Print server, print system, and program product
By automatically registering and unlocking the print server and using the scanner on the client terminal, the operation process in the printing system is simplified, the problem of cumbersome document selection for users is solved, and convenient print job output is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510835029.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-23
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
In printing systems, user operations are often cumbersome, especially when selecting the target print file. Users hope to simplify the selection process to reduce the workload.
The print server manages printer identification information and unlock codes through memory and processor, automatically registers print jobs and sends unlock codes, and the client terminal reads the specified print information through a scanner to automatically or manually release the print job, reducing the number of selection operations.
The automated print job registration and release process reduces the user's workload when selecting and outputting print files, improving the convenience of the printing system.
Smart Images
Figure CN121597142A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a print server, a print system, and a program. Background Technology
[0002] A printing system consisting of a client terminal, a print server, and a printer is known. In this system, the client terminal sends print data to the print server. The printer retrieves a print job list from the print server, which includes the filename and location information of the print data. The printer then obtains the specified print data from the print server and prints it. For example, if multiple printers are connected to a network and these printers are registered with the print server, the printer selected from among the registered printers will print the obtained print data.
[0003] In addition, various proposals related to such a printing system were made. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve
[0005] In the aforementioned printing system, there is a desire to simplify user operations. For example, on the printer panel, when printing based on a destination print file, there is sometimes a selection operation for the destination print file. A mechanism is needed to omit this selection operation and output the destination print file directly.
[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a print server, a print system, and a program that reduces the operational burden of printing output.
[0007] Solutions for solving technical problems
[0008] The print server involved in the implementation includes: a memory, a communication interface, and a processor. The memory stores first management information, which associates printer identification information that identifies the printer with the printer's unlock code. The communication interface communicates with a client terminal and the printer. The processor controls the sending and receiving of information via the communication interface. The processor performs the following processes: in response to a print job registration request sent from the client terminal, it sends the print job registration address information to the client terminal via the communication interface; registers the print job sent from the client terminal to the registration address shown in the registration address information; sends the unlock code to the printer via the communication interface; and, based on the unlock code included in a first release request for the print job sent from the client terminal that has read print specification information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, it determines the printer from the first management information, and causes the determined printer to print an image based on the print job registered at the registration address. Attached Figure Description
[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the network configuration of the apparatus constituting the printing system according to the embodiment.
[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the apparatus constituting the printing system according to the embodiment.
[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device registration list and account registration file involved in an implementation method.
[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the action sequence of a printing system according to an embodiment.
[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a client terminal involved in an implementation method.
[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a server involved in an implementation method.
[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a printer according to an embodiment.
[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0017] 1…Client terminal; 2…Server; 3…Printer; 11…Processor; 12…Memory; 13…Storage; 14…Communication interface; 15…User interface; 16…Scanner; 21…Processor; 22…Memory; 23…Storage; 24…Communication interface; 31…Processor; 32…Memory; 33…Storage; 34…Communication interface; 35…User interface; 36…Print engine. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Hereinafter, the printing system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] [constitute]
[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the network configuration of the apparatus constituting the printing system according to the embodiment.
[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system includes: a client terminal 1, a server 2 that functions as a print server, and a printer 3 that forms an image based on print data from the server 2. The client terminal 1, server 2, and printer 3 are connected via a communication network.
[0022] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple printers 3 are connected to a communication network. Additionally, in Figure 1 The example shown is of a client terminal 1 connected to a communication network, but the network of the printing system can also connect more than two client terminals 1 at the same time.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the apparatus constituting the printing system according to the embodiment.
[0024] Client terminal 1 can be implemented by a computer with more than one processor, memory, storage, and interfaces. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the client terminal 1 includes: a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13, a communication interface 14, a user interface 15, and a scanner 16.
[0025] The processor 11 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The processor 11 performs various processes based on the control program and control data stored in the memory 12. For example, the processor 11 executes the printing process of the printer 3 via the server 2 by executing a printing assistance application stored in the memory 12.
[0026] The memory 12 includes ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and NVM (Non-Volatile Memory). ROM and NVM store control programs and control data. RAM functions as working memory, storing temporary data.
