Printing system, terminal device, computer-readable storage medium, and print server

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a printing system, a terminal device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a printing server that enable a user to implement settings related to authentication printing on a terminal device without expending labor and time. The printing system includes a terminal device, a printing server that receives printing data from the terminal device, and a printing device that implements printing based on the printing data received by the printing server. The terminal device stores terminal authentication printing setting information that indicates settings of the terminal device related to authentication printing. The printing server stores change authentication printing setting information that is used to change the terminal authentication printing setting information. The terminal device transmits request information that requests the change authentication printing setting information to the printing server. The printing server transmits the change authentication printing setting information to the terminal device when the request information is received. The terminal device changes the terminal authentication printing setting information based on the change authentication printing setting information received from the printing server.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a print system, a terminal device, a program, and a print server. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an authentication print in which printing is performed when user authentication is successful is known. For example, a print system described in Patent Literature 1, in the authentication print, when the authentication is completed, a server transmits a print instruction to a terminal device, the terminal device transmits a stored print job to a print device based on the received print instruction, and the print device performs printing based on the received print job.

[0003] In the authentication print, in addition to the structure in which the print job is transmitted from the terminal device to the print device directly as described in Patent Literature 1, there is a structure in which the print job is transmitted from the terminal device to the print device via the server. In the authentication print of this structure, it is necessary to make settings related to the authentication print for the terminal device and the server respectively. However, there is a problem that, in a case where operating systems (OSs) of the terminal device and the server are different, it is necessary for the terminal device to make the settings related to the authentication print by the user in a manual manner, resulting in a labor and time cost.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-139991 SUMMARY

[0005] One way to solve the above problem is a print system which performs authentication print, and is provided with: a terminal device; a print server which receives print data from the terminal device; and a print device which performs printing based on the print data received by the print server, the terminal device stores terminal authentication print setting information which indicates settings of the terminal device related to the authentication print, the print server stores change authentication print setting information for changing the terminal authentication print setting information, the terminal device transmits request information which requests the change authentication print setting information to the print server, the print server transmits the change authentication print setting information to the terminal device when the request information is received, and the terminal device changes the terminal authentication print setting information based on the change authentication print setting information received from the print server.

[0006] Another aspect of the problems to be solved by the present application is a terminal device that performs authentication printing together with a print server and a print device that performs printing based on print data received from the print server, and that has: a terminal print data transmission section that transmits the print data to the print server; a terminal storage section that stores terminal authentication print setting information that indicates a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication printing; a request information transmission section that transmits request information that requests change authentication print setting information for changing the terminal authentication print setting information to the print server; an authentication print setting information reception section that receives the change authentication print setting information from the print server in a case where the print server receives the request information; and a change section that changes the terminal authentication print setting information stored in the terminal storage section based on the received change authentication print setting information in a case where the authentication print setting information reception section receives the change authentication print setting information.

[0007] Another aspect of the problems to be solved by the present application is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program that is executed by a processor of a terminal device that performs authentication printing together with a print server and a print device that performs printing based on print data received from the print server, the terminal device storing terminal authentication print setting information that indicates a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication printing, the program causing the processor to perform processing of transmitting the print data to the print server, transmitting request information that requests change authentication print setting information for changing the terminal authentication print setting information to the print server, receiving the change authentication print setting information from the print server in a case where the print server receives the request information, and changing the terminal authentication print setting information based on the received change authentication print setting information in a case where the change authentication print setting information is received.

[0008] Another aspect of the problems to be solved by the present application is a print server that performs authentication printing together with a terminal device and a print device, and that has: a server print data transmission section that transmits print data received from the terminal device to the print device; a server storage section that stores change authentication print setting information for changing terminal authentication print setting information that indicates a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication printing; a request information reception section that receives request information that requests the change authentication print setting information from the terminal device; and an authentication print setting information transmission section that transmits the change authentication print setting information stored in the server storage section to the terminal device that stores the terminal authentication print setting information in a case where the request information reception section receives the request information. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system.

[0010] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the structure of the printing apparatus and the terminal device.

[0011] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the structure of the printing server and the authentication server.

[0012] Figure 4 A sequence diagram illustrating the actions of a printing system.

[0013] Figure 5 A sequence diagram illustrating the actions of a printing system.

[0014] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the operation of a printing system. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the printing system 1000.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 1000 includes a printing device 1, a terminal device 2, a printing server 3, and an authentication server 4. The printing device 1, terminal device 2, printing server 3, and authentication server 4 are connected to a network NW. The network NW can be a local area network (LAN), a global network, or a network that includes both LANs and global networks. Global networks include the Internet, telephone networks, and other communication networks.

[0017] The printing system 1000 implements certified printing.

[0018] In the authentication printing process, the printing device 1 of the printing system 1000 accepts user authentication-related operations from user P, and the authentication server 4 performs user authentication based on the accepted user authentication-related operations. Then, in the authentication printing process, if the user authentication is successful, the printing system 1000 performs printing based on the printing data 3131 desired by user P through the printing device 1 that accepted the user authentication-related operations.

[0019] Printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for printing images on a printing medium. There are no restrictions on the type of printing medium; examples include sheets of paper of a predetermined size, rolls of paper, and thin films made of synthetic resin. There are no restrictions on the printing method of printing apparatus 1; methods such as direct printing, thermal sublimation printing, and thermal printing can be used.

[0020] In the present embodiment, as the printing device 1, a large-format printer that ejects ink in an inkjet manner with respect to a printing medium, and performs printing on a comparatively large-sized printing medium is exemplified. In addition, as the printing medium of the large-format printer, a printing medium such as high-quality paper, high-gloss paper, art paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, a film made of PET (Polyethyleneterephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene), cloth, and the like can be used.

[0021] The printing device 1 performs printing based on the print data 3131 received from the print server 3. In addition, the printing device 1 accepts an operation related to user authentication, and in a case where the user authentication is successful in the authentication server 4, performs printing based on the print data 3131 received from the print server 3.

[0022] The terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer). Although in Figure 1 In the present embodiment, as the printing device 1, a large-format printer that ejects ink in an inkjet manner with respect to a printing medium, and performs printing on a comparatively large-sized printing medium is exemplified. In addition, as the printing medium of the large-format printer, a printing medium such as high-quality paper, high-gloss paper, art paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, a film made of PET (Polyethyleneterephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene), cloth, and the like can be used.

[0023] The terminal printer driver 212 corresponds to one example of a "program".

[0024] The print server 3 is a server device that performs an arithmetic process based on a request or the like from each client connected to the network NW. In the print server 3, a server printer driver 311 and a management program 312 are installed. With respect to the server printer driver 311 and the management program 312, descriptions will be given below. By installing the server printer driver 311 in the print server 3, a print queue for authentication printing is created in the print server 3. Hereinafter, this print queue will be referred to as a "server print queue", and a symbol "316" is attached.

