Server, printing system, information processing method, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides a server, a printing system, an information processing method, and a program product, which can realize printing setting corresponding to a printer under the condition that a plurality of systems providing printing services work in cooperation to execute printing. A relay server (300) includes: a capability information control unit (336) that acquires capability information of an image forming apparatus (600) selected using a second terminal apparatus (500) from a second print service system (200) and transmits the capability information to the second terminal apparatus (500); and print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second terminal apparatus (500) and transmits the print setting information to the second print service system (200). And a print control unit (335) that requests to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information, said print data being performed by the image forming device (600) selected using the second terminal device (500).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a printing system, an information processing method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] A known technology for printing using a network-connected printer is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system comprising a printer and a print server. In this technology, a user sends print data to the print server and then uses a terminal to read a code image attached to the printer to specify the printer to use. Printing then occurs in the specified printer.

[0003] In Patent Document 1 described above, when a plurality of systems providing printing services cooperate to execute printing, the printing settings corresponding to the printers cannot be changed, thereby reducing convenience.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-45683 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A server is provided, the server being connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system. The first printing service system receives print data from a first user terminal, and the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the print data. The server includes:

[0006] a capability information control unit that acquires capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal;

[0007] The printing control unit receives printing setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second printing service system to print the print data corresponding to the printing setting information by the image forming apparatus selected using the second user terminal.

[0008] A printing system is provided, comprising:

[0009] a plurality of image forming devices;

[0010] The server is connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system. The first printing service system receives printing data from a first user terminal. The second printing service system is connected to the plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the printing data.

[0011] In the printing system,

[0012] The server includes:

[0013] a capability information control unit that acquires capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal;

[0014] The printing control unit receives printing setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second printing service system to print the print data corresponding to the printing setting information by the image forming apparatus selected using the second user terminal.

[0015] An information processing method is provided, in which:

[0016] A server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system performs the following operation, wherein the first printing service system receives print data from a first user terminal, and the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the print data, wherein the operation is:

[0017] acquiring capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmitting the capability information to the second user terminal;

[0018] The system receives print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second print service system to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal.

[0019] A program product is provided, comprising a program that causes a server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system to function as a capability information control unit and a printing control unit, wherein the first printing service system receives print data from a first user terminal, and the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the print data.

[0020] The capability information control unit obtains capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal.

[0021] The print control unit receives print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal, and requests the second print service system to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first printing service system according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second printing service system according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a relay server according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a first terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8A This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the registration process for the code virtual printer.

[0030] Figure 8B This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the registration process for the code virtual printer.

[0031] Figure 8C This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the registration process for the code virtual printer.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for setting rules related to the use of an image forming apparatus.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for receiving print data in the printing system.

[0034] Figure 11AThis is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0035] Figure 11B This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0036] Figure 11C This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0037] Figure 11D This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0038] Figure 11E This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0039] Figure 11F This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0040] Figure 11G This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0041] Figure 11H This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing.

[0042] Figure 11I This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, about embodiment, description will be made while referring to the accompanying drawings. For the clarity of description, the following description and the accompanying drawings have been implemented with appropriate omission and simplification. In addition, in each accompanying drawing, the same reference numeral is used for the same element, and repeated description is omitted as needed.

[0044] As described above, even in the case where different systems providing printing services work together, in order to prevent the system from being improperly used for printing, it is preferable to implement authenticated printing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a technology for implementing authenticated printing in a printing system where different systems providing printing services work together is described. In addition, in addition to such technology, the present disclosure further implements the following technology. That is, the present disclosure further implements a technology in which, in a printing system where different systems providing printing services work together, a user uses a code image affixed to an image forming device to specify an image forming device used in printing. The present disclosure further implements a technology in which, in a printing system where different systems providing printing services work together, after a user specifies an image forming device used in printing, the printing settings corresponding to the specified image forming device are changed.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a first printing service system 100, a second printing service system 200, and a relay server 300. Figure 1 , the first terminal device 400, the second terminal device 500, and the image forming devices 600_1, 600_2, and 600_3 are also shown in the figure. In the following description, the image forming devices 600_1, 600_2, and 600_3 are referred to as the image forming device 600 unless otherwise specified. Figure 1 , a user U is also shown carrying the second terminal device 500 and moving to an image forming device 600 that he wants to use.

[0046] Furthermore, the system including the first terminal device 400 may also be referred to as the printing system 10 . Similarly, the system including the second terminal device 500 may also be referred to as the printing system 10 , and the system including the image forming apparatus 600 may also be referred to as the printing system 10 .

[0047] The first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 are systems that provide printing services on the cloud. Here, the first printing service system 100 is related to services provided by a first supplier, and the second printing service system 200 is related to services provided by a second supplier different from the first supplier. For example, the second supplier is a manufacturer of the image forming device 600.

[0048] The image forming device 600 is a device capable of performing printing processing, and in this embodiment, specifically, a printer. In this embodiment, the image forming device 600 is pre-registered in the second printing service system 200 as a device capable of performing printing processing related to print jobs managed by the second printing service system 200.

[0049] The first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 are client terminals such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In particular, the second terminal device 500 is preferably a mobile terminal that is easily portable for the user U. Furthermore, the first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 may be the same terminal device. The first terminal device 400 is a specific example of a first user terminal. The second terminal device 500 is a specific example of a second user terminal.

[0050] The relay server 300 is a specific example of a server that bridges the first print service system 100 and the second print service system 200 , and relays processing in the print system 10 .

[0051] A code image C is pasted on the image forming device 600. The code image C contains at least identification information for uniquely identifying the image forming device 600. In addition, in the present embodiment, the code image C also contains information indicating a predetermined access destination. Specifically, the information indicating the predetermined access destination is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the relay server 300. The code image C only needs to be an image in which the above-mentioned information is coded, and can be a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The code image C marked on the image forming device 600 that the user U wants to use is read by the second terminal device 500 through the operation of the user U.

[0052] In this embodiment, image forming apparatus 600 may be managed by a specific organization. That is, image forming apparatus 600 may belong to a specific organization. Furthermore, each image forming apparatus 600 may be managed by a different organization. For example, image forming apparatuses 600_1 and 600_2 may be managed by a first organization, while image forming apparatus 600_3 may be managed by a second organization.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 are connected together in a communicative manner. In addition, the relay server 300 is connected to the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 in a communicative manner. In addition, multiple image forming devices 600 are connected to the second printing service system 200 in a communicative manner. In addition, the first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 are connected to at least the first printing service system 100 and the relay server 300 in a communicative manner. In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned connection relationships, further connection relationships may also exist between the structural elements. For example, the first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 may also be connected to the second printing service system 200 in a communicative manner.

[0054] In addition, although Figure 1In the figure, three image forming apparatuses 600 are shown as an example, but the number of image forming apparatuses 600 that utilize the printing system 10 is arbitrary. Similarly, although one first terminal apparatus 400 and one second terminal apparatus 500 are each shown as an example, the number of first terminal apparatuses 400 and second terminal apparatuses 500 that utilize the printing system 10 is arbitrary.

[0055] As described above, both the first printing service system 100 and the second printing service system 200 provide printing services in the cloud. Therefore, if a printer is registered with the printing service system, printing can be performed by that printer via the printing service system. However, if the printer is not a model compatible with the protocol used by the printing service system, the printer cannot be directly registered with the printing service system. In this embodiment, the image forming device 600 is compatible with the protocol used by the second printing service system 200 and can be directly registered with the second printing service system 200. However, the image forming device 600 does not necessarily have to be compatible with the protocol used by the first printing service system 100.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, a printer registered as a virtual printer (virtual device) in the first print service system 100 is associated with any of the multiple image forming devices 600 registered in the second print service system 200, thereby enabling printing by the image forming device 600 via the first print service system 100. This association is established by the relay server 300. Although the image forming device 600 is not compatible with the protocol of the first print service system 100, there are cases where a user wishes to have the image forming device 600 print using the print service provided by the first print service system 100. Examples of such situations include installing a printer driver for the image forming device 600, which was required by the second print service system 200, but is no longer required by the first print service system 100. Of course, a user may also wish to have the image forming device 600 print using the first print service system 100 for any other reason. In this case, the relay server 300 needs to establish a correspondence between any of the multiple image forming devices 600 registered in the second print service system 200 and the virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100. Furthermore, while the first print service system 100 provides print services using, for example, the aforementioned IPP-Infra (Internet Printing Protocol Shared Infrastructure Extensions) protocol, the second print service system 200 provides print services without using this protocol.

[0057] In this embodiment, the user U moves to any one of the multiple image forming devices 600 and uses the second terminal device 500 to read the code image C attached to the image forming device 600, thereby specifying the image forming device 600 to be used by the user U for printing. In other words, in this embodiment, the output destination of the printed material is specified by reading the code image C. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, the relay server 300 pre-registers a dedicated virtual printer in the first printing service system 100 for executing print jobs that specify the output destination by reading the code image C. When the code image C is read, the relay server 300 establishes a correspondence between the dedicated virtual printer and the image forming device 600 specifically specified by the read code image C.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described later, the relay server 300 requires authentication completion information indicating that authentication of user U by the first print service system 100 has been completed as a condition for processing a print request from user U. This enables authenticated printing in the printing system 10 that collaborates with various systems providing print services.

[0059] The following describes the specific configuration and processing of the printing system 10. Referring to the drawings, the configurations of the first printing service system 100, the second printing service system 200, the relay server 300, the first terminal device 400, the second terminal device 500, and the image forming apparatus 600 will be described.

[0060] Figure 2 , which is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the first printing service system 100. Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the first printing service system 100 is configured by one server, but the first printing service system 100 may be configured by a plurality of servers.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the first printing service system 100 includes a storage unit 110 , a communication unit 120 , and a control unit 130 .

[0062] The storage unit 110 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 130 and data used in the processing of the first printing service system 100. This storage device can be, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, or a memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 110 can also include a database. The communication unit 120 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the second printing service system 200, the relay server 300, the first terminal device 400, and the second terminal device 500 via a wireless or wired network. The control unit 130 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the various components of the first printing service system 100. The control unit 130 may include multiple processors. The control unit 130 reads programs from the memory and executes them. Thus, the control unit 130 implements the functions of the authentication control unit 131, the printing control unit 132, and the information management unit 133.

[0063] The authentication control unit 131 performs various processes related to authenticating users utilizing the first printing service system 100. Users of the first printing service system 100 include administrators and non-administrator general users. Administrators can also be referred to as users with administrator privileges. General users can also be referred to as users with user privileges more restricted than administrator privileges. In this embodiment, these users are pre-registered in the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 provides a page for authentication to the first terminal device 400 or the second terminal device 500, performs administrator or general user authentication, and issues a token required for accessing the first printing service system 100. The specific processes of the authentication control unit 131 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described below.

[0064] The print control unit 132 performs control processing for executing printing using a printer registered in the first print service system 100. In this embodiment, the print control unit 132 performs control processing for printing using the image forming device 600 via a virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100. However, the print control unit 132 may also perform control processing for printing using a physical printer directly registered in the first print service system 100, rather than a virtual printer. Specifically, in this embodiment, the print control unit 132 performs processing such as receiving a print request from the first terminal device 400, transmitting information required for printing in accordance with the print request to the relay server 300, and notifying the first terminal device 400 or the second terminal device 500 of the job status. The specific processing of the print control unit 132 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagrams described below.

[0065] The information management unit 133 performs registration processing for the printers of the first printing service system 100. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 manages information related to users registered in the first printing service system 100. Information related to users includes, for example, user authentication information and identification information (organization ID) of the organization to which the user belongs, i.e., the user organization. User authentication information includes user identification information (user ID) and verification information such as a password or secret code. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 can also manage information related to the printers registered in the first printing service system 100. For example, the information management unit 133 can also manage the printer name, printer ID, capability information, sharing information, etc. of the registered printers. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 can further perform registration processing for users of the first printing service system 100. The specific processing of the information management unit 133 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0066] Figure 3 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the second printing service system 200. Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the second print service system 200 is configured by one server, but the second print service system 200 may be configured by a plurality of servers.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the second print service system 200 includes a storage unit 210 , a communication unit 220 , and a control unit 230 .

