Printing system and method of controlling printing system

Abstract

The invention provides a printing system and a method of controlling the printing system. A printing system includes an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a server providing a printing service. The information processing apparatus requests information for obtaining print data to be printed from a server, displays a screen including a print code based on the information, requests a verification identification number of the print data from the server, and displays the obtained verification identification number on a display unit. The image forming apparatus reads the displayed print code, displays a screen for inputting the displayed verification identification number, transmits information included in the print code and the input verification identification number to a server, and in a case where the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, obtains print data from the server and prints the print data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a method of controlling a printing system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the process of trading various products, handling various articles, etc., for example, identification codes for facilitating management, storage, etc. are added to documents, labels, cards, etc. (e.g., purchase orders for products and articles, delivery statements, bills, product labels, inventory product labels, signs, medical records, and prescriptions). These identification codes include one-dimensional codes (e.g., bar codes), two-dimensional codes, etc., and by reading such codes, handling, management, storage, etc. of documents, products, articles, etc. can be facilitated. In addition, in a system for booking concerts, etc. through a mobile phone or a system for ordering food, confirmation of reservations can be simplified by displaying reservation confirmation data or order details in a coded manner.

[0003] In addition, even for multifunction peripherals located in office environments, homes, and public places, there is a technology in which information containing a storage destination of print data is encoded, and the code is read by the multifunction peripheral, and the print data is obtained by the multifunction peripheral and printed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-1253 describes a technology in which a multifunction peripheral reads print information through a two-dimensional code presented by a smartphone, obtains print data from a storage destination contained in the print information, and prints the print data.

[0004] Compared with the mechanism in which the client terminal instructs the image forming apparatus to print, the mechanism in which a code of a print instruction is displayed on the client terminal and the image forming apparatus reads the code and prints has the advantage that printing can be performed more easily. However, with the mechanism in which the displayed code is read and printed, there is a risk that a third party can print by copying (photographing or photocopying) the displayed code and having the copy read. Therefore, when printing is instructed by reading the code of the print instruction, there is a problem that if the code is copied and used, printing will be performed by an unexpected third party. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure eliminate the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology.

[0006] A feature of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can solve a problem such as a third party copying a code when a code of a print instruction is displayed on an information processing apparatus, and instruct an image forming apparatus to print by causing the image forming apparatus to read the code.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided, which includes an information processing device, an image forming device and a server providing a printing service, wherein the information processing device includes: a first requesting unit for requesting the server for information for obtaining print data to be printed; a first displaying unit for displaying a screen including a print code based on the information obtained from the server in response to the request; a second requesting unit for requesting the server for a verification identification number of the print data to be printed; and a display control unit for displaying the verification identification number obtained from the server on a display unit, wherein the image forming device includes: a reading unit for reading the print code displayed on the information processing device; a displaying unit for displaying a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the displaying unit based on the read print code; a first sending unit for transmitting the information included in the print code and the verification identification number to the server via the screen. The input verification identification number is sent to the server; and an obtaining unit, which is used to obtain the print data to be printed from the server and print the print data to be printed when the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, and the server includes: a second sending unit, which is used to send information for obtaining the print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request for information for obtaining the print data; a generating unit, which is used to generate the verification identification number of the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device, and return the verification identification number of the print data to be printed to the information processing device; a verification unit, which is used to verify the verification identification number sent from the image forming device; and a control unit, which is used to control to send the print data to be printed to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device when the verification identification number is successfully verified.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a printing system is provided, the printing system comprising an information processing device, an image forming device and a server providing printing services, wherein the information processing device requests the server for information for obtaining print data to be printed; the information processing device displays a screen including a print code based on the information obtained from the server in response to the request; the information processing device requests the server for a verification identification number of the print data to be printed; the information processing device displays the verification identification number obtained from the server on a display unit; the image forming device reads the print code displayed on the information processing device; the image forming device displays a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the read print code; the image forming device compares the information included in the print code and the verification identification number to the information included in the print code; The verification identification number input via the screen is sent to the server; for the image forming device, when the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, the print data to be printed is obtained from the server and the print data to be printed is printed; for the server, in response to a request for information for obtaining the print data, the information for obtaining the print data to be printed is sent to an information processing device; for the server, in response to a request from the information processing device, the verification identification number of the print data to be printed is generated, and the verification identification number of the print data to be printed is returned to the information processing device; for the server, the verification identification number sent from the image forming device is verified; and for the server, when the verification identification number is successfully verified, in response to a request from the image forming device, control is performed to send the print data to be printed to the image forming device.

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

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing the overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2A is a diagram for describing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal and a server providing a print service according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A is a diagram for describing a functional configuration of a print service according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3B It is a diagram for describing the functional configuration of a client terminal.