[0025] The authentication server 4 is a server device that performs a predetermined arithmetic process based on a request or the like from each client connected to the network NW. The authentication server 4 provides various screens related to the print data 3131 stored in the print server 3 to the printing device 1. The authentication server 4 functions as a Web server, and transmits an HTML file for displaying a screen to the printing device 1 for each screen.

[0026] In addition, although the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 are each represented by one block in each of the drawings, this does not necessarily mean that the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 are each constituted by a single server device. For example, the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 can each be constituted to include a plurality of server devices that differ in processing content. Further, although the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 are each illustrated as an independent server device in each of the drawings, the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 can be constituted as the same server device.

[0027] Further, although the case where the printing system 1000 is provided with one printing device 1 is illustrated in the present embodiment, the number of printing devices 1 provided by the printing system 1000 is not limited to one, and a plurality of printing devices 1 can be provided. Further, although the case where the printing system 1000 is provided with one terminal device 2 is illustrated in the present embodiment, the number of terminal devices 2 provided by the printing system 1000 is not limited to one, and a plurality of terminal devices 2 can be provided.

[0028] Next, the structures of the printing device 1, the terminal device 2, the print server 3, and the authentication server 4 will be described.

[0029] First, the printing device 1 and the terminal device 2 will be described.

[0030] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the structures of the printing device 1 and the terminal device 2.

[0031] The printing device 1 is provided with a printing device control section 10, a printing device communication section 11, a printing device display section 12, a printing device input section 13, a printing section 14, and a heating section 15.

[0032] The printing device control section 10 is provided with a printing device processor 100 that is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-processing unit), and a printing device storage section 110. The printing device control section 10 controls each section of the printing device 1 by reading and executing a control program stored in the printing device storage section 110 by the printing device processor 100. The printing device processor 100 functions as a printing device communication control section 101 and a printing control section 102 by reading and executing the control program. Further, the printing device processor 100 functions as a browser program execution section 103 by reading and executing a browser program 111.

[0033] The printing device storage section 110 has a storage that stores a program executed by the printing device processor 100, and data to be processed by the printing device processor 100. The printing device storage section 110 stores a control program executed by the printing device processor 100, a browser program 111, a printing device ID 112 that is identification information of the printing device 1, and other various data. The printing device storage section 110 has a non-volatile storage. In addition, the printing device storage section 110 can also have a volatile storage, and constitute a work area of the printing device processor 100.

[0034] The printing device communication section 11 is a communication interface that has a communication circuit, a connector, and the like according to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the printing server 3 and the authentication server 4 according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the printing device control section 10.

[0035] The printing device display section 12 has a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a display panel, and causes the LEDs to light up, turn off, or blink in a predetermined manner to implement display of information on the display panel according to the control of the printing device control section 10.

[0036] The printing device input section 13 has an input unit such as an operation switch, a touch panel, and the like provided on the printing device 1, and detects an operation of the input unit by the user P and outputs the detection result to the printing device control section 10. The printing device control section 10 performs processing corresponding to the operation of the input unit based on the input from the printing device input section 13. The printing device input section 13 has an input unit for the user P to input authentication information NJ to the printing device 1. As one example of the input unit, a card reader that reads an IC card or the like in which the authentication information NJ of the user P is stored can be cited. In addition, as the input method of the user P, the example is not limited, and for example, a method in which the user P inputs a combination of the user ID 4111 and the password 4112 as the authentication information NJ in the operation switch or the touch panel, and a method in which the authentication information NJ is input by fingerprint authentication can be cited. Although the combination of the user ID 4111 and the password 4112 is cited as the authentication information NJ in the present embodiment, the authentication information NJ is not limited thereto, and for example, in the case of fingerprint authentication, information indicating a fingerprint can be cited instead of the password 4112. The user ID 4111 is identification information for identifying the user P in authentication printing. The password 4112 is a password used in user authentication.

[0037] The printing section 14 has structures related to printing such as an inkjet head that ejects ink onto a print medium and forms dots, a carriage that causes the inkjet head to scan in a scanning direction, a carriage drive motor that drives the carriage, a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium, and an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the inkjet head. The printing section 14 ejects ink from nozzles of the inkjet head and forms dots on a print surface of the conveyed print medium according to control by the printing device control section 10, thereby performing printing on the print medium.

[0038] The heating section 15 has a heater for drying and fixing ink on a print medium, and heats the print medium conveyed on a conveyance path by control of the printing device control section 10.

[0039] As described above, the printing device processor 100 functions as a printing device communication control section 101, a printing control section 102, and a browser program execution section 103.

[0040] The printing device communication control section 101 communicates with the print server 3 and the authentication server 4 via the printing device communication section 11.

[0041] The printing control section 102 controls the printing section 14 and the heating section 15 to perform printing based on the print data 3131 received from the print server 3.

[0042] The browser program execution section 103 transmits an authentication screen request to the authentication server 4 via the printing device communication section 11. The authentication screen request is information that requests an HTML file that causes an authentication screen related to user authentication to be displayed. The browser program execution section 103 displays the authentication screen by the printing device display section 12 when the HTML file that causes the authentication screen to be displayed is received from the authentication server 4. The authentication screen includes, for example, information that prompts input of authentication information NJ such as "Please place the IC card on the card reader" and "Please enter the user ID and password". The browser program execution section 103 receives input of authentication information NJ from the user P via the authentication screen. Then, the browser program execution section 103 transmits the received authentication information NJ to the authentication server 4.

[0043] Further, the browser program execution section 103 transmits an operation screen request to the authentication server 4 via the printing device communication section 11. The operation screen request is information that requests an HTML file that causes a print start instruction operation screen to be displayed. The print start instruction operation screen is a screen for an operation by which the user P instructs the start of printing. The authentication information NJ input by the user P is included in the operation screen request. The browser program execution section 103 displays the print start instruction operation screen by the printing device display section 12 upon receiving the HTML file of the print start instruction operation screen. The browser program execution section 103 receives the print start instruction from the user P via the print start instruction operation screen, and transmits an authentication print start request that requests the start of authentication printing to the authentication server 4.

[0044] Next, the structure of the terminal device 2 will be described.

[0045] The terminal device 2 is provided with a terminal control section 20, a terminal communication section 21, a terminal display section 22, and a terminal input section 23.

[0046] The terminal control section 20 is provided with a terminal processor 200 that is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, and a terminal storage section 210. The terminal control section 20 controls each section of the terminal device 2 by reading and executing a control program stored in the terminal storage section 210 by the terminal processor 200. Further, the terminal processor 200 functions as a terminal driver program execution section 201 by reading and executing a terminal printer driver program 212 stored in the terminal storage section 210.

