Printing apparatus, mobile device, print management server, control method thereof, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a printing apparatus, a mobile device, a print management server, a control method thereof, a storage medium, and a program product. A printing apparatus reads a two-dimensional code including an encoding completion condition to be satisfied by the printing apparatus in order to complete a printing process according to a print job stored in a print management server and an encoding identifier of the print job; obtaining a behavior setting specifying a behavior of the printing apparatus in a case where it is determined that the printing apparatus does not satisfy a completion condition; and executing a behavior specified by the behavior setting in a case where it is determined that the printing apparatus does not satisfy the completion condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a mobile device, a printing management server and a control method thereof, a storage medium and a program product. Background Art

[0002] A known technology (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-111365) obtains data to be printed from a cloud service based on information embedded in a two-dimensional code read by a printing device. URL information storing the print data is encoded in such a two-dimensional code. A user can cause the printing device to start a print process simply by reading the two-dimensional code with the printing device. This does not guarantee that the printing device can complete the print process of the obtained print data based on the information read from the two-dimensional code. For example, a printing device presented with a two-dimensional code may not include the functions required for the print process of the print data, or may not include the necessary amount of consumables. Summary of the invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure includes enabling a printing device that has read a two-dimensional code to perform appropriate actions.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a printing device is provided, comprising: a reading unit that reads a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including an encoded completion condition that the printing device must satisfy in order to complete a print process according to a print job stored in a print management server and an encoded identifier of the print job; a setting acquisition unit that obtains a behavior setting that specifies a behavior of the printing device in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy the completion condition; and an execution unit that executes a behavior specified by the behavior setting in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy the completion condition. According to another embodiment, a method for controlling a printing device is provided, the method comprising: reading a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including an encoded completion condition that the printing device must satisfy in order to complete a print process according to a print job stored in a print management server and an encoded identifier of the print job; in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy the completion condition, obtaining a behavior setting that specifies a behavior of the printing device; and in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy the completion condition, executing a behavior specified by the behavior setting. According to another embodiment, a mobile device is provided, comprising: an obtaining unit, which obtains from a user a designation of target print data for a print process, a designation of print settings for the print process, and a designation of behavior settings that specify the behavior of a printing device in response to a situation in which it is determined that the printing device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; a sending unit, which sends a release code request to a print management server, the release code request including the print data, the print settings, and the behavior settings; a receiving unit, which receives a QR code from the print management server, the QR code including an encoded completion condition and an encoded identifier of a print job related to the print process as a response to the release code request; and a display unit, which displays the QR code. According to another embodiment, a method for controlling a mobile device is provided, the method comprising: obtaining from a user a designation of target print data for a print process, a designation of print settings for the print process, and a designation of behavior settings that specify the behavior of a printing device in response to a situation in which it is determined that the printing device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; sending a release code request to a print management server, the release code request including the print data, the print settings, and the behavior settings; receiving a QR code from the print management server, the QR code including an encoded completion condition and an encoded identifier of a print job related to the print process as a response to the release code request; and displaying the QR code.According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a print management server, comprising: a receiving unit that receives an issue code request from a mobile device, the issue code request including target print data of a print process, print settings for the print process, and behavior settings that specify the behavior of the print device for a case where it is determined that the print device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; a generating unit that generates a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including an encoded completion condition and an encoded identifier of a print job related to the print process; and a sending unit that sends the two-dimensional code to the mobile device. According to another embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a print management server, the method comprising: receiving an issue code request from a mobile device, the issue code request including target print data of a print process, print settings for the print process, and behavior settings that specify the behavior of the print device for a case where it is determined that the print device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; generating a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including an encoded completion condition and an encoded identifier of a print job related to the print process; and sending the two-dimensional code to the mobile device.

[0005] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram for describing a configuration example of the printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a block diagram for describing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 is a block diagram for describing an example of a software configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram for describing an example of a screen of a mobile device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram for describing an operation example of a registration process of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram for describing an operation example of the two-dimensional code issuance process according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a sequence diagram for describing an example of the operation of the print process according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a diagram for describing information encoded in a two-dimensional code according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for describing an example of an operation for determining a behavior upon deficiency according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram for describing an example of a confirmation dialogue according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig.11 is a flowchart for describing an example of an operation for determining a behavior setting according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig.12 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of an operation for determining behavior settings according to the third embodiment.

[0018] Fig.13 is a flowchart for describing an example of an operation for determining a behavior setting according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Fig.14 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of an operation for displaying a screen according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Fig.15 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen of a mobile device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but are not limited to the invention requiring all of these features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0022] First embodiment

[0023] Reference Figure 1 A configuration example of a printing system 100 according to the first embodiment is described. The printing system 100 may include a mobile device 101, a printing apparatus 102, and a print management server 103. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , printing system 100 is illustrated as including one of each of these components. However, printing system 100 may include multiple such components.

[0024] The mobile device 101 is a device that uses the print service provided by the print management server 103. For example, the mobile device 101 may be a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile device 101 sends document data corresponding to a print target to the print management server 103 using a web browser application or a dedicated print management application. The mobile device 101 obtains a two-dimensional code as a response from the print management server 103. The two-dimensional code may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0025] The printing device 102 is a printing device including a function for connecting to the network 104 and a function for reading a two-dimensional code. The printing device 102 may be a multifunction peripheral (MFP) including a printing function as a main function and other functions (e.g., a scanning function and a copying function). Alternatively, the printing device 102 may be a single-function peripheral including only a printing function as a main function. The printing device 102 may be a printing device that prints on a sheet-like medium (in other words, a 2D printer), or may be a printing device that forms a three-dimensional structure (in other words, a 3D printer). In the example described below, the printing device 102 is an MFP.

[0026] The print management server 103 converts the print instruction received from the mobile device 101 into a two-dimensional code and responds with the two-dimensional code to the mobile device 101. In addition, the print management server 103 sends print data to the device that has sent the request including the two-dimensional code (for example, the printing device 102 that reads the two-dimensional code).

[0027] The mobile device 101, the printing apparatus 102, and the print management server 103 can communicate with each other via a network 104. The network 104 can be configured as, for example, any one of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, ATM, a frame relay line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. For example, the network 104 may include the Internet.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 2A An example of the hardware configuration of the computer CMP is described. The computer CMP can be used as the mobile device 101 and the print management server 103. Hereinafter, a component of the computer CMP used as the mobile device 101 (e.g., the controller unit 200) is simply referred to as a component of the mobile device 101 (e.g., the controller unit 200 in the mobile device 101). The same applies to the print management server 103.

