS 404 is completed, in S1010, the CPU 601 determines whether the print job including the print job information changed in S911 is a print job received from an external CPS.

[0072] In the case where the print job is a print job received from an external CPS ("Yes" in S1010), the process proceeds to S1011. In S1011, the CPU 601 sends a request to change the print job information to the external CPS that has sent the print job (the external CPS that has input the print job from the client terminal). The process of this step is Fig. 9 The content of the change request sent by the CPS 404 to the external CPS 405 at S912 (S1011) includes at least information for identifying a print job having print settings to be changed and information indicating the content of the print settings to be changed. For example, the print job information after the print settings are changed is sent.

[0073] If the print job is not a print job received from an external CPS (No in S1010), the process in this flowchart is terminated without performing the process of S1011. In this case, the processes of S912 and S913 in the sequence diagram are not performed.

[0074] Next, in the external CPS 405, Fig. 10A404. That is, the CPU of the external CPS 405 (not schematically shown) monitors whether a request to change the print job information is sent from the CPS 404. Then, in the case where a request to change the print job information is received from the CPS 404, the CPU of the external CPS 405 performs the processing of S913. That is, in S913, the external CPS 405 that has received the change request changes the print job information about the print job stored in the external CPS 405. Specifically, the external CPS 405 specifies the change target print job according to the job ID included in the print job information included in the change request received from the CPS 404, and changes the print setting included in the print job information about the specified print job.

[0075] On the other hand, in S914, the CPS 404 notifies the image forming apparatus 407 that the print job information change is completed.

[0076] S915 to S918 are the steps of the image forming device 407 processing the print processing of the print job. In the case where the user instructs the image forming device 407 to print in S915, the image forming device 407 requests the CPS 404 to send the print job that the user instructs the image forming device 407 to print in S916. In the case of receiving a request to send a print job, the CPS 404 sends the print job requested to be sent to the image forming device 407 in S917. In the case where the user gives an instruction to change the print setting, in this step, a print job reflecting the change in the print setting is sent. In S918, the image forming device 407 performs print processing on the received print job.

[0077] When the print processing is completed, the image forming apparatus 407 notifies the CPS 404 of the print job completion in S919. In response to receiving the notification of the print job completion from the image forming apparatus 407, the CPS 404 notifies the external CPS 405 of the print job completion in S920.

[0078] In S921, the external CPS 405 performs processing to reflect the print result of the print job for which the print processing is completed in a report based on the print job information about the stored print job.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the print setting is changed by the image forming apparatus 407, the changed content of the print setting is reflected in the print job information about the print job stored in the external CPS 405. Therefore, the result of the print job for which the print processing is completed can be appropriately reflected in the report.

[0080] In the above description, a method for correctly reflecting the information at the time of actual printing in the report provided from the CPS by updating the print job information before the print process is completed is described. In addition, for example, the CPS may also have a function of reflecting information including the history of changes to the print job information made before the print process is completed in the report. In this case, the configuration may be a configuration in which, under the condition of receiving a change request, the CPS changes the information displayed in the report in place of the print job information. For example, in Fig. 9 In S913, instead of changing the print job information, a report reflecting the change content and used to learn the change history may be generated whenever a request to change the print job information is received. In addition, it is preferred to establish consistency with the print job information at this time.

[0081] According to the technology of the present disclosure, even when an image forming apparatus is caused to perform print processing on a print job by a CPS to which the print job is input via another CPS, a change in setting performed by the image forming apparatus is appropriately reflected in a report of the CPS to which the print job is input.

[0082] <Second Embodiment>

[0083] In the first embodiment, the print job information about the external CPS 405 can be changed by receiving the print setting change information from the CPS 404. However, the report result is also used for payment management in printing by receiving the number of output sheets in color printing and monochrome printing, so sometimes it is not preferable in terms of management that the state of the print job information can be changed without restriction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following method is described: by imposing restrictions on the change of the print job information, an inappropriate change of the print job information is not received. In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is mainly described. The part that is not particularly clearly described is the same structure and processing as the first embodiment.

[0084] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 4 A sequence diagram of the printing process of this embodiment in the printing system of FIG. Fig.11 The printing process of this embodiment is described.

[0085] S1101 to S1111 are the same as S901 to S911, and thus description is omitted. The CPS 404 of this embodiment is different from the CPS 404 in the first embodiment, and after changing the print job information of the print job stored in S111 upon receiving a request to change the print job information from the image forming apparatus 407, the external CPS 405 is not requested to change the print job information. As will be described later, after receiving a notification of print job completion from the image forming apparatus 407, the CPS 404 requests the external CPS 405 to which the print job has been input from the client terminal to change the print job information.

