Server, printing system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present application provides a server, a printing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium that inhibit a case where convenience for a user is impaired. A server (300) is connected to a first printing service system (100) and a second printing service system (200) connected to an image processing apparatus (500), and has: a storage section (310) that stores qualification information about a first user of a first authority; a registration reception section (333) that obtains a registration instruction of the image processing apparatus from a second user of a second authority that is an authority more limited than the first authority; a registration section (335) that registers the image processing apparatus on the first printing service system in a case where the registration instruction is obtained; and a setting section that, at the time of registration of the image processing apparatus, uses the stored qualification information to execute setting of attribute information managed by the first printing service system in relation to the registered image processing apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a server, a printing system, an information processing method, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] A printing system that combines different systems on a network is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system that combines a first cloud printing service system and a second cloud printing service system. This printing system also includes a cloud printing management service system that bridges the first and second cloud printing service systems. Furthermore, this cloud printing management service system associates a virtual printer registered in the first cloud printing service system with a printing device registered in the second cloud printing service system, thereby enabling printing performed by the printing device via both the first and second cloud printing service systems.

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the cloud printing management service system uses the administrator's permissions to pre-register a virtual printer in the first cloud printing service system. Then, based on the user's operation, a printing device located in the user's home or other residence is associated with the virtual printer. Thus, the printing device is substantially registered in the first cloud printing service system. In this structure, when the printing device is registered in the first cloud printing service system based on the user's operation, the setting process using the administrator's permissions is not performed. Therefore, when the printing device is registered based on the user's operation, it is impossible to set information that requires the administrator's permissions for configuration. Therefore, at the time the user performs the operation of registering the printing device, it is impossible to set information related to the printing device managed by the first cloud printing service system and the registration target. Therefore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility of impaired convenience for the user.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-038375 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The server disclosed herein is a server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device, and includes: a storage unit that stores qualification information about a first user with first permissions; a registration acceptance unit that obtains a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, the second permissions being permissions further restricted than the first permissions; a registration unit that, upon obtaining the registration instruction, registers the image processing device in the first printing service system; and a setting unit that, during the registration of the image processing device, uses the stored qualification information to set attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

[0006] Furthermore, the printing system disclosed herein comprises: a first printing service system; an image processing device; a second printing service system connected to the image processing device; and a server connected to both the first and second printing service systems. The server includes: a storage unit for storing qualification information related to a first user with first-level permissions; a registration acceptance unit for obtaining a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second-level permissions, the second-level permissions being further restricted than the first-level permissions; a registration unit for registering the image processing device in the first printing service system upon obtaining the registration instruction; and a setting unit for using the stored qualification information to set attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device during registration. The first printing service system obtains printing data from a terminal device. The server also includes a printing control unit that relays information about printing tasks related to the printing of the printing data between the first and second printing service systems. The image processing device prints the printing data based on the printing task information relayed through the server.

[0007] Furthermore, in the information processing method disclosed herein, a server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device performs the following processing: storing qualification information related to a first user with first permissions; obtaining a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, wherein the second permissions are further restricted than the first permissions; registering the image processing device in the first printing service system upon obtaining the registration instruction; and using the stored qualification information to set attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device during the registration of the image processing device.

[0008] Furthermore, the recording medium disclosed herein records a program that causes a computer connected to a server of a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device to perform the following steps: a storage step of storing qualification information related to a first user with first privileges; a registration acceptance step of obtaining a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second privileges, the second privileges being privileges further restricted than the first privileges; a registration step of registering the image processing device in the first printing service system upon obtaining the registration instruction; and a setting step of using the stored qualification information to perform the setting of attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device during the registration of the image processing device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a printing system according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a first printing service system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the second printing service system according to the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a relay server involved in an implementation.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process for saving and processing eligibility information.

[0016] Figure 8 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process for updating eligibility information.

[0017] Figure 9A A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a personal printer.

[0018] Figure 9B A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a personal printer.

[0019] Figure 9C A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a personal printer.

[0020] Figure 10A A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a shared printer.

[0021] Figure 10B A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a shared printer.

[0022] Figure 10C A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a shared printer.

[0023] Figure 10D A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a shared printer.

[0024] Figure 11A A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process.

[0025] Figure 11B A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process.

[0026] Figure 11C A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process.

[0027] Figure 12 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process flow, and in particular, a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the notification processing performed whenever the task status changes. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the following description and drawings will be appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in the various drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a first printing service system 100, a second printing service system 200, and a relay server 300. Figure 1 The diagram also shows a terminal device 400 and image processing devices 500_1, 500_2 and 500_3 that are connected to the printing system 10 in a communicative manner.

[0030] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, image processing devices 500_1, 500_2, and 500_3 will be referred to as image processing device 500. Alternatively, the system including terminal device 400 may also be referred to as printing system 10. Similarly, the system including image processing device 500 may also be referred to as printing system 10.

[0031] The first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 are systems that provide printing services in the cloud. Here, the first printing service system 100 is a system for services provided by a first supplier, and the second printing service system 200 is a system for services provided by a second supplier different from the first supplier. For example, the second supplier is a supplier that manufactures the image processing device 500. The image processing device 500 is a device capable of performing printing processing; in this embodiment, it is specifically a printer. In this embodiment, the image processing device 500 is pre-registered in the second printing service system 200 as a device capable of performing printing processing for printing tasks managed by the second printing service system 200. The terminal device 400 is a client terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or tablet computer. The relay server 300 is a server that bridges the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200, and a relay that implements the processing in the printing system 10.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 are connected in a communicable manner. Furthermore, the relay server 300 is communicably connected to both the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200. Additionally, the image processing device 500 is communicably connected to the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 400 is communicably connected to at least the first printing service system 100 and the relay server 300. In addition to the above-described connections, further connections may exist between structural elements. For example, the terminal device 400 may also be communicably connected to the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, although in Figure 1 In this example, three image processing devices 500 are illustrated, but the number of image processing devices 500 using the printing system 10 can be any number. Similarly, although one terminal device 400 is illustrated as an example, the number of terminal devices 400 using the printing system 10 can be any number.

[0033] As described above, both the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 are systems that provide printing services in the cloud. Therefore, if a printer is registered in a printing service system, printing can be performed by that printer via that printing service system. For example, printing based on instructions from the terminal device 400 can be achieved using a printer registered in the printing service system. However, if the printer is not a model corresponding to the protocol used by the printing service system, it cannot be directly registered in that printing service system. In this embodiment, the image processing device 500 corresponds to the protocol used by the second printing service system 200 and can be directly registered in the second printing service system 200. However, the image processing device 500 may not correspond to the protocol used by the first printing service system 100.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, by establishing a correspondence between the printer registered as a virtual printer (virtual device) in the first printing service system 100 and the image processing device 500 registered in the second printing service system 200, printing performed by the image processing device 500 via the first printing service system 100 can be performed. Furthermore, this correspondence is established via a relay server 300. That is, by using the relay server 300, the image processing device 500 is substantially registered in the first printing service system 100. Although the image processing device 500 owned by a user in their home or the like may be a model not compatible with the protocol of the first printing service system 100, sometimes users wish to utilize the printing services provided by the first printing service system 100 to perform printing performed by the image processing device 500. As an example of this situation, cases such as those where a printer driver for the image processing device 500 required by the second printing service system 200 is not required, based on the first printing service system 100, can be listed. Of course, users may also wish to perform printing using the image processing device 500 and the first printing service system 100 for any other reason. In such cases, the image processing device 500 needs to be substantially registered in the first printing service system 100 by using the relay server 300. Furthermore, the first printing service system 100 provides printing services using IPP-Infra (Internet Printing Protocol Shared Infrastructure Extensions) as described above, while the second printing service system 200 does not use this protocol to provide printing services.

[0035] Next, the structure of the first printing service system 100, the second printing service system 200, the relay server 300, the terminal device 400, and the image processing device 500 will be described.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a first printing service system 100. Although in Figure 2 The example shown illustrates a first printing service system 100 consisting of a single server, but the first printing service system 100 may also consist of multiple servers.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the first printing service system 100 has a storage unit 110, a communication unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0038] Storage unit 110 is a storage device that stores programs used to implement the processing of control unit 130 and data used in the processing of the first printing service system 100. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, storage unit 110 may contain a database. Communication unit 120 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the second printing service system 200, relay server 300, and terminal device 400 via a wireless or wired network. Control unit 130 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the various structures of the first printing service system 100. Control unit 130 may also have multiple processors. Control unit 130 reads programs into memory and executes them. Thus, control unit 130 implements the functions of authentication control unit 131, printing control unit 132, and information management unit 133.

[0039] The authentication control unit 131 performs various processes related to the authentication of users utilizing the first printing service system 100. Users of the first printing service system 100 include users who are administrators and general users who are not administrators. Furthermore, users who are administrators can also be referred to as users with administrator privileges. Additionally, users who are general users can also be referred to as users with privileges further restricted than administrator privileges, i.e., user privileges. In this embodiment, these users are assumed to be pre-registered in the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 provides an authentication page to the web browser 451 (described later), or performs authentication for administrators or general users, or issues tokens required to access predetermined information managed by the first printing service system 100. The specific processes of the authentication control unit 131 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0040] The printing control unit 132 performs control processing for printing performed by a printer registered in the first printing service system 100. Although in this embodiment, the printing control unit 132 performs control processing when printing is performed using an image processing device 500 corresponding to a virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100, the printing control unit 132 may also perform control processing when printing is performed using a physical printer directly registered in the first printing service system 100, not as a virtual printer. Specifically, in this embodiment, the printing control unit 132 performs processing such as accepting a printing request from a terminal device 400, sending information required to perform printing according to the printing request to a relay server 300, and notifying the terminal device 400 of the task status and printer status. Furthermore, the specific processing of the printing control unit 132 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0041] The information management unit 133 performs registration processing for printers in the first printing service system 100. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 manages information related to users registered in the first printing service system 100 and information related to printers registered in the first printing service system 100. In this embodiment, the information management unit 133 specifically manages information related to printers, such as the printer name, printer ID, capability information, and sharing information of registered printers. Various printer-related information are also referred to as attribute information. Additionally, the information management unit 133 may also perform registration processing for users in the first printing service system 100. The specific processing of the information management unit 133 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0042] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a second printing service system 200. Although in Figure 3 The example shown illustrates a second printing service system 200 consisting of a single server, but the second printing service system 200 may also consist of multiple servers.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the second printing service system 200 has a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220 and a control unit 230.