[0068] The storage unit 210 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 230 and data used in the processing of the second printing service system 200. This storage device can be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and can also include memory such as RAM. In addition, the storage unit 210 can include a database. The communication unit 220 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing service system 100, the relay server 300, and the image forming device 600 via a wireless network or a wired network. The control unit 230 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various components of the second printing service system 200. The control unit 230 can also have multiple processors. The control unit 230 reads the program into the memory and executes the program. In this way, the control unit 230 implements the functions of the printing control unit 231 and the information management unit 232.

[0069] The print control unit 231 performs control processing for executing printing by the image forming device 600, which is a printer registered in the second print service system 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, the print control unit 231 performs processing such as receiving a print request from the relay server 300, transmitting information required for printing in accordance with the print request to the image forming device 600, notifying the relay server 300 of the job status, and transmitting capability information to the second terminal device 500. The specific processing of the print control unit 231 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram described below.

[0070] The information management unit 232 manages information registered in the second print service system 200. For example, the information management unit 232 manages information related to the printers (i.e., image forming devices 600) registered in the second print service system 200. The information management unit 232 manages information related to the image forming devices 600, i.e., printer-related information, for each image forming device 600, such as the printer name, capability information, and default print settings (initial print setting information corresponding to this capability information). Furthermore, the information management unit 232 can also perform registration processing for the image forming devices 600 registered in the second print service system 200.

[0071] Figure 4 , is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the relay server 300. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the relay server 300 is configured as a single server, but the relay server 300 may be configured as a plurality of servers.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the relay server 300 includes a storage unit 310 , a communication unit 320 , and a control unit 330 .

[0073] The storage unit 310 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 330 and data used in the processing of the relay server 300. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, or may include a memory such as RAM. Furthermore, the storage unit 310 may include a database. For example, the storage unit 310 stores the correspondence between virtual printers and image forming devices 600, configuration information related to the use of image forming devices 600, and the correspondence between print jobs from the first print service system 100 and print jobs from the second print service system 200. Configuration information related to the use of the image forming device 600 includes rules related to the use of the image forming device 600 that are predefined by an administrator or the like. Furthermore, the configuration information related to the use of the image forming device 600 may include user instructions regarding the application of these rules. The storage unit 310 can store different rules for each user organization. Furthermore, the storage unit 310 can store different instructions for each user. The communication unit 320 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as the first printing service system 100, the second printing service system 200, the first terminal device 400, and the second terminal device 500, via a wireless or wired network. The control unit 330 is a processor, such as a CPU, that controls the various components of the relay server 300. The control unit 330 may also include multiple processors. The control unit 330 reads programs into memory and executes them. Thus, the control unit 330 implements the functions of the authentication control unit 331, the registration unit 332, the settings management unit 333, the device identification information acquisition unit 334, the print control unit 335, and the capability information control unit 336.

[0074] The authentication control unit 331 performs various processes for accepting authentication from the first printing service system 100. In particular, the authentication control unit 331 acquires authentication completion information. This authentication completion information indicates that the first printing service system 100 has completed authentication of the user's authentication information input into the first terminal device 400 or the second terminal device 500. Specifically, in this embodiment, this authentication completion information is a token (hereinafter referred to as an access token) required for accessing the first printing service system 100. The specific processes of the authentication control unit 331 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described below.

[0075] The registration unit 332 registers a virtual printer (virtual device) in the first print service system 100. Specifically, the registration unit 332 registers a dedicated virtual printer for executing print jobs based on the designation of an output destination by reading a code image C, in order to enable designation of an output destination based on the reading of a code image C in the print system 10 that collaborates with various systems providing print services. Such a virtual printer will hereinafter be referred to as a code-use virtual printer.

[0076] The image forming device 600 associated with the code virtual printer changes depending on which of the multiple image forming devices 600 the user reads the code image C using the second terminal device 500. The association established with the image forming device 600 of the code virtual printer is temporary; a new association is established with each printing operation, that is, each time the output destination is specified using the code image C. Therefore, the code virtual printer can be said to be a virtual printer that can be associated with any image forming device 600. As described below, the association between the code virtual printer and the image forming device 600 is performed by the print control unit 335. Furthermore, a virtual printer registered in the first printing service system 100 can also be fixedly associated with any image forming device 600, so that, rather than specifying the output destination image forming device 600 using the code image C, a specific image forming device 600 can be specified when a print request is made to the first printing service system 100.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first print service system 100 only registers virtual printers for registration requests with administrator privileges and does not approve registration requests without administrator privileges. Therefore, the registration unit 332 uses qualification information equivalent to administrator privileges to register the virtual printer in the first print service system 100. As mentioned above, while administrator privileges are required in this embodiment to perform the registration process, this requirement is not always necessary. The specific processing of the registration unit 332 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described below.

[0078] The settings management unit 333 manages settings related to the use of the image forming apparatus 600. Based on instructions from the user acting as an administrator, the settings management unit 333 generates rules related to the use of the image forming apparatus 600. Rules are generated for each user organization based on instructions from the administrator of that organization. Therefore, the settings management unit 333 generates different rules for each user organization. Furthermore, rules are generated for each image forming apparatus 600 for each user organization. That is, rules related to use are set for each user organization and for each image forming apparatus 600. Alternatively, an administrator can instruct the generation of common rules for all image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the same organization. In other words, rules related to use can be set for each organization that manages an image forming apparatus 600. In this embodiment, rules are applied when any user belonging to the user organization to which the administrator who instructs the generation of the rules belongs uses the image forming apparatus 600. Furthermore, while in this embodiment, rules are generated based on instructions from the administrator of the user organization to which the user to whom the rules apply belongs, rules do not necessarily need to be generated based on such administrator instructions. The setting management unit 333 stores the generated rules in the storage unit 310 as setting information related to the use of the image forming apparatus 600 .

[0079] Hereinafter, several examples of the generated rules will be given. In addition, the generated rules are not limited to the following.

[0080] <Rule 1>: Use of the image forming apparatus 600 that is the subject of the rule is prohibited.

[0081] In the case of rule 1, the user who performs the printing operation cannot use the image forming apparatus 600 to which the rule applies.

[0082] <Rule 2>: A notification warning against the use of the image forming apparatus 600 that is subject to the rule is always issued. In addition, whether to use the image forming apparatus 600 is selected by the user who performs the printing operation.

[0083] In the case of Rule 2, the user who performs the printing operation confirms the warning each time and then decides whether to use the image forming apparatus 600 to which the rule is applied.

[0084] <Rule 3>: Basically, a warning regarding the use of image forming apparatus 600, which is subject to the rule, is issued. However, the warning regarding the image forming apparatus 600 can be omitted based on a user's instruction. Furthermore, whether or not to use the image forming apparatus 600 is a choice made by the user performing the printing operation.

[0085] In the case of Rule 3, the user performing the printing operation temporarily confirms the warning and then decides whether to use the image forming apparatus 600 to which the rule applies. If the user determines that the image forming apparatus 600 can be used, the user can instruct the relay server 300 not to issue a warning for the next use of the image forming apparatus 600. However, the user does not need to make such an instruction.

[0086] <Rule 4>: Basically, a warning is issued regarding the use of the image forming device 600 that is subject to the rule. However, based on a user's instruction, the warning regarding the image forming device 600 in question can be omitted, or the warning can be omitted for all image forming devices 600 managed by the same organization as the image forming device 600 in question. Furthermore, whether or not to use the image forming device 600 in question is a choice made by the user performing the printing operation.

[0087] In the case of Rule 4, the user performing the printing operation temporarily confirms the warning and then decides whether to use the image forming apparatus 600 to which the rule applies. If the user determines that the image forming apparatus 600 can be used, the user can instruct the relay server 300 not to issue a warning for the next use of the image forming apparatus 600 or not to issue a warning for the next use of all image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the same organization as the image forming apparatus 600. However, the user does not need to issue such an instruction.

[0088] <Rule 5>: Use of the image forming apparatus 600 that is the subject of the rule is permitted.

[0089] In the case of Rule 5, the user who performs printing operation can freely use the image forming apparatus 600 to which the rule applies without being notified of a warning regarding the use.

[0090] For example, an administrator of a user organization believes that image forming devices 600 managed by their organization are secure output destinations, and therefore instructs the creation of rule 5 for image forming devices 600 managed by their organization. On the other hand, the administrator believes that image forming devices 600 not managed by their organization are not necessarily secure output destinations, and therefore instructs the creation of any one of rules 1 to 4 for these image forming devices 600. In this case, the administrator considers the security level of each image forming device 600 and decides whether or not to create any of rules 1 to 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the settings management unit 333 manages instructions regarding the application of rules from the user performing the printing operation, along with the user's identification information and the identification information of the target image forming apparatus 600. For example, the settings management unit 333 manages the instructions regarding the notification of a warning together with the identification information of the user and the image forming apparatus 600. Furthermore, if the user receiving the warning has an instruction to always prohibit use, the settings management unit 333 may manage this instruction in a corresponding manner with the identification information of the user and the image forming apparatus 600. The settings management unit 333 associates the received instructions with the identification information of the user and the image forming apparatus 600 as setting information related to the use of the image forming apparatus 600, and stores them in the storage unit 310. Furthermore, if the instructions are for all image forming apparatuses 600 belonging to a specific user organization, the settings management unit 333 may associate the instructions with the identification information of the organization and store them in the storage unit 310.

[0092] The device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of the image forming device 600 included in the code image C marked on the image forming device 600. More specifically, the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of the image forming device 600 included in the code image C read by the second terminal device 500 from the second terminal device 500.

[0093] The capability information control unit 336 obtains the capability information of the image forming device 600 selected as the output destination by the second terminal device 500 from the second print service system 200. More specifically, the capability information control unit 336 obtains the capability information of the image forming device 600 selected by the second terminal device 500 and the default print settings, which are the initial print setting information corresponding to the capability information, from the second print service system 200. The capability information control unit 336 then transmits the obtained capability information to the second terminal device 500. More specifically, the capability information control unit 336 transmits the default print settings along with the obtained capability information to the second terminal device 500.

[0094] The print control unit 335 performs control processing for executing printing by the image forming device 600, which is a printer registered in the second print service system 200. In other words, the print control unit 335 performs control processing for executing printing by the image forming device 600 associated with the virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100. In this case, the print control unit 335 associates the code virtual printer with the image forming device 600 based on the identification information of the image forming device 600 contained in the code image C. The print control unit 335 performs processes such as obtaining information required for printing from the first print service system 100, transmitting a print request to the second print service system 200 based on this information, and notifying the first print service system 100 of the job status.

[0095] In particular, in this embodiment, the print control unit 335 performs the following processing. Using the authentication completion information obtained by the authentication control unit 331, the print control unit 335 obtains a print job for the user from the first print service system 100 and sends a request to the second print service system 200 for the image forming device 600 to print the print job. Therefore, if the authentication completion information cannot be obtained, the print control unit 335 does not obtain the print job for the user from the first print service system 100. Therefore, in such cases, printing is not performed. In this way, in this embodiment, authenticated printing using authentication performed by the first print service system 100 is implemented when printing on the image forming device 600 connected to the second print service system 200. Consequently, improper use of the system can be suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, when the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of the image forming device 600 included in the code image C, the print control unit 335 acquires from the first print service system 100 a print job that specifies the use of a code-use virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100. More specifically, the print control unit 335 acquires, among such print jobs, a print job corresponding to the user who performed the print operation. The print control unit 335 then sends a request to the second print service system 200 to execute printing of the print job using the image forming device 600 identified by the identification information acquired by the device identification information acquisition unit 334. Therefore, in this embodiment, even in a printing system where different systems providing print services collaborate, a user can specify the image forming device 600 to be used for printing using the code image C attached to the image forming device 600.