[0016] Figure 3C is a diagram for describing the procedure and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of a screen to be displayed by a UI module of a print application of a client terminal.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a sequence from when a user instructs printing data on a client terminal to when an image forming apparatus obtains data from a print service and prints the data according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the authentication process for authenticating an authentication identification number by the print service according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B This is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment reads a print code, obtains print data from a print service, and prints the print data.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B : is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the server of the print service according to the third embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an example of print data management information managed by the print service according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an example of client management information held in the RAM in the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 10C is a diagram showing an example of print data management information held in a database according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the claims of the present disclosure, and that all combinations of the various aspects described in the following embodiments are not necessarily required for the means for solving the problems according to the present disclosure. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar structures are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0027] [First embodiment]

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing the overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Each of the networks 100 and 101 is a so-called communication network realized by, for example, a LAN or WAN (e.g., the Internet), a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. In the first embodiment, the Internet 100 and the local network 101 are assumed, and it is only necessary to be able to send data and receive data.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can access the print service 104 by accessing the Internet 100 via the local network 101. The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can also access the print service 104 as a cloud service by directly accessing the Internet 100. The print service 104 provides a service for holding files uploaded from the client terminal 103 and the like, generates print data of the files according to a request, and sends the print data to the image forming apparatus 102 for printing.

[0031] The client terminal 103 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal for utilizing the above-mentioned service. The client terminal 103 is a computer device used by a user, and sends an instruction for generating print data to the print service 104, and generates and displays a code containing print request information. Here, the code is, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode. The two-dimensional code includes a matrix type code and a stack type code. In the first embodiment, the code containing the print request information will be referred to as a print code.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 102 includes, in addition to a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, etc. It also includes a reader that reads a print code including print request information generated by the client terminal 103 .

[0033] The print service 104 converts document data and the like into print data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 102 according to the instruction from the client terminal 103, and provides the print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Here, the print service 104 is available on the Internet as a cloud service that is redundant across multiple servers. In addition, the functions of the print service 104 can be implemented by a single server or a single virtual server, or can also be implemented by multiple servers or multiple virtual servers. Alternatively, multiple virtual servers can be implemented by executing on a single server.

[0034] Figure 2A 1 is a diagram for describing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment. The respective components of the hardware are connected to a system bus 200 .

[0035] The CPU 201 controls the entire apparatus and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 200. The control is based on the control program stored in the ROM 202, the control program and resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 206 connected via the disk controller (DKC) 205, etc. The RAM 203 is used as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201, and the memory capacity can be expanded using an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The storage device 210 is an external storage device used as a large-capacity memory, and stores programs that make the CPU 201 function as the various functional units shown in FIG. 3, etc., which will be described later.

[0036] The operation panel (operation unit) 209 displays a screen and accepts operation instructions from the user via the screen. In addition, buttons and a display unit for performing operations (for example, setting of the operation mode of the image forming device 102, display of the operation status of the image forming device 102, and designation of copying) are arranged. The operation panel 209 also performs, for example, display of a button for inputting a verification identification number and display of a code containing a print request, the verification identification number being used to verify the user who made the print request (to be described later) and inputted the information. Here, the verification identification number for verifying the user who made the print request is a number such as a password or a personal identification number (PIN). The verification identification number is a secret digital password shared between the system and the user, and is used for user authentication in the system.

[0037] The network I / F 204 includes a network interface card (NIC), and exchanges data with an external device via the interface 204. The print engine 208 utilizes a known printing technology, and preferred embodiments include, for example, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a sublimation type (thermal transfer) method, etc. The raster controller 207 converts image data into print data as a page description language (PDL) or a portable document format (PDF). The device interface (I / F) 211 is a connection interface with an external device that can be connected via a USB or the like. The reader 212 is used to read a document or to scan a print code containing, for example, print request information.

[0038] Figure 2B 1 is a diagram for describing an example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 103 and the server providing the print service 104 according to the first embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the client terminal 103 and the server may each be a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices as long as the functions according to the embodiment can be implemented. In addition, unless otherwise specified, as long as the functions according to the embodiment can be implemented, they may each be a system connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN and processed. In the present embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the respective components in the information processing apparatus such as the client terminal 103 and the server are connected via the system bus 219.

[0039] The CPU 220 functions as a control unit of the information processing apparatus and executes various programs, which are the printing application 310 ( Figure 3B ), print service 104, operating system, and application programs stored in storage device 225. For example, CPU 220 also performs control for temporarily storing files and information required for executing programs in RAM 222. ROM 221 stores various data and programs such as basic I / O programs. RAM 222 is used as a main memory, a work area, etc. of CPU 220. Network I / F 223 includes a network interface card (NIC), and exchanges data with external devices via Internet 100, local network 101, etc. Input control unit 224 exchanges data with external devices. Storage device 225 is one of external storage units, and is used as a large-capacity memory, and stores application programs, OS, etc.

[0040] Figure 3A 104 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B The functions are implemented as described above by being deployed in the RAM 222 and executed by the CPU 220 .

[0041] The print service 104 receives a print request from the print application 310 ( Figure 3B) receives a request for generating print data and a request for generating a verification identification number. The request receiving module 300 provides various interfaces of the print service 104 using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and the Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS). HTTP or HTTPS uses the request sent by the client and the response returned by the server to establish communication with TCP / IP. The request contains various parts as header fields and messages, and the method of the request is used to specify the operation to be performed. The response contains various parts as a status line, header fields, and messages, and the processing result is indicated by a status code. Then, the request receiving module 300 verifies the validity of the authorization token attached to the received request information. The received request information includes an identification ID (identification information) for identifying the data to be printed. If it is verified to be a valid authorization token, the request receiving module 300 sends the request information to the print data generation module 303 or the verification ID generation module 302.