[0047] The terminal processor 200 corresponds to one example of a processor. The terminal printer driver program 212 corresponds to one example of a program.

[0048] The terminal storage section 210 is provided with a memory that stores a program to be executed by the terminal processor 200, and data to be processed by the terminal processor 200. The terminal storage section 210 stores a control program to be executed by the terminal processor 200, a generation application program 211, the terminal printer driver program 212, terminal authentication print setting information 213, and other various data. The terminal storage section 210 has a non-volatile memory. Further, the terminal storage section 210 can also be provided with a volatile memory, and constitute a work area of the terminal processor 200.

[0049] The generation application program 211 is an application program for generating data such as text and images.

[0050] The terminal printer driver 212 is a program having a function of generating print data 3131 based on data generated by the generation application 211. The print data 3131 includes a print instruction, a print condition such as a print sheet number, and data generated by the generation application 211. The print instruction is an instruction corresponding to an instruction specification of the printing device 1.

[0051] The terminal authentication print setting information 213 is information indicating a setting of the terminal device 2 related to the authentication print. The terminal authentication print setting information 213 has a combination of a setting item and a setting value corresponding to the setting item. The terminal authentication print setting information 213 of the present embodiment has a print queue setting item and a user ID setting item. The print queue setting item is a setting item in which an output destination of the terminal print queue 214 is set as a setting value. The user ID setting item is a setting item in which a setting value indicating validity / invalidity of a process related to the user ID 4111 is set. The process related to the user ID 4111 includes accepting input of the user ID 4111 and adding the user ID 4111 to the print data 3131. The terminal authentication print setting information 213 is stored in the terminal storage section 210 along with installation of the terminal printer driver 212. A default setting value is set in the setting item of the default terminal printer driver 212. For example, a setting value indicating that the output destination is not set is set in the print queue setting item of the default terminal printer driver 212.

[0052] The terminal communication section 21 is a communication interface having a communication circuit, a connector, and the like in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the printing server 3 in accordance with control by the terminal control section 20.

[0053] The terminal display section 22 has an LED, a display panel, and the like, and displays various information in accordance with control by the terminal control section 20.

[0054] The terminal input section 23 has an input unit such as an operation switch, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like provided on the terminal device 2, detects an operation of the input unit by the user P, and outputs a detection result to the terminal control section 20. The terminal control section 20 performs a process corresponding to the operation of the input unit based on input from the terminal input section 23.

[0055] As described above, the terminal processor 200 functions as the terminal driver execution section 201. The terminal driver execution section 201 functions as the print data generation section 2011, the user ID processing section 2012, the terminal print data transmission section 2013, the request information transmission section 2014, the authentication print setting information reception section 2015, and the change section 2016.

[0056] The print data generation section 2011 generates print data 3131 based on data generated by the generation application 211. The print data generation section 2011 receives a print condition from the user P, and generates print data 3131 based on the received print condition.

[0057] The user ID processing section 2012 refers to the terminal authentication print setting information 213, and when a valid setting value is set in the user ID setting item, displays an input screen of the user ID 4111 through the terminal display section 22. Further, when a valid setting value is set in the user ID setting item of the terminal authentication print setting information 213, the user ID processing section 2012 adds the user ID 4111 received through the input screen to the print data 3131 generated by the print data generation section 2011.

[0058] The terminal print data transmission section 2013 communicates with the print server 3 via the terminal communication section 21. The terminal print data transmission section 2013 transmits the print data 3131 generated by the print data generation section 2011 to the print server 3. When the user ID 4111 is added to the print data 3131 by the user ID processing section 2012, the terminal print data transmission section 2013 transmits the print data 3131 to which the user ID 4111 is added to the print server 3. When the setting value of the server print queue 316 is set in the print queue setting item of the terminal authentication print setting information 213, the terminal print data transmission section 2013 transmits the print data 3131 to which the user ID 4111 is added to the server print queue 316.

[0059] The request information transmission section 2014 communicates with the print server 3 via the terminal communication section 21. The request information transmission section 2014 transmits request information for changing the authentication print setting information 315 to the print server 3. The authentication print setting information 315 for change will be described below.

[0060] The authentication print setting information reception section 2015 receives the authentication print setting information 315 for change from the print server 3 as a response to the request information transmitted by the request information transmission section 2014.

[0061] The change section 2016 judges whether or not the content of the authentication print setting information 315 for change received by the authentication print setting information reception section 2015 is different from the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213. Then, the change section 2016 changes the terminal authentication print setting information 213 based on the received authentication print setting information 315 for change when it is judged that they are different.

[0062] In more detail, the change unit 2016 compares the change authentication print setting information 315 and the terminal authentication print setting information 213. Also, it judges whether the same setting value is set in the common setting item between the change authentication print setting information 315 and the terminal authentication print setting information 213, with all the setting items as the object. The change unit 2016 judges that the content of the change authentication print setting information 315 and the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are different in the case where the same setting value is not set in the common setting item. Further, the change unit 2016 judges that the content of the change authentication print setting information 315 and the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are the same in the case where it is judged that the same setting value is set in the common setting item with all the setting items as the object. The change unit 2016 makes the respective setting values of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 coincide with the respective setting values of the change authentication print setting information 315 in the case where it is judged that the content of the change authentication print setting information 315 and the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are different.

[0063] Next, the structure of the authentication server 4 will be described.

[0064] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of the print server 3 and the authentication server 4.

[0065] First, the authentication server 4 will be described.

[0066] The authentication server 4 is provided with an authentication server control unit 40 and an authentication server communication unit 41.

[0067] The authentication server control unit 40 is provided with an authentication server processor 400 which is a processor that executes a program such as a CPU or an MPU, and an authentication server storage unit 410, and controls each unit of the authentication server 4. The authentication server control unit 40 controls each unit of the authentication server 4 by reading and executing a control program stored in the authentication server storage unit 410 by the authentication server processor 400. The authentication server processor 400 functions as an authentication server communication control unit 401, an authentication unit 402, and a print instruction generation unit 403 by reading and executing the control program.

[0068] The authentication server storage section 410 has a storage that stores a program executed by the authentication server processor 400, data to be processed by the authentication server processor 400. The authentication server storage section 410 stores a control program to be executed by the authentication server processor 400, the authentication information DB 411, the print information DB 412, and other various data. The authentication server storage section 410 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the authentication server storage section 410 can also have a volatile storage area, and constitute a work area of the authentication server processor 400.

[0069] The authentication information DB 411 is a database that stores the authentication information NJ as a record.

[0070] The print information DB 412 is a database that stores the print information IJ as a record. One print information IJ includes the user ID 4111 and the print data ID 4121.

[0071] The print data ID 4121 is identification information of the print data 3131.

[0072] The authentication server communication section 41 is a communication interface that has a communication circuit, a connector, and the like in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the print device 1 and the print server 3 in accordance with the control of the authentication server control section 40.