[0044] Storage unit 210 is a storage device that stores programs used to implement the processing of control unit 230 and data used in the processing of the second printing service system 200. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM. Furthermore, storage unit 210 may contain a database. Communication unit 220 is a communication interface that enables communication with other devices such as the first printing service system 100, relay server 300, and image processing device 500 via a wireless or wired network. Control unit 230 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various structures of the second printing service system 200. Control unit 230 may also have multiple processors. Control unit 230 reads programs into memory and executes them. Thus, control unit 230 implements the functions of authentication control unit 231, printing control unit 232, and information management unit 233.

[0045] The authentication control unit 231 performs various authentication-related processes. For example, it performs authentication-related processes for printers registered in the second printing service system 200, and processes for issuing tokens required to access predetermined information managed by the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, the specific processes of the authentication control unit 231 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0046] The printing control unit 232 performs control processing for implementing printing by the image processing device 500, which is a printer registered in the second printing service system 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, the printing control unit 232 performs processing such as accepting printing requests from the relay server 300, sending information required to implement printing according to the printing request to the image processing device 500, and notifying the relay server 300 of the task status. Furthermore, the specific processing of the printing control unit 232 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0047] The information management unit 233 manages the information registered in the second printing service system 200. In particular, in this embodiment, the information management unit 233 manages information related to the image processing device 500, which is a printer registered in the second printing service system 200. In this embodiment, the information management unit 233 specifically manages attribute information such as the printer name and capability information of the registered image processing device 500 as information related to the image processing device 500, i.e., information related to the printer. Furthermore, the information management unit 233 can also perform registration processing for the image processing device 500 in the second printing service system 200. The specific processing of the information management unit 233 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a relay server 300. Although in Figure 4 The example shown illustrates a relay server 300 consisting of a single server, but a relay server 300 can also consist of multiple servers. Furthermore, the relay server 300 can also be referred to as a server.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the relay server 300 has a storage unit 310, a communication unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0050] Storage unit 310 is a storage device that stores programs used to implement the processing of control unit 330 and data used in the processing of relay server 300. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM. Furthermore, storage unit 310 may contain a database. Storage unit 310 stores, for example, administrator access tokens and refresh tokens as qualification information about administrators, the correspondence between virtual printers and image processing devices 500, the correspondence between printing tasks of the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200, and registered user IDs (described later). Communication unit 320 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing service system 100, the second printing service system 200, and terminal device 400 via a wireless or wired network. Control unit 330 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various structures of relay server 300. Control unit 330 may also have multiple processors. Control unit 330 reads programs into memory and executes the programs. Thus, the control unit 330 performs the functions of the authentication control unit 331, the printing control unit 332, the registration acceptance unit 333, the information acquisition unit 334, and the registration setting unit 335.

[0051] The authentication control unit 331 performs various processes for accepting authentication implemented by the first printing service system 100 and various processes for accepting authentication implemented by the second printing service system 200. Specifically, the authentication control unit 331 performs processes for obtaining a token (administrator access token, refresh token) required to access predetermined information managed by the first printing service system 100 and processes for obtaining a token required to access predetermined information managed by the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, the specific processes of the authentication control unit 331 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0052] The printing control unit 332 performs control processing for implementing printing by the image processing device 500, which is a printer registered in the second printing service system 200, or a printer registered in the first printing service system 100 using a virtual printer. The printing control unit 332 performs processing such as obtaining information from the first printing service system 100 required for printing, sending a printing request to the second printing service system 200 based on that information, and notifying the first printing service system 100 of the task status and printer status. The specific processing of the printing control unit 332 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0053] Furthermore, as described later with reference to the sequence diagram, the printing control unit 332 has the function of obtaining the task status of the printing process performed by the image processing device 500 from the second printing service system 200. Therefore, in view of this function, the printing control unit 332 can also be referred to as the acquisition unit. Moreover, as described later with reference to the sequence diagram, when the printing control unit 332 obtains the task status from the second printing service system 200, it has the function of sending the task status to the first printing service system 100 and sending the status of the image processing device 500 to the first printing service system 100. Therefore, in view of these functions, the printing control unit 332 is also referred to as the sending unit. Furthermore, as described later with reference to the sequence diagram, the printing control unit 332 has the function of determining the status of the image processing device 500 based on the task status obtained from the second printing service system 200. Therefore, in view of this function, the printing control unit 332 can also be referred to as the device status determination unit.

[0054] The registration acceptance unit 333 executes the process of obtaining the registration instruction to register the image processing device 500 in the first printing service system 100. The specific processing of the registration acceptance unit 333 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0055] The information acquisition unit 334 performs the process of obtaining user information from the first printing service system 100. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 334 obtains, for example, the name of the user managed by the first printing service system 100, i.e., the username, as user information. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 334 performs the process of obtaining printer information, which serves as information for the image processing device 500, from the second printing service system 200. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 334 obtains, for example, the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the second printing service system 200, i.e., the printer name, as information for the image processing device 500. The specific processing of the information acquisition unit 334 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0056] The registration setting unit 335 performs the process of registering the image processing device 500 in the first printing service system 100. For this function, the registration setting unit 335 can also be referred to as a registration unit. In this embodiment, the registration setting unit 335 specifically performs the process of registering a virtual printer associated with the image processing device 500 in the first printing service system 100, thereby registering the image processing device 500 with the first printing service system 100. Furthermore, when registering the image processing device 500 with the first printing service system 100, the registration setting unit 335 performs the process of setting attribute information related to the image processing device 500 and information managed by the first printing service system 100. For this function, the registration setting unit 335 can also be referred to as a setting unit. In this embodiment, the first printing service system 100 only processes registration requests accompanied by administrator privileges; it does not approve registration requests without administrator privileges. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first printing service system 100 only processes attribute information setting requests that are accompanied by administrator privilege settings; requests without administrator privilege settings are denied. Therefore, the registration setting unit 335 uses qualification information equivalent to administrator privileges to register the image processing device 500 in the first printing service system 100. Similarly, the registration setting unit 335 uses qualification information equivalent to administrator privileges to perform the setting of attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100. In particular, as described later, when the registration acceptance unit 333 receives a registration instruction from a general user, the registration setting unit 335 uses qualification information about administrators pre-stored in the storage unit 310 to perform these processes. Additionally, as mentioned above, while administrator privileges are required to perform the registration process in this embodiment, they are not always necessary. The specific processing of the registration setting unit 335 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the terminal device 400. (Example:) Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device 400 includes a storage unit 410, a display unit 420, an input unit 430, a communication unit 440, and a control unit 450.

[0058] Storage unit 410 is a storage device that stores programs used to implement the processing of control unit 450 and data used in the processing of terminal device 400. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM. Display unit 420 is a device for displaying information, such as a flat panel display. Input unit 430 is a device for accepting input operations from the user, such as a keyboard or mouse. Alternatively, display unit 420 and input unit 430 may be integrated using a touch panel or similar device. Communication unit 440 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing service system 100 and relay server 300 via a wireless or wired network. Control unit 450 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various structures of terminal device 400. Control unit 450 may also have multiple processors. Control unit 450 reads programs into memory and executes them. Thus, control unit 450 implements the functions of web browser 451, printing request unit 452, and status output unit 453.

[0059] The web browser 451 is a known web browser. In this embodiment, it performs processes such as displaying web pages provided by the first printing service system 100 or relay server 300 on the display unit 420, and sending input information for the displayed web pages. Furthermore, the specific processing of the web browser 451 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0060] The print request unit 452 performs print request processing based on the user's operation. In this embodiment, in particular, the print request unit 452 requests print from the first print service system 100. Furthermore, the specific processing of the print request unit 452 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0061] The status output unit 453 obtains the task status and printer status (described later) via the first printing service system 100, and performs processing to output the task status and printer status. Although in this embodiment, the status output unit 453 outputs the task status and printer status to the display unit 420, the output is not necessarily implemented through a display. For example, the status output unit 453 may also output the task status and printer status via voice or the like. Furthermore, the specific processing of the status output unit 453 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an image processing apparatus 500. (Example) Figure 6 As shown, the image processing apparatus 500 includes a storage unit 510, a communication unit 520, a printing unit 530, and a control unit 540.

[0063] Storage unit 510 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing the processing of control unit 540 and data used in the processing of image processing apparatus 500. This storage device may be, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM. Communication unit 520 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as second printing service system 200 via a wireless network or wired network. Control unit 540 is a processor such as a CPU that controls various structures of image processing apparatus 500. Control unit 540 may also have multiple processors. Control unit 540 reads programs into memory and executes them. Thus, control unit 540 implements the functions of printing processing unit 541.

[0064] The printing processing unit 541 performs processing for carrying out the printing performed by the printing unit 530. Furthermore, the printing processing unit 541 notifies the second printing service system 200 of the task status of the printing job. The specific processing of the printing processing unit 541 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0065] The printing unit 530 has a printing function for forming images on a printing medium such as paper. The printing unit 530 includes a printing engine. A printing engine is a mechanical structure that uses color materials to perform the printing of an image onto a printing medium. For example, the printing engine may have a mechanism that performs printing using inkjet printing and ink. Alternatively, the printing engine may also have a mechanism that performs printing using electrophotographic printing and toners. Furthermore, the printing engine may also have a transport mechanism for transporting the printing medium.

[0066] In addition, the image processing apparatus 500 may also include a user interface such as a touch panel display. In this embodiment, as described above, the image processing apparatus 500 includes a printing unit 530 and functions as a printer. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 500 is also referred to as a printer.

[0067] Next, a sequence diagram will be used to illustrate the processing flow of the printing system 10.