[0029] Computer CMP can include Figure 2A The computer CMP may include the components shown in Figure 2A components not shown and may not include Figure 2A One or more of the components shown. Figure 2AOne or more of the components shown in the figure may be implemented as virtual hardware via virtualization technology. The computer CMP includes a controller unit 200, an input unit 209, and a display unit 210. Figure 2A , the computer CMP is illustrated as including an input unit 209 and a display unit 210, but the input unit 209 and the display unit 210 may be devices external to the computer CMP.

[0030] A central processing unit (CPU) 201 controls the overall operation of the computer CMP. For example, the CPU 201 executes a boot program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 202 to run an operating system (OS). In addition, the CPU 201 executes an application program stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) 204 on the OS to perform various types of processing. Figure 3 The described application programs may also be stored in the HDD 204 .

[0031] A random access memory (RAM) 203 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 201. The HDD 204 stores the above-mentioned application programs and data (e.g., settings, history information, etc.) used in the processing of the CPU 201. The ROM 202, the RAM 203, an input unit interface (I / F) 205, a display unit I / F 206, and a network I / F 207 are connected to the CPU 201 via a system bus 208.

[0032] The input unit I / F 205 is an interface with the input unit 209. The input unit 209 is composed of a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The input unit I / F 205 sends information input by the user using the input unit 209 to the CPU 201. The display unit I / F 206 outputs image data to be displayed by the display unit 210 to the display unit 210. The display unit 210 is composed of a display, etc. The input unit 209 and the display unit 210 can be integrally formed as a touch screen. The network I / F 207 is connected to the network 104, and communicates with other devices (for example, the printing device 102) via the network 104.

[0033] Reference Figure 2B An example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 102 is described. The printing device 102 may include Figure 2B The printing device 102 may include the components shown in Figure 2B components not shown and may not include Figure 2B One or more of the components shown.

[0034] The CPU 221 controls the overall operation of the printing apparatus 102. For example, the CPU 221 executes a boot program stored in the ROM 222 to run the OS. Furthermore, the CPU 221 executes an application program stored in the HDD 224 on the OS to perform various types of processing.

[0035] The RAM 223 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 221. The HDD 224 stores the above-mentioned application programs and data (e.g., settings, history information, etc.) used in the processing of the CPU 221. The ROM 222, the RAM 223, the network I / F 225, the operation unit I / F 226, the image processing unit 227, the device controller I / F 228, and the power management unit 229 are connected to the CPU 221 via the system bus 230.

[0036] The network I / F 225 is connected to the network 104, and communicates with other devices (e.g., the mobile device 101) via the network 104. The operation unit I / F 226 is an interface with the operation unit 231 and the reader 234. The operation unit 231 is composed of a touch screen and the like. The operation unit I / F 226 sends information input by the user using the operation unit 231 to the CPU 221. In addition, the operation unit I / F 226 outputs image data to be displayed by the operation unit 231 to the operation unit 231. The reader 234 performs a two-dimensional code reading process and a decoding process. The reader 234 reads information by decoding the read two-dimensional code, and sends the information to the CPU 221.

[0037] The printer controller unit 232 and the scanner controller unit 233 are connected to the device controller I / F 228. The device controller I / F 228 can perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The printer controller unit 232 controls the printer device. The scanner controller unit 233 controls the scanner device.

[0038] The image processing unit 227 performs processing including image output processing to a printer device, image input processing from a scanner device, image rotation, image compression, resolution conversion, color space conversion, tone conversion, etc. The power management unit 229 controls the overall power supply of the printing apparatus 102. For example, the power management unit 229 can turn the power on and off, transition to a power saving state, return to a normal state, and the like.

[0039] Reference Figure 3An example of software configuration of components of the printing system 100 is described. The software configuration components included in the mobile device 101 may be implemented by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in a storage device (e.g., ROM 202, RAM 203, or HDD 204) of the mobile device 101. Alternatively, at least one or more of the software configuration components included in the mobile device 101 may be implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The same applies to the printing apparatus 102 and the print management server 103. Each component of the printing system 100 may include Figure 3 components not shown and may not include Figure 3 For example, the printing device 102 may further include software configuration components for implementing scanning functions and printing functions.

[0040] The mobile device 101 includes a print management application 310. The print management application 310 is an application including a function for sending a request for issuing a code. The request for issuing a code may be a request for a two-dimensional code to be issued. The request for issuing a code may be referred to as a two-dimensional request for issuing a code. The communication unit 311 sends the request for issuing a code to the print management server 103 via the network 104. In addition, the communication unit 311 communicates with the printing device 102 via the network 104.

[0041] The connection application 312 is connected to the connection application 322 of the printing apparatus 102 via the network 104. The connection application 312 can be connected to the connection application 322 only when the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102 are connected to the same network (same LAN). In the case where the connection application 312 and the connection application 322 are connected, the mobile device 101 may be able to obtain printer information from the printing apparatus 102 and directly (in other words, bypassing the print management server 103) send a print request to the print application 324 of the printing apparatus 102.

[0042] The print application 313 sends an issue code request to the print management server 103 via the network 104. The issue code request may include print target data, print settings for the data, and behavior settings described below. The print target data may be document data, image data, etc. managed by the data management unit 314. In response to receiving the issue code request from the print application 313, the print management server 103 converts the print target data included in the issue code request into print data in a format printable by the printing device 102. Thereafter, the print management server 103 sends a two-dimensional code embedded with URL information indicating a storage location of the converted print data back to the print application 313. The processing related to the print application 313 and the two-dimensional code according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0043] The data management unit 314 manages printable data stored on the HDD 204 of the mobile device 101. Specifically, the data management unit 314 manages document data and image data such as photos so that they can be referred to from the print application 313. In addition, the data management unit 314 can store a two-dimensional code received from the print management server 103.

[0044] The printing apparatus 102 includes a printing module 320. The printing module 320 is a software module including a function for sending a print request in the printing apparatus 102. The communication unit 321 sends a print request to the print management server 103 via the network 104. Furthermore, the communication unit 321 communicates with the mobile device 101 via the network 104.

[0045] The connection application 322 connects to the connection application 312 of the mobile device 101 via the network 104. The connection application 322 can connect to the connection application 312 only when the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102 are connected to the same network (same LAN).

[0046] The reading application 323 is an application that decodes the two-dimensional code read by the reader 234. The printing application 324 sends a print request to the print management server 103 according to the information decoded by the reading application 323, and performs print control and behavior control on the print data received as a response. This process is described in detail below. The setting management unit 325 manages various types of setting values ​​of the printing device 102, the remaining amount of consumables, etc. The printing application 324 performs the printing control process by referring to the information managed by the setting management unit 325.

[0047] The print management server 103 includes a print management module 330. The print management module 330 is a software module including functions for executing code issuance processing and print processing in the print management server 103. The code issuance processing may be a processing of issuing a two-dimensional code. The code issuance processing may be referred to as a two-dimensional code issuance processing.