[0027] Storage 13 stores print data, etc. In addition, storage 13 can also store control programs and control data, etc.
[0028] Communication interface 14 communicates wirelessly with server 2, and sends and receives data between communication interface 14 and server 2.
[0029] User interface 15 includes an input section and an output section. For example, the input section and the output section are touch panel displays that accept input from the user and display the accepted information.
[0030] Scanner 16 is a scanner for reading one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. It can be used as a one-dimensional barcode (barcode) and as a two-dimensional barcode (QR code, registered trademark).
[0031] Server 2 can be implemented by a computer with more than one processor, memory, storage, and interfaces. For example... Figure 2 As shown, server 2 has a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage device 23, and a communication interface 24.
[0032] The processor 21 consists of a CPU and the like. The processor 21 performs various processes based on the control program and control data stored in the memory 22. For example, the processor 21 controls the sending and receiving of information based on the communication interface 24 by executing the program stored in the memory 22. In addition, in response to a request from the client terminal 1, it causes the printer 3 to print an image based on a print job.
[0033] The memory 22 includes ROM, RAM, and NVM. ROM and NVM store control programs and control data. RAM functions as working memory, storing temporary data.
[0034] Memory 22 or storage 23 stores a device registration list (first management information) and an account registration file (second management information). The device registration list includes printer identification information for printers 3 that have been registered in the printing system. The account registration file includes account information required for utilizing the printing service based on the printing system. Additionally, server identification information is stored in storage 23 before shipment and is sent to printers 3 that have been registered. Furthermore, storage 23 may also store control programs and control data. In this embodiment, the example of storage 23 storing the device registration list and account registration file is described, but they may also be stored by the NVM of memory 22 as described above.
[0035] Communication interface 24 communicates wirelessly with client terminal 1, sending and receiving data between them. Additionally, communication interface 24 communicates wirelessly with printer 3, sending and receiving data between them.
[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, printer 3 includes: processor 31, memory 32, storage 33, communication interface 34, user interface 35, and printing engine 36.
[0037] The processor 31 consists of a CPU and the like. The processor 31 performs various processes based on the control program and control data stored in the memory 32. For example, the processor 31 executes a printing application stored in the memory 32, retrieves printing data from the server 2, and causes the printing engine 36 to perform image formation based on the printing data.
[0038] The memory 32 includes ROM, RAM, and NVM. ROM and NVM store control programs and control data. RAM functions as working memory, storing temporary data.
[0039] Storage 33 stores print data, etc. Additionally, storage 33 can also store control programs and control data, etc.
[0040] Communication interface 34 communicates wirelessly with server 2, and sends and receives data between communication interface 34 and server 2.
[0041] User interface 35 includes an input section and an output section. For example, the input section and output section are touch panel displays that accept input from the user and display the accepted information. For example, user interface 35 displays a QR code as an example of print specification information for a print job.
[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device registration list and account registration file involved in an implementation method.
[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the storage device registration list and account registration file of server 2's storage device 23.
[0044] The device registration list includes printer identification information for printer 3, which has been registered in the printing system. Furthermore, this printer identification information includes an unlock code and print job registration address information. The function of the device registration list will be explained in detail later.
[0045] Additionally, the account registration file contains account information for users who have registered with the printing system. This account information includes user identification information and a password. Furthermore, this account information is associated with a print job list and a print token. The function of the account registration file will be explained in detail later.
[0046] [action]
[0047] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the action sequence of a printing system according to an embodiment.
[0048] If the main power supply to client terminal 1, server 2, and printer 3, which constitute the printing system, is turned on, client terminal 1, server 2, and printer 3 will enter standby mode. In this standby mode, printer 3 will be locked under the control of processor 31. In the locked state, user interface 35 will not accept operation input, and print engine 36 will not execute print jobs.
[0049] The initial description pertains to the registration of printer 3. The user interface 35 of printer 3 accepts input from the administrator regarding information related to server 2, and storage 33 stores this information. This information includes server identification information.