[0086] The processing of S1112 to S1117 is the same as the processing of S914 to S919, so the description is omitted. In the case where the CPS 404 receives the notification that the image forming device 407 completes the print job in S1117, the CPS 404 requests the external CPS 405 to change the print job information in S1118. Even in the case where the image forming device 407 requests the CPS 404 to change the print job information multiple times, the CPS 404 only requests the CPS 405 to change the print job information a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined number of times is 1 for description. In the case where the CPS 404 requests the external CPS 405 to change the print job information, the CPS 404 notifies the external CPS 405 of the status of the last print job information.

[0087] In S1119, the external CPS 405 performs processing to change the print job information about the print job requested to be changed in response to the change request. In the case of receiving the request to change the print job information, the external CPS 405 of the present embodiment determines whether to change the print job information in response to the change request and changes the print job information about the stored print job only if it is determined to be reflected in the print job information.

[0088] Fig.12 4 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing performed when the external CPS 405 receives a request to change the print job information. It is assumed that the CPU (not shown schematically) of the CPS 405 loads the program code stored in the ROM (not shown schematically) onto the RAM and executes the program code. Fig.12 The processing shown in the flowchart is described. Fig.12 Part or all of the functions in the steps may be performed by hardware such as ASIC and electronic circuits.

[0089] In S1201, the CPU of the external CPS 405 determines whether a request to change the print job information is received. In the case where a request to change the print job information is received ("Yes" in S1201), in S1202, the CPU of the external CPS 405 determines whether the status of the print job requested to be changed is "Completed". In the case where a notification of the completion of the print job is received, the status of the print job is changed to "Completed". Therefore, the processing of this step is performed in order not to receive a change request after the notification of the completion of the print job.

[0090] In the case where the print job status is not "completed" ("No" in S1202), in S1203, the CPU of the external CPS 405 determines whether the change request for the print job information of the print job for which the change request has been received is the first time. In the case where the change request is the first time ("Yes" in S1203), in S1204, the CPU of the external CPS 405 performs Fig.11 That is, the CPU of the external CPS 405 changes the print job information about the print job for which the change request has been received, according to the change content included in the received change request.

[0091] On the other hand, if the print job status is "completed" ("Yes" in S1202) or if the received change request is the second or later time ("No" in S1203), the processing of S1204 is skipped. That is, the CPU of the external CPS 405 does not change the print job information of the print job for which the change request has been received.

[0092] The processing from S1120 to S1121 is the same as the processing from S920 to S921, so the description is omitted.

[0093] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to not receive an inappropriate change to the print job information by imposing restrictions on the change to the print job information.

[0094] An aspect is also acceptable in which, in the process of changing the print job information by the CPS 404, Fig.12 For example, as described in the first embodiment, before the processing of S111, Fig. 10A , but can be processed by the CPU of CPS 404 Fig.12 Instead of processing Fig. 10A in the processing.

[0095] <Third Embodiment>

[0096] exist Figure 4In a printing system, an external CPS that inputs a print job from a client terminal sends the print job to CPS 404, and CPS 404 causes an image forming device to perform print processing of the print job. In this case, the external CPS cannot check which image forming device has performed print processing on the print job. Therefore, there is a case where the print results accumulated for each image forming device are not appropriately accumulated in a report provided by the external CPS.

[0097] Fig.13 This is a comparative example of a report generated by the external CPS 405 in which print processing results are accumulated for each image forming apparatus. Fig.13 The “printer name” described in the report in is a name for identifying the image forming apparatus registered in the CPS 405, and is Fig.13 In the example, the number of pages output from each image forming device indicated by the printer name is accumulated. However, in the external CPS 405, the CPS 404 is registered as a virtual printer, and therefore, the CPS 404 is not an actual image forming device. Therefore, the external CPS 405 cannot check which image forming device has processed the print job via the CPS 404. For example, even in the case where a print job is input from the CPS 404 to the image forming device "printer A" and processed, Fig.13 As shown, the number of pages is accumulated and a report is generated by assuming that the CPS 404 has performed the printing process.

[0098] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is described in which a print result is appropriately reflected in a report generated in an external CPS for each image forming apparatus, and the external CPS sends a print job via another CPS to perform print processing on a print job input from a client terminal. In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is mainly described. The parts that are not particularly clearly described are the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment.