[0097] Furthermore, the print control unit 335 refers to rules related to the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the identification information obtained by the device identification information acquisition unit 334, and to rules applied to the user performing the printing operation (the user corresponding to the print job to be processed). Specifically, the print control unit 335 refers to the setting information stored in the storage unit 310. Then, in accordance with the referenced rules, the print control unit 335 executes processing to control the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the identification information by the user. Thus, even when various users use the printing system 10, the use of the image forming device 600 can be controlled according to rules appropriate to each user.

[0098] The process of controlling user access includes prohibiting the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the identification information obtained by the device identification information acquisition unit 334. In this case, the print control unit 335 may send a notification to the second terminal device 500 indicating that access to the image forming device 600 has been prohibited. Furthermore, the process of controlling user access includes sending a notification to the second terminal device 500 warning against the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the identification information obtained by the device identification information acquisition unit 334. The print control unit 335 executes these processes according to the settings information stored in the storage unit 310, that is, the rules generated by the settings management unit 333.

[0099] For example, the following processing is performed based on the aforementioned rules 1 to 5. For example, when the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of the image forming device 600 for which rule 1 is set, the print control unit 335 transmits a notification to the second terminal device 500 indicating that use of the image forming device 600 has been prohibited.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, if the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of an image forming device 600 for which any of rules 2 to 4 is set, the print control unit 335 transmits a notification to the second terminal device 500 warning against the use of the image forming device 600. In response, the user's instruction to select whether to use the image forming device 600 is transmitted to the relay server 300 via the second terminal device 500. Furthermore, a user who has received a warning regarding an image forming device 600 to which rule 3 applies can also instruct to omit subsequent warnings regarding the image forming device 600. Similarly, a user who has received a warning regarding an image forming device 600 to which rule 4 applies can also instruct to omit subsequent warnings regarding all image forming devices 600 belonging to the same organization as the image forming device 600.

[0101] Furthermore, a user who has received a warning regarding an image forming apparatus 600 to which any of Rules 2 to 4 applies can select either an instruction to continue refusing use or an instruction to temporarily refusing use as an instruction to refuse use of the image forming apparatus 600 that is the subject of the warning. Furthermore, an instruction to temporarily refusing use indicates that use is not permitted only this time. Furthermore, an instruction to continue refusing use indicates that use is not permitted not only this time but also from the next time onwards. An instruction to continue refusing use can be either an instruction to continue refusing use of the image forming apparatus 600 that is the subject of the warning or an instruction to continue refusing use of all image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the same organization as the image forming apparatus 600 that is the subject of the warning.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, when the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of the image forming apparatus 600 for which rule 5 is set, the print control unit 335 permits the use of the image forming apparatus 600 without issuing a warning.

[0103] In this manner, in this embodiment, the print control unit 335 restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 600 according to predetermined rules. This prevents the image forming apparatus 600, whose security may not be fully verified, from being used without the user's knowledge.

[0104] For example, in a printing system that allows for designated output destinations using code image C, if a malicious person, for example, affixes code image C, which is already attached to image forming device 600_2, to image forming device 600_1, printed materials could be stolen. A user who has read code image C of image forming device 600_1 using second terminal device 500 would wait for the printed material to be output from image forming device 600_1. However, since code image C, which contains identification information of image forming device 600_2, is actually being read, the printed material is output from image forming device 600_2. In this case, a malicious person could obtain the printed material output from image forming device 600_2. However, in this embodiment, as described above, by setting any of rules 1 to 4 for image forming devices 600 whose security has not been fully verified, this risk can be reduced. This is because, when the print control unit 335 obtains the identification information of such an image forming device 600 through the device identification information acquisition unit 334, it can issue a warning regarding the use of the image forming device 600 or prohibit the use of the image forming device 600. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user can more safely use the code image C affixed to the image forming device 600 to specify the image forming device 600 to be used for printing.

[0105] Furthermore, the issued warning preferably includes information indicating the organization that manages the image forming device 600 that is the subject of the warning. Hereinafter, the organization that manages the image forming device 600 will be referred to as the "device organization." This allows the user to determine whether to use the image forming device 600 based on whether the image forming device 600 is managed by a trustworthy organization. In other words, the user can assess the security of the image forming device 600 based on the organization that manages the image forming device 600. Furthermore, the issued warning preferably includes information indicating the device organization, such as the device organization's domain name, that verifies that the organization's existence is recognized by a public institution. Furthermore, the issued warning may also include information indicating the legitimate location of the image forming device 600. This information is not limited to this; the print control unit 335 can include any desired information in the issued warning. For example, the issued warning may also include information indicating whether this is the user's first use of the image forming device 600.

[0106] Furthermore, when the print control unit 335 receives a print abort instruction from the second terminal device 500, it sends a print abort request to the second print service system 200. The print control unit 335 then obtains information from the second print service system 200 indicating whether the print abort was successful, and notifies the second terminal device 500 of this information. This allows the user to confirm whether the print abort was successful. This provides the following security advantages. There are two possible reasons why a printed material may not be immediately output from the image forming device 600 that the user envisions as the output destination. The first is when the execution of the print process takes time, and the second is when the printed material has already been output from another image forming device 600. In the second case, an image forming device 600 different from the one in front of the user may have already output the printed material without the user noticing, and the printed material may be stolen. In this embodiment, when the user instructs to abort printing, for example, in situations where the printed material has not yet been output from the image forming device 600 in front of the user, the second terminal device 500 is notified of whether the abort was successful. In the second case described above, since the printed material has already been output, a notification indicating a failed abort is given. Therefore, the user can be aware of the second case. Thus, this process provides a security advantage. Furthermore, the print control unit 335 may also notify the number of print jobs for which abort printing was successful or failed.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, when a user indicates the application of a rule, the print control unit 335 executes processing to control the use of the image forming device 600 by the user in accordance with the rule and the instruction. For example, the print control unit 335 obtains an instruction from the second terminal device 500 regarding whether the image forming device 600 that is the target of a warning should also output a warning the next time. This instruction is managed as setting information by the setting management unit 333. Based on this instruction, the print control unit 335 determines whether to output a warning the next time the user uses the image forming device 600. Specifically, when processing a print job corresponding to the user, after obtaining the identification information of the image forming device 600, the print control unit 335 determines whether to issue a warning in accordance with the user's instruction. For example, if an instruction to omit warning notification is given for an image forming device 600 for which rule 3 or 4 is set, the print control unit 335 allows the use of the image forming device 600 without issuing a warning. According to such a configuration, since the user can avoid receiving a warning every time, user convenience is improved.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, the print control unit 335 receives an instruction to continue denying access or an instruction to temporarily deny access from the second terminal device 500 as an instruction to deny access to the image forming device 600 that is the subject of the warning. The instruction to continue denying access, i.e., an instruction to permanently prohibit access, is managed as setting information by the setting management unit 333. If the instruction to continue denying access is received, i.e., if such an instruction is managed as setting information, the print control unit 335 also prohibits the user from using the image forming device 600 from the next time onwards. This configuration allows the user to reliably prevent future use of the image forming device 600 that the user does not wish to use, thereby improving user convenience.

[0109] Furthermore, as described above, the instruction to omit a warning may also be an instruction to refrain from issuing future warnings for all image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the same organization as the image forming apparatus 600 that was the subject of the warning. In this case, if the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of any one of those image forming apparatuses 600, the print control unit 335 omits the warning for that image forming apparatus 600 and permits its use, regardless of the set rules. Furthermore, as described above, the instruction to continue denying use may also be an instruction to continue denying the use of all image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the same organization as the image forming apparatus 600 that was the subject of the warning. In this case, if the device identification information acquisition unit 334 acquires the identification information of any one of those image forming apparatuses 600, the print control unit 335 prohibits the use of that image forming apparatus 600 from the next time onward. In this manner, the print control unit 335 can also obtain an instruction to deny use of all image forming apparatuses 600 belonging to a specific organization or an instruction to output a warning for all image forming apparatuses 600 belonging to a specific organization, and apply the instruction to all image forming apparatuses 600 belonging to the organization when processing a print job corresponding to the user who issued the instruction. This allows the user to make unified settings for the image forming apparatuses 600 managed by the specific organization, thereby improving user convenience.

[0110] Furthermore, the print control unit 335 receives print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second terminal device 500. The print control unit 335 then requests the second print service system 200 to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information by the image forming device 600 selected using the second terminal device 500. This allows the user to change the detailed print settings specific to the image forming device 600 as needed when instructing the image forming device 600 selected using the second terminal device 500 to print the print data. The print setting information corresponding to the capability information means that the various functions of the image forming device 600 indicated by the capability information correspond to the multiple print setting items indicated by the print setting information.

[0111] The print control unit 335 also receives print data from the first print service system 100. The print control unit 335 processes the print data based on the print settings information. The print control unit 335 then transmits the processed print data to the second print service system 200. This allows the print control unit 335 to process the print data according to the print settings information on the relay server 300.

[0112] As described above, instead of the print control unit 335 receiving print data from the first print service system 100, processing the print data, and sending it to the second print service system 200, the print control unit 335 may send the second print service system 200 a print data URL, which is the access destination for the second print service system 200 to obtain print data from the first print service system 100. This allows the print control unit 335 to omit receiving print data from the first print service system 100 if processing of the print data according to the print settings information is not necessary, or if processing of the print data according to the print settings information can be performed even in the second print service system 200 or the image forming device 600.

[0113] Furthermore, the print control unit 335 transmits the print setting information to the second print service system 200. Thus, the second print service system 200 can instruct the image forming apparatus 600 to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information.

[0114] Furthermore, the capability information control unit 336 obtains the capability information of the image forming device 600 selected by the second terminal device 500, as well as the default print settings, which are initial print setting information corresponding to the capability information, from the second print service system 200. The capability information control unit 336 then transmits the default print settings along with the capability information to the second terminal device 500. This allows the user U to implement print settings for the image forming device 600 by partially modifying the default print settings as needed, rather than having to configure each print setting item for the image forming device 600 from scratch. This facilitates the implementation of print settings for the image forming device 600.

[0115] Furthermore, the print setting information received by the print control unit 335 from the second terminal device 500 indicates whether the print settings entered or changed using the second terminal device 500 are to be used, or whether the print settings are to be used without changing from the default print settings. Thus, if the user U determines that the default print settings are not suitable for printing the print data, the user can simply enter or change the print settings of the image forming apparatus 600 for each item individually. If the user U determines that the default print settings are suitable for printing the print data, the print settings can be used without changing from the default print settings.

[0116] While the processing of the print control unit 335 has been described above, further specific processing of the print control unit 335 in the embodiment will be described using a sequence diagram described later. Next, the configuration of the first terminal device 400 will be described.

[0117] Figure 5 , which is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the first terminal device 400. Figure 5 As shown, the first terminal device 400 includes a storage unit 410 , a display unit 420 , an input unit 430 , a communication unit 440 , and a control unit 450 .

[0118] The storage unit 410 stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 450 and data used in the processing of the first terminal device 400. This storage device may be a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and may also include memory such as RAM. The display unit 420 displays information and may be, for example, a flat-panel display. The input unit 430 receives user input and may be, for example, a keyboard or mouse. Alternatively, the display unit 420 and input unit 430 may be integrated using a touch panel or other device. The communication unit 440 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing service system 100 and the relay server 300 via a wireless or wired network. The control unit 450 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various components of the first terminal device 400. The control unit 450 may include multiple processors. The control unit 450 reads programs from the memory and executes them. Thus, the control unit 450 realizes the functions of the web browser 451 , the print request unit 452 , and the status output unit 453 .