[0050] Printer 3's communication interface 34 sends a device registration request to server 2. The device registration request includes printer identification information such as printer 3's identifier. Server 2's communication interface 24 receives the device registration request. Processor 21 verifies the device registration request. Server 2's storage 23 stores a list of registered devices. If the verification result allows printer 3 to register, processor 21 generates an unlock code and print job registration address information associated with the printer identification information included in the device registration request, such as... Figure 3 As shown, printer identification information is registered in the device registration list of storage 23, and unlock code and print job registration address information are registered in association with printer identification information.
[0051] Next, account registration will be explained. Account registration is required for using the printing service based on the printing system. The user interface 15 of client terminal 1 displays a new account registration menu and retrieves the user identification information and password entered through the new account registration menu. The communication interface 14 of client terminal 1 sends the account information, including this user identification information and password, to server 2. The storage 23 of server 2 stores the account registration file. The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives the account information, and the processor 21 registers the account information in the account registration file.
[0052] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the account information includes associated print jobs (or a list of print jobs) and print tokens. In the account registration file containing the pre-assigned account information, pre-assigned print jobs (or a list of pre-assigned print jobs) and pre-assigned print tokens are registered and associated with the pre-assigned account information.
[0053] After the account information registration is completed, the user interface 15 of the client terminal 1 displays the login menu and obtains the user identification information and password entered through the login menu. The communication interface 14 sends a login request including this user identification information and password to the server 2 (ACT101).
[0054] The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives a login request from client terminal 1. The processor 21 of server 2 compares the user identification information and password included in the login request with the user identification information and password registered in the account registration file, and verifies the account (ACT201).
[0055] If the combination of user identification information and password included in the login request matches the combination of user identification information and password registered in the account registration file, then the processor 21 allows login. If the combination of user identification information and password included in the login request does not match the combination of user identification information and password registered in the account registration file, then the processor 21 denies login.
[0056] Upon allowing a login request based on account information from client terminal 1, processor 21 issues a print token (PT) registered with the account information. For example, the print token may include an authentication code. Communication interface 24 sends the print token to client terminal 1 (ACT 202). Additionally, storage 23 stores a token issuance file, and processor 21 registers the issued print token or corresponding data in the token issuance file for print token verification.
[0057] Communication interface 14 receives a print token. Storage 13 stores the received print token. User interface 15 displays a print object file selection menu, accepting one or more print object files entered via the print object file selection menu (ACT102). Additionally, user interface 15 displays a print settings menu, accepting print settings configured via the print settings menu (ACT102). The one or more print object files can be files stored in storage 13 or files downloaded from an external server via a network. Print settings accept the selection of one printer 3 from a plurality of printers 3 that have been registered as devices in print server 2.
[0058] Storage 13 stores print job files, and processor 11 saves print jobs including print object files and print settings in the print job files. Processor 11 generates a print job corresponding to the selection of a print object file (ACT103). For example, if two print object files are selected, processor 11 generates a first print job including a first print object file and print settings, and a second print job including a second print object file and print settings. In addition, processor 11 assigns a job identification code to each print job and uses the job identification code to manage the print jobs.
[0059] Communication interface 14 sends a print job registration request to server 2 (ACT104). The print job registration request includes a print token and print settings.
[0060] Communication interface 24 receives a print job registration request. Processor 21 compares the print token included in the print job registration request with the print token registered in the token issuance file or the data corresponding to the print token, and verifies the print job registration request (ACT203).
[0061] Processor 21 allows print job registration if the print token included in the print job registration request matches the print token registered in the token issuance file, or if authentication can be achieved based on the print token included in the print job registration request and the data corresponding to the print token. Processor 21 rejects print job registration if the print token included in the print job registration request does not match the print token registered in the token issuance file, or if authentication cannot be achieved based on the print token included in the print job registration request and the data corresponding to the print token.
[0062] When print job registration is permitted, processor 21 determines the registration address of the print job based on the device registration list. As described above, the print job registration request includes print settings configured via the print settings menu, which includes printer identification information for the selected printer 3. Processor 21 selects the print job registration address information registered in the device registration list that includes this printer identification information. For example, the print job registration address information indicates a predetermined area of storage 23. In response to the print job registration request received in ACT103, processor 21 sends the print job registration address information, which determines the predetermined area of storage 23, to client terminal 1. Accordingly, communication interface 24 sends the print job registration address information to client terminal 1 (ACT204).