[0042] The print data generation module 303 registers the identification ID included in the received request information in the print data management information maintained in the database 304. Then, the print data generation module 303 obtains the data to be printed associated with the identification ID from the memory 305. The data to be printed is uploaded in advance from the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 or a collaborative service (not shown) and stored in the memory 305. Examples of collaborative services include point of sale information management services (POS services) and the like. The print data generation module 303 generates page description language (PDL) data as print data based on the obtained data to be printed. Then, the print data generation module 303 stores the generated print data in the memory 305. In addition, the print data generation module 303 generates a temporary signed print data acquisition URL for the stored print data and registers it in the print data management information of the database 304. The print data acquisition URL is a temporary signed URL with a validity period. In addition, the path hierarchy of the URL includes the identification ID of the print data.

[0043] The verification ID generation module 302, upon receiving a request for generating a verification identification number from the request receiving module 300, generates a verification identification number and registers it in the print data management information of the designated identification ID of the database 304. In addition, the verification ID generation module 302 registers the validity period of the verification identification number in the print data management information. The verification identification number is a number for confirming that the print code read by the reader 212 held to the image forming apparatus 102 as a print request is valid. The validity period of the verification identification number is a limit on the validity of the verification identification number, and a verification identification number whose validity period has expired will be determined to be invalid.

[0044] Fig. 10Ais a diagram showing an example of print data management information managed by the print service 104 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The print data management information includes an identification ID 1000 for identifying data to be printed, a print data acquisition URL 1001 which is a URL for acquiring data to be printed, an authentication identification number 1002, and a validity period 1003 of the authentication identification number.

[0046] The print service 104 returns the print data acquisition URL and the authentication identification number to the print application 310 as a response to the print data generation request received from the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 .

[0047] Regarding the print execution instruction assumed in the first embodiment, when the user holds the print code on the reader 212 of the image forming apparatus 102, the print code generated by the print application 310 (described later) is read by the reader 212 of the image forming apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 102 decodes the read print code. The print code contains an identification ID and a print data acquisition URL, and the image forming apparatus 102 obtains print data from the print data acquisition URL obtained by decoding the print code, and prints the print data.

[0048] The print data transmission module 301 receives the print data from the print client 332 ( Figure 3C ) When receiving a print data acquisition request based on the print data acquisition URL, verify the temporary signature attached to the print data acquisition URL. If there is no problem with the validity period or the signature, the print data stored in the print data storage path of the memory 305 included in the print data acquisition URL will be sent to the print client 332.

[0049] Figure 3B It is a diagram for describing the functional configuration of the client terminal 103 .

[0050] The software modules that implement these functions are stored in Figure 2B The functions are implemented by being deployed in the RAM 222 and executed by the CPU 220 as described above.

[0051] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C 1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to be displayed by the UI module 311 of the print application 310 of the client terminal 103. Figure 3B and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The print application 310 of the client terminal 103 will be described. Here, the client terminal 103 is indicated as an example of a mobile device such as a portable terminal.

[0052] The print application 310 of the client terminal 103 is an application that requests the print service 104 to generate print data, generates and displays a print code, and displays a verification identification number obtained from the print service 104 .

[0053] Figure 4A An example of displaying a preview display 401 and a print button 402 is shown, in which an exemplary image of a print result of data to be printed is displayed in the preview display 401, and the print button 402 is used to instruct execution of printing of the print target. The preview display 401 displays a preview image of the first page of the print target. When the user presses the print button 402, the user interface (UI) module 311 of the print application 310 sends a print instruction to the print control module 312 of the print application 310. The print control module 312 sends a print data generation request together with an identification ID of the data to be printed to the print service 104. When the print control module 312 obtains a print data acquisition URL from the print service 104, it sends the identification ID and the print data acquisition URL to the print code generation module 313 of the print application 310. The print code generation module 313 generates a print code including the print data acquisition URL and the identification ID. Then, the print control module 312 sends the print code generated by the print code generation module 313 to the UI module 311.

[0054] Figure 4B The following example is shown, in which a print code display portion 411 and a verification identification number button 412 are displayed, in which the print code is displayed, and the verification identification number button 412 indicates obtaining the verification identification number. At this time, the UI module 311 displays the print code sent from the print control module 312 in the print code display portion 411. When the user presses the verification identification number button 412, the UI module 311 sends a request for obtaining the verification identification number to the print control module 312. Thus, the print control module 312 sends the request for obtaining the verification identification number together with the identification ID of the data to be printed to the print service 104. When the print control module 312 obtains the verification identification number from the print service 104, it sends it to the UI module 311.

[0055] Figure 4C An example is shown in which an authentication identification number display portion 421 in which an authentication identification number obtained from the print service 104 is displayed and a close button 422 are displayed.