[0119] The web browser 451 is a well-known web browser. In this embodiment, it performs processing such as displaying a web page provided by the first print service system 100 or the relay server 300 on the display unit 420 and transmitting input information for the web page. The specific processing of the web browser 451 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram described below.

[0120] The print request unit 452 performs printing request processing based on user operations. In this embodiment, the print request unit 452 specifically requests printing from the first print service system 100. The specific processing of the print request unit 452 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram described below.

[0121] The status output unit 453 obtains the job status (described later) via the first printing service system 100 and performs processing to output the job status. While in this embodiment, the status output unit 453 outputs the job status to the display unit 420, this does not necessarily require display-based output. For example, the status output unit 453 may output the job status via voice or other means. Alternatively, the status output unit 453 may be provided as a function of the web browser 451 in the first terminal device 400. The specific processing of the status output unit 453 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described later.

[0122] Figure 6 , which is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the second terminal device 500. Figure 5As shown, the second terminal device 500 includes a storage unit 510 , a display unit 520 , an input unit 530 , a communication unit 540 , a reading unit 550 , and a control unit 560 .

[0123] The storage unit 510 is a storage device that stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 560 and data used in the processing of the second terminal device 500. This storage device may be, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, or may include a memory such as RAM. The display unit 520 is a device for displaying information and may be, for example, a flat-panel display. The input unit 530 is a device for receiving user input and may be, for example, a keyboard or mouse. As mentioned above, since the second terminal device 500 is preferably a mobile terminal, the display unit 520 and input unit 530 are preferably integrally formed with a touch panel or the like. The communication unit 540 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing service system 100 and the relay server 300 via a wireless or wired network. The reading unit 550 is a device for reading the code image C marked on the image forming device 600 and may specifically be, for example, a camera. The control unit 560 is a processor, such as a CPU, that controls the various components of the second terminal device 500. The control unit 560 may also include multiple processors. The control unit 560 reads the program into the memory and executes the program. Thus, the control unit 560 realizes the functions of the web browser 561, the identification information sending unit 562, the instruction sending unit 563, and the status output unit 564.

[0124] The web browser 561 is a well-known web browser. In this embodiment, it performs processes such as displaying a web page provided by the first print service system 100 or the relay server 300 on the display unit 520 and transmitting input information for the web page. Specifically, in this embodiment, the web browser 561 functions as an identification information transmitter 562. This transmitter transmits the identification information of the image forming device 600 contained in the code image C read by the reader 550 to the relay server 300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the web browser 561 functions as an instruction transmitter 563. This transmitter transmits user instructions input via the input unit 530 to the relay server 300. Specifically, this transmitter transmits instructions such as selecting whether to use the image forming device 600 warned by the relay server 300, instructions regarding the application of the aforementioned rules, instructions to execute printing, and instructions to suspend printing. The specific processes of the web browser 561 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagrams described below.

[0125] The status output unit 564 obtains the job status, described below, via the first printing service system 100 and performs processing to output the job status. While in this embodiment, the status output unit 564 outputs the job status to the display unit 520, this does not necessarily require display-based output. For example, the status output unit 564 may output the job status via voice or other means. The specific processing of the status output unit 564 in this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagram described below.

[0126] In addition, although Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, the identification information transmitting unit 562 and the instruction transmitting unit 563 are described as functions of the web browser 561. However, the identification information transmitting unit 562 and the instruction transmitting unit 563 do not necessarily need to be provided as functions of the web browser 561. In other words, they may exist in the second terminal device 500 as functions independent of the web browser 561. Furthermore, the status output unit 564 may also be provided in the second terminal device 500 as a function of the web browser 561. Furthermore, the control unit 560 of the second terminal device 500 may also have the same functions as the print request unit 452 of the first terminal device 400.

[0127] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the image forming apparatus 600. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus 600 includes a storage unit 610 , a communication unit 620 , a printing unit 630 , and a control unit 640 .

[0128] The storage unit 610 stores programs for implementing the processing of the control unit 640 and data used in the processing of the image forming apparatus 600. This storage device may be, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, or may include a memory such as RAM. The communication unit 620 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices such as the second printing service system 200 via a wireless network or a wired network. The control unit 640 is a processor such as a CPU that controls the various components of the image forming apparatus 600. The control unit 640 may also include multiple processors. The control unit 640 reads programs into the memory and executes them. Thus, the control unit 640 implements the functions of the print processing unit 641.

[0129] The print processing unit 641 performs processing for executing printing by the print unit 630. The print processing unit 641 also notifies the job status of the print job to the second print service system 200. Specific processing of the print processing unit 641 in this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram described later.

[0130] The printing unit 630 has a printing function for forming an image on a print medium such as paper. The printing unit 630 includes a print engine. A print engine is a mechanical structure that uses color materials to print an image on a print medium. For example, the print engine may include a mechanism that uses inkjet printing. Alternatively, the print engine may include a mechanism that uses toner printing using an electrophotographic method. Furthermore, the print engine may include a transport mechanism that transports the print medium.

[0131] In addition, the image forming apparatus 600 may also include a user interface such as a touch panel display. In this embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus 600 includes a printing unit 630 and has a function as a printer. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 600 is also called a printer.

[0132] Next, the flow of processing in the printing system 10 will be described using a sequence diagram.

[0133] First, the flow of processing for registering a code virtual printer in the first printing service system 100 to enable specification of an output destination by reading a code image C will be described. Specifically, the flow of processing for registering a dedicated virtual printer for executing a print job that specifies an output destination based on reading a code image C in the first printing service system 100 will be described. Figures 8A to 8C This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process of registering a virtual printer for a code executed in the printing system 10. The order of processing of each step in this sequence diagram is only an example and can be changed as appropriate as long as there is no technical contradiction. Figures 8A to 8C The following describes the flow of the code virtual printer registration process.

[0134] In step S100, the administrator performs a predetermined operation to start registering the code virtual printer via the input unit 430 of the first terminal device 400. This operation causes the web browser 451 of the first terminal device 400 to input, for example, the URL of a code virtual printer registration page. Here, the code virtual printer registration page is a page prepared for registering the code virtual printer in the first printing service system 100. Following step S100, in step S101, the web browser 451 sends a request to the relay server 300 to obtain the code virtual printer registration page according to the input URL. In contrast, in step S102, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection page. In this step, the predetermined redirection page is the authentication page. Therefore, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the authentication page to the web browser 451. The authentication page is a page that requests the user to enter authentication information.

[0135] In step S103, the web browser 451 sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain an authentication page according to the received URL. In response, in step S104, the authentication control unit 131 of the first print service system 100 sends the authentication page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S105, the web browser 451 displays the authentication page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0136] In step S106, the administrator enters authentication information on the authentication page via the input unit 430. Specifically, for example, the administrator enters their user ID and password. The required authentication information is the authentication information used by the first printing service system 100, specifically, the pre-registered user ID and password. In step S107, the web browser 451 transmits the entered authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication based on the authentication information received from the web browser 451. Specifically, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator authentication information.

[0137] If the authentication process succeeds, that is, if the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator's authentication information, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues an authentication code in step S108 and further instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection destination. The predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. This redirection transfers the authentication code to the relay server 300. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL indicating the predetermined redirection destination, along with the authentication code, to the web browser 451.

[0138] In step S109, the web browser 451 sends the authentication code and accesses the predetermined redirection destination. The relay server 300 thereby obtains the authentication code. Then, in step S110, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends a request to generate an administrator access token along with the received authentication code to the first printing service system 100. An administrator access token is information that verifies legitimate administrator access, i.e., access with legitimate administrator authority. In step S111, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming that the authentication code received in step S110 matches the authentication code sent in step S108, issues an administrator access token and sends it to the relay server 300. Subsequently, in step S112, the registration unit 332 sends the code virtual printer registration page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S113, the web browser 451 displays the code virtual printer registration page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0139] In step S114, the administrator performs a predetermined operation to request registration of the code virtual printer via the input unit 430 of the first terminal device 400. More specifically, in step S114, the administrator enters information specifying a sharer on the code virtual printer registration page displayed in step S113. A sharer is a user who can use the code virtual printer. The information specifying a sharer may also be information designating users belonging to a specific group as sharers. In this case, the information specifying a sharer may be, for example, identification information for specifying a group, such as a group ID. Alternatively, instead of identification information for specifying a group, the user IDs of multiple users designated as sharers may be entered. Furthermore, the information specifying a sharer may also be information designating any user, that is, all users, as sharers.

[0140] Next, in step S115 , the web browser 451 sends a request for registering the code virtual printer in the first print service system 100 together with information specifying a sharer to the relay server 300 .

[0141] Next, in step S116, the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 determines the printer name of the code virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100. The registration unit 332 determines, for example, a predetermined printer name that allows the user to identify the printer as a code virtual printer as the printer name of the code virtual printer registered in the first print service system 100.

[0142] Next, in step S117, the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 uses the administrator access token obtained in step S111 to request the first print service system 100 to register the code virtual printer. Specifically, in step S117, the registration unit 332 sends a request to create and register the code virtual printer, along with the administrator access token, to the first print service system 100. At this time, the registration unit 332 also sends the virtual printer name determined in step S116 along with the request. In other words, the registration unit 332 requests the virtual printer name to be set along with the virtual printer registration.

[0143] In contrast, in step S118, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 confirms, through the authentication control unit 131, that the administrator access token received in step S117 is legitimate, it registers the new virtual printer in the first print service system 100. At this point, the information management unit 133 sets the virtual printer name received in step S117 as the printer name of the newly registered virtual printer. Furthermore, the information management unit 133 determines a virtual printer ID for the new virtual printer as its identification information and notifies the relay server 300 of the completion of virtual printer registration along with the virtual printer ID.

[0144] Subsequently, in steps S119 to S122, the newly registered virtual printer is configured. Specifically, in step S119, the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 sends a request to set the capability information of the newly registered virtual printer, along with the administrator access token, to the first print service system 100. At this time, the registration unit 332 also sends the virtual printer ID and capability information notified in step S118 along with this request. Capability information refers to information indicating the printer capabilities of the image forming device 600 associated with the code virtual printer, or information that specifies the functions that the image forming device 600 possesses as a printer. Capability information can include, for example, information indicating whether double-sided printing is possible or whether color printing is possible. As described above, a code virtual printer can be associated with any image forming device 600. Therefore, the registration unit 332 can send capability information indicating only the common functions of all image forming devices 600 potentially associated with the code virtual printer, or information indicating that the capabilities are unknown. In contrast, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 verifies, through the authentication control unit 131, that the administrator access token received in step S119 is legitimate, it then sets up the virtual printer specified by the received virtual printer ID. Specifically, the information management unit 133 sets the received capability information as the capability information of the code virtual printer specified by the received virtual printer ID. This sets the capability information of the created code virtual printer.

[0145] In steps S120, S121, and S122, the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 performs settings related to the shared use of the newly registered virtual printer. Specifically, in steps S120, S121, and S122, access rights are set for the code virtual printer. Since these settings are being made to use the code virtual printer as a shared printer, the following specific processing is performed. A shared printer is a printer designed to be used by multiple users. In other words, a shared printer is a printer shared by multiple users. If the shared printer designated as the code virtual printer is shared by any user, that is, if the relay server 300 receives information designating any user as a sharer in step S115, the registration unit 332 performs the processing of step S120, described below. In addition, when the shared printer set as a virtual printer for code is shared by users belonging to a specific group, that is, when the relay server 300 receives information specifying a user belonging to a specific group as a sharer in step S115, the registration unit 332 performs the processing of steps S121 and S122 described below.