[0063] For example, the print job registration address information is a predefined URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The processor 21 determines one registration address for each print job and multiple registration addresses for multiple print jobs.
[0064] Communication interface 14 receives print job registration address information, and storage 13 stores the print job registration address information. It should be noted that storage 13 also stores print tokens sent from server 2. Additionally, communication interface 14 sends print jobs to server 2 (ACT105).
[0065] Communication interface 24 receives print jobs, and processor 21 registers the received print jobs (print data) to the predetermined area shown in the print job registration address information, and registers the job identification information of the received print jobs to the print job list in the account registration file (ACT205). It should be noted that the print token sent in ACT202 is registered in the account registration file. At this time, the account registration file contains: a print job list with registered job identification information, and the print token sent in ACT202.
[0066] After registering the print job to the designated area, the processor 21 selects the device registration list based on the printer identification information of the printer 3 selected by the print settings, and obtains the unlock code (ACT206) associated with the printer identification information from the device registration list.
[0067] Processor 21 identifies printer 3 based on printer identification information associated with the unlock code. Processor 21 sends the unlock code to the identified printer 3. Accordingly, communication interface 24 sends the unlock code to the identified printer 3 (ACT207).
[0068] The printer 3's communication interface 34 receives the unlock code, and the storage 33 stores the unlock code. The processor 31 generates print instruction information based on the server identification information and the unlock code. The generated print instruction information includes the server identification information and the unlock code. For example, the print instruction information may be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The user interface 35's display shows the print specification information (ACT301) including the server identification information and the unlock code. For example, the display shows a QR code corresponding to the print specification information.
[0069] On the other hand, the user interface 15 of the client terminal 1 that sent the print job displays a necessity confirmation menu for automatic print job release. For example, if the user interface 15 accepts the request for automatic print job release via the necessity confirmation menu (ACT106), the processor 11 sets the print job release to valid and executes the reading mode for reading QR codes and other printed specified information (ACT107). The scanner 16 is started accordingly in response to the execution of the reading mode.
[0070] If a user holding client terminal 1 overlays the reading section of scanner 16 of client terminal 1 onto the display of printer 3, scanner 16 reads the print specification information displayed on the display (ACT108).
[0071] Based on the valid setting of automatic print job release, processor 11 specifies a print job release request R1 corresponding to the reading of print specified information based on scanner 16. Communication interface 14 of client terminal 1 sends print job release request R1 to the logged-in server 2 (ACT 109). Print job release request R1 includes the reading result of print specified information, the stored print token, and the stored print job registration address information. That is, print job release request R1 includes server identification information and unlock code included in the print specified information. It should be noted that including print job registration address information in print job release request R1 is optional. Print job release request R1 includes this information to achieve automatic release as described later. It should be noted that if the print specified information is a QR code, the reading result of the print specified information includes the value obtained from the QR code.
[0072] It should be noted that storage 33 continues to store the print job release request R1 for a constant period after it is sent to server 2. For example, the print job release request R1 can also be deleted based on the timing of the next print job being sent.
[0073] The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives a print job release request R1 from client terminal 1. Processor 21, based on the device registration list, account registration file, and print job release request R1, verifies the unlock code (ACT208) to determine the print job list and one printer 3. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the device registration list includes unlock codes associated with printer identification information, etc. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the account registration file includes a list of print jobs associated with the account information and a print token. The print job release request R1 includes server identification information, an unlock code, a print token, and print job registration address information. It should be noted that including print job registration address information in the print job release request R1 is optional.