[0068] First, the process for storing qualification information for obtaining permission to make a predetermined request to the first printing service system 100 in the relay server 300 will be described. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process for saving qualification information performed in printing system 10. Furthermore, the processing order of each step in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not create technical inconsistencies. The following will follow... Figure 7 This section explains the process for saving and processing qualification information.

[0069] In step S100, the administrator registered in the first printing service system 100 performs a predetermined operation to request the saving of qualification information via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400. For example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for a qualification information saving confirmation page is entered into the web browser 451 of the terminal device 400. Here, the qualification information saving confirmation page is a page used to confirm whether the saving of qualification information is indeed permissible. For example, the qualification information saving confirmation page may also be a page containing a button indicating whether to save the qualification information. Since the saving of qualification information is associated with the ability to use the administrator's permissions for an extended period, the printing system 10 uses the qualification information saving confirmation page to inquire with the user about their intention to save, thereby confirming that it is not a user error. After step S100, in step S101, the web browser 451 sends a request to the first printing service system 100 to obtain the qualification information saving confirmation page according to the entered URL. Conversely, in step S102, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the qualification information saving confirmation page to the web browser 451. Therefore, in step S103, the web browser 451 displays a qualification information saving confirmation page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0070] In addition, although Figure 7 In the example shown, a process is performed to confirm whether the qualification information can indeed be saved, but this process can be omitted. In this case, step S104 described below is equivalent to requesting the saving of the qualification information.

[0071] In step S104, the administrator inputs an instruction to allow saving qualification information via the input unit 430 for the qualification information saving confirmation page. That is, the administrator inputs an instruction to the web browser 451 indicating that the intention to save the qualification information is correct. When such an instruction is input, in step S105, the web browser 451 sends an instruction to the relay server 300 to allow saving the qualification information. Conversely, in step S106, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirect page. In this step, the predetermined redirect page is a long-term authentication page. Therefore, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the long-term authentication page to the web browser 451. The long-term authentication page is a page that requests the user to input the administrator's authentication information when performing long-term qualification information saving. In step S107, the web browser 451 sends a request to the first printing service system 100 to obtain the long-term authentication page according to the received URL. In contrast, in step S108, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends a long-term authentication page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S109, the web browser 451 displays the long-term authentication page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0072] In step S110, the administrator inputs authentication information via input unit 430 for the long-term authentication page. Specifically, for example, the administrator inputs their user ID and password. Here, the required authentication information is the authentication information used in the first printing service system 100, specifically the pre-registered user ID and password. In step S111, the web browser 451 sends the input authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication processing based on the authentication information received from the web browser 451. That is, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered authentication information of the administrator.

[0073] If authentication is successful during the authentication process, i.e., if the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator's authentication information, in step S112, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues a verification code, and then instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection destination. This predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. The verification code is then delivered to the relay server 300 via this redirection. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL representing the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code to the web browser 451.

[0074] In step S113, the web browser 451 accesses the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code. The relay server 300 then obtains the verification code. Next, in step S114, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends a request to generate a token along with the received verification code to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues qualification information only upon receiving a request accompanied by the predetermined verification code. In step S115, the authentication control unit 131, after confirming that the verification code received in step S114 matches the verification code sent in step S112, issues qualification information and sends it to the relay server 300. Specifically, the authentication control unit 131 issues an administrator access token and a refresh token and sends them to the relay server 300. Thus, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 obtains the administrator access token and the refresh token.

[0075] The administrator access token serves as proof of legitimate access by an administrator. More specifically, in this embodiment, the administrator access token serves as proof of legitimate access by an administrator when accessing predetermined information managed by the first printing service system 100. The validity period of the administrator access token is limited to a predetermined short period. For example, the validity period of the administrator access token is approximately a few hours from the date of issuance. Furthermore, although in the above description, the relay server 300 sends a verification code to request the issuance of the administrator access token, more specifically, authentication information called a client key (client_secret) may also be sent.

[0076] A refresh token is used to update an administrator access token, and its validity period is a predetermined period longer than that of the administrator access token. For example, the validity period of a refresh token can be several days or indefinite. As described later, a new administrator access token and a new refresh token are issued by sending a valid refresh token to the first printing service system 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, the administrator access token and refresh token are examples of qualification information. Alternatively, qualification information may refer only to either the administrator access token or the refresh token. As mentioned above, the information directly required to access predetermined information managed by the first printing service system 100 is the administrator access token. Therefore, qualification information may specifically refer only to the administrator access token. Furthermore, the validity period of the administrator access token is not necessarily limited to a short period. Moreover, the validity period of the administrator access token may be indefinite. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the validity period of the administrator access token is sufficiently long, a refresh token may not be used.

[0078] Continue to Figure 7 The sequence diagram is explained below. Following step S115, in step S116, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 stores the qualification information obtained in step S115, i.e., the refresh token and the administrator access token, in a database such as the storage unit 310. Thus, the storage unit 310 stores qualification information about the administrator, i.e., the user with administrator privileges. Then, in step S117, the authentication control unit 331 sends a qualification information saving complete page to the web browser 451. The qualification information saving complete page is a notification that the qualification information has been properly saved in the relay server 300. Consequently, in step S118, the web browser 451 displays the qualification information saving complete page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0079] Next, the process for updating the eligibility information maintained by relay server 300 will be explained. Figure 8 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process for updating qualification information performed in printing system 10. Figure 8 The update process shown is executed at a predetermined time, for example. Specifically, for example, this update process can be executed either during printer registration to update the administrator access token, or periodically (e.g., every other day) to update the refresh token. Furthermore, the processing order of the various steps in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately changed as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency. The following follows... Figure 8 This section explains the process for updating qualification information.

[0080] In step S200, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 performs database reading processing on the storage unit 310, etc. Therefore, in step S201, the authentication control unit 331 reads the currently held refresh token. Next, in step S202, the authentication control unit 331 sends a request to update the token along with the currently held refresh token to the first printing service system 100.

[0081] The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 updates the qualification information only upon receiving a request accompanied by a valid refresh token. In step S203, the authentication control unit 131, after confirming that the refresh token received in step S202 is valid, updates the qualification information and sends the updated qualification information to the relay server 300. Specifically, the authentication control unit 131 sends the updated administrator access token and refresh token to the relay server 300. As a result, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 re-obtains the administrator access token and refresh token. After step S203, in step S204, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 stores the qualification information, i.e., the refresh token and the administrator access token, obtained in step S203 in a database such as the storage unit 310.

[0082] Next, the process for registering personal printers in the first printing service system 100 will be explained. Figures 9A to 9C This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a personal printer performed in printing system 10. A personal printer is a printer intended for use by a single, specific user. Therefore, a personal printer can also be described as a printer expected to be used only by the user who has performed the registration operation. In other words, a personal printer is a printer that is not shared by multiple users. Furthermore, the processing order of each step in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not create technical inconsistencies. The following is a description of the process... Figures 9A to 9C This section explains the registration process for personal printers.

[0083] In step S300, a non-administrator user, i.e., a general user, performs a predetermined operation to begin the registration process for a personal printer via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400. This involves inputting, for example, the URL of the printer registration page into the web browser 451 of the terminal device 400. Here, the printer registration page is a page prepared for registering a personal printer in the first printing service system 100. Following step S300, in step S301, the web browser 451 sends a request to the relay server 300 to obtain the printer registration page based on the input URL. In contrast, in step S302, the registration processing unit 333 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirect page. In this step, the predetermined redirect page is an authentication page. Therefore, the registration processing unit 333 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the authentication page to the web browser 451. The authentication page is a page that requests the user to enter authentication information when registering the printer. In step S303, the web browser 451 sends a request to obtain an authentication page to the first printing service system 100 according to the received URL. Conversely, in step S304, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the authentication page to the web browser 451. Therefore, in step S305, the web browser 451 displays the authentication page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0084] In step S306, a regular user inputs authentication information via input unit 430 on the authentication page. Specifically, for example, the regular user enters their user ID and password. Here, the required authentication information is the authentication information used in the first printing service system 100, specifically the pre-registered user ID and password. In step S307, the web browser 451 sends the input authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication processing based on the authentication information received from the web browser 451. That is, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered authentication information of the regular user.

[0085] If authentication is successful during the authentication process, that is, if the received authentication information matches the authentication information of a pre-registered general user, in step S308, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues a verification code, and then instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection destination. This predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. The verification code is then delivered to the relay server 300 through this redirection. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL representing the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code to the web browser 451.

[0086] In step S309, the web browser 451 accesses the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code. The relay server 300 then obtains the verification code. Next, in step S310, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends a request to generate a token along with the received verification code to the first printing service system 100. In step S311, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming that the verification code received in step S310 matches the verification code sent in step S308, issues an access token and sends it to the relay server 300. This access token serves as proof of legitimate access for a regular user and is referred to as a normal access token in the following description. Furthermore, although the normal access token is also a type of qualification information, even with this information, access as an administrator is not permitted in the first printing service system 100. Therefore, access using a normal access token does not allow access to information requiring administrator privileges within the information managed by the first printing service system 100. On the other hand, in access using a normal access token, information that does not require administrator privileges can be accessed. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 uses a normal access token to obtain the user information of a general user performing the operation for printer registration. Therefore, in step S312, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 sends the request to obtain the user information of the general user performing the operation for printer registration, along with the normal access token obtained in step S311, to the first printing service system 100.

[0087] In contrast, in step S313, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the access token received in step S312, sends the user information of general users to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 133 sends the user ID and username of the general users managed by the first printing service system 100 to the relay server 300. The information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 then acquires this user information. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 may also store the acquired user information in the storage unit 310 as needed. Then, in step S314, the registration acceptance unit 333 sends the printer registration page to the web browser 451. Therefore, in step S315, the web browser 451 displays the printer registration page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0088] In step S316, the general user, via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400, simultaneously specifies the printer to be registered and performs a predetermined operation to request registration of a personal printer. Here, the printer to be registered refers to a printer that should be newly usable in printing via the first printing service system 100. In this embodiment, the printer to be registered is not the printer connected to the first printing service system 100, but rather the printer connected to the second printing service system 200, namely the image processing device 500. This printer is registered in the first printing service system 100 by establishing an association with a virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100. More specifically, in step S316, the general user inputs identification information to identify the printer to be registered on the printer registration page displayed in step S315. For example, the general user inputs identification information for their own personal printer. In this embodiment, as an example, the general user inputs the communication address of the printer to be registered as this identification information. That is, the communication address of the printer to be registered is input on the web browser 451 of the terminal device 400. Alternatively, any other information about the printer that can uniquely identify the registered object can be used instead of the communication address.