[0056] At this time, the UI module 311 displays the obtained verification identification number in the verification identification number display part 421. When the user presses the close button 422, the UI module 311 closes the verification identification number. Figure 4C screen.

[0057] Here, in the first embodiment, including Figure 4B The screen of the print code display portion 411 includes Figure 4C The screen of the verification identification number display portion 421 is displayed as a separate screen.

[0058] In a first embodiment, the purpose is to prevent Figure 4B The screen of the print code display part 411 shown is printed and passed to a third party and improperly used by the third party. When the print code display part 411 and the verification identification number display part 421 are displayed on the same screen, if the screen is printed, the verification identification number may be passed to the third party together with the print code, so these are each displayed on a separate screen.

[0059] Figure 3C 1 is a diagram for describing the program and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment. These functions are realized by deploying the OS and programs stored in the ROM 202 or the external memory 206 in the RAM 203 and executing them by the CPU 201.

[0060] The OS 320 is an OS of the image forming apparatus 102, and a real-time OS is generally used, but recently, a real-time OS such as Regarding the virtual machine 321, for example VM is well known. Virtual machine 321 is a virtual application execution environment that operates as an application controlled by an OS. Application management framework 322 includes the following functions: for managing the life cycle of an application to be managed that runs on the application execution environment provided by virtual machine 321. It also includes a function for publishing the following interfaces: an interface for controlling the life cycle of an application, and an interface for mediating processing requests between various applications. It is assumed that the life cycle indication includes the status of the application including installation, startup, stop, and uninstallation of the application.

[0061] It will be assumed that the application management framework 322 is proposed by the Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) Alliance. The print client 332 is an application running in the application execution environment provided by the virtual machine 321. These applications are identified using application IDs, and the life cycle is managed by the application management framework 322. Here, the application running in the application management framework 322 can be maintained in the image forming apparatus 102 by default, or can also be installed later via the application management framework 322.

[0062] The controller 330 is a control program that performs functional processing (such as printing, copying, and faxing) of the image forming apparatus 102 and manages the status of the image forming apparatus 102. Figure 4B ) is held to the reader 212, the controller 330 reads the print code displayed thereon. Then, the print code is sent to the print code receiving module 336 of the print client 332.

[0063] The job execution module 331 of the controller 330 executes a print process upon receiving print data transmitted from the print control module 337 of the print client 332 .

[0064] The print client 332 is a client application of the print service 104. When receiving the print code from the controller 330, the print code receiving module 336 of the print client 332 decodes the print code, sends the identification ID included in the print code, and issues a verification identification number input instruction to the verification ID receiving module 335.

[0065] Upon receiving the instruction, the verification ID receiving module 335 displays the verification identification number input screen on the operation panel (operation unit) 209. When the user inputs the verification identification number from the input screen, the verification ID receiving module 335 sends the input verification identification number and identification ID to the print service 104 via the inquiry module 333.

[0066] Thus, the verification ID generation module 302 of the print service 104 uses the identification ID received from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102 as a key to obtain the verification identification number and the validity period of the verification identification number from the print data management information stored in the database 304. In addition, the verification ID generation module 302 determines whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 is before the validity period based on the validity period of the verification identification number obtained from the print data management information. If it is before the validity period, it is verified whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 is consistent with the verification identification number obtained from the print data management information. If they are consistent, a response to that effect is returned to the inquiry module 333 of the print client 332.

[0067] In addition, when the verification ID generation module 302 determines that the verification identification number is not before the validity period, the verification identification number and the validity period of the verification identification number in the print data management information are cleared. Then, the response that the verification identification number is inconsistent is returned to the inquiry module 333 of the print client 332. Thus, the inquiry module 333 notifies the print control module 337 of the verification result of the verification identification number in the print service 104. Then, when the print control module 337 receives the notification that there is no problem (OK) in the verification of the verification identification number, it obtains the print data from the print data URL via the print data acquisition module 334. Then, the obtained print data is sent to the job execution module 331 of the controller 330. The job execution module 331 therefore performs the processing of printing the print data.

[0068] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining a sequence from when the user instructs printing data on the client terminal 103 to when the image forming apparatus 102 obtains the data from the print service 104 and prints the data according to the first embodiment. The sequence is, under the control of the print client 332, from when the print data is first generated in the print service 104 after the print application 310 has received the print instruction until when the print code is saved in the image forming apparatus 102 and decoded in the image forming apparatus 102, the verification identification number is input, and printing is performed in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0069] Users in Figure 4A The print button 402 is pressed in a state where the data to be printed is displayed on the client terminal 103. Thus, in step S501, the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 sends a request for obtaining a print data obtaining URL together with an identification ID for identifying the data to be printed to the print service 104. Thus, in step S502, the print service 104 registers the print data management information in the database 304, generates print data based on the data to be printed indicated by the identification ID stored in the memory 305, and stores the print data in the memory 305. Then, the print service 104 returns the print data obtaining URL of the temporary signature to the print application 310. The data format of the print data stored in the memory 305 is a page description language (PDL) format that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0070] Next, in step S503, the print application 310 generates a print code that includes the print data acquisition URL received from the print service 104 and an identification ID for identifying the data to be printed. Figure 4B As shown, the UI module 311 of the print application 310 displays the generated print code on the print code display part 411 .