[0146] When the relay server 300 receives information designating any user as a sharer, the registration unit 332 performs processing to create shared information in step S120. However, as mentioned above, since the code virtual printer must be usable by any user, shared information is created to allow sharing with any user. More specifically, in step S120, the registration unit 332 sends a request to set shared information for the newly registered code virtual printer, along with the administrator access token, to the first print service system 100. This request also includes the virtual printer ID notified in step S118 and an instruction to allow sharing with any user. In the sequence diagram, the statement that "Yes" is set to the value of the flag indicating sharing with all users ("Share with all users = Yes") indicates that sharing with all users is permitted. Furthermore, the registration unit 332 may also send a shared name identifying the newly created shared information to the first print service system 100. For example, the virtual printer name determined in step S116 can be used as the shared name. Alternatively, the transmission of the shared name can be omitted. In contrast, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 verifies, via the authentication control unit 131, that the administrator access token received in step S120 is legitimate, it then creates shared information for the virtual printer specified by the virtual printer ID based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 creates shared information indicating that sharing with any user is permitted.

[0147] When the relay server 300 receives information designating a user belonging to a specific group as a sharer, the registration unit 332 first creates shared information in step S121. However, since users other than those belonging to the specific group must not use the code-based virtual printer, shared information is created to disallow sharing with any user. More specifically, in step S121, the registration unit 332 sends a request to set shared information for the newly registered virtual printer, along with the administrator access token, to the first print service system 100. This request also includes the virtual printer ID notified in step S118 and an instruction to disallow sharing with any user. In the sequence diagram, the setting of "No" to the flag indicating sharing with all users ("Share with all = No") indicates that sharing with all users is disallowed. Furthermore, the registration unit 332 may also send a shared name identifying the newly created shared information to the first print service system 100. For example, the virtual printer name determined in step S116 can be used as such a shared name. Alternatively, the transmission of the shared name can be omitted. In contrast, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 verifies, via the authentication control unit 131, that the administrator access token received in step S121 is legitimate, it then creates shared information for the virtual printer specifically specified by the virtual printer ID based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 creates shared information indicating that sharing with any user is not permitted.

[0148] In step S122, the registration unit 332 performs processing to modify the shared information in such a manner that only users belonging to a specific group can use the printer of the registration object. Specifically, in step S122, the registration unit 332 sends a request to modify the shared information to allow the use of the virtual printer implemented by users belonging to a specific group together with the administrator access token to the first printing service system 100. At this time, as information for specifically specifying the users who are allowed to share, the registration unit 332 sends, for example, the group ID obtained in step S115. In contrast, if the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100 confirms that the administrator access token received in step S122 is legitimate through the authentication control unit 131, the shared information is updated based on the received information. Specifically, the information management unit 133 updates the shared information in such a manner that the users specifically specified by the received group ID are allowed to use it. In addition, although in Figure 8C In the sequence diagram shown, the setting of the shared information is performed across two steps, step S121 and step S122 , but these processes may be performed in one step.

[0149] After step S120 or step S122 , in step S123 , the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 stores the virtual printer ID of the virtual printer registered as the code virtual printer in a database such as the storage unit 310 .

[0150] In step S124, the web browser 451 inquires the relay server 300 about whether the registration process for the code virtual printer has been completed. In response, in step S125, the registration unit 332 of the relay server 300 sends a page indicating that registration has been completed, i.e., a registration completion page, to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S126, the web browser 45 displays the registration completion page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400. While the sequence diagram shown here shows the step of inquiring about the completion of the code virtual printer registration process after step S123, it may also be performed periodically before step S123. In this case, the registration unit 332 may also send a page indicating that registration is not yet complete to the web browser 451.

[0151] Next, the flow of the above-described rule setting process related to the use of image forming apparatus 600 will be described. Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process of setting the rules related to the use of the image forming apparatus 600. In addition, the order of processing of each step in this sequence diagram is only an example and can be changed as appropriate as long as there is no technical contradiction. Figure 9 The flow of rule setting processing will be described.

[0152] In step S200, the administrator performs a predetermined operation for starting the rule setting process via the input unit 430 of the first terminal device 400. Thus, for example, the URL of a rule setting page is input to the web browser 451 of the first terminal device 400. Here, the rule setting page is a page prepared for setting rules related to the use of the image forming device 600. After step S200, in step S201, the web browser 451 sends a request to obtain the rule setting page to the relay server 300 according to the input URL. In contrast, in step S202, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection page. In this step, the predetermined redirection page is an authentication page. Therefore, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the authentication page to the web browser 451.

[0153] In step S203, the web browser 451 sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain an authentication page according to the received URL. In response, in step S204, the authentication control unit 131 of the first print service system 100 sends the authentication page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S205, the web browser 451 displays the authentication page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0154] In step S206, the administrator enters authentication information via the input unit 430 on the authentication page. Specifically, for example, the administrator enters their user ID and password. The required authentication information is the authentication information used by the first printing service system 100, specifically, a pre-registered user ID and password. In step S207, the web browser 451 transmits the input authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication based on the authentication information received from the web browser 451. Specifically, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator authentication information.

[0155] If the authentication process succeeds, that is, if the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator's authentication information, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues an authentication code in step S208 and further instructs the web browser 451 to access a predetermined redirection destination. The predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. This redirection transfers the authentication code to the relay server 300. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL indicating the predetermined redirection destination, along with the authentication code, to the web browser 451.

[0156] In step S209, the web browser 451 accesses the predetermined redirection destination along with the authentication code. The relay server 300 thereby obtains the authentication code. Then, in step S210, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 transmits a request for the generation of an administrator access token along with the received authentication code to the first printing service system 100. In step S211, after confirming that the authentication code received in step S210 matches the authentication code sent in step S208, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues an administrator access token and transmits it to the relay server 300.

[0157] Next, in step S212, the settings management unit 333 of the relay server 300 sends a request to obtain the administrator's organization ID, along with the administrator access token obtained in step S211, to the first printing service system 100. The administrator's organization ID refers to the identification information of the user organization to which the administrator belongs, or in other words, the identification information of the user organization managed by the administrator. As described above, in this embodiment, rules are generated that apply when any user belonging to the user organization to which the administrator who instructs the creation of the rules belongs uses the image forming device 600. Therefore, it is necessary to associate the generated rules with the organization ID. Therefore, in this step, the settings management unit 333 sends a request to obtain the organization ID.

[0158] In contrast, in step S213, if the information management unit 133 of the first printing service system 100 confirms, through the authentication control unit 131, that the administrator access token received in step S212 is legitimate, it transmits the administrator's organization ID to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 133 transmits the organization ID to the relay server 300. As a result, the settings management unit 333 of the relay server 300 obtains the administrator's organization ID. Subsequently, in step S214, the settings management unit 333 transmits the rule settings page to the web browser 451. Consequently, in step S215, the web browser 451 displays the rule settings page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0159] The rule setting page is, for example, a page that provides a user interface for setting rules related to the use of the image forming device 600. The administrator can set the desired rules for each image forming device 600. In addition, as described above, the administrator can also use the rule setting page to set rules for the use of the image forming device 600 on a device organization basis. The set rules can be rules regarding whether to allow the use of the image forming device 600 or rules regarding whether to issue a warning when the image forming device 600 is used. Specifically, the administrator can set any one of the above-mentioned rules 1 to 5 for each image forming device 600. In step S216, the administrator inputs the rule settings on the rule setting page via the input unit 430 and presses the decision button displayed on the rule setting page. In step S217, the web browser 451 sends the input rule setting information to the relay server 300 and requests the relay server 300 to set the rules. In contrast, in step S218 , the setting management unit 333 of the relay server 300 generates a rule according to the setting information, associates the rule with the organization ID acquired in step S213 , and stores the rule in the storage unit 310 .

[0160] Then, in step S219, the configuration management unit 333 sends a rule configuration completion page to the web browser 451. The rule configuration completion page is a page notifying that the rules have been properly stored in the relay server 300. Consequently, in step S220, the web browser 451 displays the rule configuration completion page on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0161] Next, the flow of processing for receiving data to be printed will be described in the printing system 10. Hereinafter, data to be printed will be referred to as print data. Figure 10 , which is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow for the printing system 10 to receive print data. Figure 10 The processing flow is described below.

[0162] In step S300, a general user belonging to the user organization performs a predetermined operation for printing print data via the input unit 430 of the first terminal device 400. Specifically, for example, the general user performs an operation to specify a virtual printer to be used for printing, print data, and print settings. In this embodiment, since the user specifies the image forming device 600 to be used for printing using a code image C attached to the image forming device 600, in this step the user specifies the code virtual printer as the virtual printer to be used for printing. The print settings specified in step S300 are settings set in the printer for printing. For example, print settings may specify the paper size to be used, whether to perform color printing, or whether to perform duplex printing, but are not limited to these. During the stage of specifying the print settings in step S300, the image forming device 600 actually used for printing among the multiple image forming devices 600 connected to the second print service system 200 has not yet been determined. Therefore, the print settings designated in step S300 are limited to the print settings common to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 600 connected to the second print service system 200 .

[0163] During the operation of step S300, in step S301, the print request unit 452 of the first terminal device 400 requests printing from the first print service system 100. At this point, the print request unit 452 sends the user ID of the user who instructed printing in step S300, the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer, the specified print settings, and the specified print data to the first print service system 100. The first print service system 100 then receives this information. Furthermore, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 only accepts print requests using the code virtual printer from users who are sharers of the code virtual printer and does not accept requests from other users.

[0164] Next, in step S302, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 generates a print job based on the information received in step S301 and notifies the first terminal device 400 of the job ID, which is the identification information of the print job. The generated print job remains stored in the first print service system 100 until the user instructs printing after using the code image C and selecting the image forming device 600 as the output destination. At this point, the print job is stored in the first print service system 100 in a state associated with the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer and the user ID.

[0165] Next, a description will be given of the flow of a printing process when printing is performed using the image forming apparatus 600 identified by the code image C read by the user using the second terminal device 500 . Figures 11A to 11I This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing executed in the printing system 10. In addition, the order of processing of each step in this sequence diagram is only an example and can be appropriately changed as long as there is no technical contradiction. Figures 11A to 11I To illustrate the process of printing processing. Figure 11C as well as Figure 11D There are mixed steps in the 400 segment, the 500 segment, and the 600 segment, but these step numbers are only used for the convenience of explanation and do not specifically indicate the execution order of the processing.

[0166] carried out Figure 10The general user who has performed the operation of step S300 moves to the image forming device 600 from which the user wishes to obtain printed material. Then, in step S400, the general user uses the reading unit 550 of the second terminal device 500 to read the code image C attached to the image forming device 600 from which the user wishes to obtain printed material. The code image C includes device identification information, which is identification information for the image forming device 600, and a URL for accessing the relay server 300.

[0167] Following step S400, in step S401, the web browser 561 transmits a request to the relay server 300 to obtain a print instruction page according to the URL obtained from the code image C. Here, the print instruction page is a page prepared for the user to instruct the relay server 300 to execute printing. At this time, the web browser 561 transmits the device identification information contained in the code image C read by the reading unit 550, along with the request to obtain the print instruction page, to the relay server 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the identification information transmitting unit 562 implemented as the web browser 561 transmits the device identification information to the relay server 300. As a result, the device identification information obtaining unit 334 of the relay server 300 obtains the device identification information that specifies the image forming device 600 used for printing.

[0168] In this embodiment, as described above, authenticated printing is performed in the printing system 10. Therefore, in steps S402 through S411, user authentication is performed using the authentication function of the first printing service system 100. If authentication of the first printing service system 100 has already successfully completed for the user who performed step S400, the processing from steps S402 through S411 may be omitted.