[0074] If the unlock code included in the print job release request R1 matches the unlock code associated with the printer identification information in the device registration list, the processor 21 allows the print job to be released. Additionally, the processor 21 retrieves a print token from the account registration file that matches the print token included in the print job release request R1, and determines a print job list from the account information associated with the retrieved print token. Furthermore, the processor 21 retrieves an unlock code from the device registration list that matches the unlock code included in the print job release request R1, determines the printer identification information associated with the retrieved unlock code, and identifies one printer 3 from the determined printer identification information. Furthermore, based on the print job registration address information associated with the determined printer identification information, the processor 21 causes the identified printer 3 to print an image based on a print job registered at the registration address. It should be noted that if the print job release request R1 includes print job registration address information, the identified printer 3 can also print an image based on a print job registered at the registration address based on the print job registration address information included in the print job release request R1. The processor 21 enables the determined printer 3 to print images based on the print job in the following manner.
[0075] First, processor 21 sends a print job release request R2 to the identified printer 3 via communication interface 24. Accordingly, communication interface 24 sends the print job release request R2 to the identified printer 3 (ACT209). The print job release request R2 sent in ACT209 includes a list of print jobs determined from the account information. Alternatively, the print job release request R2 may also include print job registration address information.
[0076] The printer 3's communication interface 34 receives the print job release request R2 sent in ACT209. Based on the print job release request R2, the processor 31 unlocks the device (ACT302). With the lock released, the user interface 35 can accept operation input, and the print engine 36 can execute the print job.
[0077] User interface 35 displays the list of print jobs included in print job release request R2 (ACT303). Alternatively, user interface 35 can also display "automatic release" or "automatic printout" along with the print job list. This allows the user to understand whether an automatic release or automatic printout is occurring.
[0078] Processor 31 detects the print job list or print job registration address information included in the print job release request R2. Processor 31 sends a print job request based on the print job list or print job registration address information. Accordingly, communication interface 34 sends the print job request to server 2 (ACT304).
[0079] The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives print job requests from printer 3. Processor 21 sends the print job registered at the registered address to the identified printer 3 via the communication interface 24. Accordingly, the communication interface 24 sends the print job registered at the registered address to printer 3 (ACT 210).
[0080] The printer 3's communication interface 34 acquires a print job. The print engine 36 executes printing based on the acquired print job (ACT305). After printing is complete, the processor 31 updates the print job list (ACT306). If the processor 31 detects a predetermined user operation or a constant period of inactivity, it displays a lock screen and returns to the locked state (ACT307). Additionally, the processor 31 requests a new unlock code from the server 2 and generates a QR code corresponding to the specified information to be printed.
[0081] Additionally, processor 21 of server 2 deletes the print job that was sent (ACT211).
[0082] By eliminating the need for selecting print jobs, the workload can be reduced.
[0083] Here, as shown in ACT106, we will explain the case where user interface 15 accepts a request to manually release the print job instead of accepting the request for automatic release of the print job through the necessity confirmation menu.
[0084] In this case, the processor 11 invalidates the print job release setting and executes a reading mode for reading print-specified information such as QR codes. The scanner 16 is activated correspondingly to the execution of the reading mode. The scanner 16 reads the print-specified information displayed in the user interface 35 of the printer 3. That is, the scanner 16 reads the unlock code, etc., included in the print-specified information. Based on the invalidation setting of the print job automatic release, the processor 11 specifies a manual print job selection request corresponding to the reading of the print-specified information by the scanner 16. The communication interface 14 of the client terminal 1 sends the specified manual print job selection request to the logged-in server 2. The manual print job selection request includes the reading result of the print-specified information.
[0085] The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives a manual print job selection request from client terminal 1. Processor 21 sends the manual print job selection request to the designated printer 3 via communication interface 24. Accordingly, communication interface 24 sends the manual print job selection request to the designated printer 3. The sent manual print job selection request includes an unlock code and a print job list. The print job list includes job identification codes.
[0086] The printer 3's communication interface 34 receives a manual print job selection request. The user interface 35 displays a list of print jobs included in the manual print job selection request, and the user selects a print job from the print job list.
[0087] The processor 31 sends a print job request via the communication interface 34, requesting a print job selected from the print job list. Accordingly, the communication interface 34 sends the print job request to the server 2. The print job request sent may also include a job identification code confirming the print job selected from the print job list.