[0048] The communication unit 331 receives an issue code request from the mobile device 101 via the network 104. In addition, the communication unit 331 receives a print request from the printing device 102 that reads the two-dimensional code. The print job generation unit 332 generates print job data based on the print request. The print job data is stored in a print job table managed by the data management unit 333. In addition, the data management unit 333 stores the print settings and behavior settings included in the issue code request in association with the print job data stored in the print job table.

[0049] The code issuing unit 334 issues a two-dimensional code based on data including an identifier that uniquely identifies the print job data managed by the data management unit 333. In response to the print management server 103 receiving a print request, the print data determination unit 335 determines whether the print request can be processed normally. This determination process is described in detail below.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 210 of the mobile device 101, which is generated by the print management application 310 of the mobile device 101, is described. The input unit 209 of the mobile device 101 can obtain a user instruction regarding an image displayed by the display unit 210.

[0051] The initial screen 400 is a screen initially displayed in response to the print management application 310 being started. The initial screen 400 may include a device registration menu button 401, a document print menu button 402, and an image print menu button 403. In response to the user pressing the device registration menu button 401, the print management application 310 switches from the initial screen 400 to the device registration screen 410.

[0052] The device registration screen 410 is a screen indicating the connection status with the printing apparatus 102. The device registration screen 410 includes a device list 411 indicating one or more printing apparatuses 102 with which the mobile device 101 can communicate at the point in time when the device registration screen is displayed. In the event that the mobile device 101 cannot communicate with any printing apparatus 102, a message indicating this may be displayed instead of the device list 411.

[0053] The device list 411 includes a device name tab 412, a device status tab 413, and a connect button 414. The device name tab 412 is a tab for displaying a name for identifying the printing apparatus 102 that can communicate with the mobile device 101. The device status tab 413 is a tab for displaying the communication status between the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102.

[0054] The connect button 414 is a button for starting a process of registering a specific printing apparatus 102 included in the device list 411. Hereinafter, the process of registering a specific printing apparatus 102 is referred to as a registration process. In response to the user pressing the connect button 414, the print management application 310 starts the registration process of the printing apparatus 102 represented by the device name label 412 associated with the connect button 414.

[0055] The display content of the device status label 413 and whether the connection button 414 is displayed change according to the status of the registration process between the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102. With respect to the printing apparatus 102 for which the registration process has been previously performed, "connected" is indicated in the device status label 413, and the connection button 414 is not displayed. With respect to the printing apparatus 102 for which the registration process has not been previously performed, "not connected" is indicated in the device status label 413, and the connection button 414 is displayed. In the case where the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102 cannot communicate for some reason, "cannot connect" is indicated in the device status label 413, and the connection button 414 is not displayed, regardless of the previous registration process status.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 5 An example of the operation of the printing system 100 when the mobile device 101 performs registration processing is described. In response to the user pressing the device registration menu button 401 of the initial screen 400, the printing system 100 can start Figure 5 In S501 , the connection application 312 of the mobile device 101 transmits (eg, broadcasts) a communication request for searching for the printing apparatus 102 to the network 104 via the communication unit 311 .

[0057] In S502, in response to receiving a communication request from the mobile device 101, the connection application 322 of the printing apparatus 102 transmits device information for connecting to it to the mobile device 101 via the communication unit 321. The device information may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the printing apparatus 102. The device information may include a device name indicating the name of the printing apparatus 102. The print management application 310 of the mobile device 101 generates a device list 411 based on the device information received from one or more printing apparatuses 102, and displays a device registration screen 410 including the device list 411.

[0058] In S503, in response to the user pressing the connect button 414, the data management unit 314 of the mobile device 101 stores the device information of the printing apparatus 102 specified by the user in the device table. Table 1 below is an example of a device table managed by the data management unit 314.

[0059] Table 1

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] The “Device Name” column stores the name of the printing apparatus 102 connected to the mobile device 101. In the case where the device information received in S502 includes the device name, the data management unit 314 stores the device name in the “Device Name” column. The “IP Address” column stores the IP address of the printing apparatus 102 connected to the mobile device 101. The “Communication Status” column stores the latest communication status between the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102. The data management unit 314 periodically communicates with each printing apparatus 102 managed via the device table and updates the value in the “Communication Status” column.

[0063] Will refer to it again Figure 4A and Figure 4B The description continues with an example of a screen displayed by the print management application 310. In response to the user pressing the document print menu button 402 of the initial screen 400, the print management application 310 switches from the initial screen 400 to the document selection screen 420. The document selection screen 420 includes a document list 421 and a selection button 422. The document list 421 is a list of document names indicating one or more pieces of document data stored in the HDD 204 of the mobile device 101. In response to the user pressing the selection button 422 by selecting one or more document names from the document list 421, the print management application 310 switches from the document selection screen 420 to the print setting screen 440.

[0064] In response to the user pressing the image print menu button 403 of the initial screen 400, the print management application 310 switches from the initial screen 400 to the image selection screen 430. The image selection screen 430 includes an image list 431 and a selection button 432. The image list 431 is a list of thumbnail images indicating one or more pieces of image data stored in the HDD 204 of the mobile device 101. In response to the user pressing the selection button 432 with one or more of the thumbnail images selected from the image list 431, the print management application 310 switches from the image selection screen 430 to the print setting screen 440.

[0065] The print setting screen 440 is a screen for obtaining designation of print settings from the user. The print setting screen 440 includes a print setting section 441, a behavior setting section 442, a print preview section 443, an issue QR code button 444, and a print button 445. The print setting section 441 includes a graphic object for designating print settings of document data or image data selected on the document selection screen 420 or the image selection screen 430. The items of the print setting may include, for example, the number of copies to be printed, color / monochrome setting, double-sided, single-sided setting, sheet orientation, and the like.

[0066] The behavior setting section 442 includes a graphic object for specifying the behavior of the printing device 102 in a case where it is determined that the printing process set by the user cannot be completed due to insufficient remaining amount of consumables of the printing device 102 or insufficient capacity of the printing device 102 in the printing process described below. Hereinafter, the behavior to be taken by the printing device 102 in a case where it is determined that the printing process set by the user cannot be completed is referred to as the behavior at the time of shortage.

[0067] The behavior when insufficient can be selected from "Pause printing", "Continue printing", "Display warning", "Confirm warning", etc. For example, in the case where "Pause printing" is selected, the printing device 102 immediately suspends the printing process at the time point when it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot complete the printing set by the user. In the case where "Continue printing" is selected, even if it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot complete the printing set by the user, the printing device 102 continues the printing process. In the case where "Display warning" is selected, when it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot complete the printing set by the user, this point is displayed by the mobile device 101 or the printing device 102, and the printing process is suspended. In the case where "Confirm warning" is selected, when it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot complete the printing set by the user, this point is displayed on the mobile device 101 or the printing device 102. In addition, the printing device 102 displays a dialog box on the mobile device 101 or the printing device 102 to ask the user whether they will continue the printing process, and continues or suspends the printing process according to the user's instructions.