[0071] Next, the user presses Figure 4B . Thus, in step S505, the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 sends a request for obtaining a verification identification number together with the identification ID indicating the data to be printed to the print service 104. Thus, in step S506, the print service 104 generates a verification identification number in response to the request and returns it to the print application 310. Thus, in step S507, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C As shown, the UI module 311 of the print application 310 displays the authentication identification number received from the print service 104 in the authentication identification number display portion 421 .

[0072] Next, the user causes the reader 212 of the image forming apparatus 102 to read the print code displayed on the print code display portion 411. Thus, in step S508, the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102 decodes the print code. Then, when the print client 332 successfully decodes the print code, in step S509, a screen (not shown) for inputting a verification identification number is displayed on the operation panel 209. Then, the user inputs the verification identification number displayed on the verification identification number display portion 421 from the operation panel 209. Thus, in step S510, the print client 332 sends the identification ID of the data to be printed obtained by decoding the print code and the input verification identification number to the print service 104, and requests verification of the verification identification number.

[0073] In step S511, the print service 104 verifies the validity of the verification identification number based on the identification ID of the data to be printed received in step S510, and returns the verification result to the print client 332. Then, when the result of the verification is that the verification identification number is valid, in step S512, the print client 332 uses the print data acquisition URL obtained from the temporary signature of the print code to access the print service 104, and obtains the print data to be printed. Then, in step S513, when the print client 332 passes the print data to the job execution module 331 of the controller 330, the job execution module 331 performs processing for printing the received print data. Then, in step S514, when the print client 332 receives the print completion notification from the controller 330, it sends a print completion notification indicating that the printing has been completed to the print service 104.

[0074] Figure 6 104. This is a flowchart for explaining the verification process for verifying the verification identification number by the print service 104 according to the first embodiment. The process described in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 220 of the server providing the print service 104 executing the program deployed in the RAM 222.

[0075] First, in step S601, the CPU 220 of the server of the print service 104 receives the identification ID and the verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102. Then, the process proceeds to step S602, and the CPU 220 obtains the verification identification number consistent with the received identification ID and the validity period of the verification identification number from the print data management information of the database 304. Here, if the identification ID consistent with the received identification ID, the corresponding verification identification number, and the validity period of the verification identification number have been obtained from the print data management information, the process proceeds to step S603, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the CPU 220 terminates the process as a verification error.

[0076] In step S603, the CPU 220 determines whether it is before the validity period of the authentication identification number sent from the print client 332. Here, if it is determined to be before the validity period, the process proceeds to step S605, and if it is determined not to be before the validity period, the process proceeds to step S604 and the process is terminated as an authentication error.

[0077] In step S605, the CPU 220 determines whether the verification identification number received from the print client 332 is consistent with the verification identification number corresponding to the identification ID obtained from the print data management information of the database 304 in step S602. Here, if it is determined that they are consistent, the process proceeds to step S606, and the CPU 220 returns a response that the verification is OK to the print client 332, and terminates the process. In addition, in step S605, if the verification identification numbers are inconsistent, the process proceeds to step S604, and the CPU 220 returns a response that the verification is NG to the print client 332, and terminates the process.

[0078] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the client terminal that instructs printing obtains a print data acquisition URL for obtaining data to be printed from a cloud service, and generates and displays a print code including the URL. In addition, the client terminal obtains a verification identification number corresponding to the print code from the cloud service and displays the verification identification number. The user of the client terminal causes the image forming device to read the displayed print code, and inputs the displayed verification identification number into the image forming device. Thus, the image forming device sends the input verification identification number to the cloud service, and causes the cloud service to perform verification, and when the verification is successful, obtains the print data from the print data acquisition URL included in the print code, and prints the print data. This makes it possible to avoid the following security risks: the print code is copied (photographed or photocopied) and a third party can print by causing the image forming device to read the copy.

[0079] [Second embodiment]

[0080] When printing is repeatedly instructed through the same client terminal 103, it is troublesome and poor in usability for the user to input the verification identification number each time the displayed print code is held to the image forming device. Therefore, when printing is repeatedly instructed from the same client terminal 103 within a predetermined time period, verification of the verification identification number can be skipped and printing can be performed within a specific time period or until a specific number of prints is reached. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the user, for example, holding the displayed print code to the image forming device and inputting the verification identification number each time printing is instructed. Therefore, an example of improving usability will be described as a second embodiment. The configuration of the system, the configuration of the device, etc. according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] In the second embodiment, a description will be given using an example in which, when printing is repeatedly instructed from the same client terminal 103 within a predetermined period, a process of skipping verification of the verification identification number within a certain period or until a certain number of times is reached is performed in the image forming apparatus 102. However, this process may be performed in the print service 104. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the print code generated by the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 includes an identification ID of data to be printed, a print data acquisition URL, and a client identification ID for identifying the client terminal 103.