[0073] As described above, the authentication server processor 400 functions as the authentication server communication control section 401, the authentication section 402, and the print instruction generation section 403.

[0074] The authentication server communication control section 401 communicates with the print device 1 and the print server 3 via the authentication server communication section 41.

[0075] The authentication section 402 performs user authentication based on the authentication information NJ input into the print device 1.

[0076] The print instruction generation section 403 generates print instruction information indicating a print instruction in a case where the user authentication is successful by the authentication section 402. The print instruction generation section 403 outputs the generated print instruction information to the authentication server communication control section 401 when the print instruction information is generated.

[0077] Next, the structure of the print server 3 will be described.

[0078] The print server 3 has a print server control section 30 and a print server communication section 31.

[0079] The print server control section 30 has a print server processor 300 that is a processor that executes programs, such as a CPU and an MPU, and a print server storage section 310, and controls each section of the print server 3. The print server control section 30 controls each section of the print server 3 by reading and executing a control program stored in the print server storage section 310 by the print server processor 300. The print server processor 300 functions as a server driver execution section 301 by reading and executing the server printer driver program 311. Further, the print server processor 300 functions as a management program execution section 302 by reading and executing the management program 312.

[0080] The print server storage section 310 has a memory that stores programs to be executed by the print server processor 300 and data to be processed by the print server processor 300. The print server storage section 310 stores control programs to be executed by the print server processor 300, the server printer driver program 311, the management program 312, the print data management DB 313, the print device management DB 314, the authentication print setting information for change 315, and other various data. The print server storage section 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the print server storage section 310 can have a volatile storage area, and constitute a work area of the print server processor 300.

[0081] The print server storage section 310 corresponds to one example of a "server storage section".

[0082] The server printer driver program 311 is a program related to transmission and reception of the print data 3131.

[0083] The management program 312 is a program related to management of the print data 3131.

[0084] The print data management DB 313 is a database that manages the print data 3131 transmitted from the terminal device 2. One record stored in the print data management DB 313 includes the user ID 4111, the print data ID 4121, and the print data 3131.

[0085] The print device management DB 314 is a database that manages the print device 1. One record stored in the print device management DB 314 includes the print device ID 112 and the communication information 3141.

[0086] The communication information 3141 is information for communication with the print device 1 indicated by the print device ID 112 with which a correspondence relation is established in the same record. The communication information 3141 is, for example, address information.

[0087] The change authentication print setting information 315 is information for changing the terminal authentication print setting information 213, and indicates settings related to authentication printing. The change authentication print setting information 315 has the same setting items as the terminal authentication print setting information 213.

[0088] The print server communication section 31 is a communication interface provided with a communication circuit, a connector, or the like in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the print apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 2, and the authentication server 4 in accordance with the control of the print server control section 30.

[0089] As described above, the print server processor 300 functions as the server driver execution section 301 and the management program execution section 302.

[0090] The server driver execution section 301 functions as a print data reception section 3011 and a server print data transmission section 3012.

[0091] The print data reception section 3011 communicates with the terminal apparatus 2 via the print server communication section 31. The print data reception section 3011 receives the print data 3131 from the terminal apparatus 2.

[0092] The server print data transmission section 3012 transmits the print data 3131 to the print apparatus 1 via the print server communication section 31.

[0093] The management program execution section 302 functions as a print information transmission section 3021, a database processing section 3022, a request information reception section 3023, and a change authentication print setting information transmission section 3024.

[0094] The print information transmission section 3021 communicates with the authentication server 4 via the print server communication section 31. The print information transmission section 3021 generates the print information IJ, and transmits the generated print information IJ to the authentication server 4.

[0095] The database processing section 3022 performs processing related to various databases stored in the print server storage section 310. The database processing section 3022 generates the print data ID 4121 when the print data reception section 3011 outputs the print data 3131, and establishes a correspondence between the generated print data ID 4121, the print data 3131 outputted by the print data reception section 3011, and the user ID 4111 associated with the print data 3131, and stores them as one record in the print data management DB 313.

[0096] The request information reception section 3023 receives the request information from the terminal apparatus 2 via the print server communication section 31.

[0097] The authentication print setting information transmission section 3024 reads the change authentication print setting information 315 from the print server storage section 310 when the request information reception section 3023 receives the request information, and transmits the change authentication print setting information 315 to the terminal device 2 as a response to the request information.

[0098] Next, the operation of the print system 1000 will be described.

[0099] With reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operation of the print system 1000 in the authentication print will be described. In the description of the authentication print using Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the print queue setting item of the terminal authentication print setting information 213, a setting value indicating the server print queue 316 is set, and in the user ID setting item, a setting value indicating that the processing related to the user ID 4111 is valid is set.

[0100] First, the operation of the print system 1000 until the user P registers the print data 3131 on the print server 3 in the authentication print will be described. In the present embodiment, the registration of the print data 3131 on the print server 3 means that a record of the print data 3131 generated by the terminal device 2 is newly stored in the print data management DB 313.

[0101] Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the print system 1000.

[0102] The user ID processing section 2012 of the terminal device 2 causes the terminal display section 22 to display an input screen (step SK101).

[0103] The user P inputs the user ID 4111 to the input screen displayed by the terminal device 2 (step SK102).

[0104] The user ID processing section 2012 of the terminal device 2 receives the input of the user ID 4111 via the input screen (step SK103).

[0105] The user P gives a registration instruction to the terminal device 2 to register the print data 3131 generated by the terminal device 2 on the print server 3 (step SK104).

[0106] The print data generation section 2011 of the terminal device 2 generates the print data 3131 when the registration instruction is received from the user P (step SK105) (step SK106).

[0107] Next, the user ID processing section 2012 adds the user ID 4111 received in step SK103 to the print data 3131 generated in step SK106 (step SK107).

[0108] Next, the terminal print data transmission section 2013 transmits the print data 3131 to which the user ID 4111 is added to the print server 3 (step SK108).

[0109] The print data reception section 3011 of the print server 3 receives the print data 3131 to which the user ID 4111 is added from the terminal device 2 (step SK109).

[0110] Next, the database processing section 3022 generates a new record to be stored in the print data management DB 313 on the basis of the print data 3131 received by the print data reception section 3011 (step SK110).

[0111] In step SK110, the database processing section 3022 generates a print data ID 4121. Also, in step SK110, the database processing section 3022 generates a record including the generated print data ID 4121, the received print data 3131, and the user ID 4111 added to the print data 3131.

[0112] The database processing section 3022 stores the newly generated record in the print data management DB 313 (step SK111).

[0113] The print information transmission section 3021 generates print information on the basis of the record stored in step SK111 (step SK112), and transmits the generated print information to the authentication server 4 (step SK113).