[0068] The print preview section 443 displays a preview image for a case where the document data or image data selected on the document selection screen 420 or the image selection screen 430 is to be printed using the settings specified in the print setting section 441. In response to the user pressing the issue two-dimensional code button 444, the print application 313 sends an issue code request to the print management server 103. In response to receiving the two-dimensional code from the print management server 103, the print management application 310 switches from the print setting screen 440 to the two-dimensional code display screen 450.

[0069] The print button 445 can be pressed only if there is a printing apparatus 102 with which the mobile device 101 can communicate and which is registered in the mobile device 101. In response to the user pressing the print button 445, the print management application 310 switches from the print setting screen 440 to the device registration screen 410. In response to the user pressing the device name tab 412 associated with one of the connected printing apparatuses 102, the print application 313 sends the print data and print settings of the printing apparatus 102 to the print application 324, and starts printing processing.

[0070] The two-dimensional code display screen 450 includes a two-dimensional code display portion 451 and an end button 452. The two-dimensional code display portion 451 is an area for displaying a two-dimensional code received from the print management server 103. Print processing can be started by causing the reader 234 of the printing device 102 to read the two-dimensional code displayed on the two-dimensional code display portion 451. In response to the user pressing the end button 452, the print management application 310 switches from the print setting screen 440 to the initial screen 400, and repeats the above-mentioned processing.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 An operation example in which the mobile device 101 obtains a two-dimensional code from the print management server 103 is described. Figure 6 The operation may be started in response to the displayed initial screen 400. In S601, the print application 313 of the mobile device 101 obtains print data from the data management unit 314. The print data may be document data or image data designated as a print target on the document selection screen 420 or the image selection screen 430 by the user.

[0072] In S602, the print application 313 obtains the print settings of the print data from the user (performs setting acquisition). The print settings may be settings specified in the print settings section 441 of the print settings screen 440. In S603, the print application 313 obtains behavior settings for the print processing of the print data from the user. The behavior settings are settings that specify the behavior when insufficient (in other words, the behavior of the printing device 102 when it is determined that the printing set by the user cannot be completed). The behavior settings may be settings set in the behavior settings section 442 of the print settings screen 440. Figure 6 In the example of , the print data, print settings, and behavior settings are obtained in this order, but these may also be obtained in a different order, or one or more of these may be obtained at the same time.

[0073] In S604, the print application 313 sends an issue code request to the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103. This step may be performed in response to the user pressing the issue two-dimensional code button 444 of the print setting screen 440. The issue code request may include the print target data obtained in S601, the print settings obtained in S602, and the behavior settings obtained in S603. Table 2 below shows an example of the data structure of the issue code request.

[0074] Table 2

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] The "Mobile Identifier" column stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the mobile device 101 that has sent the issue code request. The identifier of the mobile device 101 may be a serial number or a different identifier of the mobile device 101. The identifier of the mobile device 101 may be any identifier that allows the print management server 103 to uniquely identify the mobile device 101. The "Print Data" column stores print data in a binary format.

[0078] The "print settings" column stores the print settings obtained in S602 (e.g., setting values ​​for each of one or more setting items). The "behavior settings" column stores the behavior settings obtained in S603. In the example of Table 2, the print settings and the behavior settings are represented by JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format. Alternatively, different formats may be used to represent the print settings and the behavior settings.

[0079] In S605 and S606, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 determines a condition that the printing device 102 should satisfy to complete the print process. Hereinafter, the condition is referred to as the completion condition. For example, the completion condition may include at least one of a condition related to the amount of consumables required to complete the print process and a condition related to a function required to complete the print process. Alternatively or additionally, the completion condition may include another condition. An example in which the completion condition includes both a condition related to the amount of necessary consumables and a condition related to a necessary function will be described below.

[0080] In S605, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 calculates the amount of consumables required for the printing device 102 to print the print data based on the print data and the print settings stored in the issue code request received from the print application 313. For example, the data management unit 333 may calculate the number of sheets to be consumed by printing the print data based on the number of pages of the print data, the number of copies to be printed, and the double-sided / single-sided setting value. Alternatively or additionally, the data management unit 333 may calculate the amount of toner to be consumed for each color based on the print data and the color print setting value.

[0081] In S606, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 identifies the function required for the printing device 102 to print the print data based on the print data and print settings stored in the issue code request received from the print application 313. For example, in the case where double-sided printing is set in the print settings, the double-sided printing function is identified as a necessary function. Figure 6 In the example of , S606 is performed after S605. This step can be performed in reverse order or in parallel.

[0082] In S607, the data management unit 333 sends the print data and print settings stored in the issue code request to the print job generation unit 332 and requests generation of a print job. The print job generation unit 332 generates a print job according to the request from the data management unit 333 and sends the print job to the data management unit 332.

[0083] In S608, the data management unit 333 stores the print job received from the print job generation unit 332 in a print job management table in association with the completion conditions (e.g., the necessary consumption calculated in S605 and the necessary functions identified in S606). The print job management table is stored, for example, in a storage device (e.g., RAM 223 or HDD 224) of the print management server 103. Table 3 below is an example of a print job management table managed by the data management unit 314.

[0084] Table 3

[0085]

[0086]

[0087] The "job identifier" column stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a print job issued by the print job generation unit 332. For example, the identifier is generated when a request is received in S607 by the print job generation unit 332. The "print job data" column stores the print job generated by the print job generation unit 332 in a binary format. The "necessary amount of consumables" column stores the amount of consumables necessary for the printing device 102 to print the print data calculated in S605. The "necessary functions" column stores information indicating the functions necessary for the printing device 102 to print the print data identified in S606. The "mobile identifier" column stores the identifier contained in the "mobile identifier" column of the issuance code request. In the example of Table 3, the necessary amount of consumables and the necessary functions are represented by JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format. Alternatively, different formats may be used for the necessary amount of consumables and the necessary functions.

[0088] In S609, the data management unit 333 sends the print settings and behavior settings included in the request to issue the code received in S604 and the completion conditions (e.g., the necessary consumables amount determined in S605 and the information of the necessary functions identified in S606) to the code issuing unit 334, and requests the generation of a two-dimensional code. In S610, the code issuing unit 334 generates a two-dimensional code representing the information received from the data management unit 333 in S609, and sends the two-dimensional code to the data management unit 333.