[0089] Next, in step S317, the web browser 451 sends a request to register the printer in the first printing service system 100 along with the communication address of the printer to be registered to the relay server 300. As a result, the registration acceptance unit 333 receives a registration instruction from the image processing device 500 of the general user. In contrast, in step S318, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the communication address of the printer to be registered to the second printing service system 200 and requests authentication. If a printer corresponding to the communication address exists and an access key such as a password has been pre-set for that printer, the processes described in steps S319 to S324 are executed, and authentication is considered successful only when the access key is entered. Conversely, if a printer corresponding to the communication address exists but no access key has been set for that printer, authentication is considered successful without executing the processes described in steps S319 to S324. The following explanation addresses the case where an access key has been set for a printer determined based on the communication address.

[0090] In step S319, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 requests the transmission of an access key from the relay server 300. Conversely, in step S320, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends an input page for accepting the input of the access key to the web browser 451. Thus, in step S321, the web browser 451 displays the access key input page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. Next, in step S322, a general user inputs the access key via the input unit 430 on the input page. Then, in step S323, the web browser 451 sends the input access key to the relay server 300. In step S324, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the communication address and access key of the printer to be registered to the second printing service system 200 and requests authentication again. Conversely, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 performs authentication based on the information sent from the relay server 300.

[0091] Upon successful authentication, in step S325, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 issues a token and sends it to the relay server 300. This token is an access token used to access predetermined information managed by the second printing service system 200. The information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300, having received the token from the second printing service system 200, sends a request to obtain printer information about the printer of the registered object, along with the token obtained in step S325, to the second printing service system 200 in step S326.

[0092] In contrast, in step S327, the information management unit 233 of the second printing service system 200, after confirming that the token received in step S326 is legitimate, sends printer information about the printer registered in the first printing service system 100, namely the image processing device 500, to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 233 sends the printer name and capability information of the printer managed by the second printing service system 200 to the relay server 300. Additionally, the printer name is displayed to identify the printer when the user selects it. Furthermore, capability information refers to information indicating the printer's capabilities, or information determining the functions the printer possesses. Capability information may include, for example, information indicating whether duplex printing is possible, or information indicating whether color printing is possible. By employing this method, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 obtains the printer information, i.e., the image processing device 500 information, from the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 may store the obtained printer information in the storage unit 310 as needed.

[0093] Next, in step S328, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 determines the printer name of the virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100. As described above, the registration of the printer to be registered with the first printing service system 100 is achieved by registering a virtual printer associated with the printer to be registered. That is, in order to utilize the image processing device 500, which is a printer connected to the second printing service system 200, via the first printing service system 100, a virtual printer associated with the printer connected to the second printing service system 200 is registered in the first printing service system 100. In other words, by registering a virtual printer associated with a physical printer connected to the second printing service system 200 in the first printing service system 100, the physical printer is substantially registered in the first printing service system 100. In order to register the virtual printer in the first printing service system 100, the registration setting unit 335 determines the printer name of the virtual printer. In this step, the registration setting unit 335 specifically uses the username obtained in step S313 and the printer name obtained in step S327 to determine the printer name of the virtual printer. For example, the registration setting unit 335 determines the printer name of the virtual printer by including both the obtained username and the printer name. Alternatively, the registration setting unit 335 may use only either the username obtained in step S313 or the printer name obtained in step S327. Furthermore, in determining the printer name of the virtual printer, the registration setting unit 335 may also accept instructions from the user. For example, the registration setting unit 335 may create multiple candidate printer names, and the user may instruct to select one of these names. In addition, the user may instruct the addition or deletion of strings for the candidate printer names created by the registration setting unit 335.

[0094] Next, in step S329, processing using the pre-stored administrator access token is performed. Additionally, if the administrator access token has expired, the following steps are executed: Figure 8 The process involves updating the qualification information shown and updating the administrator access token. In step S329, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 uses the administrator access token to request the registration of a virtual printer from the first printing service system 100. Specifically, in step S329, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request for the creation and registration of a virtual printer to be associated with the printer of the registration target to the first printing service system 100 along with the administrator access token. At this time, the registration setting unit 335 also sends the virtual printer name determined in step S328 along with the request. That is, the registration setting unit 335 also requests the setting of the virtual printer name along with the registration of the virtual printer.

[0095] As can be seen from steps S328 and S329, the registration setting unit 335 uses information obtained from the second printing service system 200 to set the name of the virtual printer, which is one of the attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100. Here, the name of the virtual printer managed by the first printing service system 100 is equivalent to the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the first printing service system 100. Therefore, it can also be said that the registration setting unit 335 uses information obtained from the second printing service system 200 to set the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the first printing service system 100. In this embodiment, the attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100 is automatically set using information obtained from the second printing service system 200, thus facilitating the setting of attribute information. In particular, in this embodiment, the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the second printing service system 200, i.e., the printer name, is used to set the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the first printing service system 100. Therefore, the printer name corresponding to the printer name used in the second printing service system 200 is used in the first printing service system 100, so that users can easily identify their registered personal printer when using the first printing service system 100. Furthermore, in particular, in this embodiment, the name of the image processing device 500 managed by the first printing service system 100 is set using the name of the general user performing the printer registration operation. Therefore, users can easily identify their registered personal printer when using the first printing service system 100.

[0096] Next, in step S330, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the administrator access token received in step S329, registers a new virtual printer in the first printing service system 100. At this time, the information management unit 133 sets the virtual printer name received in step S329 as the printer name of the newly registered virtual printer. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 determines the virtual printer ID as its identification information for the new virtual printer and notifies the relay server 300 of the completion of the virtual printer registration along with the virtual printer ID.

[0097] Then, in steps S331 to S333, the configuration process for the newly registered virtual printer is performed. Specifically, in step S331, the registration configuration unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a request to configure the capability information of the newly registered virtual printer along with an administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, the registration configuration unit 335 also sends the virtual printer ID notified in step S330 and the capability information obtained in step S327 along with the request. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the administrator access token received in step S331, performs the configuration of the virtual printer determined using the received virtual printer ID. Specifically, the information management unit 133 sets the received capability information to the capability information of the virtual printer determined using the received virtual printer ID. Thus, the capability information of the created virtual printer is configured. In addition, although a request to configure capability information is sent in step S331 in this sequence diagram, a request to configure the virtual printer name may also be sent. That is, the setting of the virtual printer name determined in step S328 can also be performed in a step different from the virtual printer registration step. In this case, in step S329, for the first printing service system 100, it is possible to either not notify the virtual printer name or notify the default virtual printer name.

[0098] Thus, in this embodiment, in step S331, the registration setting unit 335 also uses the information obtained from the second printing service system 200, namely the capability information, to set the capability information, which is one of the attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100. Therefore, by automatically setting the attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100 using the information obtained from the second printing service system 200, it is easy to set the attribute information.

[0099] In steps S332 and S333, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 performs settings related to the shared use of the newly registered virtual printer. That is, in steps S332 and S333, settings for access rights to the printer are executed. Here, settings are executed to use the registered printer as a personal printer, and therefore, the following processing is specifically performed.

[0100] In step S332, the registration setting unit 335 first performs processing for creating shared information. However, as described above, it is necessary to prevent users other than the general user who performed the printer registration operation from using the registered printer; therefore, shared information that is not allowed to be shared with any user is created. More specifically, in step S332, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request to set the shared information of the newly registered virtual printer along with an administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, the registration setting unit 335 also sends the virtual printer ID notified in step S330 and an instruction to specify that sharing with any user is not allowed along with the request. Furthermore, at this time, the registration setting unit 335 may also send a shared name to the first printing service system 100 for identifying the newly created shared information. For example, the virtual printer name determined in step S328 may be used as such a shared name. Alternatively, the sending of the shared name may be omitted. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the legitimacy of the administrator access token received in step S332, creates shared information for the virtual printer identified by the virtual printer ID based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 creates shared information indicating that it does not agree to share the printer with any user.

[0101] In step S333, the registration setting unit 335 performs a process to modify the shared information so that only general users who have performed the printer registration operation can use the printer they have registered. In other words, the registration setting unit 335 modifies the shared information to allow access only from general users who have performed the printer registration operation. Specifically, in step S333, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request to modify the shared information to allow general users who have performed the printer registration operation to use the virtual printer, along with an administrator access token, to the first printing service system 100. At this time, as identification information of the general user who has performed the printer registration operation, the registration setting unit 335 sends the user ID obtained in step S313. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the administrator access token received in step S333, updates the shared information based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 updates the shared information to allow use by users with the received user ID.

[0102] Thus, in steps S332 and S333, the registration setting unit 335 sets the shared information regarding the access rights of the printer corresponding to the registration object. In other words, the registration setting unit 335 sets information specifying the user who can access the virtual printer, that is, the user who can access the image processing device 500 corresponding to the virtual printer. Therefore, access rights are automatically set, making it easy to set attribute information. In particular, in this embodiment, the registration setting unit 335 sets the shared information, i.e., the printer's attribute information, to allow access only from general users who have performed the printer registration operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent other users from using the printer. Furthermore, especially in this embodiment, as described later, the first printing service system 100 controls the selection of printers that the user has access rights to when specifying the printer to be used in printing. Therefore, the user can easily select an available printer when instructing printing.

[0103] Furthermore, although the setting of shared information is performed in steps S332 and S333 in the sequence diagram shown here, these processes can also be performed in a single step.