[0114] The print information generated in step SK112 includes the print data ID 4121 and the user ID 4111 included in the record stored in step SK111.

[0115] The authentication server communication control section 401 of the authentication server 4 receives the print information from the print server 3 (step SK114), and stores the received print information in the print information DB 412 (step SK115).

[0116] Next, the operation of the print system 1000 in a case where the print by the print device 1 based on the print data 3131 registered in the print server 3 is performed in authentication printing will be described.

[0117] Figure 5 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the print system 1000.

[0118] The browser program execution section 103 of the printing device 1 transmits a print start instruction operation screen request to the authentication server 4 via the printing device communication section 11 (step SK206).

[0119] The authentication server communication control section 401 of the authentication server 4, upon receiving the print start instruction operation screen request, transmits an HTML file that causes the print start instruction operation screen to be displayed to the printing device 1 (step SK207).

[0120] Upon receiving the HTML file that causes the print start instruction operation screen to be displayed from the authentication server 4, the printing device display section 12 displays the print start instruction operation screen (step SK208).

[0121] The user P, based on the print start instruction operation screen displayed by the printing device 1, inputs a print start instruction to the printing device 1 (step SK209).

[0122] The browser program execution section 103 of the printing device 1 receives the print start instruction from the user P (step SK210).

[0123] Next, the browser program execution section 103 transmits a print start instruction operation screen request to the authentication server 4 (step SK206).

[0124] The print start instruction operation screen request is information that requests an HTML file that causes the print start instruction operation screen to be displayed. The print start instruction operation screen is a screen for the user P to perform a print start instruction. In the print start instruction operation screen request, the authentication information NJ input by the user P is included.

[0125] The authentication section 402 of the authentication server 4, upon the authentication server communication control section 401 receiving the print start instruction operation screen request, performs user authentication based on the authentication information NJ included in the received print start instruction operation screen request (step SK207).

[0126] In step SK207, the authentication section 402 refers to the authentication information DB 411 to determine whether the authentication information NJ included in the received print start instruction operation screen request is stored as a record in the authentication information DB 411. The authentication section 402 determines that the user authentication has failed when it is determined that it is not stored. The authentication section 402 determines that the user authentication has succeeded when it is determined that it is stored.

[0127] The authentication section 402, when it is determined that the user authentication has succeeded, determines the print information IJ having the user ID 4111 for which the user authentication has succeeded from the print information DB 412 (step SK208).

[0128] The authentication unit 402 generates a print start instruction operation screen for the user P to perform an operation of a print start instruction with respect to the print data 3131 indicated by the print data ID 4121 included in the determined print information IJ (step SK209).

[0129] The print start instruction operation screen is a screen that lists the print data 3131 of the user P whose authentication was successful. Further, the print start instruction operation screen includes a software button for selecting one or more print data 3131 from the list of the print data 3131. Further, the print start instruction operation screen includes, for example, a software button for the user P to perform an operation of a print start instruction.

[0130] The authentication server communication control unit 401 transmits the HTML file that causes the print start instruction operation screen generated by the authentication unit 402 to be displayed to the print apparatus 1 (step SK210).

[0131] Further, the authentication unit 402 does not transmit the HTML file that causes the print start instruction screen to be displayed to the print apparatus 1 in a case where it is determined that the user authentication has failed.

[0132] When the browser program execution unit 103 of the print apparatus 1 receives the HTML file that causes the print start instruction operation screen to be displayed via the print apparatus communication unit 11, the print apparatus display unit 12 displays the print start instruction operation screen (step SK211).

[0133] The user P selects one or more print data 3131 that causes the print apparatus 1 to perform printing in the print start instruction operation screen displayed by the print apparatus 1 (step SK212).

[0134] The user P performs an operation of a print start instruction in the print start instruction operation screen displayed by the print apparatus 1 (step SK213).

[0135] The browser program execution unit 103 of the print apparatus 1 receives the print start instruction performed by the user P (step SK214).

[0136] When the print start instruction is received, the browser program execution unit 103 transmits an authentication print start request that requests authentication of the start of printing to the authentication server 4 (step SK215).

[0137] The authentication print start request transmitted in step SK215 includes the print data ID 4121 of all the print data 3131 selected by the user P in step SK212. Further, the authentication print start request transmitted in step SK215 includes the print apparatus ID 112 stored by the print apparatus 1.

[0138] The authentication server communication control section 401 of the authentication server 4 receives the authentication print start request from the printing device 1 (step SK216).

[0139] Next, the print instruction generation section 403 refers to the print information DB 412 to determine the user ID 4111 corresponding to the print data ID 4121 included in the authentication print start request (step SK217).

[0140] Next, the print instruction generation section 403 generates print instruction information indicating a print instruction, and transmits the generated print instruction information to the print server 3 (step SK218). The print instruction information includes the print data ID 4121 included in the authentication print start request, the determined user ID 4111, and the print device ID 112 included in the authentication print start request.

[0141] The server print data transmission section 3012 of the print server 3 receives the print instruction information from the authentication server 4 (step SK219).

[0142] The server print data transmission section 3012 acquires the print data 3131 corresponding to the combination of the print data ID 4121 and the user ID 4111 included in the received print instruction information from the print data management DB 313 (step SK220).

[0143] Next, the server print data transmission section 3012 determines the communication information 3141 corresponding to the print device ID 112 included in the received print instruction information (step SK221).

[0144] The server print data transmission section 3012 transmits the print data 3131 acquired in step SK220 to the printing device 1 based on the communication information 3141 determined in step SK221 (step SK222).

[0145] The print control section 102 of the printing device 1 controls the print section 14 and the heating section 15 to perform printing based on the received print data 3131 when the print data 3131 is received by the print device communication control section 101 (step SK223).

[0146] To perform the authentication print shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the printing system 1000 performs Figure 6 the actions.

[0147] Figure 6 A flowchart showing the actions of the printing system 1000. In Figure 6In this case, the flowchart FA indicates the operation of the terminal device 2, and the flowchart FB indicates the operation of the print server 3.

[0148] The request information transmitting section 2014 of the terminal device 2 judges whether or not the time for the terminal driver execution section 201 to start communication has come (step SA1). As the time for the terminal driver execution section 201 to start communication, for example, the time when the terminal print queue 214 is newly created, the time when the user P starts the authentication of printing, and the like can be cited.

[0149] The request information transmitting section 2014 judges whether or not the communication destination of the terminal driver execution section 201 is the print server 3 (step SA2) in the case where it is judged that the time for the terminal driver execution section 201 to start communication has come (step SA1: Yes).

[0150] The request information transmitting section 2014 ends the present processing in the case where it is judged that the communication destination of the terminal driver execution section 201 is not the print server 3 (step SA2: No).

[0151] On the other hand, the request information transmitting section 2014 transmits the request information to the print server 3 (step SA3) in the case where it is judged that the communication destination of the terminal driver execution section 201 is the print server 3 (step SA2: Yes).