[0089] In S611, the data management unit 333 stores the job identifier of the print job obtained as a response to the request of S607 and the two-dimensional code obtained as a response to the request of S609 in a two-dimensional code management table in association with each other. The two-dimensional code management table is stored in, for example, a storage device (e.g., RAM 223 or HDD 224) of the print management server 103. Table 4 below is an example of the two-dimensional code management table managed by the data management unit 314.

[0090] Table 4

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] The "job identifier" column stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a print job obtained as a response to the request of S607, issued by the print job generation unit 332. The "two-dimensional code" column stores the two-dimensional code obtained as a response to the request of S609 in binary format.

[0094] In S612, the data management unit 333 transmits the two-dimensional code obtained as a response to the request of S609 to the print application 313. The two-dimensional code is transmitted as a response to the issue code request received in S604.

[0095] Now refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An example of an operation for causing the printing apparatus 102 to execute a print process using a two-dimensional code displayed by the mobile device 101 is described. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The operation can be in response to Figure 6 The process starts when the mobile device 101 receives a two-dimensional code from the print management server 103 in S612 . In S701 , the print application 313 of the mobile device 101 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 450 including the two-dimensional code received from the print management server 103 .

[0096] In S702, the reading application 323 of the printing device 102 detects that the two-dimensional code has been presented to the reader 234 in the printing device 102. In S703, the reading application 323 determines whether an error has occurred in the printing device 102. The error may be that the printing device 102 is in a state where the printing process cannot be completed normally. For example, the error may include that the printing device 102 is physically unable to be used due to a malfunction in the printing device 102, or may include that the remaining amount of consumables is low or unavailable.

[0097] In the case where it is determined in S703 that an error has occurred in the printing device 102, the process transfers to S704. In S704, the reading application 323 suspends the printing process and notifies the user that the printing process has been suspended. This notification can be performed using the operation unit 231 of the printing device 102 or using the display unit 210 of the mobile device 101. In this way, in the case where an error has occurred in the printing device 102 when reading the two-dimensional code, the reading application 323 suspends the printing process.

[0098] In the case where it is determined in S703 that no error has occurred, the process shifts to S705. In S705, the reading application 323 reads the two-dimensional code detected in S702, and decodes the two-dimensional code to read information from the two-dimensional code.

[0099] Now refer to Figure 8 An example of information 800 read from a two-dimensional code by the reading application 323 is described. The information 800 includes information used when the printing device 102 performs printing processing. For example, the information 800 may include a job identifier 801, a necessary amount of consumables 802, a necessary function 803, a print setting 804, and a behavior setting 805. Figure 8 In the example of , the JSON format is used to represent the information 800. Alternatively, the information 800 may be represented using a different format.

[0100] The job identifier 801 indicates an identifier for uniquely identifying a print job issued by the print job generation unit 332. The necessary consumables amount 802 indicates the amount of consumables necessary for the printing apparatus 102 to print the print data. The necessary functions 803 indicate the functions necessary for the printing apparatus 102 to print the print data. In this way, the information 800 includes the necessary consumables amount 802 and the necessary functions 803 as completion conditions. The print settings 804 indicate settings related to the print processing specified by the user in the print setting section 441. The behavior settings 805 indicate settings of the behavior of the printing apparatus 102 in the case where it is determined that the printing set by the user cannot be completed.

[0101] Now I will refer to Fig. 7A The operation of the printing system 100 is continued. In S706, the reading application 323 obtains the function information of the device from the function information table managed by the setting management unit 325. The function information may be a part of the device information of the printing device 102. When, for example, the printing device 102 is manufactured or when the configuration is changed, the function information table is stored in a storage device (e.g., ROM 222 or HDD 224) of the printing device 102. Table 5 below is an example of the function information table managed by the setting management unit 325.

[0102] Table 5

[0103]

[0104] The function information table includes a "Device Name" column and one or more function columns corresponding to one or more functions. The number of function columns may be different for each printing device 102. The function information table shown in Table 5 includes a "Color / Monochrome" column, a "Duplex / Single-Sided" column, and a "Paper Size" column as one or more function columns.

[0105] The "Device Name" column stores the name set in the printing apparatus 102. The "Color / Monochrome" column stores the color information supported by the printing apparatus 102. For example, in the case where the printing apparatus 102 supports both full-color printing and monochrome printing, "Color" is stored, and in the case where the printing apparatus 102 supports only monochrome printing, "Monochrome" is stored. The "Duplex / Single-Sided" column stores the information of the sheet sides supported by the printing apparatus 102. For example, in the case where the printing apparatus 102 supports both duplex printing and single-sided printing, "Duplex" is stored, and in the case where the printing apparatus 102 supports only single-sided printing, "Single-Sided" is stored. The "Sheet Size" column stores the sheet sizes supported by the printing apparatus 102.

[0106] Now I will refer to Fig. 7A The operation of the printing system 100 is continued. In S707, the reading application 323 obtains the consumables information of the device from the consumables information table managed by the setting management unit 325. The consumables information may be a part of the device information of the printing device 102. The consumables information table is stored in a storage device (e.g., ROM 222 or HDD 224) of the printing device 102. The setting management unit 325 can update the information of the consumables information table by calculating the remaining amount of consumables each time printing is performed. Table 6 below is an example of the consumables information table managed by the setting management unit 325.

[0107] Table 6

[0108]

[0109] The consumables information table includes one or more consumables columns corresponding to one or more consumables. The number of consumables columns may be different for each printing device 102. The "toner" column stores the remaining amount of toner of each color loaded in the printing device 102. The "sheet" column stores the remaining number of sheets of each size loaded in the printing device 102.

[0110] In S708, the reading application 323 determines the behavior to be performed by the printing device 102 based on the information of the two-dimensional code read in S705. Fig. 9The processing of S708 is described in detail. In S901, the reading application 323 compares the necessary amount of consumables 802 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code with the consumables information obtained in S707 to determine whether there is a remaining amount of consumables required for the printing device 102 to perform printing according to the print job. In the case where it is determined that there is a necessary amount of remaining consumables ("Yes" in S901), the processing is transferred to S902. Otherwise ("No" in S901), the processing is transferred to S903.

[0111] In S902, the reading application 323 compares the necessary function 803 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code with the function information obtained in S706 to determine whether there is a necessary function for the printing device 102 to perform printing according to the print job. In the case where it is determined that the necessary function exists ("Yes" in S902), the processing is transferred to S904. Otherwise ("No" in S902), the processing is transferred to S903. Fig. 9 In the example of , S902 is performed after S901. However, these steps may be performed in the reverse order.

[0112] In the case where the printing apparatus 102 has a necessary amount of consumables remaining and the printing apparatus 102 includes a necessary function (in other words, in the case where it is determined that the printing apparatus 102 satisfies the completion condition), in S904, the reading application 323 determines to continue the printing process. In the case where the printing apparatus 102 does not have a necessary amount of consumables remaining or the printing apparatus 102 does not include a necessary function (in other words, in the case where it is determined that the printing apparatus 102 does not satisfy the completion condition), the reading application 323 determines the behavior according to the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code.