[0088] The communication interface 24 of server 2 receives print job requests from printer 3. Processor 21 sends the print job selected by the user from the print job list to the designated printer 3 via the communication interface 24. Accordingly, the communication interface 24 sends the print job selected by the user from the print job list within the print jobs registered at the registered address to printer 3.
[0089] The printer 3's communication interface 34 acquires a print job. The print engine 36 executes printing based on the acquired print job. After printing is complete, the processor 31 returns to its locked state.
[0090] Additionally, the processor 21 of server 2 deleted the print job that had been sent.
[0091] By using the above steps to select the print job for printing output, the desired print job can be output.
[0092] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a client terminal involved in an implementation method. Figure 5 The actions shown are Figure 4 The actions of client terminal 1 shown are described, but the explanation is simplified. See below for reference. Figure 5 The actions of client terminal 1 will be explained in detail.
[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the user interface 15 of client terminal 1 displays a login menu. The communication interface 14 sends a login request (ACT121) to server 2, including the user identification information and password entered via the login menu.
[0094] After login is granted by server 2, user interface 15 displays a print object file selection menu, accepting one or more print object files (ACT122) entered via the print object file selection menu.
[0095] Additionally, the user interface 15 displays a print settings menu and accepts print settings (ACT123) configured via the print settings menu.
[0096] Processor 11 generates a print job (ACT124) corresponding to the selection of a print object file.
[0097] Communication interface 14 sends a print job registration request to server 2 (ACT125) and receives print job registration address information sent from server 2 (ACT126).
[0098] Communication interface 14 sends the print job to server 2 based on the print job registration address information (ACT127).
[0099] The user interface 15 of the client terminal 1 that sent the print job displays a necessity confirmation menu for automatic print job release. If the user interface 15 accepts the request for automatic print job release via the necessity confirmation menu (ACT128, Yes), the processor 11 sets the print job release to valid and executes the reading mode (ACT129) for reading QR codes and other specified print information. The scanner 16 is started accordingly in conjunction with the execution of the reading mode.
[0100] If a user holding client terminal 1 overlaps the reading section of scanner 16 of client terminal 1 with the QR code displayed on the display of printer 3, then scanner 16 reads the QR code displayed on the display (ACT130).
[0101] Based on the valid setting for automatic print job release, processor 11 specifies a print job release request R1 corresponding to the reading of print specification information, including unlock code, from scanner 16. Communication interface 14 sends the specified print job release request R1 to the logged-in server 2 (ACT131). Print job release request R1 includes unlock code, etc. Automatic release is achieved by including unlock code, etc.
[0102] On the other hand, user interface 15 can accept the print job again if there is no request for automatic print job release via the necessity confirmation menu (ACT128, No). However, if user interface 15 accepts a request for manual print job release via the necessity confirmation menu, processor 11 invalidates print job release and executes a reading mode for reading print-specified information such as QR codes. Based on the invalidation setting for automatic print job release, processor 11 specifies a manual print job selection request corresponding to the reading of print-specified information, including unlock codes, from scanner 16. Communication interface 14 sends the specified manual print job selection request to the logged-in server 2.
[0103] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a server involved in an implementation method. Figure 6 The actions shown are Figure 4 The actions of server 2 shown are corresponding to those described, but the explanation is simplified. See below for reference. Figure 6 The actions of server 2 will be explained in detail.
[0104] Communication interface 24 receives a login request from client terminal 1. Processor 21 compares the user identification information and password included in the login request with the user identification information and password registered in the account registration file, and verifies the account (ACT221).
[0105] If the processor 21 allows login, the communication interface 24 sends a print token to the client terminal 1 (ACT222) and receives a print job registration request.
[0106] Processor 21 verifies the print job registration request (ACT223) based on the print token included in the received print job registration request.
[0107] If print job registration is allowed based on the verification result of the print job registration request, the processor 21 determines the registration address of the print job. The communication interface 24 sends print job registration address information (ACT224) showing the registration address of the print job to the client terminal 1, and receives the print job from the client terminal 1.
[0108] The processor 21 registers the received print job to the predetermined area (ACT225) indicated by the print job registration address information.