[0152] As shown in the flowchart FB, the request information receiving section 3023 of the print server 3 receives the request information from the terminal device 2 (step SBl).

[0153] Next, the authentication print setting information transmitting section 3024 judges whether or not the change authentication print setting information 315 is stored in the print server storage section 310 (step SB2).

[0154] The authentication print setting information transmitting section 3024 transmits information indicating that the change authentication print setting information 315 is not stored, as a response to the request information, to the terminal device 2 (step SB3) in the case where it is judged that the change authentication print setting information 315 is not stored in the print server storage section 310 (step SB2: No).

[0155] The authentication print setting information transmitting section 3024 reads the change authentication print setting information 315 from the print server storage section 310 (step SB4) in the case where it is judged that the change authentication print setting information 315 is stored in the print server storage section 310 (step SB2: Yes).

[0156] Next, the authentication print setting information transmission section 3024 transmits the read-out change authentication print setting information 315 to the terminal device 2 as a response to the request information (step SB5).

[0157] As shown in the flowchart FA, the request information transmission section 2014 judges whether or not it is in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3 (step SA4).

[0158] In step SA4, the request information transmission section 2014 judges that it is in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3 in a case where it can transmit the request information, and judges that it is not in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3 in a case where it cannot transmit the request information.

[0159] The request information transmission section 2014 ends the present processing in a case where it judges that it is not in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3 (step SA4: No). As an example of a case where it judges that it is not in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3, a case where the network address of the print server 3 is changed can be cited.

[0160] On the other hand, the authentication print setting information reception section 2015 judges whether or not a response to the request information transmitted by the request information transmission section 2014 has been received in a case where it judges that it is in a state in which it can communicate with the print server 3 (step SA4: Yes) (step SA5).

[0161] The authentication print setting information reception section 2015 judges whether or not the time until the response to the request information is received from the request information transmission section 2014 exceeds a predetermined time in a case where it judges that the response to the request information has not been received (step SA5: No) (step SA6). That is, the authentication print setting information reception section 2015 judges whether or not a timeout time has elapsed in step SA6.

[0162] The authentication print setting information reception section 2015 changes the terminal authentication print setting information 213 to be invalid by the change section 2016 in a case where it judges that the time until the response to the request information is received exceeds the predetermined time from the transmission of the request information (step SA6: Yes) (step SA7).

[0163] In step SA7, for example, the change section 2016 performs predetermined information processing on the terminal authentication print setting information 213 so that each section of the terminal drive program execution section 201 cannot refer to the terminal authentication print setting information 213.

[0164] On the other hand, the authentication print setting information receiving section 2015 returns the process to step SA5 in a case where it is judged that the time in which the response to the request information has not been received does not exceed the predetermined time (step SA6: No).

[0165] Returning to the explanation of step SA5, the authentication print setting information receiving section 2015 judges whether or not the response to the received request information is the change authentication print setting information 315 in a case where it is judged that the response to the request information has been received (step SA5: Yes).

[0166] The authentication print setting information receiving section 2015 implements the process of step SA7 in a case where it is judged that the response to the request information is not the change authentication print setting information 315 (step SA8: No).

[0167] On the other hand, the authentication print setting information receiving section 2015 judges whether or not the change authentication print setting information 315 and the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are different in a case where it is judged that the response to the request information is the change authentication print setting information 315 (step SA8: Yes).

[0168] The change section 2016 ends the present process in a case where it is judged that the change authentication print setting information 315 and the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are the same (step SA9: No).

[0169] The change section 2016 makes the contents of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 and the contents of the change authentication print setting information 315 coincide with each other (step SA10) in a case where it is judged that the change authentication print setting information 315 and the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are different (step SA9: Yes).

[0170] The process of step SA10 is implemented by the change section 2016. Figure 6The terminal authentication print setting information 213 is automatically changed by the action of the terminal authentication print setting information change unit 212. Therefore, in a case where the terminal device 2 is newly introduced or replaced in the authentication print and the terminal device 2 is set in relation to the authentication print, the user P does not need to manually set the terminal device 2. In the past, in an OS (Operating System) such as Windows (registered trademark), if the OS of the terminal device 2 and the OS of the print server 3 are the same, the setting in relation to the authentication print is automatically synchronized between the terminal device 2 and the print server 3. On the other hand, in a case where the OS of the terminal device 2 and the OS of the print server 3 are different, such as a case where the OS of the terminal device 2 is Linux (registered trademark) and the OS of the print server 3 is Windows, the setting in relation to the authentication print is not automatically synchronized. Therefore, in a case where the OS of the terminal device 2 and the OS of the print server 3 are different, the user P needs to manually set the terminal device 2 in relation to the authentication print. However, in the print system 1000 of the present embodiment, the setting in relation to the authentication print is automatically synchronized regardless of the OS. Therefore, even in a case where the OS of the terminal device 2 and the OS of the print server 3 are different, it is possible to set the terminal device 2 in relation to the authentication print without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0171] Next, a plurality of modifications of the embodiment described above will be described.

[0172] Modification 1

[0173] In the embodiment described above, a case where the terminal authentication print setting information 213 and the change authentication print setting information 315 have a print queue setting item and a user ID setting item is exemplified. In Modification 1, the terminal authentication print setting information 213 and the change authentication print setting information 315 have a print function restriction item in addition to or instead of at least any one of the two setting items.

[0174] The print function restriction item is a setting item that is set as a setting value indicating valid / invalid of a restriction of a print function. For example, in a case where a valid indicating setting value is set in the print function restriction item, color printing is restricted. In the example, the print data generation unit 2011 does not accept designation of color printing in the print condition at the time of authentication print. Therefore, in the example, color printing is not implemented in the print system 1000.

[0175] Modification 2

[0176] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the terminal authentication print setting information 213 and the change authentication print setting information 315 are information having a print queue setting item and a user ID setting item is exemplified. In the modified example 2, the terminal authentication print setting information 213 and the change authentication print setting information 315 have a specific user usability item in addition to or instead of at least any one of the setting items of the above-described embodiment and the modified example 1.

[0177] The specific user usability item is a setting item in which a setting value indicating usability of the authentication print for a specific user P such as a guest is set. It is assumed, for example, that the unusable setting value is set in the specific user usability item. In this case, the print data generation section 2011 does not generate the print data 3131 in the authentication print in a case where the user ID 4111 is not input and in a case where the specific user ID 4111 is input.

[0178] According to the above-described embodiment and the modified example, the following effects are exerted.