[0113] In S903, the reading application 323 determines whether "Continue printing" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code. In the case where it is determined that "Continue printing" is specified ("Yes" in S903), the process is transferred to S904. Otherwise ("No" in S903), the process is transferred to S905. In the case where it is determined that "Continue printing" is specified, even if it is determined that the printing device 102 does not have a necessary amount of consumables remaining or the printing device 102 does not include a necessary function, in S904, the reading application 323 determines to continue the printing process.

[0114] In S905, the reading application 323 determines whether "pause printing" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code. In the case where it is determined that "pause printing" is specified ("Yes" in S905), the process transfers to S907. Otherwise ("No" in S905), the process transfers to S906. In S907, the reading application 323 determines to suspend the printing process.

[0115] In S906, the reading application 323 determines whether "display warning" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code. In the case where it is determined that "display warning" is specified ("Yes" in S906), the process transfers to S907. Otherwise ("No" in S906), the process transfers to S908. In S907, the reading application 323 determines to suspend the printing process.

[0116] In the case where it is not determined in S907 that "display warning" is specified, this means that "confirm warning" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code. Here, in S908, the reading application 323 determines to confirm with the user whether to continue the printing process. The determinations of S903, S905, and S906 may be performed in any order. Fig. 9 In the case where these steps are performed in the reverse order of the order in, instead of any one of S903, S905 and S906, it may be determined whether “confirmation warning” is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code.

[0117] Now I will refer to Fig. 7A The operation of the printing system 100 is continued. In the case where it is determined in S708 to continue the printing process, in S709, the reading application 323 sends a request for a print job to the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103. The request includes the job identifier 801 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code. In S710, the data management unit 333 reads out the print job data associated with the job identifier included in the request from the printing device 102 from the print job management table, and responds to the printing device 102 with the print job data. In this way, the printing device 102 obtains the print job from the print management server 103 (performs job acquisition).

[0118] In S711, the reading application 323 sends the print job data received from the print management server 103 to the printing application 324 and requests printing according to the print job data. In S712, the printing application 313 prints according to the print job data and sends the print result to the reading application 323. The reading application 323 can send the print result to the mobile device 101.

[0119] In the case where it is determined in S708 that the print process is to be suspended, in S713, the reading application 323 suspends the print process. In the case where it is determined that "display warning" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code, the reading application 323 notifies the user that the print process has been suspended. The notification may be performed using the operation unit 231 of the printing device 102 or using the display unit 210 of the mobile device 101. In the case where it is determined that "pause printing" is specified in the behavior setting 805 included in the information 800 represented by the two-dimensional code, the reading application 323 may not notify the user that the print process has been suspended.

[0120] In the case where it is determined in S708 whether to continue the print process to be confirmed with the user, the reading application 323 inquires the user whether to continue the print process. The user inquiry may be performed by displaying a confirmation dialog box on the operation unit 231 of the printing apparatus 102. Alternatively, the user inquiry may be performed by displaying a confirmation dialog box on the display unit 210 of the mobile device 101.

[0121] Reference Fig.10 An example of a confirmation dialog 1000 for asking a user whether to continue the print process is described. The confirmation dialog 1000 may include a warning message 1001, a warning reason 1002, a continue print button 1003, and a cancel print button 1004.

[0122] The warning message 1001 notifies the user who has started the printing process using the two-dimensional code that the printing process cannot be completed normally. The warning reason 1002 describes the detailed reason why the printing process cannot be completed normally (in other words, the reason why the printing device 102 does not meet the completion condition) to the user who has started the printing process using the two-dimensional code. The continue printing button 1003 is a button for the user to issue an instruction to continue printing to the reading application 323 of the printing device 102. The cancel printing button 1004 is a button for the user to issue an instruction to cancel printing to the reading application 323 of the printing device 102. The confirmation dialog box 1000 can obtain instructions from the user via the continue printing button 1003 and the cancel printing button 1004.

[0123] Now I will refer to Figure 7B A case where a confirmation dialog is displayed by the display unit 210 of the mobile device 101 will be described. This operation may differ depending on whether the mobile device 101 and the printing apparatus 102 can be connected to each other.

[0124] In S714, the reading application 323 determines whether the printing device 102 can be connected to the mobile device 101. Figure 5In the case of the registration process described, the printing apparatus 102 may be able to connect to the mobile device 101. In the case where it is determined in S714 that the printing apparatus 102 can connect to the mobile device 101, the process shifts to S715.

[0125] In S715, the reading application 323 sends a request to display the confirmation dialog box 1000 to the printing application 313 of the mobile device 101. The request may include a detailed reason why the printing process cannot be completed normally. The printing application 313 generates the confirmation dialog box 1000 including the warning reason included in the request from the reading application 323, and displays the confirmation dialog box 1000 on the display unit 210. Instead of the printing application 313 generating the confirmation dialog box 1000, the reading application 323 may generate the confirmation dialog box 1000, and may send the confirmation dialog box 1000 to the printing application 313.

[0126] In S716, the print application 313 sends the user selection result regarding whether to continue the print process to the read application 323. In response to the user pressing the continue print button 1003, the print application 313 notifies the read application 323 that the user has selected to continue the print process. In this case, the printing system 100 continues the print process and performs the same process as in S709 to S712. In response to the user pressing the cancel print button 1004, the print application 313 notifies the read application 323 that the user has selected to cancel the print process. In this case, the read application 323 cancels the print process.

[0127] In the case where it is determined in S714 that the printing apparatus 102 cannot be connected to the mobile device 101, the process shifts to S717. In S717, the reading application 323 sends a request to display the confirmation dialog 1000 on the mobile device 101 to the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103. The request includes the information included in the warning reason 1002 of the confirmation dialog 1000 and the job identifier 801.

[0128] In S718, the data management unit 333 refers to the print job management table (Table 3), and identifies the mobile device 101 associated with the job identifier obtained from the printing apparatus 102. In S719, the data management unit 333 sends a request to display a confirmation dialog box 1000 to the print application 313 of the mobile device 101 identified in S718. The request may include a detailed reason why the print process cannot be completed normally. The print application 313 generates a confirmation dialog box 1000 including the warning reason included in the request from the reading application 323, and displays the confirmation dialog box 1000 on the display unit 210. Instead of the print application 313 generating the confirmation dialog box 1000, the reading application 323 or the data management unit 333 may generate the confirmation dialog box.