[0104] Following step S333, in step S334, for purposes such as controlling whether printing by a registered printer is permitted, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 stores the information obtained through the aforementioned series of processes in a database such as the storage unit 310. Specifically, the registration setting unit 335 stores the virtual printer ID, user ID, printer communication address, and access key in the database. Additionally, at this time, the registration setting unit 335 stores the user ID obtained in step S313 as the user ID of a general user who has performed the printer registration operation (hereinafter also referred to as the registered user ID) in the database. Thus, the storage unit 310 stores the identification information of the user who issued the registration instruction for the personal printer. Furthermore, if no access key is set in the printer, the storage of the access key can be omitted in this step.

[0105] In step S335, the web browser 451 queries the relay server 300 to inquire whether the printer registration process is complete. Conversely, in step S336, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a registration completion page to the web browser 451, indicating that registration is complete. Therefore, in step S337, the web browser 451 displays the registration completion page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. Furthermore, although the step of inquiring whether the printer registration process is complete is performed after step S334 in the sequence diagram shown here, it can also be performed periodically before step S334. In this case, the registration setting unit 335 may also send a page to the web browser 451 indicating that registration is not yet complete.

[0106] The above describes the process for registering a personal printer in the first printing service system 100 using a sequence diagram. As shown in this sequence diagram, in this embodiment, the relay server 300 registers the printer in the first printing service system 100 after receiving a registration instruction from a general user, and uses pre-stored qualification information to set attribute information related to the registered printer. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when a general user registers a printer in the first printing service system 100, both registration and setting can be performed, thereby improving convenience. In particular, during the setting, the username of the user who performed the registration operation is used in the virtual printer name, or shared information is set to allow the user to access it. In this way, settings corresponding to the user who performed the registration operation are implemented. This also improves convenience.

[0107] Next, the process for registering a shared printer in the first printing service system 100 will be explained. Figures 10A to 10D This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the registration process for a shared printer performed in printing system 10. A shared printer refers to a printer intended for use by multiple users. In other words, a shared printer is a printer shared by multiple users. Furthermore, the order of the steps in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency. The following follows... Figures 10A to 10D This section explains the registration process for shared printers.

[0108] In step S400, the administrator performs a predetermined operation to begin the registration process for the shared printer via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400. For example, the URL of the shared printer registration page is entered into the web browser 451 of the terminal device 400. Here, the shared printer registration page is a page prepared for registering the shared printer in the first printing service system 100. After step S400, in step S401, the web browser 451 sends a request to the relay server 300 to obtain the shared printer registration page according to the entered URL. In contrast, in step S402, the registration processing unit 333 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirect page. In this step, the predetermined redirect page is an authentication page. Therefore, the registration processing unit 333 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the authentication page to the web browser 451.

[0109] In step S403, the web browser 451 sends a request to the first printing service system 100 to obtain an authentication page based on the received URL. Conversely, in step S404, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the authentication page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S405, the web browser 451 displays the authentication page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0110] In step S406, the administrator inputs authentication information via input unit 430 on the authentication page. Specifically, for example, the administrator enters their user ID and password. Here, the required authentication information is the authentication information used in the first printing service system 100, specifically the pre-registered user ID and password. In step S407, the web browser 451 sends the input authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication processing based on the authentication information received from the web browser 451. That is, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered authentication information of the administrator.

[0111] If authentication is successful during the authentication process, that is, if the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator's authentication information, in step S408, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues a verification code, thereby instructing the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection destination. This predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. The verification code is then delivered to the relay server 300 via this redirection. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL representing the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code to the web browser 451.

[0112] In step S409, the web browser 451 accesses the predetermined redirection destination along with the verification code. The relay server 300 then obtains the verification code. Next, in step S410, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends a request to generate an administrator token along with the received verification code to the first printing service system 100. In step S411, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming that the verification code received in step S410 matches the verification code sent in step S408, issues an administrator access token and sends it to the relay server 300. Then, in step S412, the registration acceptance unit 333 sends a shared printer registration page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S413, the web browser 451 displays the shared printer registration page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0113] In step S414, the administrator, via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400, simultaneously executes a predetermined operation to request registration of a shared printer while designating the printer of the registration target. In this embodiment, the printer of the registration target is not the printer connected to the first printing service system 100, but rather the printer connected to the second printing service system 200, namely the image processing device 500. This printer is registered in the first printing service system 100 by establishing an association with a virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100. More specifically, in step S414, the administrator inputs identification information for identifying the printer of the registration target and information for designating the sharer onto the shared printer registration page displayed in step S413. For example, the administrator inputs information for designating the sharer and identification information of the printer located in a location accessible to the designated sharer. The information for designating the sharer can also be information for designating users belonging to a specific group as sharers. In this case, the information for designating the sharer can be, for example, identification information used to identify the group, such as a group ID. Alternatively, instead of identifying the group, the individual user IDs of the multiple users designated as sharers can be entered. Furthermore, the information specifying the sharer can also be any user, i.e., all users, designated as sharers. In this embodiment, as an example, the administrator enters the communication address of the printer of the registered object as the printer's identification information. That is, the communication address of the printer of the registered object is entered on the web browser 451 of the terminal device 400. Alternatively, other arbitrary information that can uniquely identify the printer of the registered object can be used instead of the communication address.

[0114] Next, in step S415, the web browser 451 sends a request to register the printer in the first printing service system 100, along with information about the designated sharer and the communication address of the printer to be registered, to the relay server 300. As a result, the registration acceptance unit 333 receives a registration instruction from the image processing device 500 of the administrator. In contrast, in step S416, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the communication address of the printer to the second printing service system 200 and requests authentication. If a printer corresponding to the communication address exists and an access key such as a password has been pre-set for that printer, the processes described in steps S417 to S422 are executed, and authentication is considered successful only when the access key is entered. Conversely, if a printer corresponding to the communication address exists but no access key has been set for that printer, authentication is considered successful without executing the processes described in steps S417 to S422. The following explains the case where an access key is set in a printer determined based on the communication address.

[0115] In step S417, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 requests the transmission of an access key from the relay server 300. Conversely, in step S418, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends an input page for accepting the input of the access key to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S419, the web browser 451 displays the access key input page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. Next, in step S420, the administrator inputs the access key via the input unit 430 for the input page. Then, in step S421, the web browser 451 sends the input access key to the relay server 300. In step S422, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the communication address and access key of the printer of the registered target to the second printing service system 200 and requests authentication again. Conversely, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 performs authentication based on the information sent from the relay server 300.

[0116] Upon successful authentication, in step S423, the authentication control unit 231 of the second printing service system 200 issues a token and sends it to the relay server 300. This token is an access token used to access predetermined information managed by the second printing service system 200. The information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300, having received the token from the second printing service system 200, sends a request to obtain printer information about the printer of the registered object, along with the token obtained in step S423, to the second printing service system 200 in step S424.

[0117] In contrast, in step S425, the information management unit 233 of the second printing service system 200, after confirming the validity of the token received in step S424, sends printer information about the image processing device 500, which is a printer registered in the first printing service system 100, to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 233 sends the printer name and capability information of the printer managed by the second printing service system 200 to the relay server 300. By adopting this method, the relay server 300 obtains the printer information. In addition, the information acquisition unit 334 of the relay server 300 may also store the acquired printer information in the storage unit 310 as needed.

[0118] Next, in step S426, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 determines the printer name of the virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100. That is, in step S426, in order to register the virtual printer associated with a physical shared printer in the first printing service system 100, the registration setting unit 335 determines the printer name of the virtual printer. In this step, the registration setting unit 335 specifically uses the printer name obtained in step S425 to determine the printer name of the virtual printer. For example, the registration setting unit 335 determines the printer name of the virtual printer by including the obtained printer name.

[0119] Next, in step S427, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 uses the administrator access token obtained in step S411 to request the registration of a virtual printer from the first printing service system 100. Specifically, in step S427, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request for the creation and registration of a virtual printer to be associated with the printer to be registered to the first printing service system 100 along with the administrator access token. At this time, the registration setting unit 335 also sends the virtual printer name determined in step S426 along with the request. That is, the registration setting unit 335 requests the setting of the virtual printer name along with the registration of the virtual printer.

[0120] In contrast, in step S428, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the administrator access token received in step S427, registers a new virtual printer in the first printing service system 100. At this time, the information management unit 133 sets the virtual printer name received in step S427 as the printer name of the newly registered virtual printer. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 assigns a virtual printer ID to the new virtual printer as its identification information and notifies the relay server 300 of the completion of the virtual printer registration along with the virtual printer ID.

[0121] Then, in steps S429 to S432, the configuration process for the newly registered virtual printer is performed. Specifically, in step S429, the registration configuration unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a request to configure the capability information of the newly registered virtual printer along with an administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, the registration configuration unit 335 also sends the virtual printer ID notified in step S428 and the capability information obtained in step S425 along with the request. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the validity of the administrator access token received in step S429, performs the configuration of the virtual printer determined using the received virtual printer ID. Specifically, the information management unit 133 sets the received capability information to the capability information of the virtual printer determined using the received virtual printer ID. Thus, the capability information of the created virtual printer is configured. In addition, although a request to configure capability information is sent in step S429 in this sequence diagram, a request to configure the virtual printer name may also be sent. That is, the virtual printer name setting determined in step S426 can also be performed in a step different from the virtual printer registration step. In this case, in step S427, for the first printing service system 100, it is possible to either not notify the virtual printer name or notify the default virtual printer name.

[0122] In steps S430, S431, and S432, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 performs settings related to the sharing and utilization of the newly registered virtual printer. That is, in steps S430, S431, and S432, settings for printer access rights are executed. Here, since settings are performed to utilize the registered printer as a shared printer, specifically, the following processing is executed. When the shared printer is shared by any user, i.e., when the relay server 300 receives information in step S415 designating any user as a sharer, the registration setting unit 335 performs the processing described below in step S430. Furthermore, when the shared printer is shared by users belonging to a specific group, i.e., when the relay server 300 receives information in step S415 designating users belonging to a specific group as sharers, the registration setting unit 335 performs the processing described below in steps S431 and S432.