[0169] In step S402, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 instructs the web browser 561 to access a predetermined redirection page. In this step, the predetermined redirection page is an authentication page. Therefore, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 sends the URL of the authentication page to the web browser 561 of the second terminal device 500. As can be seen from steps S401 and S402, the authentication control unit 331 notifies the second terminal device 500 of the access destination for transmitting authentication information to the first printing service system 100 based on the access from the second terminal device 500 based on the code image C read by the second terminal device 500. This allows the second terminal device 500 to automatically obtain the access destination for authentication.

[0170] In step S403, the web browser 561 of the second terminal device 500 sends a request to the first printing service system 100 to obtain an authentication page according to the received URL. In response, in step S404, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the authentication page to the web browser 561. Consequently, in step S405, the web browser 561 displays the authentication page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500.

[0171] In step S406, the user who performed step S400 enters authentication information via the input unit 530 on the authentication page. Specifically, for example, the user enters their user ID and password. The required authentication information is the authentication information used by the first printing service system 100, specifically, a pre-registered user ID and password. In step S407, the web browser 561 transmits the entered authentication information to the first printing service system 100. The authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 performs authentication based on the authentication information received from the web browser 561 of the second terminal device 500. Specifically, the authentication control unit 131 determines whether the received authentication information matches the pre-registered administrator's authentication information.

[0172] If the authentication process succeeds, that is, if the received authentication information matches the pre-registered user's authentication information, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 issues an authentication code in step S408 and further instructs the web browser 561 to access a predetermined redirection destination. This predetermined redirection destination is the relay server 300. This redirection transfers the authentication code to the relay server 300. Therefore, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100 sends the URL indicating the predetermined redirection destination, along with the authentication code, to the web browser 561 of the second terminal device 500.

[0173] In step S409, the web browser 561 of the second terminal device 500 accesses the predetermined redirection destination along with the authentication code. The relay server 300 thereby obtains the authentication code. Then, in step S410, the authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 transmits a request for the generation of an access token along with the received authentication code to the first printing service system 100. The access token is information that verifies legitimate access by the user of the first printing service system 100, i.e., access with the user's legitimate authority, and serves as authentication completion information. In other words, the access token indicates that the authentication of the user's authentication information by the first printing service system 100 has been completed. In step S411, the authentication control unit 131 of the first printing service system 100, after confirming that the authentication code received in step S410 matches the authentication code sent in step S408, issues an access token and transmits it to the relay server 300. The authentication control unit 331 of the relay server 300 thereby obtains the access token, i.e., authentication completion information. If the relay server 300 does not receive the authentication completion information, it does not perform subsequent processing and ends the processing.

[0174] Next, in step S412, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 transmits a request to obtain the user ID of the user who performed the operation in step S400, along with the access token obtained in step S411, to the first print service system 100. In contrast, in step S413, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 confirms, via the authentication control unit 131, that the access token received in step S412 is legitimate, it transmits the user ID to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 133 transmits the user ID managed by the first print service system 100 to the relay server 300. This allows the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 to obtain the user ID of the user who performed the operation in step S400.

[0175] Next, in step S414, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain the organization ID of the user who performed the operation in step S400, along with the access token obtained in step S411. The user's organization ID refers to identification information for the user organization to which the user belongs. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, rules are set for each user organization. Therefore, obtaining the user's organization ID is necessary to specify the rules that apply to the user. In contrast, in step S415, if the information management unit 133 of the first print service system 100 confirms, through the authentication control unit 131, that the access token received in step S414 is legitimate, the user's organization ID is transmitted to the relay server 300. Specifically, the information management unit 133 transmits the organization ID to the relay server 300. This allows the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 to obtain the user's organization ID. In this way, the print control unit 335 obtains the organizational information (organization ID) of the user's organization from the first print service system 100 and determines the rules applicable to the user based on this information. Therefore, even when various organizations utilize the printing system 10, the rules can be appropriately applied. Furthermore, the print control unit 335 uses an access token, equivalent to authentication completion information, to obtain the user's organization information (organization ID) from the first print service system 100. Therefore, if user authentication is not completed properly, the print control unit 335 aborts the process. This prevents improper use of the system.

[0176] Next, in step S416, the print control unit 335 reads pre-stored rules. Specifically, the print control unit 335 reads the rule associated with the organization ID obtained in step S415 from among the rules stored in the storage unit 310. Furthermore, in step S417, if instructions regarding rule application are stored, the print control unit 335 reads those instructions. Specifically, the print control unit 335 reads the instruction associated with the user ID obtained in step S413 from among the instructions stored in the storage unit 310. If no instruction associated with the user ID obtained in step S413 is stored, the instruction is not read in this step.

[0177] Then, in step S418, the print control unit 335 refers to the read rules and instructions and, based on this information, makes a determination regarding the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401. If the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is a printer permitted for use without a warning, the print control unit 335 associates the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 with a code virtual printer and immediately executes the processes from step S426 onward. In contrast, if the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is a printer requiring a warning notification, the processes from steps S419 to S423 are executed. Furthermore, if the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is a printer prohibited for use, the processes from steps S424 to S425 are executed.

[0178] First, the processing flow for the case where the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is a printer requiring a warning notification will be described. In step S419, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a warning page to the web browser 561. Consequently, in step S420, the web browser 561 displays an authentication page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500. The warning page warns against the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401. Therefore, in the sequence diagram shown here, a rule-based warning notification is issued in step S419. Alternatively, the warning page may provide a user interface for inputting instructions regarding the warning. For example, the warning page may include a button indicating whether to use or deny the image forming device 600. Furthermore, for example, the warning page may include a button for selecting whether to deny use only this time or for subsequent uses. Furthermore, for example, a button may be provided on the warning page to indicate that future warnings regarding the use of the image forming device 600 should be omitted. Furthermore, a button may be provided to select all image forming devices 600 managed by a specific organization as targets for denial of use or omission of warnings. Since omission of warnings is only possible when a rule enabling omission of warnings is set for the image forming device 600, the print control unit 335 creates a warning page corresponding to the rule referenced in step S416 and transmits it to the second terminal device 500.

[0179] In step S421, after confirming the warning page, the user enters an instruction regarding the use of image forming device 600. The user at least enters an instruction regarding whether to use or deny the use of image forming device 600 that is the subject of the warning. Furthermore, the user may enter an instruction regarding the application of the rule, such as an instruction to omit the warning, as needed. For example, the user enters an instruction by operating a button on the warning page, but other methods may also be used.

[0180] Next, in step S422, the web browser 561 transmits the user's instruction input in step S421 to the relay server 300. That is, in this embodiment, the instruction transmitting unit 563 installed as the web browser 561 transmits the user's instruction to the relay server 300. Thus, the relay server 300 receives the instruction.

[0181] If the instruction received in step S422 includes an instruction regarding the application of a rule, the settings management unit 333 stores the instruction in the storage unit 310 in step S423. Specifically, for example, if the instruction to omit a warning or an instruction to deny continued use is received in step S422, the settings management unit 333 stores the instruction in the storage unit 310 in association with the user ID obtained in step S413. Furthermore, if the instruction is directed to only one image forming device 600, the print control unit 335 associates the instruction with the device identification information (printer ID) of that image forming device 600 and stores it in the storage unit 310. If the instruction is directed to all image forming devices 600 of a specific organization, the print control unit 335 associates the instruction with the organization ID of that organization and stores it in the storage unit 310.

[0182] If the instruction received by the relay server 300 in step S422 is to use the image forming device 600 that is the target of the warning, the print control unit 335 associates the image forming device 600 with the code virtual printer and the process proceeds to step S426. In contrast, if the instruction received by the relay server 300 in step S422 is not to use the image forming device 600 that is the target of the warning, the process ends. In this case, the user moves to another image forming device 600 and the process of step S400 is repeated.

[0183] Next, the process flow for the case where the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is a printer whose use is prohibited will be described. In this case, in step S424, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a printer unavailable page to the web browser 561. Consequently, in step S425, the web browser 561 displays the printer unavailable page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500. The printer unavailable page notifies the user that the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 has been prohibited. If the use of the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information obtained in step S401 is prohibited based on a rule corresponding to the image forming device 600 or a user instruction, the processes of steps S424 and S425 are performed. In this case, the user moves closer to another image forming device 600 and the process of step S400 is repeated.

[0184] In step S500, the capability information control unit 336 of the relay server 300 sends a request to the second print service system 200 to obtain the capability information of the image forming device 600 selected by the second terminal device 500. As previously mentioned, capability information refers to information indicating the capabilities of the image forming device 600 specified by the user as a printer. Alternatively, it can be considered information specifying the various functions that the image forming device 600 possesses as a printer. These various functions may include, for example, changing the paper size, switching between color and black-and-white printing, and performing double-sided printing. These functions may also include, for example, changing the type of printing paper, changing print quality, stamping printed materials, staple printed materials together, changing the staple position when stapled together, punching holes in printed materials, and changing the punch hole placement when stapled together. In contrast, in step S501, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 sends the capability information of the image forming device 600 specified by the user to the relay server 300. Specifically, print control unit 231 transmits capability information of image forming apparatus 600 specified by the user and default print settings corresponding to the capability information to relay server 300. The default print settings are standard settings, that is, default settings, for each item of the print settings indicated by the capability information.

[0185] In step S502, the capability information control unit 336 of the relay server 300 sends a print instruction page to the web browser 561. Specifically, the print control unit 335 sends the print instruction page, along with the capability information and default print settings, to the web browser 561. Consequently, in step S503, the web browser 561 displays the print instruction page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500. The print instruction page is a page for receiving print instructions from the user. For example, the print instruction page includes a button, i.e., a print button, for the user to instruct the printing system 10 to print. Furthermore, the print instruction page is a page for receiving user-specified print settings for the image forming device 600. The print settings that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 correspond to the capability information. The number of print setting items that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 typically matches the number of functions specified in the capability information. Therefore, the print settings that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 may include, in addition to the aforementioned settings for specifying the paper size, whether to perform color printing, and whether to perform duplex printing, a setting for specifying the type of paper to be used. If the user specifies that image forming apparatus 600 can select between high-priced, high-quality paper and low-priced, low-quality paper for printing, specifying the type of paper to be used means selecting either high-priced, high-quality paper or low-priced, low-quality paper. The print settings that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 may also include settings for specifying print quality, whether to stamp the printed material, whether to staple the printed material together, and if so, the location of the staples, and if so, the location of the staples, respectively. Furthermore, the number of print setting items that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 may not be the same as the number of function items specifically specified by the capability information. That is, the number of print setting items that can be specified on the print instruction page displayed in step S503 may be less than the number of function items specifically specified by the capability information. Furthermore, in step S502, the capability information control unit 336 of the relay server 300 may transmit the capability information received from the second print service system 200 in step S501 to the web browser 561 without processing it, or may transmit the capability information received from the second print service system 200 in step S501 after processing it.Here, the processing capability information typically refers to at least one of the plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 600 indicated by the deletion capability information.

[0186] Based on the capability information obtained in step S502, the web browser 561 displays the print settings that the user can specify for each item. In this case, the web browser 561 may also display the default setting values ​​for each item based on the default print settings obtained in step S502. In step S504, the user inputs the print settings corresponding to the image forming device 600 specified by the user via the input unit 530 of the second terminal device 500. Specifically, the user inputs or changes the setting value for each print setting item that the user-specified image forming device 600 can support via the input unit 530 of the second terminal device 500. Furthermore, on the print instruction page displayed in step S503, a checkbox indicating that the setting should not be changed is provided for each item. Therefore, instead of inputting or changing the setting value for each print setting item that the user-specified image forming device 600 can support via the input unit 530 of the second terminal device 500, the user may check the checkboxes indicating that the setting should not be changed for several items. By setting in step S504 in this way that user U can freely choose to change the settings for each item or not, for example, when performing printing of a printing task in which the size of the printing paper is set to be different for each page, printing can be performed with the paper size set for each page.