[0082] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 1 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the image forming apparatus 102 reading a print code, obtaining print data from the print service 104, and printing the print data according to the second embodiment. The process described in the flowchart is implemented by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing the program of the print client 332 deployed in the RAM 203.

[0083] In step S701, the CPU 201 reads the print code held in the reader 212. Then, the CPU 201 decodes the read print code and obtains the client identification ID, the identification ID of the data to be printed, and the print data acquisition URL included in the print code. Then, the process proceeds to step S702, and the CPU 201 obtains the client management information held in the RAM 203.

[0084] Fig. 10B : is a diagram showing an example of client management information held in the RAM 203 in the second embodiment.

[0085] The client identification ID 1010 is an identification ID (identification information) for uniquely identifying the client terminal 103. The verification completion validity period 1011 is a date and time obtained by adding a specific period to the date and time when the verification was last completed. The number of print instructions 1012 indicates how many print instructions have been performed since the verification was last completed. The limited number of print instructions 1013 indicates the number of print instructions (the specific number mentioned above) for which verification of the verification identification number can be skipped after the verification is first completed. Here, if the verification identification number corresponding to the print code generated by the print application 310 of the client terminal 103 is before the verification completion validity period, and the number of print instructions performed using the print code does not exceed the limited number of print instructions, verification of the verification identification number is skipped.

[0086] Next, the process proceeds to step S703, and the CPU 201 confirms whether the client identification ID obtained from the print code exists in the client management information. If the obtained client identification ID does not exist in the client management information, the process proceeds to step S704, and the CPU 201 registers the client identification ID in the client management information, and the process proceeds to the verification identification number input screen display process of step S707.

[0087] Meanwhile, in step S703, if the CPU 201 determines that the client identification ID exists in the client management information, the process proceeds to step S705, and the CPU 201 determines whether the verification validity period has passed based on the current date and time and the verification completion validity period 1011. If it is determined that the validity period has passed, the process proceeds to the verification identification number input screen display process of step S707. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the validity period has not passed, the process proceeds to step S706, and the CPU 201 determines whether the number of print instructions exceeds the limit number of print instructions. If it is determined that it does not exceed here, the process proceeds to step S714, and the CPU 201 skips the verification of the verification identification number, and the process proceeds to the printing process (step S712) of step S714. Figure 7B ).

[0088] Meanwhile, in step S706, if it is determined that the number of print instructions exceeds the limit number of print instructions, the process proceeds to the verification identification number input screen display process of step S707. Except for steps S710 and S713, the process starting from step S707 is substantially the same as the process in the first embodiment (S512 to S513) described above. In step S707, CPU 201 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting a verification identification number. When the user inputs the verification identification number via the input screen, the process proceeds to step S708 ( Figure 7B), and the CPU 201 sends the input verification identification number and the client identification ID obtained from the print code to the print service 104. Then, in step S709, the result of the verification of the validity of the verification identification number is received from the print service 104, and if the verification has succeeded (verification OK), the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the CPU 201 updates the verification completion validity period with the date and time obtained by adding a specific period to the current date and time, and proceeds to the print process of step S712. Meanwhile, if the verification is unsuccessful (verification NG), the process proceeds to step S711, and the CPU 201 regards the print process as an error and terminates the process.

[0089] In step S712, the CPU 201 obtains the print data of the data to be printed from the print service 104, sends the print data to the job execution module 331, and executes the following steps: Figure 5 When the print processing is thus completed, the process advances to step S713, the CPU 201 increments the number of print instructions stored in the RAM 203, registers it in the number of print instructions 1012 of the client management information, and terminates the process.

[0090] When the validity of the print code and the verification identification number is confirmed (step S710), the image forming apparatus 102 updates the verification completion validity period corresponding to the client identification ID. Then, when printing is completed, the number of print instructions corresponding to the client identification ID is updated (step S713).

[0091] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the printing of the same print data is repeatedly instructed by the same client terminal 103 within a specific period, if the period for completing the verification for the verification identification number is within the specific period or the number of printings is within a specific number of times, the verification of the verification identification number can be skipped. This eliminates the need for the user to input the verification identification number each time the printing is repeated, thereby allowing the user to print efficiently without trouble.

[0092] [Third embodiment]

[0093] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, when printing of the same print target is repeatedly instructed from the same client terminal 103 within a predetermined time period, as in the second embodiment, verification of the verification identification number can be skipped within a specific time period and until a specific number of times is reached, and printing is performed. The difference from the second embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the image forming device 102 determines whether it is within a specific time period and a specific number of times, but in the third embodiment, the print service 104 makes this determination. The configuration of the system, the configuration of the device, etc. according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described above, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] Figure 8 3 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment. The process described in the flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing the program of the print client 332 deployed in the RAM 203.

[0095] First, in step S801, the CPU 201 reads the print code displayed on the client terminal 103 held to the reader 212. The print code is decoded, and the identification ID of the print data to be printed and the client identification ID included in the print code are obtained. Next, the process proceeds to step S802, and the CPU 201 inquires about the last verification status of the verification identification number of the client and the identification ID. Then, the process proceeds to step S803, and the CPU 201 determines whether the verification status result from the print service 104 is skip verification, and if the status is skip verification, the process proceeds to the print process of step S807.