[0123] When the relay server 300 receives information designating any user as a sharer, in step S430, the registration setting unit 335 performs processing for creating shared information. However, as described above, since it is necessary for any user to be able to use the printer of the registered object, shared information that is agreed to be shared with any user is created. More specifically, in step S430, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request to set the shared information of the newly registered virtual printer along with an administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, the registration setting unit 335 also sends the virtual printer ID notified in step S428 and the instruction to agree to share with any user along with the request. In addition, at this time, the registration setting unit 335 may also send a shared name to the first printing service system 100 to identify the newly created shared information. For example, the virtual printer name determined in step S426 may be used as such a shared name. Alternatively, the sending of the shared name may be omitted. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the legitimacy of the administrator access token received in step S430, creates sharing information for the virtual printer identified by the virtual printer ID based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 creates sharing information indicating consent to share with any user.

[0124] Thus, in step S430, the registration setting unit 335 sets the sharing information for the access rights of the printer corresponding to the registration object. In other words, the registration setting unit 335 performs the setting of information that specifies the user who can access the virtual printer, that is, the user who can access the image processing device 500 corresponding to the virtual printer. As a result, the access rights are set automatically, and therefore, it is easy to set the attribute information.

[0125] When the relay server 300 receives information designating a user belonging to a specific group as a sharer, in step S431, the registration setting unit 335 first performs processing for creating shared information. However, since it is necessary to prevent users other than those belonging to the specific group from using the printer of the registered object, this shared information is created as if sharing with any user is not permitted. More specifically, in step S431, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request to configure the shared information of the newly registered virtual printer along with an administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, the registration setting unit 335 also sends the virtual printer ID notified in step S428 and an instruction to designate sharing with any user as not permitted along with the request. Furthermore, at this time, the registration setting unit 335 may also send a shared name to the first printing service system 100 to identify the newly created shared information. For example, the virtual printer name determined in step S426 may be used as such a shared name. Alternatively, the sending of the shared name may be omitted. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming the legitimacy of the administrator access token received in step S431, creates shared information for the virtual printer identified by the virtual printer ID based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 creates shared information indicating that it does not agree to share the printer with any user.

[0126] In step S432, the registration setting unit 335 performs a process to modify the shared information so that only users belonging to a specific group can use the printer of the registered target. Specifically, in step S432, the registration setting unit 335 sends a request to modify the shared information to allow users belonging to a specific group to use the virtual printer, along with an administrator access token, to the first printing service system 100. At this time, as information for determining the users who are allowed to share, the registration setting unit 335 sends, for example, the group ID obtained in step S415. In contrast, the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming that the administrator access token received in step S432 is valid, updates the shared information based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 updates the shared information to allow the user determined by the received group ID to use it.

[0127] Thus, in steps S431 and S432, the registration setting unit 335 sets the sharing information regarding the access rights of the printer corresponding to the registration object. In other words, the registration setting unit 335 sets the information that specifies the user who can access the virtual printer, that is, the user who can access the image processing device 500 corresponding to the virtual printer. As a result, the access rights are automatically set, and therefore, it is easy to set the attribute information.

[0128] In addition, although Figure 10C In the sequence diagram shown, the setting of shared information is performed in both steps S431 and S432, but these processes can also be performed in a single step.

[0129] Following step S430 or S432, in step S433, for purposes such as controlling whether printing by a registered printer is permitted, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 stores the information obtained through the aforementioned series of processes in a database such as the storage unit 310. Specifically, the registration setting unit 335 stores the virtual printer ID, printer communication address, and access key in the database. Furthermore, if no access key is set in the printer, the storage of the access key can be omitted in this step. Moreover, since this sequence diagram does not perform registration of a personal printer operated by a general user, but rather registration of a shared printer operated by an administrator, the registration setting unit 335 does not store a specific user's user ID as the registration user ID. Instead, the registration setting unit 335 stores a predetermined value (e.g., NULL) in the database as the registration user ID, rather than storing a specific user's user ID.

[0130] In step S434, the web browser 451 queries the relay server 300 to inquire whether the printer registration process is complete. Conversely, in step S435, the registration setting unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a registration completion page to the web browser 451, indicating that registration is complete. Therefore, in step S436, the web browser 451 displays the registration completion page on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. Furthermore, although the step of inquiring whether the printer registration process is complete is performed after step S433 in the sequence diagram shown here, it can also be performed periodically before step S433. In this case, the registration setting unit 335 may also send a page to the web browser 451 indicating that registration is not yet complete.

[0131] Next, the process of printing processing in the case where printing is performed by an image processing device 500, which is a printer connected to the second printing service system 200, via the first printing service system 100 will be described. Figures 11A to 11C as well as Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the printing process performed in printing system 10. In particular, these sequence diagrams represent a user-specified process utilizing a connection to and through a second printing service system 200. Figures 9A to 9C or Figures 10A to 10DThe diagram illustrates the printing process for a printer already registered in the first printing service system 100, where printing is to be performed. Furthermore, the order of the steps in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency. The following follows... Figures 11A to 11C as well as Figure 12 This section will explain the printing process.

[0132] In step S500, a general user performs a predetermined operation to print data of a printing object via the input unit 430 of the terminal device 400. Hereinafter, the data of the printing object will be referred to as printing data. Specifically, for example, the general user performs an operation to specify the printer used in printing, the printing data, and the printing settings. Here, as described above, the image processing device 500 connected to the second printing service system 200 can be specified as the printer used in printing. More specifically, a virtual printer corresponding to the image processing device 500 can be specified. In this embodiment, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 controls the printers used in printing by including only printers accessible to the user in the options for printers used in printing. Specifically, the printing control unit 132 displays a user interface screen with only printers accessible to the user as options for printers used in printing.

[0133] Furthermore, the printing settings specified in step S500 refer to the settings set in the printer for printing purposes. For example, printing settings may include settings for the size of the paper used, settings for whether to perform color printing, settings for whether to perform double-sided printing, etc., but are not limited to these settings.

[0134] During the execution of step S500, in step S501, the print request unit 452 of the terminal device 400 requests printing from the first print service system 100. At this time, the print request unit 452 sends to the first print service system 100 the user ID of the user who indicated printing in step S500, the virtual printer ID of the specified printer, the specified print settings, and the specified print data. Then, the first print service system 100 obtains this information.

[0135] Next, in step S502, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 generates a printing task based on the information received in step S501 and notifies the relay server 300 of the existence of the printing task. Specifically, the printing control unit 132 notifies the relay server 300 of the task ID, which serves as the identification information for the printing task, and the virtual printer ID of the specified printer. Furthermore, in step S503, the printing control unit 132 notifies the terminal device 400 of the task ID.

[0136] When the relay server 300 receives the notification from step S502, in step S504, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 sends a request to the first printing service system 100 to obtain task information. Specifically, the printing control unit 332 sends this request along with the virtual printer ID and task ID notified in step S504. Conversely, in step S505, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 sends the user ID received in step S501, the printing settings, and the URL representing the storage location of the printing data received in step S501 as task information to the relay server 300. Furthermore, in the following description, the URL representing the storage location of the printing data will be referred to as the printing data URL.

[0137] When the relay server 300 receives the task information, in step S506, in order to obtain the information stored to establish an association with the received virtual printer ID, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs database reading processing of the storage unit 310, etc. Therefore, in step S507, the printing control unit 332 reads the registered user ID, printer communication address, and access key stored to establish an association with the virtual printer ID. This information is the information stored in step S334 or step S433 described above.

[0138] After step S507, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs a judgment process to prevent the personal printer from being used by an inappropriate user. Specifically, the printing control unit 332 determines whether a user other than a regular user who has performed the operation to register the personal printer has not performed an operation to print using the personal printer. Then, as long as there is no request for the personal printer to be used by an inappropriate user, that is, as long as a user other than a regular user who has performed the operation to register the personal printer has not performed an operation to print using the personal printer, the processing of steps S508 to S520 is performed. In contrast, if there is a request for the personal printer to be used by an inappropriate user, that is, if a user other than a regular user who has performed the operation to register the personal printer has performed an operation to print using the personal printer, printing is not performed, and in step S521 described later, the printing control unit 332 outputs an error to the first printing service system 100.

[0139] As a judgment process to prevent personal printers from being misused by inappropriate users, the printing control unit 332 performs the following judgment process in more detail: When a designated printer is registered as a personal printer in the first printing service system 100, if the user who registered the designated printer in the first printing service system 100 is the same as the user who requested printing, the printing control unit 332 determines that no inappropriate user has requested to use the personal printer. Specifically, for example, if the value of the registered user ID read by the printing control unit 332 in step S507 is not NULL, and if the user ID received in step S505 is the same as the registered user ID read in step S507, the printing control unit 332 determines that no inappropriate user has used the personal printer. In this case, the printing control unit 332 sends a printing request to the second printing service system 200 in step S508, which will be described later.

[0140] In contrast, if the designated printer is registered as a personal printer in the first printing service system 100, and the user who registered the printer in the first printing service system 100 is different from the user who requested printing, the printing control unit 332 determines that an inappropriate user has requested to use the personal printer. Specifically, for example, if the registered user ID value read by the printing control unit 332 in step S507 is not NULL, and the user ID received in step S505 is inconsistent with the registered user ID read in step S507, it determines that an inappropriate user has used the personal printer. Therefore, printing is not performed, and an error is output. In this case, the printing control unit 332 does not send a printing request to the second printing service system 200.

[0141] In this way, when the printing control unit 332 designates a personal printer as the printer used in printing according to a printing task, it sends a printing request to have the personal printer perform the printing only when the printing task corresponds to a printing instruction issued by a user who has registered the personal printer. More specifically, the printing control unit 332 determines whether to send a printing request by comparing the registered user ID (stored identification information about the registered user) with the user ID (identification information of the user who issued the printing instruction corresponding to the printing task). This structure prevents the personal printer registered by a user from being used by users other than that user. Furthermore, even if access rights are set to limit general users who can access the personal printer to those who have registered the personal printer, there is still a possibility that users with higher permissions than the registered user, such as administrators, could use the personal printer. Moreover, access rights to personal printers, which are attribute information managed by the first printing service system 100, are information that administrators can freely set. Therefore, there is also a possibility that administrators might mistakenly grant access rights to personal printers to other users. That is, in these situations, there is a possibility that the personal printer could be used by other users. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the relay server 300 compares registered users with users who have requested printing and determines whether the personal printer can be used. Therefore, in the aforementioned situations, it is possible to appropriately prevent the personal printer from being used by other users.