[0109] After registering the print job to the designated area, the processor 21 obtains the print job's print specification information (ACT226).
[0110] Communication interface 24 sends print specification information to printer 3, which is identified based on printer identification information associated with the unlock code (ACT227). It should be noted that the print specification information may also include a print job list.
[0111] The designated printer 3 displays print job information. For example, printer 3 displays a list of print jobs included in the print job information. Client terminal 1 reads the displayed print job information and sends a print job release request R1. It should be noted that client terminal 1 sends a print job release request R1 when print job release is enabled. Client terminal 1 sends a manual print job selection request when print job release is disabled.
[0112] Communication interface 24 receives a print job release request R1 or a print job manual selection request. Upon receiving print job release request R1, processor 21 verifies the unlock code based on the device registration list, account registration file, and print job release request R1 (ACT228). Communication interface 24 then sends print job release request R2 or print job manual selection request to the identified printer 3 (ACT229).
[0113] Upon receiving a print job release request R2, communication interface 24 receives a print job request from printer 3 requesting a print job registered at the registration address, and sends the print job registered at the registration address to the printer (ACT230). Processor 21 deletes the print job at the registration address (ACT231).
[0114] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a printer according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The actions shown are Figure 4 The operation of printer 3 shown corresponds to the instructions, but the explanation is simplified. See below for reference. Figure 7 The operation of printer 3 will be explained in detail.
[0115] Printer 3 enters a locked state after startup (ACT321). Communication interface 34 receives print specification information sent from server 2, and the display of user interface 35 shows the print specification information (ACT322). The displayed print specification information is, for example, a QR code, which is read by scanner 16 of client terminal 1.
[0116] Communication interface 34 receives a print job release request R2 or a print job manual selection request (ACT323) sent from server 2.
[0117] Processor 31 unlocks the state (ACT324) based on print job release request R2 or print job manual selection request.
[0118] Upon receiving a print job release request R2, the print job release request R2 contains a list of print jobs and the registration address information of the print jobs (ACT325, Yes). The user interface 35 displays the list of print jobs included in the print job release request R2 (ACT326).
[0119] The processor 31 detects the print job list or print job registration address information included in the print job release request R2, and the communication interface 34, corresponding to the detection of the print job list or print job registration address information, sends a print job request to the server 2 to request the print job registered in the print job list or registration address (ACT327).
[0120] Server 2 receives a print job request from printer 3 and sends the print job registered in the print job list or at the registered address to printer 3. Communication interface 34 acquires the print job. Print engine 36 executes printing based on the acquired print job (ACT328). Processor 31 updates the print job list after printing is completed (ACT329). If processor 31 detects a predetermined user operation or a constant period of inactivity, it displays a lock screen and restores the system to the locked state (ACT330).
[0121] Upon receiving a manual print job selection request, the manual print job selection request does not contain the print job's registration address information (ACT325, No). User interface 35 displays a list of print jobs included in the manual print job selection request (ACT331), and the print job selected by the user from the print job list is displayed (ACT332).
[0122] Communication interface 34 sends a print job request (ACT333) to server 2 to request a print job selected from the print job list.
[0123] Server 2 receives a print job request from printer 3 and sends the print job selected by the user from the print job list from the print jobs registered at the registered address to printer 3.
[0124] Communication interface 34 acquires print jobs. Print engine 36 executes printing based on the acquired print jobs (ACT334). Processor 31 updates the print job list after printing is complete (ACT329).
[0125] According to this embodiment, server 2 sends print-specified information to printer 3, printer 3 displays the print-specified information, and the print job release is set to be valid. Client terminal 1, by simply reading the print-specified information from printer 3, can execute the print job registered at the address managed by server 2. Users are freed from the operation of selecting a print job on the printer for printing output, thus reducing the operational burden for printing output.
[0126] It should be noted that the program involved in this embodiment can be transferred either when stored in electronic devices such as client terminal 1, server 2, and printer 3, or when not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network or stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium capable of storing a program and being readable by a computer, such as an optical disc or memory card, and the method is not limited. The electronic device downloads and installs the program transferred (provided) via the network into its memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it into its memory.