[0096] Meanwhile, in step S803, if the verification status result from the print service 104 is not to skip verification, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, as in step S707 of Fig. 7, the CPU 201 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting a verification identification number, and accepts the input of the verification identification number from the user. Then, the process proceeds to step S805, and the CPU 201 makes a request for verification of the verification identification number by sending the input verification identification number, the identification ID of the print data to be printed, and the client identification ID to the print service 104. Then, the process proceeds to step S806, and if verification OK as the verification result of the verification identification number is received from the print service 104, the process proceeds to step S807, and the CPU 201 obtains the print data from the print service 104, performs the print process, and the process proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the CPU 201 sends a print completion notification to the print service 104, and terminates the process. Meanwhile, in step S806 , the CPU 201 , upon receiving authentication NG as the authentication result of the authentication identification number from the print service 104 , terminates the processing as it is.

[0097] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B 104 according to the third embodiment. The processing described in the flowchart is realized by the CPU 220 of the server providing the print service 104 executing a program deployed in the RAM 222.

[0098] First, in step S901, the CPU 220 receives a communication from the print client 332 of the image forming apparatus 102. Then, the process advances to step S902, and the CPU 220 determines whether the received content is in Figure 8 The authentication status inquiry sent in step S802 of , if yes, the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, the CPU 220 obtains the print data management information held in the database 304 based on the identification ID received from the print client 332, and the process proceeds to step S904. Here, in Fig. 10C ] The print data management information according to the third embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0099] Fig. 10C 3 is a diagram showing an example of print data management information held in the database 304 of the print service 104 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10C In the above Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The same items are denoted by the same reference numerals. Fig. 10CIn the POSIX 2000 , attribute values ​​such as a verification completion validity period 1011 , a number of print instructions 1012 , and a limit number of print instructions 1013 are stored in association with an identification ID 1000 for identifying data to be printed.

[0100] In step S904, the CPU 220 determines whether the validity period of the verification identification number has passed based on the current date and time and the verification completion validity period. If it is determined that the verification completion validity period has not passed, the process proceeds to step S905, and the CPU 220 determines whether the number of print instructions of the data to be printed exceeds the limit number of print instructions. If it is determined that it has not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S906, and the CPU 220 determines to skip the verification of the verification identification number, and the process proceeds to step S908.

[0101] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S904 that the verification completion validity period has passed, or if it is determined in step S905 that the number of print instructions exceeds the limit number of print instructions, the process proceeds to step S907, it is determined that verification of the verification identification number is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S908. In step S908, the CPU 220 returns a response as to whether verification of the verification identification number is necessary to the print client 332 based on the determination result of step S906 or step S907, and terminates the process. The image forming apparatus 102 Figure 8 The response is received in step S803.

[0102] Meanwhile, in step S902, if it is determined that it is not an authentication status inquiry, the process proceeds to step S909 ( Fig. 9B ), and the CPU 220 determines whether the content received from the print client 332 is a verification request for the verification identification number. If it is a verification request, the process proceeds to step S910, and the CPU 220 executes the verification request that has been referred to. Figure 6 The verification process described in the flowchart of FIG. 1 is performed, and the verification result is returned to the print client 332. Then, the process proceeds to step S911, and the CPU 220 determines whether the verification result is OK, and if it is verification OK, the process proceeds to step S912, the CPU 220 updates the verification completion validity period of the print data management information to the date and time obtained by adding the specific period to the current date and time, and terminates the process. If it is not verification OK in step S911, the CPU 220 terminates the process.

[0103] Furthermore, in step S909, if the CPU 220 determines that it is not a verification request for the verification identification number, the process proceeds to step S913, and the CPU 220 determines whether the content received from the print client 332 is a print completion notification. If so, the process proceeds to step S914, and the CPU 220 increments the number of print instructions of the print data management information (+1), and terminates the process. Furthermore, in step S913, if the content received from the print client 332 is not a print completion notification, the CPU 220 terminates the process.

[0104] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the same data to be printed is repeatedly printed, if the verification completion period of the verification identification number is within a specific period and has not exceeded a specific number of printing instructions, the user's input of the verification identification number is skipped. This eliminates the need for the user to input the verification identification number each time the same data to be printed is repeatedly printed, thereby allowing the user to print efficiently without trouble.

[0105] Other embodiments

[0106] The (multiple) embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as follows: a computer of a system or device, the system or device reads and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or the system or device includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments; and a method performed by a computer of the system or device, for example, reading and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), one or more of a flash memory device and a memory card, etc.