[0142] Furthermore, if the designated printer is registered as a shared printer in the first printing service system 100, the printing control unit 332 determines that no personal printer has been requested to be used by an inappropriate user, regardless of the user who instructed the printing. Specifically, for example, if the registered user ID read by the printing control unit 332 in step S507 is NULL, it determines that no personal printer has been used by an inappropriate user, regardless of the user who instructed the printing. In this case, the printing control unit 332 sends a printing request to the second printing service system 200 in step S508, which will be described later.

[0143] In this way, when the printing control unit 332 designates a shared printer as the printer used in printing according to a printing task, it sends a printing request to the second printing service system 200 requesting that the printing be performed by the shared printer, regardless of whether the printing task corresponds to a printing instruction issued by any user. Therefore, even users who have not registered for a personal printer can use the printing service of this system.

[0144] In step S508, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 requests printing from the second printing service system 200. At this time, the printing control unit 332 sends the printer communication address and access key read in step S507, and the printing settings and printing data URL obtained in step S505, to the second printing service system 200. Thus, the printing control unit 332 has the function of sending printing requests to the second printing service system 200 based on printing tasks from the first printing service system 100.

[0145] When the second printing service system 200 receives a printing request from the relay server 300, in step S509, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 accesses the printing data URL notified in step S508 in order to obtain printing data. Therefore, in step S510, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 obtains the printing data from the first printing service system 100.

[0146] Following step S510, in step S511, the printing control unit 232 converts the printing data obtained in step S510 into printing data according to a predetermined printer language. Then, in step S512, the printing control unit 232 notifies the image processing device 500, which is the printer used in printing, of the existence of a printing task for printing the converted printing data. This printing task is a printing task corresponding to the printing task managed by the first printing service system 100, and is managed by the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200. Therefore, a new ID is assigned, different from the value of the task ID mentioned above. Hereinafter, the ID of the printing task managed by the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 will be referred to as task ID2. In step S513, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 notifies the relay server 300 of task ID2. In contrast, in step S514, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs storage processing on the correspondence between the printing tasks of the first printing service system 100 and the printing tasks of the second printing service system 200. Specifically, the printing control unit 332 establishes an association between the virtual printer ID, the task ID of the first printing service system 100, the printer ID of the printer used in printing, and the task ID (task ID2) of the second printing service system 200, and stores it in a database such as the storage unit 310.

[0147] When the image processing device 500 receives the notification from step S512, in step S515, the printing processing unit 541 of the image processing device 500 sends a request to the second printing service system 200 to obtain printing data. Conversely, in step S516, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 sends the converted printing data to the image processing device 500.

[0148] After step S516, whenever the task status changes, the execution is performed by... Figure 12 The sequence diagram shown illustrates the notification processing. Then, the processing in step S517 is executed. Here, refer to... Figure 12 The process of handling each change in task status is described. For example, Figure 12 The processing shown is performed in cases where printing has begun in the image processing apparatus 500 or where an error has occurred after printing has begun. Furthermore, the processing order of each step in this sequence diagram is merely an example and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency.

[0149] In step S600, the printing processing unit 541 of the image processing apparatus 500 notifies the second printing service system 200 of the task status. When the second printing service system 200 receives this notification, in step S601, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 notifies the relay server 300 of the task status notified in step S600, along with the printer ID and task ID2. Thus, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 obtains the task status regarding the printing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 500.

[0150] When the relay server 300 receives a notification of the task status, in step S602, in order to obtain the information stored to associate with the received printer ID and task ID2, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs a database reading process from the storage unit 310, etc. Therefore, in step S603, the printing control unit 332 reads the virtual printer ID and task ID stored to associate with them. Then, in step S604, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 notifies the first printing service system 100 of the task status notified in step S601, along with the virtual printer ID and task ID. That is, the printing control unit 332 sends the task status to the first printing service system 100 after obtaining the task status from the second printing service system 200.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first printing service system 100 manages not only the task status but also the printer status. In contrast, the second printing service system 200 manages the task status but not the printer status. Here, task status refers to the processing status of each printing task, or in other words, the processing status of each printing process, and printer status refers to the status of the printer that affects all printing tasks processed by a particular printer, or in other words, the status of all printing processes processed by a particular printer.

[0152] In this embodiment, in order to notify the first printing service system 100 of the printer status, in step S605, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs a process of determining the printer status using the task status notified from the second printing service system 200. That is, the printing control unit 332 determines the status of the image processing device 500 based on the task status obtained from the second printing service system 200. Thus, in step S606, the printer status of the virtual printer can be determined. Specifically, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates an error independent of the printing task, the printing control unit 332 also uses that task status as the printer status. For example, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates a printing error caused by running out of printing media, the printing control unit 332 determines that the printer status of the image processing device 500 and the virtual printer associated with it is a state of running out of printing media (running out of printing media state). In addition, the printing media is, for example, paper, but it can also be a medium formed from materials other than paper. Furthermore, for example, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates a printing error caused by running out of color material, the printing control unit 332 determines that the image processing device 500 and the associated virtual printer are in a state of running out of color material (color material exhausted state). The color material can be, for example, ink, but could also be toner or the like. Additionally, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 is a state of normal printing, the printing control unit 332 can also use that task status as the printer status. That is, the printing control unit 332 can also determine that the printer status is in a printing state.

[0153] Then, in step S607, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 notifies the first printing service system 100 of the printer status of the virtual printer determined in step S606, along with the virtual printer ID. That is, the printing control unit 332 sends the status of the image processing device 500 to the first printing service system 100. Therefore, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 in step S601 indicates, for example, a printing error caused by running out of paper or ink, the first printing service system 100 is notified of the printing error caused by running out of paper or ink as a task status, and the status of running out of paper or ink is notified as a printer status.

[0154] In contrast, when the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates an error specific to the printing task, the printing control unit 332 does not reflect this task status in the printer status. For example, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates a printing error caused by a communication error, the printing control unit 332 does not reflect this task status in the printer status of the image processing device 500 and the associated virtual printer. Furthermore, for example, if the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates a printing task cancellation due to instructions from the user, the printing control unit 332 does not reflect this task status in the printer status of the image processing device 500 and the associated virtual printer. Therefore, in step S601, when the task status notified from the second printing service system 200 indicates, for example, a communication error or a printing task cancellation, the first printing service system 100 is notified as a task status, and the notification of the printer status is omitted.

[0155] In step S608, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 specifies the virtual printer ID and task ID for the first printing service system 100 and sends a request to obtain task information. Meanwhile, in step S609, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 sends the task status received in step S604 to the terminal device 400. Therefore, in step S610, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 displays the task status on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0156] Furthermore, in step S611, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 specifies a virtual printer ID for the first printing service system 100 and sends a request to obtain the printer status. Conversely, in step S612, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 sends the printer status received in step S607 to the terminal device 400. Therefore, in step S613, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 displays the printer status on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0157] As shown in the sequence diagram, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 sends the updated task status to the first printing service system 100 whenever the task status is updated. Therefore, the user can properly grasp the current task status through the first printing service system 100.

[0158] Return to Figure 11B The following describes the processing after step S517. In step S517, the printing processing unit 541 of the image processing apparatus 500 notifies the second printing service system 200 of the completion of printing processing by notifying the processing result of the printing task. Specifically, the printing processing unit 541 notifies whether the printing processing has been completed normally. That is, the printing processing unit 541 notifies whether the printing was successful or failed. When the second printing service system 200 receives this notification, in step S518, the printing control unit 232 of the second printing service system 200 takes the processing result notified in step S517 as the task status and notifies the relay server 300 along with the printer ID and task ID2. Thus, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 obtains the task status of the printing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 500.

[0159] When the relay server 300 receives a notification of the task status, in step S519, in order to obtain the information stored to establish an association with the received printer ID and task ID2, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs a database reading process from the storage unit 310, etc. Therefore, in step S520, the printing control unit 332 reads the virtual printer ID and task ID stored to establish an association with the database of the storage unit 310, etc.

[0160] Next, in step S521, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 notifies the first printing service system 100 of the task status, along with the virtual printer ID and the task ID. That is, the printing control unit 332 sends the task status to the first printing service system 100 after obtaining it from the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, as described above, if it is determined that an inappropriate user has requested the use of a personal printer, the processing up to step S520 is skipped, and in this step, a task status indicating a printing failure caused by an inappropriate user using the personal printer is notified to the first printing service system 100. That is, in this case, a notification is sent regarding the occurrence of an error caused by an inappropriate user using the personal printer.

[0161] In step S522, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 specifies the virtual printer ID and task ID for the first printing service system 100 and sends a request to obtain task information. Meanwhile, in step S523, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 sends the task status received in step S521 to the terminal device 400. Therefore, in step S524, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 displays the task status on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0162] Furthermore, when the relay server 300 receives notification of the processing result of a printing task, in step S525, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 determines that the image processing device 500 and the virtual printer are in an idle state (standby state), and notifies the first printing service system 100 of the printer status. More specifically, when the printing processing for all printing tasks related to the same virtual printer, i.e., the same image processing device 500, has been completed normally, the printing control unit 332 determines that the virtual printer and the associated image processing device 500 are in an idle state. Thus, the printing control unit 332 determines the status of the image processing device 500 based on the task status obtained from the second printing service system 200. In step S525, the printing control unit 332 specifically notifies the first printing service system 100 that the virtual printer's printer status is idle, along with the virtual printer ID. Thus, the printing control unit 332 sends the status of the image processing device 500 to the first printing service system 100.