[0187] Here, the difference between the print settings specified in step S300 and the print settings specified in step S504 is explained. In step S300, the image forming device 600 that the user actually uses for printing is not determined. Therefore, the print settings that can be specified in step S300 are limited to setting values ​​for specifying the size of the paper used, setting values ​​for specifying whether to perform color printing, setting values ​​for specifying whether to perform duplex printing, etc., as described above, and are print settings that can be used by most image forming devices 600. In contrast, in step S504, the image forming device 600 that the user actually uses for printing is already specified. Therefore, the print settings that can be specified in step S504 can include more detailed print settings that can be used by the image forming device 600 specified by the user.

[0188] In step S428, the user presses the print button displayed on the print instruction page. In step S429, the web browser 561 transmits a print execution instruction to the relay server 300. Specifically, the web browser 561 transmits the print instruction along with the print settings entered in step S504 to the relay server 300. That is, in this embodiment, the instruction transmission unit 563 implemented as the web browser 561 transmits the print execution instruction. Consequently, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 receives the print execution instruction along with the print settings.

[0189] When the relay server 300 receives the instruction to print, in step S430 the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 reads the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer from a database such as the storage unit 310. Consequently, in step S431, the print control unit 335 reads the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer.

[0190] Next, in step S432, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 obtains a list of print jobs for print data to be printed by the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information included in the code image C. Specifically, the print control unit 335 sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain the job list. More specifically, the print control unit 335 sends this request along with the virtual printer ID obtained in step S431 and the user ID obtained in step S413. In response, in step S433, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 sends the list of print jobs stored in the first print service system 100 to the relay server 300. Specifically, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 sends a job list for print jobs associated with the code virtual printer and associated with the received user ID. When the job list is transmitted from the first printing service system 100 , the processes from step S434 to step S444 are performed for each print job listed in the job list.

[0191] In step S434, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain job information. Specifically, the print control unit 335 sends this request along with the virtual printer ID notified in step S431 and the job ID listed in the job list obtained in step S433. In response, in step S435, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 sends the print settings corresponding to the job ID and the URL indicating the storage location of the print data corresponding to the job ID to the relay server 300 as job information. Here, for items whose settings were not changed in step S429 among the print settings received from the second terminal device 500, the relay server 300 will follow the print settings received from the first print service system 100 in step S435 in subsequent processing. Alternatively, for items whose setting values ​​have not been changed in the print settings received from the second terminal device 500 in step S429, the relay server 300 may, in subsequent processing, apply the print settings received from the second print service system 200 in step S501 to the default print settings for each item, using the print settings received from the first print service system 100 in step S435. Alternatively, for items in the print settings received from the second terminal device 500 in step S429 that do not indicate unchanged setting values, i.e., items whose checkboxes do not have checkmarks entered, the relay server 300 will follow the print settings received from the second terminal device 500 in step S429 in subsequent processing. In the following description, the URL indicating the storage location of print data is referred to as the print data URL.

[0192] When the relay server 300 receives the task information, in step S436, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 reads the information required to access the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information included in the code image C from a database such as the storage unit 310. Consequently, in step S437, the print control unit 335 reads the information required for access. In this embodiment, specifically, the information required to access the image forming device 600 is an access key such as an email address and password pre-assigned to the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information included in the code image C. Furthermore, it is assumed that this information is pre-stored in a database such as the storage unit 310 of the relay server 300. If this information is not required to access the image forming device 600, steps S436 and S437 may be omitted.

[0193] Next, we will describe a first installation method in which the relay server 300 obtains print data from the first print service system 100 and transmits the obtained print data to the second print service system 200, and a second installation method in which the relay server 300 instructs the second print service system 200 to obtain print data from the first print service system 100. Furthermore, the relay server 300 may be configured with only one of the first and second installation methods, or may be configured with both methods selectively. In the first installation method, steps S600 to S603 are executed. In contrast, in the second installation method, steps S604 to S606 are executed.

[0194] The first installation method

[0195] In step S600 , the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 accesses the print data URL notified in step S435 to obtain print data.

[0196] In step S602, if the print data acquired in step S601 is determined to require processing based on the print job's print settings, the print control unit 335 processes the print data based on the print job's print settings. Here, processing the print data, for example, means processing the print data so that the print image represented by the print data is a monochrome image, if the print data represents a color image. Furthermore, even if print data processing is required, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 can perform the processing, rather than the print control unit 335, or the image forming device 600 can perform the processing. Such processing, which is not subject to execution, typically involves simple processing such as changing the print image represented by the print data from a color image to a monochrome image. In this case, step 602 is omitted. Furthermore, if the print data acquired in step S601 does not require processing based on the print settings, step 602 is also omitted.

[0197] Next, in step S603, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 requests printing from the second print service system 200. At this point, the print control unit 335 sends the printer's email address and access key read in step S437, the print settings acquired in step S429, the print settings acquired in step S435, and the print settings modified from the default print settings acquired in step S501, and the print data to the second print service system 200. In this manner, the print control unit 335 requests printing from the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information included in the code image C.

[0198] Furthermore, when changing print settings from the print settings acquired in step S429, the print settings acquired in step S435, or the default print settings acquired in step S501, the print settings acquired in step S429 are prioritized for each item, followed by the print settings acquired in step S435. However, instead of this, when changing print settings from the print settings acquired in step S429, the print settings acquired in step S435, or the default print settings acquired in step S501, the print settings acquired in step S435 are prioritized for each item, followed by the print settings acquired in step S429. This also applies to step S604, described later.

[0199] Second installation method

[0200] In step S604, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 requests printing from the second print service system 200. At this time, the print control unit 335 sends the printer email address and access key read in step S437, the print settings acquired in step S429, the print settings acquired in step S435, the print settings modified from the default print settings acquired in step S501, and the print data URL acquired in step S435 to the second print service system 200. In this way, the print control unit 335 requests printing from the image forming device 600 identified by the device identification information included in the code image C.

[0201] In step S605 , the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 accesses the print data URL notified in step S605 to obtain print data.

[0202] In this manner, upon receiving a print instruction from the second terminal device 500, the print control unit 335 obtains a print job from the first print service system 100 and transmits a request to the image forming device 600 to print the print job to the second print service system 200. This allows the image forming device 600 to execute printing in a system where the first and second print service systems 100 and 200 operate in coordination. Furthermore, while the user issues a unified print instruction for one or more print jobs in the above-described process flow, individual print instructions can also be issued. In this case, the print control unit 335 obtains a list of print jobs from the first print service system 100 and transmits it to the second terminal device 500. Furthermore, the print instruction for the print job selected from the list is received from the second terminal device 500, and the selected print job is received from the first print service system 100. This configuration allows the user to select whether to print for each print job, thereby improving user convenience.

[0203] Here, the process for the relay server 300 to obtain print jobs from the first print service system 100 will be further described. In the above description, steps S432 to S435 describe the process for the relay server 300 to obtain print jobs from the first print service system 100. These processes may require an access token. Specifically, in step S432, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 may send a request to obtain a job list to the first print service system 100 along with the access token obtained in step S411. Then, in step S433, after the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 confirms the validity of the received access token through the authentication control unit 131, the job list may be sent to the relay server 300. Similarly, in step S434, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 may send a request to obtain job information to the first print service system 100 along with the access token obtained in step S411. Then, in step S435, if the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 verifies, through the authentication control unit 131, that the received access token is valid, the job information may be transmitted to the relay server 300. In this way, the print control unit 335 can use the access token, which corresponds to the authentication completion information, to obtain the user's print job from the first print service system 100 and transmit a request to the image forming device 600 to print the print job to the second print service system 200. In this way, if authentication completion information is required to obtain the print job, the print control unit 335 will interrupt the process if user authentication is not successfully completed. This prevents unauthorized use of the system. Furthermore, even if an access token is not required during the processing from steps S432 to S435, in this embodiment, the print control unit 335 can be interpreted as using the authentication completion information to obtain the user's print job from the first print service system 100. This is because, in steps S432 and S433 , it is necessary to limit the user ID, which is information acquired when the access token is confirmed to be valid (see steps S412 and S413 ).

[0204] In step S441, after step S603 if the first installation method is used, or after step S606 if the second installation method is used, the print control unit 231 converts the print data acquired in step S603 or step S606 into print data in a predetermined printer language. Subsequently, in step S442, the print control unit 231 notifies the image forming device 600, the printer used for printing, of the existence of a print job for printing the converted print data. This print job corresponds to the print job managed by the first print service system 100 and is managed by the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200. Therefore, a new ID, different from the previously mentioned job ID, is assigned. Hereinafter, the ID of the print job managed by the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 will be referred to as job ID2. In step S443, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 notifies the relay server 300 of job ID2. In contrast, in step S444, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 stores the correspondence between the print job of the first print service system 100 and the print job of the second print service system 200. Specifically, the print control unit 335 stores the virtual printer ID, the job ID of the first print service system 100, the device identification information (printer ID) of the image forming device 600 used for printing, and the job ID of the second print service system 200, namely, job ID2, in a database such as the storage unit 310 in such a manner as to establish an association between the virtual printer ID, the job ID of the first print service system 100, and the device identification information (printer ID) of the image forming device 600 used for printing.

[0205] After steps S434 through S444 have been processed for all print jobs listed in the job list obtained in step S433, processing proceeds to step S445. In step S445, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a print acceptance page to the web browser 561. Consequently, in step S446, the web browser 561 displays the print acceptance page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500. The print acceptance page notifies the user that the print instruction has been successfully received. Furthermore, the print acceptance page is also used to receive instructions from the user to cancel printing. Therefore, the print acceptance page includes a Cancel button, which allows the user to instruct the printing system 10 to cancel printing. The user can press the Cancel button displayed on the print acceptance page as needed. The following describes the processing (steps S447 through S453) executed by the printing system 10 when the user presses the Cancel button before the processing following step S454, described later, begins.

[0206] The user who wishes to cancel printing presses the cancel button displayed on the print acceptance page in step S447. In step S448, the web browser 561 transmits a print cancellation instruction to the relay server 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the instruction transmission unit 563 implemented as the web browser 561 transmits the print cancellation instruction. Consequently, the relay server 300 receives the print cancellation instruction.

[0207] When the relay server 300 receives an instruction to cancel printing, it performs steps S449 through S451 for each print job. In step S449, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 specifies the print job using job ID 2 and requests the second print service system 200 to cancel the print job. At this point, since printing by the image forming device 600 has not yet begun, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 cancels the print job in step S450. The print control unit 231 then sends a cancellation result indicating successful cancellation to the relay server 300. Upon receiving the cancellation result from the second print service system 200, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 notifies the first print service system 100 of the job status, along with the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer and the job ID to be canceled. Specifically, the print control unit 335 notifies the first print service system 100 of the canceled job status. In this way, when the print control unit 335 receives the cancellation result (ie, job status) from the second print service system 200, it transmits the job status to the first print service system 100.

[0208] When steps S449 through S451 have been completed for all print jobs to be canceled, the process proceeds to step S452. In step S452, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a cancellation result page to the web browser 561. Then, in step S453, the web browser 561 displays the cancellation result page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500. The cancellation result page notifies the user whether the printing process for each print job has been canceled in response to the print cancellation instruction. In other words, the cancellation result page notifies the user whether the printing process has been successfully canceled. If the image forming device 600 has not yet started printing, the cancellation result page indicating that the printing process has been successfully canceled is displayed in step S453. The cancellation result page sent in step S452 may also include the number of print jobs that were successfully canceled and the number of print jobs that failed to be canceled.

[0209] If the cancel button is not pressed before the process after step S454 is started, the process from step S454 to step S485 is performed for each print job.

[0210] In step S454, the print processing unit 641 of the image forming device 600 corresponding to the device identification information included in the code image C transmits a request to the second print service system 200 to obtain print data. In response, in step S455, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 transmits the converted print data to the image forming device 600.