[0179] As described above, the print system 1000 that implements the authentication print is provided with the terminal device 2, the print server 3 that receives the print data 3131 from the terminal device 2, and the print device 1 that implements printing based on the print data 3131 received by the print server 3. The terminal device 2 stores the terminal authentication print setting information 213. The print server 3 stores the change authentication print setting information 315 for changing the terminal authentication print setting information 213. The terminal device 2 transmits request information that requests the change authentication print setting information 315 to the print server 3. The print server 3 transmits the change authentication print setting information 315 to the terminal device 2 in a case where the request information is received. The terminal device 2 changes the terminal authentication print setting information 213 based on the change authentication print setting information 315 received from the print server 3.

[0180] According to the print system 1000, since the setting related to the authentication print for the terminal device 2 is automatically implemented, it is possible to implement the setting related to the authentication print for the terminal device 2 without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0181] The terminal device 2 causes the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 to coincide with the content of the change authentication print setting information 315 in a case where the content of the change authentication print setting information 315 received and the content of the terminal authentication print setting information 213 are different.

[0182] According to this manner, the setting related to the authenticated printing is automatically synchronized between the terminal device 2 and the print server 3. Therefore, the same setting as the setting related to the authenticated printing stored in the print server 3 can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0183] The terminal device 2, in a state where the terminal device 2 is able to communicate with the print server 3, invalidates the terminal authenticated print setting information 213 in a case where the print server 3 does not receive the change authenticated print setting information 315 after the request information is transmitted.

[0184] According to this manner, in a case where the print server 3 does not support the authenticated printing, the setting related to the authenticated printing set for the terminal device 2 can be invalidated. Therefore, a case where the terminal device 2 operates based on the setting related to the authenticated printing although the print server 3 does not support the authenticated printing can be prevented. For example, the input of the user ID 4111 by the terminal device 2 although the print server 3 does not support the authenticated printing can be prevented from occurring.

[0185] The print device 1 receives the input of the authentication information NJ from the user P, and in a case where the user authentication based on the received authentication information NJ is successful, receives the print data 3131 from the print server 3, and implements printing based on the received print data 3131.

[0186] According to this manner, the setting related to the authenticated printing started by the input of the authentication information NJ to the print device 1 can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0187] The print system 1000 includes an authentication server 4 that is able to communicate with the print server 3. The authentication server 4 receives the input authentication information NJ from the print device 1, and implements the user authentication based on the received authentication information NJ, and in a case where the user authentication is successful, transmits print instruction information indicating a print instruction to the print server 3. The print server 3 transmits the print data 3131 to the print device 1 based on the print instruction information received from the authentication server 4.

[0188] According to this manner, the setting related to the authenticated printing using the authentication server 4 separate from the print server 3 can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0189] The change authenticated print setting information 315 indicates a setting that specifies the output destination of the terminal print queue 214 to the server print queue 316 for authenticated printing.

[0190] According to this manner, since the output destination of the terminal print queue 214 can be automatically set, the output destination of the terminal print queue 214 can be set to the print queue that the print server 3 has for authentication printing without spending the user P's labor and time.

[0191] The change authentication printing setting information 315 indicates a setting that makes a function effective that adds the user ID 4111 to be used in authentication printing to the print data 3131.

[0192] According to this manner, since the setting of adding the user ID 4111 to the print data 3131 can be automatically implemented for the terminal device 2, the setting of adding the user ID 4111 to the print data 3131 can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the user P's labor and time.

[0193] The change authentication printing setting information 315 indicates a setting that makes a function effective that restricts the print function.

[0194] According to this manner, since the restriction of the print function can be automatically set, the setting of restricting the print function can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the user P's labor and time.

[0195] The change authentication printing setting information 315 indicates a setting of whether a specific user P can use authentication printing.

[0196] According to this manner, since the setting of whether a specific user P can use authentication printing can be automatically implemented for the terminal device 2, the setting of whether a specific user P can use authentication printing can be implemented for the terminal device 2 without spending the user P's labor and time.

[0197] The terminal device 2, the print server 3, and the print device 1 that implements printing based on the print data 3131 received from the print server 3 implement authentication printing together. The terminal device 2 includes a terminal print data transmission section 2013 that transmits the print data 3131 to the print server 3, a terminal storage section 210 that stores terminal authentication printing setting information 213, a request information transmission section 2014 that transmits request information that requests the change authentication printing setting information 315 to the print server 3, an authentication printing setting information reception section 2015 that receives the change authentication printing setting information 315 from the print server 3 in a case where the print server 3 receives the request information, and a change section 2016 that changes the terminal authentication printing setting information 213 based on the received change authentication printing setting information 315 in a case where the authentication printing setting information reception section 2015 receives the change authentication printing setting information 315.

[0198] According to the terminal device 2, since the setting related to the authentication printing for the terminal device 2 is automatically performed, the setting related to the authentication printing for the terminal device 2 can be performed without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0199] The terminal printer driver 212 causes the terminal processor 200 to perform a process of transmitting the print data 3131 to the print server 3 and transmitting request information requesting the change of the authentication printing setting information 315 to the print server 3, and in a case where the request information is received by the print server 3, receiving the authentication printing setting information 315 for change from the print server 3, and in a case where the authentication printing setting information for change is received, changing the terminal authentication printing setting information 213 based on the received authentication printing setting information 315 for change.

[0200] According to the terminal printer driver 212, since the setting related to the authentication printing for the terminal device 2 is automatically performed, the setting related to the authentication printing for the terminal device 2 can be performed without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0201] The print server 3 and the terminal device 2 and the print device 1 perform the authentication printing together. The print server 3 has a server print data transmission section 3012 that transmits the print data 3131 received from the terminal device 2 to the print device 1, a print server storage section 310 that stores the authentication printing setting information 315 for change for changing the terminal authentication printing setting information 213, a request information reception section 3023 that receives request information requesting the authentication printing setting information 315 for change from the terminal device 2, and an authentication printing setting information transmission section 3024 that transmits the authentication printing setting information 315 for change stored in the print server storage section 310 to the terminal device 2 in a case where the request information reception section 3023 receives the request information.

[0202] According to the print server 3, since the terminal device 2 can automatically perform the setting related to the authentication printing, the setting related to the authentication printing for the terminal device 2 can be performed without spending the labor and time of the user P.

[0203] The above-described embodiments and modified examples only show one mode, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied.

[0204] For example, in the above-described embodiments, a case where the terminal authentication printing setting information 213 and the authentication printing setting information 315 for change have the print queue setting item and the user ID setting item is exemplified. However, these authentication printing setting information can have other kinds of setting items.

[0205] For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, a large-format printer is exemplified as the printing device 1, but the printing device 1 is not limited to the large-format printer, and can be applied to various printing devices such as a copier having a function of scanning and the like in addition to a printing function, a printing and dyeing machine that performs printing and dyeing, and the like.

[0206] Further, the functions of the printing device control section 10, the terminal control section 20, the printing server control section 30, and the authentication server control section 40 can also be implemented by a plurality of processors or a plurality of semiconductor chips.