[0127] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of other ways, with various omissions, substitutions, and modifications possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A print server, comprising: The memory stores first management information, which associates the printer identification information of the printer with the unlock code of the printer. A communication interface for communicating with the client terminal and the printer; as well as The processor controls the sending and receiving of information via the communication interface. The processor In response to a print job registration request sent from the client terminal, the registration address information of the print job is sent to the client terminal through the communication interface; The print job sent from the client terminal will be registered to the registration address shown in the registration address information; The unlock code is sent to the printer via the communication interface; as well as Based on the unlock code included in the first release request for the print job sent from the client terminal that has read print specification information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, the printer is determined from the first management information, and the determined printer is made to print an image based on the print job registered at the registration address.
2. The print server according to claim 1, wherein, The first management information is still information that associates the printer identification information with the registration address information. The processor A second release request is sent to the printer via the communication interface; as well as In response to a request for a print job from the printer that has detected the print job list included in the second release request, the print job registered at the registration address is sent to the printer via the communication interface.
3. The print server according to claim 1, wherein, The memory stores second management information, which associates account information with printed tokens. The processor Allow login requests based on the account information from the client terminal; Send the printed token to the client terminal; In response to the registration request from the client terminal, including the print token, the second management information that associates the account information with the print job is stored in the memory; as well as In response to the release request, including the print token, from the client terminal, the print job is determined from the second management information.
4. A printing system, comprising: A print server stores first management information, which associates printer identification information of the printer with the unlock code of the printer. as well as The printer identified by the printer identification information, The print server In response to a registration request for a print job sent from a client terminal, the registration address information of the print job is sent to the client terminal; The print job sent from the client terminal will be registered to the registration address shown in the registration address information; Send the unlock code to the printer; as well as Based on the unlock code included in the release request for the print job sent from the client terminal, which has read print specification information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, the printer is determined from the first management information, and the determined printer is made to print the print job registered at the registered address. The printer prints images based on the print jobs registered at the registered address.
5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein, The print server has: The memory stores first management information, which associates the printer identification information of the printer with the unlock code of the printer. A communication interface for communicating with the client terminal and the printer; as well as The processor controls the sending and receiving of information via the communication interface. The processor In response to a print job registration request sent from the client terminal, the registration address information of the print job is sent to the client terminal through the communication interface; The print job sent from the client terminal will be registered to the registration address shown in the registration address information; The unlock code is sent to the printer via the communication interface; as well as Based on the unlock code included in the first release request for the print job sent from the client terminal that has read print specification information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, the printer is determined from the first management information, and the determined printer is made to print an image based on the print job registered at the registration address.
6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, The first management information is still information that associates the printer identification information with the registration address information. The processor A second release request is sent to the printer via the communication interface; as well as In response to a request for a print job from the printer that has detected the print job list included in the second release request, the print job registered at the registration address is sent to the printer via the communication interface.
7. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, The memory stores second management information, which associates account information with printed tokens. The processor Allow login requests based on the account information from the client terminal; Send the printed token to the client terminal; In response to the registration request from the client terminal, including the print token, the second management information that associates the account information with the print job is stored in the memory; as well as In response to the release request, including the print token, from the client terminal, the print job is determined from the second management information.
8. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein, The printing system includes the client terminal. The client terminal Read the print specification information displayed on the printer; and The release request is sent to the print server.
9. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, The printer has a printing engine that performs the printing job. When the client terminal, the print server, and the printer are in standby mode, the printer is locked under the control of the processor. In the locked state, the printing engine does not execute the print job.
10. A program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute: Store first management information, which associates the printer identification information of the printer with the unlock code of the printer; In response to a registration request for a print job sent from a client terminal, the registration address information of the print job is sent to the client terminal; The print job sent from the client terminal will be registered to the registration address shown in the registration address information; Send the unlock code to the printer; as well as Based on the unlock code included in the release request for the print job sent from the client terminal that has read print specification information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, the printer is determined from the first management information, and the determined printer is made to print an image based on the print job registered at the registration address.