[0107] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0108] Although the present disclosure includes exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising an information processing device, an image forming device and a server providing printing services, The information processing device comprises: a first requesting unit configured to request information for obtaining print data to be printed from the server; a first display unit for displaying a screen including a print code based on the information obtained from the server in response to the request; A second requesting unit, configured to request a verification identification number of the print data to be printed from the server; as well as a display control unit configured to display the verification identification number obtained from the server on a display unit, The image forming device comprises: a reading unit for reading a printed code displayed on the information processing device; a display section for displaying a screen for inputting a verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the read print code; a first sending unit that sends information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen to the server; and an obtaining unit, which is used to obtain the print data to be printed from the server and print the print data to be printed when the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, and The server comprises: a second sending section for sending information for obtaining print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request for the information for obtaining the print data; a generating unit for generating a verification identification number of the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device, and returning the verification identification number of the print data to be printed to the information processing device; a verification section for verifying the verification identification number sent from the image forming apparatus; and A control section is configured to control to send print data to be printed to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device when the authentication identification number is successfully authenticated.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The first display unit displays a button for instructing to request the verification identification number from the server in a screen including the print code, and The second requesting section requests the server for the verification identification number in response to the pressing of the button.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The information for obtaining the print data to be printed includes information of a storage destination of the print data.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The print code includes identification information of the print data and information of a storage destination of the print data.

5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The verification identification number has a validity period, and in a case where the validity period of the verification identification number has expired, the verification section determines that verification of the verification identification number is unsuccessful.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The server also includes: A storage unit is configured to store information of a storage destination of the print data, the verification identification number, and a validity period of the verification identification number in association with identification information of the print data.

7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The printing code also includes identification information of the information processing device, and The image forming device further comprises: a first determination section for determining whether a verification completion validity period corresponding to identification information of the information processing device included in the read print code has passed; a second determining section for determining whether a limit number of times of obtaining the print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data to be printed has been exceeded; and A first skipping unit is used to skip the process of sending the verification identification number to the server when the verification completion validity period has not passed and the limit number of times has not been exceeded.

8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The printing code also includes identification information of the information processing device. The server also includes: a third determination section for determining whether a verification completion validity period corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code has passed in response to an inquiry from the image forming device about a verification status corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device included in the print code; a fourth determination section for determining whether a limit number of times of printing the print data to be printed has been exceeded; and an instruction unit for instructing the image forming apparatus to skip a process for transmitting the verification identification number to the server when the verification completion validity period has not yet passed and the limit number of times has not yet been exceeded, and The image forming device further comprises: A second skipping section is configured to skip display of a screen for inputting the verification identification number and a process for transmitting the verification identification number to the server in response to the skipping instruction.

9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: The printed code is a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

10. A method for controlling a printing system, the printing system comprising an information processing device, an image forming device, and a server providing a printing service, For the information processing device, requesting the server for information for obtaining print data to be printed; for the information processing device, displaying a screen including a print code based on the information obtained from the server in response to the request; For the information processing device, requesting the server for the verification identification number of the print data to be printed; For the information processing device, displaying the verification identification number obtained from the server on a display unit; For the image forming device, reading a print code displayed on the information processing device; For the image forming apparatus, displaying a screen for inputting the verification identification number displayed on the display unit based on the read print code; For the image forming device, sending the information included in the print code and the verification identification number input via the screen to the server; for the image forming apparatus, in a case where the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, obtaining print data to be printed from the server, and printing the print data to be printed; for the server to transmit information for obtaining print data to be printed to the information processing device in response to a request for information for obtaining print data; for the server to generate the verification identification number of the print data to be printed in response to a request from the information processing device, and return the verification identification number of the print data to be printed to the information processing device; With respect to the server, verifying the verification identification number sent from the image forming device; as well as For the server, when the verification identification number is successfully verified, control is performed to send print data to be printed to the image forming device in response to a request from the image forming device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: In the step of displaying the screen including the print code, a button for instructing to request the verification identification number from the server is displayed for the information processing device, and in response to pressing of the button, the information processing device requests the verification identification number from the server.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The information for obtaining the print data to be printed includes information of a storage destination of the print data.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The print code includes identification information of the print data and information of a storage destination of the print data.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The verification identification number has a validity period. When the validity period of the verification identification number has expired, the server determines that the verification of the verification identification number is unsuccessful during verification.

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: With the server, information of a storage destination of the print data, the authentication identification number, and a validity period of the authentication identification number are stored in association with identification information of the print data.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The printing code also includes identification information of the information processing device, and The method further comprises: for the image forming apparatus, determining whether a verification completion validity period corresponding to identification information of the information processing apparatus included in the read print code has passed; for the image forming apparatus, determining whether a limit number of times for obtaining print data to be printed from the server and printing the print data to be printed has been exceeded; and When the authentication completion validity period has not elapsed and the limit number of times has not been exceeded, for the image forming apparatus, a process for transmitting the authentication identification number to the server is skipped.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The printing code also includes identification information of the information processing device. determining, for the server, in response to an inquiry from the image forming apparatus about a verification status corresponding to the identification information of the information processing apparatus included in the print code, whether a verification completion validity period corresponding to the identification information of the information processing apparatus included in the print code has passed; For the server, determining whether a limit number of times of printing the print data to be printed has been exceeded; Instructing the image forming apparatus to skip a process for transmitting the verification identification number to the server when the verification completion validity period has not expired and the limit number of times has not been exceeded, and In response to the skip instruction, for the image forming apparatus, display of a screen for inputting the verification identification number and processing for transmitting the verification identification number to the server are skipped.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The printed code is a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

Images