[0207] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the functions implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, or the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition to this, the detailed configurations of the other sections of the printing device 1, the terminal device 2, the printing server 3, and the authentication server 4 can be arbitrarily changed. Figure 2 Figure 3 Further, in the above-described embodiments, the functions implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, or the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition to this, the detailed configurations of the other sections of the printing device 1, the terminal device 2, the printing server 3, and the authentication server 4 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0208] Further, for example, in order to facilitate the understanding of the actions of the sections of the printing system 1000, Figure 4 to Figure 6 The step units of the actions described in the above-described embodiments are units that are divided according to the main processing contents, and the present application is not limited by the division method and the name of the processing units. The processing contents can be further divided into more step units. Further, one step unit can be further divided so as to include more processing. Further, the order of the steps can be appropriately replaced within a range that does not hinder the gist of the present application.

[0209] Explanation of Symbols

[0210] ​1… printing device; 2… terminal device; 3… print server; 4… authentication server; 10… printing device control section; 11… printing device communication section; 12… printing device display section; 13… printing device input section; 14… printing section; 15… heating section; 20… terminal control section; 21… terminal communication section; 22… terminal display section; 23… terminal input section; 30… print server control section; 31… print server communication section; 40… authentication server control section; 41… authentication server communication section; 100… printing device processor; 101… printing device communication control section; 102… print control section; 103… browser program execution section; 110… printing device storage section; 111… browser program; 112… printing device ID; 200… terminal processor (processor); 201… terminal driver program execution section; 210… terminal storage section; 211… generation application program; 212… terminal printer driver program (program); 213… terminal authentication print setting information; 214… terminal print queue; 300… print server processor; 301… server driver program execution section; 302… management program execution section; 310… print server storage section (server storage section); 311… server printer driver program; 312… management program; 313… print data management DB; 314… printing device management DB; 315… changed authentication print setting information; 316… server print queue; 400… authentication server processor; 401… authentication server communication control section; 402… authentication section; 403… print instruction generation section; 410… authentication server storage section; 411… authentication information DB; 412… print information DB; 1000… print system; 2011… print data generation section; 2012… user ID processing section; 2013… terminal print data transmission section; 2014… request information transmission section; 2015… authentication print setting information reception section; 2016… change section; 3011… print data reception section; 3012… server print data transmission section; 3021… print information transmission section; 3022… database processing section; 3023… request information reception section; 3024… authentication print setting information transmission section; 3131… print data; 3141… communication information; 4111… user ID (user's identification information); 4112… password; 4121… print data ID; IJ… print information; NJ… authentication information; NW… network; P… user.

Claims

1. A print system that implements authenticated printing, and is provided with: a terminal device; a print server that receives print data from the terminal device; a print device that implements printing based on the print data received by the print server, the terminal device stores terminal authenticated print setting information that indicates settings of the terminal device related to the authenticated printing, the print server stores change authenticated print setting information for changing the terminal authenticated print setting information, the terminal device transmits request information that requests the change authenticated print setting information to the print server, the print server transmits the change authenticated print setting information to the terminal device upon receiving the request information, the terminal device changes the terminal authenticated print setting information based on the change authenticated print setting information received from the print server, the terminal device invalidates the terminal authenticated print setting information in a case where the change authenticated print setting information is not received from the print server after the request information is transmitted in a state where communication with the print server is possible.

2. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device makes the content of the terminal authenticated print setting information coincide with the content of the change authenticated print setting information in a case where the content of the received change authenticated print setting information and the content of the terminal authenticated print setting information are different.

3. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print device receives input of authentication information from a user, and receives the print data from the print server and implements printing based on the received print data in a case where user authentication based on the received authentication information is successful.

4. The print system according to claim 3, wherein an authentication server that is capable of communicating with the print server is provided, the authentication server receives the input authentication information from the print device, and implements user authentication based on the received authentication information, and transmits print instruction information that indicates a print instruction to the print server in a case where user authentication is successful, and the print server transmits the print data to the print device based on the print instruction information received from the authentication server.

5. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the change authenticated print setting information indicates a setting that specifies an output destination of a print queue possessed by the terminal device as a print queue of the authenticated printing possessed by the print server.

6. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the change authenticated print setting information indicates a setting that makes a function of adding identification information of a user to be used in the authenticated printing to the print data effective.

7. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the change authenticated print setting information indicates a setting that makes a function of limiting a print function effective. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the change-use authentication printing setting information indicates a setting of whether a specific user can use the authentication printing.

9. A terminal device that implements authentication printing together with a print server and a print device that performs printing based on print data received from the print server, and that has: a terminal print data transmission section that transmits the print data to the print server; a terminal storage section that stores terminal authentication printing setting information indicating a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication printing; a request information transmission section that transmits request information for changing change-use authentication printing setting information of the terminal authentication printing setting information to the print server; an authentication printing setting information reception section that receives the change-use authentication printing setting information from the print server in a case where the print server receives the request information; a change section that changes the terminal authentication printing setting information stored in the terminal storage section based on the received change-use authentication printing setting information in a case where the authentication printing setting information reception section receives the change-use authentication printing setting information, the terminal device invalidates the terminal authentication printing setting information in a case where the authentication printing setting information reception section does not receive the change-use authentication printing setting information from the print server after the request information transmission section transmits the request information in a state where the terminal device can communicate with the print server.

10. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program that is executed by a processor of a terminal device that implements authentication printing together with a print server and a print device that performs printing based on print data received from the print server, the terminal device stores terminal authentication printing setting information indicating a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication printing, the program causes the processor to perform processing of: transmitting the print data to the print server, transmitting request information for changing change-use authentication printing setting information of the terminal authentication printing setting information to the print server, receiving the change-use authentication printing setting information from the print server in a case where the print server receives the request information, changing the terminal authentication printing setting information based on the received change-use authentication printing setting information in a case where the change-use authentication printing setting information is received, the terminal device invalidates the terminal authentication printing setting information in a case where the change-use authentication printing setting information is not received from the print server after the request information is transmitted in a state where the terminal device can communicate with the print server.

11. A print server that implements authentication printing together with a terminal device and a print device, and that has: a server print data transmission section that transmits print data received from the terminal device to the print device; a server storage section that stores change authentication print setting information for changing terminal authentication print setting information that indicates a setting of the terminal device related to the authentication print; a request information receiving section that receives request information that requests the change authentication print setting information from the terminal device; an authentication print setting information sending section that sends the change authentication print setting information stored in the server storage section to the terminal device that stores the terminal authentication print setting information, in a case where the request information receiving section receives the request information, the terminal device invalidates the terminal authentication print setting information in a case where the change authentication print setting information is not received from the authentication print setting information sending section after the request information is sent in a state where communication with the print server is possible.

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