[0129] In S720, the print application 313 sends the user selection result regarding whether to continue the print process to the data management unit 333. The data management unit 333 transmits the user selection result to the reading application 323. In the case where the user has selected to continue the print process, the printing system 100 continues the print process and performs the same process as in S709 to S712. In the case where the user has selected to cancel the print process, the reading application 323 cancels the print process.

[0130] In this way, according to the first embodiment, since the completion condition is encoded in the two-dimensional code, it is possible to quickly determine whether the printing device 102 that reads the two-dimensional code can complete the printing process (for example, before receiving the print job from the print management server 103). In addition, according to the first embodiment, since the behavior setting is also encoded in the two-dimensional barcode, the printing device 102 can quickly perform the behavior specified by the user (for example, before receiving the print job from the print management server 103).

[0131] Second embodiment

[0132] In the first embodiment, the behavior upon shortage is determined based on the behavior setting specified by the user. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the behavior upon shortage is determined based on the behavior setting specified by the user and the behavior setting stored in the printing device 102. In the following, redundant descriptions of contents similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0133] In the second embodiment, Fig. 7A In S708, the reading application 323 executes Fig. 9 Execute before the operation Fig.11 operation. In S1101, the reading application 323 determines whether the behavior information is included in the behavior information table managed by the setting management unit 325. In the case where it is determined that the behavior information is included in the behavior information table ("Yes" in S1101), the processing transfers to S1102. Otherwise ("No" in S1101), the processing transfers to S1103. The behavior information table is stored in a storage device (such as ROM 222 or HDD 224) of the printing device 102. The behavior information table can be generated by an administrator of the printing device 102 and stored in the storage device of the printing device 102. Table 7 below is an example of a behavior information table managed by the setting management unit 325.

[0134] Table 7

[0135] Behavior Settings Priority Setting Confirm Warning Printing device

[0136] The "Behavior Setting" column stores the behavior when insufficient. As specified in the behavior setting portion 442, the "Behavior Setting" column can be selected from "Pause Printing", "Continue Printing", "Display Warning", "Confirm Warning", etc. The "Priority Setting" stores whether to use the behavior setting stored in the storage device of the printing device 102 (in other words, the behavior setting stored in the "Behavior Setting" column) or the behavior setting encoded in the two-dimensional code.

[0137] In S1102, the reading application 323 determines whether the value of the "priority setting" column is "printing device". In the case where it is determined that the value of the "priority setting" column is "printing device" ("Yes" in S1102), the process is transferred to S1104. Otherwise ("No" in S1102), the process is transferred to S1103. For example, in the case where the value of the "priority setting" column is "two-dimensional code", the process can be transferred to S1103.

[0138] In S1103, the reading application 323 determines to use the behavior settings encoded in the two-dimensional code read in S705. In this case, in the subsequent processing, the behavior settings encoded in the two-dimensional code read in S705 are used. In S1104, the reading application 323 determines to use the behavior settings stored in the storage device of the printing device 102. In this case, in the subsequent processing, the behavior settings read out from the storage device of the printing device 102 are used.

[0139] According to the second embodiment, according to the setting of the "priority setting" column, the behavior setting encoded in the two-dimensional code or the behavior setting stored in the storage device of the printing device 102 is obtained. The printing device 102 performs the behavior when insufficient according to the behavior setting. Therefore, regardless of the behavior setting encoded in the two-dimensional code, the administrator of the printing device 102 can specify the behavior when insufficient.

[0140] In the second embodiment, the behavior setting may not be encoded in the two-dimensional code. In this case, the printing device 102 may always use the behavior setting stored in the storage device of the printing device 102.

[0141] Third embodiment

[0142] In the first embodiment, the behavior when insufficient is determined based on the behavior setting specified by the user. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the behavior when insufficient is determined based on the behavior setting specified by the user and the behavior setting stored in the print management server 103. In the following, redundant descriptions of contents similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0143] In a third embodiment, instead of Fig. 7A S708, execution Fig.12In S1201, the reading application 323 of the printing apparatus 102 inquires the print management server 103 about the behavior to be performed by the printing apparatus 102 when insufficient. The inquiry may include information for determining whether the printing apparatus 102 satisfies the completion condition, for example, the function information obtained in S706 and the consumables information obtained in S707.

[0144] In S1202, the data management unit 333 of the print management server 103 determines whether the printing apparatus 102 should execute the behavior specified by the behavior setting included in the issue code request or the behavior setting stored in the print management server 103. Fig.13 The processing of S1202 is described in detail.

[0145] In S1301, the data management unit 333 determines whether the behavior information is included in the behavior information table managed by the data management unit 333. In the case where it is determined that the behavior information is included in the behavior information table ("Yes" in S1301), the processing is transferred to S1302. Otherwise ("No" in S1301), the processing is transferred to S1303. The behavior information table is stored in a storage device (e.g., RAM 223 or HDD 224) of the print management server 103. The behavior information table can be generated by an administrator of the print management server 103 and stored in the storage device of the print management server 103. Table 8 below is an example of a behavior information table managed by the data management unit 333.

[0146] Table 8

[0147]

[0148] The "behavior setting" column stores the behavior when insufficient. The "behavior setting" column can be selected from "pause printing", "continue printing", "display warning", "confirm warning", etc., as specified in the behavior setting part 442. The "priority setting" stores whether to use the behavior setting stored in the storage device of the print management server 103 (in other words, the behavior setting stored in the "behavior setting" column) or the behavior setting included in the issue code request.

[0149] In S1302, the data management unit 333 determines whether the value of the "priority setting" column is "print management server". In the case where it is determined that the value of the "priority setting" column is "print management server" ("Yes" in S1302), the process is transferred to S1304. Otherwise ("No" in S1302), the process is transferred to S1303. For example, in the case where the value of the "priority setting" column is "two-dimensional code", the process can be transferred to S1303.

[0150] In S1303, the data management unit 333 determines to use the behavior setting included in the issue code request. In this case, in subsequent processing, the behavior setting included in the issue code request will be used. In S1304, the data management unit 333 determines to use the behavior setting stored in the storage device of the print management server 103. In this case, in subsequent processing, the behavior setting read out from the storage device of the print management server 103 is used.

[0151] Return to Fig.12 In S1203, as in S708, the data management unit 333 determines the behavior to be executed by the printing apparatus 102. In this determination, the behavior setting selected in S1202 is used. In S1204, the data management unit 333 notifies the printing apparatus 102 of the determined behavior. The printing apparatus 102 performs subsequent processing according to the notified behavior.

[0152] According to the third embodiment, the administrator of the print management server 103 can specify the behavior at the time of shortage regardless of the behavior setting included in the issue code request.

[0153] In the third embodiment, the behavior setting may not be encoded in the two-dimensional code. In this case, the printing device 102 may always execute the behavior determined by the print management server 103.