[0211] After step S455 , the processes of step S456 to step S466 are executed each time the job status changes. These processes are executed when the print process starts in the image forming apparatus 600 or when an error occurs after the print process starts.

[0212] In step S456, the print processing unit 641 of the image forming apparatus 600 notifies the second print service system 200 of the job status. Upon receiving this notification, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 notifies the relay server 300 of the job status notified in step S456, along with the printer ID and job ID 2, in step S457. Thus, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 obtains the job status regarding the print process being executed by the image forming apparatus 600.

[0213] When the relay server 300 receives notification of the job status, in step S458, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 reads information stored and associated with the received printer ID and job ID 2 from a database such as the storage unit 310. Consequently, in step S459, the print control unit 335 reads the virtual printer ID and job ID stored and associated with this information. Then, in step S460, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 notifies the first print service system 100 of the job status notified in step S457, along with the virtual printer ID and job ID. Specifically, upon receiving the job status from the second print service system 200, the print control unit 335 transmits the job status to the first print service system 100.

[0214] In step S461, the status output unit 564 of the second terminal device 500 specifies the virtual printer ID and job ID and sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain job information. In response, in step S462, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 transmits the job status received in step S460 to the second terminal device 500. Consequently, in step S463, the status output unit 564 of the second terminal device 500 displays the job status on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500.

[0215] Alternatively, the job status can be displayed on the first terminal device 400. In this case, in step S464, the status output unit 453 of the first terminal device 400 specifies the virtual printer ID and the job ID and sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain job information. In response, in step S465, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 transmits the job status received in step S460 to the first terminal device 400. Consequently, in step S466, the status output unit 453 of the first terminal device 400 displays the job status on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0216] As can be seen from the sequence diagram, every time the job status is updated, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 transmits the updated job status to the first print service system 100. Therefore, the user can appropriately grasp the current job status via the first print service system 100.

[0217] Next, the processing (steps S467 to S474 ) executed in the printing system 10 when the cancel button is pressed after the processing of step S454 is started will be described.

[0218] The user who wishes to cancel printing presses the cancel button displayed on the print acceptance page in step S467. In step S468, the web browser 561 transmits a print cancellation instruction to the relay server 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the instruction transmission unit 563 implemented as the web browser 561 transmits the print cancellation instruction. Consequently, the relay server 300 receives the print cancellation instruction.

[0219] When the relay server 300 receives an instruction to cancel printing, it performs steps S469 through S472 for each print job. For a print job to be canceled, if the job status notified to the relay server 300 from the second print service system 200 is "printing in progress" or "printing completed," step S469 is performed. In step S469, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 determines that the cancellation of the print process for that print job has failed. On the other hand, if the job status notified to the relay server 300 from the second print service system 200 is "before printing begins," steps S470 and S471 are performed. In step S470, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 specifies the print job using job ID 2 and requests the second print service system 200 to cancel the print job. In contrast, if printing of the print job has not been started by the image forming device 600, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 cancels the print job in step S471. The print control unit 231 then sends a cancellation result indicating successful cancellation to the relay server 300. However, printing of the print job may have already been started by the image forming device 600. This may occur, for example, due to a time lag in notifying the relay server 300 of the latest job status. In this case, the print control unit 231 of the second print service system 200 fails to cancel the print job in step S471 and sends a cancellation result indicating the failure to cancel to the relay server 300. Upon receiving the cancellation result indicating successful cancellation from the second print service system 200, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 notifies the first print service system 100 of the job status, along with the virtual printer ID of the code virtual printer and the job ID to be canceled, in step S472. Specifically, the print control unit 335 notifies the first print service system 100 of the job status indicating that the job has been canceled.

[0220] Once the processing from step S469 onwards has been completed for all print jobs to be canceled, the process proceeds to step S473. In step S473, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 sends a cancellation result page to the web browser 561. This cancellation result page lists the number of print jobs that were successfully canceled and the number of print jobs that failed to be canceled. Then, in step S474, the web browser 561 displays the cancellation result page on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500.

[0221] If the cancel button is not pressed after the process of step S454 is started, the process of step S475 and subsequent steps is performed after the process of steps S456 to S466 described above.

[0222] In step S475, upon completing the print processing for the print job, the print processing unit 641 of the image forming device 600 notifies the second print service system 200 of the completion of printing by notifying the second print service system 200 of the print job processing result. Specifically, the print processing unit 641 notifies the second print service system 200 of the completion of printing by notifying the second print service system 200 of the print job processing result. In other words, the print processing unit 641 notifies the second print service system 200 of the completion of printing by notifying the second print service system 200 of the print job processing result notified in step S475 as the job status, along with the printer ID and job ID 2. This allows the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 to obtain the job status of the print job executed by the image forming device 600.

[0223] When the relay server 300 receives the notification of the job status, in step S477, the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 reads the database of the storage unit 310 or the like to obtain the information stored and associated with the received printer ID and job ID 2. Then, in step S478, the print control unit 335 reads the virtual printer ID and job ID stored and associated with them.

[0224] Next, in step S479 , the print control unit 335 of the relay server 300 notifies the first print service system 100 of the job status along with the virtual printer ID and the job ID. Specifically, upon acquiring the job status from the second print service system 200 , the print control unit 335 transmits the job status to the first print service system 100 .

[0225] In step S480, the status output unit 564 of the second terminal device 500 specifies the virtual printer ID and job ID and sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain job information. In response, in step S481, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 transmits the job status received in step S479 to the second terminal device 500. Consequently, in step S482, the status output unit 564 of the second terminal device 500 displays the job status on the display unit 520 of the second terminal device 500.

[0226] Alternatively, the job status can be displayed on the first terminal device 400. In this case, in step S483, the status output unit 453 of the first terminal device 400 specifies the virtual printer ID and the job ID and sends a request to the first print service system 100 to obtain job information. In response, in step S484, the print control unit 132 of the first print service system 100 transmits the job status received in step S479 to the first terminal device 400. Consequently, in step S485, the status output unit 453 of the first terminal device 400 displays the job status on the display unit 420 of the first terminal device 400.

[0227] The printing system 10 involved in the embodiment has been described above. According to the printing system 10, in a printing system in which different systems providing printing services work together, authenticated printing using authentication implemented by the first printing service system 100 is implemented. Therefore, improper use of the system can be suppressed. In addition, even in a case where the second printing service system 200 does not have an authentication function, authenticated printing can be implemented in printing by the image forming device 600 connected to the second printing service system 200. Furthermore, according to the printing system 10, even in a printing system in which different systems providing printing services work together, the user can use the code image C affixed to the image forming device 600 to specify the image forming device 600 to be used in printing. Therefore, for the user, compared with the case of selecting the image forming device 600 to be used on the screen, the case of incorrectly selecting the image forming device 600 to be used can be reduced. Therefore, user convenience is improved. Furthermore, according to the printing system 10, in a printing system in which different systems providing printing services cooperate, after a user specifies an image forming device 600 to be used for printing, the user can input or change detailed printing settings corresponding to the specified image forming device 600 as needed. Therefore, since the user can utilize the various functions of the image forming device 600 without restrictions, printing that meets the user's requirements can be achieved.

[0228] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it can be appropriately changed within the scope that does not deviate from the main purpose. For example, the relay server 300 can also be included in the second printing service system 200. According to such a structure, for example, the same vendor can easily manage the relay server 300 and the second printing service system 200. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the relay server 300 performs a process for specifying the image forming device 600 that uses the code image C in order to print in the image forming device 600 connected to the second printing service system 200. However, the relay server 300 can also perform a process for specifying the image forming device that uses the code image C in order to print in the image forming device connected to the first printing service system 100. In this case, the relay server 300 only needs to perform the following process between the first printing service system 100, which is the process described in the embodiment as the process performed between the relay server 300 and the second printing service system 200.

[0229] In addition, in the above examples, the program includes a command group (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiment when it is read into the computer. The program can also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a storage medium with an entity. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a storage medium with an entity includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM (read-only disc), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (Blu-ray, registered trademark) disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic box, tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program can also be sent on a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes an electrical, optical, acoustic or other form of propagation signal.

[0230] Explanation of symbols

[0231] 10…Printing system; 100…First printing service system; 110…Storage unit; 120…Communication unit; 130…Control unit; 131…Authentication control unit; 132…Printing control unit; 133…Information management unit; 200…Second printing service system; 210…Storage unit; 220…Communication unit; 230…Control unit; 231…Printing control unit; 232…Information management unit; 300…Relay server; 310…Storage unit; 320…Communication unit; 330…Control unit; 331…Authentication control unit; 332…Registration unit; 333…Setting management unit; 334…Device identification information acquisition unit; 335…Printing control unit; 336…Capability information control unit; 400…First terminal Device; 410…storage unit; 420…display unit; 430…input unit; 440…communication unit; 450…control unit; 451…web browser; 452…print request unit; 453…status output unit; 500…second terminal device; 510…storage unit; 520…display unit; 530…input unit; 540…communication unit; 550…reading unit; 560…control unit; 561…web browser; 562…identification information sending unit; 563…instruction sending unit; 564…status output unit; 600…image forming device; 610…storage unit; 620…communication unit; 630…printing unit; 640…control unit; 641…print processing unit; C…code image; U…user.

Claims

1. A server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system, wherein the first printing service system receives print data from a first user terminal, and the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the print data, the server comprising: a capability information control unit that acquires capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal; The printing control unit receives printing setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second printing service system to print the print data corresponding to the printing setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein The printing control unit receives the printing data from the first printing service system, processing the print data based on the print setting information, The processed printing data is sent to the second printing service system.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein: The print control unit transmits, to the second print service system, an access destination for the second print service system to obtain the print data from the first print service system.

4. The server according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The print control unit transmits the print setting information to the second print service system.

5. The server according to claim 1, wherein: The capability information control unit obtains capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal and initial print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second print service system, and transmits the initial print setting information together with the capability information to the second user terminal.

6. The server according to claim 5, wherein: The print setting information is information indicating whether the print setting input or changed using the second user terminal is to be used or whether the initial print setting information is to be used without being changed.

7. The server according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of image forming devices are each marked with a code image including identification information of the corresponding image forming device. The server identifies the image forming apparatus selected using the second user terminal based on the identification information received from the second user terminal that read the code image.

8. The server according to claim 1, wherein: The system further includes an authentication control unit configured to obtain authentication completion information indicating that authentication performed by the first printing service system has been completed. The print control unit acquires a print job from the first print service system using the authentication completion information, and transmits a request to the second print service system to cause the image forming apparatus to execute printing of the print job.

9. The server according to claim 1, wherein: The server is included in the second printing service system.

10. A printing system comprising: a plurality of image forming devices; The server is connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system. The first printing service system receives printing data from a first user terminal. The second printing service system is connected to the plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by the second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the printing data. In the printing system, The server includes: a capability information control unit that acquires capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal; The printing control unit receives printing setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second printing service system to print the print data corresponding to the printing setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal.

11. An information processing method, wherein: The server connected to the first printing service system and the second printing service system performs the following operations, wherein: The first printing service system receives printing data from a first user terminal, the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by a second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the printing data, and the operation is: acquiring capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmitting the capability information to the second user terminal; The system receives print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal and requests the second print service system to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal.

12. A program product comprising a program for causing a server connected to a first printing service system and a second printing service system to function as a capability information control unit and a printing control unit, wherein: The first printing service system receives printing data from a first user terminal, and the second printing service system is connected to a plurality of image forming devices and instructs an image forming device selected by a second user terminal from among the plurality of image forming devices to print the printing data. The capability information control unit obtains capability information of the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal from the second printing service system and transmits the capability information to the second user terminal. The print control unit receives print setting information corresponding to the capability information from the second user terminal, and requests the second print service system to print the print data corresponding to the print setting information by the image forming apparatus selected by the second user terminal.

Images