[0099] Fig.14 It is shown Figure 4 A sequence diagram of the printing process of this embodiment in the printing system of FIG. Fig.14 The printing process of the present embodiment is described. The description will be given assuming that in the printing process of the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a request to change the print job information is made after notification of the print job completion.

[0100] S1401 to S1419 are the same as S1101 to S1119, so the description is omitted. After requesting to change the print job information about the print job at S1418, the CPS 404 of this embodiment notifies the external CPS 405 of the output printer information at S1420. Then, after notifying the external CPS 405 of the output printer information, the CPS 404 notifies the external CPS 405 that the print job is completed.

[0101] Fig.15 15 is a diagram showing the contents of "output printer information" to be sent from the CPS 404 to the external CPS 405 at S1420. In the output printer information, a job ID 1501 is included as a unique identifier for identifying a print job in the external CPS 405. In addition, a device serial number 1502 of a housing for identifying an image forming device that has performed print processing of a print job, an IP address 1503 of the image forming device, and the like are included as unique identifiers.

[0102] At S1421 , the external CPS 405 receives the output printer information from the CPS 404 and stores the output printer information as information reflected in the report.

[0103] At S1422, the CPS 404 gives a notification of the completion of the print job. At S1423, the external CPS 405, which has received the notification of the completion of the print job, reflects the print result in a report based on the stored output printer information. Specifically, the external CPS 405 performs processing to specify from which image forming device the print job input this time is output based on the "output printer information" and the "printer information list" stored in the CPS 405. Then, the external CPS 405 performs processing to reflect the print result of the print job in a report by considering that the print processing is completed by the image forming device specified based on the print job information.

[0104] Fig.16 4 is a diagram showing a "printer information list" stored in the external CPS 405. In the printer information list, information about devices registered in the external CPS 405 is stored. For example, in the printer information list, for each registered image forming device, a device ID as a unique identifier for identifying the image forming device, a printer name (device name), a device serial number, an IP address, etc. are stored. That is, in Fig.16 In the printer information list, at least information about an image forming apparatus whose printer name is “Printer A” and an image forming apparatus whose printer name is “Printer B” is stored. Fig.16Area 1601 in FIG. 1 is an area for storing information on an image forming apparatus whose printer name is “Printer A”, and area 1602 is an area for storing information on an image forming apparatus whose printer name is “Printer B”.

[0105] The external CPS 405 searches the printer information list for a device serial number or an IP address of an image forming device that matches the device serial number or the IP address of an image forming device stored in the output printer information. Then, the external CPS 405 designates a device stored in the printer information list whose device serial number or IP address matches the device serial number or IP address stored in the output printer information as the image forming device that has performed print processing on the print job input this time. Fig.15 In the output printer information of , the device serial number 1502 of the image forming device that has performed the print processing for the print job with job ID 1501 being "1" is "dev0000001". This is consistent with the device serial number 1502 stored in Fig.16 1501 matches the device serial number of the device "Printer A" in the printer information list in the client device. Therefore, the external CPS 405 can specify that the print job with job ID 1501 "1" has undergone the print processing of the image forming apparatus "Printer A". In this case, in S1423, the external CPS 405 performs processing to be reflected in the report by considering that the print job input from the client device has undergone the print processing of the image forming apparatus "Printer A".

[0106] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when printing is performed from a CPS to which a print job is input via another CPS, the CPS to which a print job is input can reflect the print result in a report by accumulating the print result for each image forming apparatus.

[0107] In the above description, the description is given assuming that the image forming apparatus that has performed the printing process is determined based on the device serial number or IP address stored in the output printer information transmitted from the CPS 404. In addition, the CPS 404 may also notify the printer name of the image forming apparatus that has performed the printing process together with the output printer information. In the case where the image forming apparatus cannot be found from the printer information list even by searching using the device serial number or IP address included in the output printer information, the external CPS 405 may perform processing to reflect the printing result in the report by using the printer name received from the CPS 404.

[0108] <Other embodiments>

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the explanation is given assuming that the external CPS to which the print job is input from the client terminal device receives a request to change the print job information from the CPS 404. In addition, an aspect is acceptable in which the external CPS can directly receive the request to change the print job information from the image forming apparatus that has performed print processing on the print job.