[0163] Then, in step S526, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 specifies a virtual printer ID for the first printing service system 100 and sends a request to obtain the printer status. Meanwhile, in step S527, the printing control unit 132 of the first printing service system 100 sends a message to the terminal device 400 indicating that the printer status is idle. Consequently, in step S528, the status output unit 453 of the terminal device 400 displays the "printer status is idle" message on the display unit 420 of the terminal device 400.

[0164] The above describes the printing process in the case where printing is performed by a printer connected to the second printing service system 200 via the first printing service system 100, using a sequence diagram. According to this sequence diagram, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 relays information about printing tasks concerning printing data between the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200. Then, the image processing device 500 prints the data based on the printing task information relayed via the relay server 300. Therefore, in a system where the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 cooperate, printing performed by the image processing device 500 is possible.

[0165] Furthermore, as shown in the sequence diagram, in this embodiment, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 obtains the task status of the printing process performed by the image processing device 500 from the second printing service system 200 and sends the task status to the first printing service system 100. Therefore, the first printing service system 100 can provide the user with information about the task status. As described above, the task status sent to the first printing service system 100 can be a task status indicating that a printing error occurred after the printing process was performed, or a task status indicating that the printing process has been completed normally, etc. Furthermore, the printing control unit 332 of the relay server 300 determines the status of the image processing device 500 based on the task status obtained from the second printing service system 200 and sends the status of the image processing device 500 to the first printing service system 100. Therefore, the first printing service system 100 can provide the user with information about the status of the image processing device 500. Furthermore, the first printing service system 100 is connected to the terminal device 400, which obtains the task status and the status of the image processing device 500 through the first printing service system 100 and outputs them. Therefore, the user can easily grasp these statuses using the terminal device 400.

[0166] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the relay server 300 may also be included in the second printing service system 200. With such a structure, for example, the same supplier can easily manage the relay server 300 and the second printing service system 200. Moreover, although in the above embodiments the second printing service system 200 obtains printing data from the first printing service system 100, the relay server 300 may also obtain printing data from the first printing service system 100, and the relay server 300 may also send the printing data to the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, although the above embodiments show an example of a general user registering a personal printer, an administrator may also register a personal printer for a general user on their behalf.

[0167] Furthermore, in the examples above, when the program is read into a computer, it includes a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray discs or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals.

[0168] While some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following notes, they are not limited to the following.

[0169] Postscript 1

[0170] A server, on which a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device are connected, the server having:

[0171] The storage department stores qualification information about the first user with first-level privileges;

[0172] The registration and acceptance department obtains a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, the second permissions being permissions that are further restricted than the first permissions;

[0173] The registration department, upon receiving the registration instruction, registers the image processing device in the first printing service system;

[0174] The setting unit, when registering the image processing device, uses the stored qualification information to set the attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

[0175] Appendix 2

[0176] The server as described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0177] It also includes an information acquisition unit, which, upon receiving the registration instruction, obtains information about the image processing device from the second printing service system.

[0178] The setting unit uses the information obtained from the second printing service system to perform the setting of the attribute information managed by the first printing service system.

[0179] Appendix 3

[0180] The server as described in Appendix 2, wherein,

[0181] The attribute information settings include the setting of the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

[0182] The information acquisition unit acquires the name of the image processing device managed by the second printing service system, and uses it as information about the image processing device.

[0183] The setting unit uses the name of the image processing device managed by the second printing service system to set the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

[0184] Appendix 4

[0185] The server as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 3, wherein,

[0186] The attribute information settings include the setting of the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

[0187] The setting unit uses the name of the second user to set the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

[0188] Appendix 5

[0189] The server as described in any of notes 1 to 4, wherein,

[0190] The attribute information settings include setting information that specifies the users who can access the image processing device.

[0191] Appendix 6

[0192] The server as described in Appendix 5, wherein,

[0193] The setting unit performs the setting of the attribute information in a manner that only allows access from the second user who has the second permission.

[0194] Postscript 7

[0195] The server as described in any of notes 1 to 6, wherein,

[0196] The registration department registers the image processing device in the first printing service system as a virtual device.

[0197] Postscript 8

[0198] The server as described in any of notes 1 to 7, wherein,

[0199] The server is included in the second printing service system.

[0200] Postscript 9

[0201] A printing system comprising:

[0202] First printing service system;

[0203] Image processing device;

[0204] A second printing service system is connected to the image processing device;

[0205] A server, on which the first printing service system and the second printing service system are connected,

[0206] The server has:

[0207] The storage department stores qualification information about the first user with first-level privileges;

[0208] The registration and acceptance department obtains a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, the second permissions being permissions that are further restricted than the first permissions;

[0209] The registration department, upon receiving the registration instruction, registers the image processing device in the first printing service system;

[0210] The setting unit, when registering the image processing device, uses the stored qualification information to set the attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

[0211] The first printing service system obtains printing data from the terminal device.

[0212] The server also includes a printing control unit, which relays information about printing tasks related to the printing data between the first printing service system and the second printing service system.

[0213] The image processing device prints the printing data based on information about the printing task relayed through the server.

[0214] Postscript 10

[0215] An information processing method, wherein,

[0216] The server of the first printing service system, which is connected to the first printing service system, and the second printing service system, which is connected to the image processing device, performs the following processing:

[0217] Store the qualification information of the first user with first-level privileges;

[0218] Obtain the registration instruction of the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, wherein the second permissions are further restricted than the first permissions;

[0219] Upon receiving the registration instruction, the image processing device is registered in the first printing service system;

[0220] During the registration of the image processing device, the stored qualification information is used to perform the setting of attribute information managed by the first printing service system associated with the registered image processing device.

[0221] Postscript 11

[0222] A program that causes a computer connected to a server of a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device to perform the following steps:

[0223] Storage steps for storing qualification information related to the first user with first-level privileges;

[0224] The registration acceptance step involves obtaining a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second-level permissions, where the second-level permissions are further restricted than the first-level permissions.

[0225] Upon receiving the registration instruction, the registration step of registering the image processing device in the first printing service system is performed;

[0226] When registering the image processing device, the stored qualification information is used to perform a setting step for setting attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

[0227] Symbol Explanation

[0228] 10… Printing System; 100… First Printing Service System; 110… Storage Department; 120… Communication Department; 130… Control Department; 131… Authentication Control Department; 132… Printing Control Department; 133… Information Management Department; 200… Second Printing Service System; 210… Storage Department; 220… Communication Department; 230… Control Department; 231… Authentication Control Department; 232… Printing Control Department; 233… Information Management Department; 300… Relay Server; 310… Storage Department; 320… Communication Department; 330… Control Department; 331… …Authentication Control Department; 332…Printing Control Department; 333…Registration Acceptance Department; 334…Information Acquisition Department; 335…Registration Setting Department; 400…Terminal Device; 410…Storage Department; 420…Display Department; 430…Input Department; 440…Communication Department; 450…Control Department; 451…Web Browser; 452…Printing Request Department; 453…Status Output Department; 500…Image Processing Device; 510…Storage Department; 520…Communication Department; 530…Printing Department; 540…Control Department; 541…Printing Processing Department.

Claims

1. A server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device, the server having: The storage department stores qualification information about the first user with first-level privileges; The registration and acceptance department obtains a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, the second permissions being permissions that are further restricted than the first permissions; The registration department, upon receiving the registration instruction, registers the image processing device in the first printing service system; The setting unit, when registering the image processing device, uses the stored qualification information to set the attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

2. The server as described in claim 1, wherein, It also includes an information acquisition unit, which, upon receiving the registration instruction, obtains information about the image processing device from the second printing service system. The setting unit uses the information obtained from the second printing service system to perform the setting of the attribute information managed by the first printing service system.

3. The server as described in claim 2, wherein, The attribute information settings include the setting of the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system. The information acquisition unit acquires the name of the image processing device managed by the second printing service system, and uses it as information about the image processing device. The setting unit uses the name of the image processing device managed by the second printing service system to set the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

4. The server as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The attribute information settings include the setting of the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system. The setting unit uses the name of the second user to set the name of the image processing device managed by the first printing service system.

5. The server as described in claim 1, wherein, The attribute information settings include setting information that specifies the users who can access the image processing device.

6. The server as described in claim 5, wherein, The setting unit performs the setting of the attribute information in a manner that only allows access from the second user who has the second permission.

7. The server as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The registration department registers the image processing device in the first printing service system as a virtual device.

8. The server as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The server is included in the second printing service system.

9. A printing system comprising: First printing service system; Image processing device; A second printing service system is connected to the image processing device; A server, on which the first printing service system and the second printing service system are connected, The server has: The storage department stores qualification information about the first user with first-level privileges; The registration and acceptance department obtains a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, the second permissions being permissions that are further restricted than the first permissions; The registration department, upon receiving the registration instruction, registers the image processing device in the first printing service system; The setting unit, when registering the image processing device, uses the stored qualification information to set the attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device. The first printing service system obtains printing data from the terminal device. The server also includes a printing control unit, which relays information about printing tasks related to the printing data between the first printing service system and the second printing service system. The image processing device prints the printing data based on information about the printing task relayed through the server.

10. An information processing method, wherein, The server of the first printing service system, which is connected to the first printing service system, and the second printing service system, which is connected to the image processing device, performs the following processing: Store the qualification information of the first user with first-level privileges; Obtain the registration instruction of the image processing device from a second user with second permissions, wherein the second permissions are further restricted than the first permissions; Upon receiving the registration instruction, the image processing device is registered in the first printing service system; During the registration of the image processing device, the stored qualification information is used to perform the setting of attribute information managed by the first printing service system associated with the registered image processing device.

11. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing a computer connected to a server of a first printing service system and a second printing service system connected to an image processing device to perform the following steps: Storage steps for storing qualification information about the first user with first-level privileges; The registration acceptance step involves obtaining a registration instruction for the image processing device from a second user with second-level permissions, where the second-level permissions are further restricted than the first-level permissions. Upon receiving the registration instruction, the registration step of registering the image processing device in the first printing service system is performed; When registering the image processing device, the stored qualification information is used to perform a setting step for setting attribute information managed by the first printing service system related to the registered image processing device.

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