[0154] Fourth embodiment

[0155] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further displays whether the printing device to which the mobile device 101 can be connected satisfies the completion condition. In the following, redundant descriptions of contents similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. The differences between the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

[0156] In the fourth embodiment, instead of Fig. 7A S701, execute Fig.14 S1401 to S1404. In S1401, the print application 313 of the mobile device 101 sends a request to the connection application 312 to obtain device information of one or more printing devices 102 that can be connected to the mobile device 101. In S1402, the connection application 312 sends a request for device information to one or more printing devices 102 that can be connected to the mobile device 101 via the network 104. The one or more printing devices 102 that can be connected to the mobile device 101 can be a printing device 102 with "OK" in the "communication status" column in the device information registered in the device table (Table 1) of the data management unit 314.

[0157] In S1403, each of the one or more printing devices 102 that received the request in S1402 responds to the mobile device 101 with their own device information. The device information may include the above-mentioned function information and consumables information. The connection application 312 sends the device information received from the one or more printing devices 102 to the print application 313.

[0158] In S1404, as in S901 and S902, the print application 313 determines whether each of the one or more printing devices 102 satisfies the completion condition based on the received device information. In S1405, the print application 313 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 1500 on the display unit 210, the two-dimensional code display screen including the two-dimensional code obtained from the print management server 103 and information indicating whether each of the one or more printing devices to which the mobile device 101 can be connected satisfies the completion condition.

[0159] Now refer to Fig.15 An example of a two-dimensional code display screen 1500 is described. In the fourth embodiment, a two-dimensional code display screen 1500 is displayed instead of the two-dimensional code display screen 450. The two-dimensional code display portion 1501 and the end button 1505 are similar to Figure 4B The two-dimensional code display unit 451 and the end button 452 are shown.

[0160] The device list 1502 indicates one or more printing apparatuses 102 with which the mobile device 101 can communicate. The device name tab 1503 displays the device name of the printing apparatus 102. The status tab 1504 displays the determination result of S1404. Fig.14 Except for the device information whose value of "communication status" in the device table is "OK" at the time of the sequence shown, the status label 1504 is not displayed.

[0161] In the fourth embodiment, which printing apparatuses 102 satisfy the completion condition are displayed on the mobile device 101. Therefore, the user can appropriately select a printing apparatus to perform a print process using two dimensions.

[0162] Other embodiments

[0163] 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.

[0164] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention 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 device, comprising: a reading unit that reads a two-dimensional code including a coding completion condition that the printing device must satisfy in order to complete a print process according to a print job stored in a print management server and a coding identifier of the print job; a setting obtaining unit, which obtains a behavior setting that specifies a behavior of the printing device in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy a completion condition; as well as An execution unit executes a behavior specified by the behavior setting if it is determined that the printing device does not meet the completion condition.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The behavior setting specifies to continue the print process, to pause the print process, or to ask the user whether to continue the print process.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A job obtaining unit obtains the print job from the print management server when determining that the print device satisfies the completion condition.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein Behavior settings are also encoded in the QR code, and The setting obtaining unit obtains the behavior setting from the QR code.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit for storing the behavior settings, wherein The setting acquisition unit acquires the behavior setting from the storage unit.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The first line of settings is also encoded in the QR code. The printing device further includes a storage unit for storing the second behavior setting, The setting acquisition unit acquires the first behavior setting or the second behavior setting according to the setting, and In a case where it is determined that the printing apparatus does not satisfy the completion condition, the execution unit executes the behavior specified by the first behavior setting or the second behavior setting obtained by the setting obtaining unit.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The completion condition includes at least one of the following: Conditions related to the amount of consumables required to complete the printing process, and Conditions related to the functions required to complete the print process.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein When the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code, in the case where an error occurs in the printing device, the executing unit suspends the printing process.

9. A method for controlling a printing device, the method comprising: reading a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including a coded completion condition to be satisfied by the printing device in order to complete a print process according to a print job stored in a print management server and a coded identifier of the print job; In response to determining that the printing device does not meet the completion condition, obtaining a behavior setting that specifies the behavior of the printing device; as well as In the event that it is determined that the printing device does not satisfy the completion condition, an action specified by the action setting is executed.

10. A mobile device, comprising: an obtaining unit that obtains, from a user, a designation of target print data for a print process, a designation of print settings for the print process, and a designation of behavior settings that prescribe behavior of the printing apparatus for a case where it is determined that the printing apparatus does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; a sending unit, which sends a code issuing request to a print management server, wherein the code issuing request includes the print data, the print setting, and the behavior setting; a receiving unit that receives a two-dimensional code from the print management server as a response to the issue code request, the two-dimensional code including an encoding completion condition and an encoding identifier of a print job related to the print process; and A display unit displays the two-dimensional code.

11. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein The display unit further displays a dialog box in response to a request from the print management server or the print device, and The dialog box is configured to obtain an instruction to continue the printing process and an instruction to cancel the printing process from a user.

12. The mobile device according to claim 11, wherein The dialog box includes the reason why the printing device does not meet the completion condition.

13. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein The display unit displays a screen including the two-dimensional code and information indicating whether a printing apparatus to which the mobile device can be connected satisfies a completion condition.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the mobile device according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A program product for causing a computer to function as each unit of the mobile device according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

16. A method for controlling a mobile device, the method comprising: obtaining, from a user, designation of target print data for a print process, designation of print settings for the print process, and designation of behavior settings that prescribe behavior of the printing apparatus for a case where it is determined that the printing apparatus does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; Sending a code issuing request to a print management server, the code issuing request including the print data, the print setting and the behavior setting; receiving a two-dimensional code from the print management server as a response to the issue code request, the two-dimensional code including an encoding completion condition and an encoding identifier of a print job related to the print process; and The QR code is displayed.

17. A print management server, comprising: a receiving unit that receives an issue code request from a mobile device, the issue code request including target print data for a print process, print settings for the print process, and behavior settings that specify a behavior of the printing device for a case where it is determined that the printing device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; a generating unit, which generates a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code including a coding completion condition and a coding identifier of a print job related to the printing process; as well as A sending unit is configured to send the two-dimensional code to the mobile device.

18. The print management server according to claim 17, wherein The behavior setting includes a first behavior setting, and The print management server also includes: a storage unit storing the second behavior as a setting, and A determination unit determines whether the printing device is to execute the behavior specified in the first behavior setting or the second behavior setting.

19. A method for controlling a print management server, the method comprising: receiving, from a mobile device, an issue code request, the issue code request including target print data for a print process, print settings for the print process, and behavior settings that specify behavior of the printing device in response to a determination that the printing device does not satisfy a completion condition to be satisfied in order to complete the print process; generating a two-dimensional code including an encoded completion condition and an encoded identifier of a print job associated with the print process; and The QR code is sent to the mobile device.

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