[0110] For example, the CPS 404 performs a process of sending "output printer information" instead of a process of sending a request to change the print job information to the external CPS 405. Next, the external CPS 405 specifies the image forming device that has performed the print process based on the output printer information, and requests the image forming device for the output result of the print job. The image forming device notifies the external CPS 405 of the result of the print process of the job print. By the above method, it is also possible to enable the external CPS 405 to appropriately receive the print settings when the print process is finally performed.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by, for example, reading and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium by the computer of the system or device to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0112] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0113] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A server device providing a cloud printing service, wherein the cloud printing service receives a print job and enables an image forming device to print the received print job, the server device comprising: A first receiving unit configured to receive a print job from a client terminal or from another server device providing another cloud printing service; a second receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to change settings of the print job received by the first receiving unit, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as A notification unit is configured to notify the other server device of the content of the instruction when the instruction received by the second receiving unit is an instruction for the print job received by the first receiving unit from the other server device.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein: The notification unit does not perform the notification if the instruction received by the second receiving unit is an instruction for the print job received by the first receiving unit from the client terminal.

3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein: The notification unit performs the notification after the image forming apparatus performs a print process on the print job received by the first receiving unit.

4. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit configured to store the print job received by the first receiving unit; a changing unit configured to change settings of the stored print job in response to the instruction; as well as a sending unit configured to send the received print job to the image forming device, When the second receiving unit receives the instruction, the sending unit sends the print job whose settings are changed by the changing unit.

5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein: The changing unit does not change the settings of the stored print job for the instruction received by the second receiving unit more than a predetermined number of times.

6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined number of times is 1 time.

7. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A second notification unit is configured to notify the other server device of information for identifying the image forming device that has performed print processing on the print job received by the first receiving unit, when the print job received by the first receiving unit is a print job sent from the other server device.

8. A server device for providing a cloud printing service, the server device comprising: A first receiving unit, configured to receive a print job from a client terminal; a sending unit configured to send the print job received by the first receiving unit to other server devices providing other cloud printing services, wherein the other server devices send the print job to an image forming device and cause the image forming device to perform print processing; a second receiving unit configured to receive content of an instruction to change settings of the print job received by the first receiving unit, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as A generating unit is configured to generate a report related to the print job received by the first receiving unit by reflecting the content of the instruction.

9. The server device according to claim 8, further comprising: A third receiving unit is configured to receive, from the other server device, information for identifying the image forming device that has performed a print process on the print job received by the first receiving unit.

10. The server device according to claim 9, wherein: The second receiving unit receives the content of the instruction from the image forming apparatus specified based on the information received by the third receiving unit.

11. The server device according to claim 8, wherein: The second receiving unit receives the content of the instruction from the other server device.

12. The server device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising: a storage unit configured to store the print job received by the first receiving unit; as well as a changing unit configured to change settings of a stored print job based on the content of the instruction received by the second receiving unit, The generating unit generates the report based on the print job whose setting is changed by the changing unit.

13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein: The changing unit does not change the settings of the stored print job for the instruction received by the second receiving unit more than a predetermined number of times.

14. The server device according to claim 13, wherein: The predetermined number of times is 1 time.

15. A method for controlling a cloud printing service, wherein the cloud printing service receives a print job and enables an image forming device to print the received print job, the method comprising: receiving print jobs from client terminals or from other server devices providing other cloud printing services; receiving an instruction to change settings of a received print job, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as If the received command is a command for a print job received from the other server device, the other server device is notified of the content of the command.

16. A method for controlling a cloud printing service, the method comprising: receiving a print job from a client terminal; Sending the received print job to other server devices that provide other cloud printing services, and the other server devices sending the print job to the image forming device and causing the image forming device to perform print processing; receiving content of an instruction to change settings of a received print job, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as A report related to the received print job is generated by reflecting the content of the instruction.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform a control method for a cloud printing service, wherein the cloud printing service receives a print job and causes an image forming device to perform a print process on the received print job, the control method comprising: receiving print jobs from client terminals or from other server devices providing other cloud printing services; receiving an instruction to change settings of a received print job, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as If the received command is a command for a print job received from the other server device, the other server device is notified of the content of the command.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for a control method for enabling a computer to perform a cloud printing service, the control method comprising: receiving a print job from a client terminal; Sending the received print job to other server devices that provide other cloud printing services, and the other server devices sending the print job to the image forming device and causing the image forming device to perform print processing; receiving content of an instruction to change settings of a received print job, the instruction being given via the image forming apparatus; as well as A report related to the received print job is generated by reflecting the content of the instruction.

Images