Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment has a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores a direct printing application that executes a direct printing function of printing a file in an external device, and a conversion application that utilizes a file format conversion function provided by a cloud server. The processor executes the direct printing application and the conversion application. The processor executes the direct printing application, provides a selection environment for selecting a print target file from the file in the external device to a user, executes the conversion application, requests the cloud server to convert a file format of the print target file selected via the selection environment into a corresponding file format of the direct printing function, receives a converted file after the file format conversion from the cloud server, and prints the converted file.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The implementation involves an image forming apparatus placed in a workplace. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, image forming apparatuses with various functions were known. One of these functions is direct printing. Direct printing is a function that displays files from external devices (USB memory, digital cameras, smartphones, etc.) connected to the image forming apparatus in a selectable manner and prints the user-selected files directly without going through an intermediate device (computer). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The files that an image forming apparatus can directly print are generally limited to the mainstream file formats that exist when the image forming apparatus is manufactured. For example, such file formats include .PDF, .JPEG, .XPS, .PRN, and .PS.

[0005] Of course, direct printing cannot handle files in the new file formats established after the image forming apparatus is manufactured, and therefore these files cannot be printed. Examples of such new file formats include .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .psd, and .ai.

[0006] To accommodate this new file format, the control program of the image forming apparatus needs to be updated. For this purpose, for example, the system ROM of the image forming apparatus needs to be remade, and the ROM needs to be installed (ROM rewriting).

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has a direct printing function that can adapt to new file formats without updating the control program.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores a direct printing application that performs the direct printing function of directly printing files stored in an external device, and a conversion application that utilizes the file format conversion function provided by a cloud server. The processor executes the direct printing application and the conversion application. The processor executes the direct printing application, providing the user with a selection environment to select a file to be printed from files stored in the external device; executes the conversion application, requesting the cloud server to convert the file format of the file to be printed from the file selected by the selection environment to the file format corresponding to the direct printing function; receives the converted file from the cloud server; and prints the converted file. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a system including the image forming apparatus according to the embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a USB direct-printed image displayed on a display of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of direct printing in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between the file formats and extensions of the source and target files in file format conversion.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of an MFP user information management table.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a table relating MFP users to cloud users.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cloud user management table managed by a cloud server.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of obtaining an access token for a cloud server.

[0019] Figure 10A This is a diagram at the beginning of an example showing the timing of files directly printed on a USB memory.

[0020] Figure 10B This is a continuation of an example demonstrating the timing of directly printing files onto a USB storage device. Figure 10A The following diagrams.

[0021] Figure 10C This is a continuation of an example demonstrating the timing of directly printing files onto a USB storage device. Figure 10B The following diagrams. Detailed Implementation

[0022] (Image forming system)

[0023] First, refer to Figure 1 An image forming system 1000, including the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiments, will be described. Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of an image forming system 1000 including the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment.

[0024] The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1001, a personal computer 1002, a LAN (Local Area Network) 1003, a cloud server 1004, and a network 1005.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1001 and the personal computer 1002 are connected to a LAN 1003 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 1003. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1001 and the personal computer 1002 can communicate with a cloud server 1004 via a network 1005.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1001 is, for example, a multifunction printer (MFP) with various functions. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1001 will sometimes be abbreviated as MFP below. That is, the term MFP refers to the image forming apparatus 1001. In addition, the various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001 are sometimes referred to as MFP functions.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1001 has printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functions. The printing function is the function of printing an image onto paper. The scanning function is the function of reading an image from an original document, etc. The copying function, for example, is the function of printing an image read from an original document, etc., using the scanning function onto paper. The faxing function, for example, is the function of sending an image read from an original document, etc., using the scanning function to an external source, or printing an image received from an external source onto paper using the printing function.

[0028] The personal computer 1002 is used for editing the MFP user information management table in the image forming apparatus 1001 and the cloud user management table in the cloud server 1004.

[0029] Cloud server 1004 provides file format conversion services. For example, cloud server 1004 receives files that image forming apparatus 1001 cannot print, converts them into files that image forming apparatus 1001 can print, and returns them to image forming apparatus 1001. In one example, cloud server 1004 converts Word files, Excel files, PowerPoint files, etc., received by image forming apparatus 1001 into PDF files and returns them to image forming apparatus 1001.

[0030] (Image forming apparatus)

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 2The image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates a structural example of the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the embodiment.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 1001 includes a processor 1011, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1012, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1013, a local storage device 1014, operation keys 1015, a touch panel 1016, a display 1017, a scan input unit 1018, a print output unit 1019, a fax input / output unit 1020, a LAN transmission / reception unit 1021, a USB device control unit 1022, and a system bus 1023.

[0033] The processor 1011 is an arithmetic element that performs arithmetic processing. The processor 1011 controls the image forming apparatus 1001 according to the software program stored in the ROM 1012 and the local storage device 1014. The processor 1011 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit).

[0034] ROM 1012 is a non-volatile memory that forms part of the main memory. ROM 1012 non-temporarily stores the startup program required to start the image forming apparatus 1001. ROM 1012 is, for example, composed of EPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and stores various setting data at startup in addition to the startup program.

[0035] RAM 1013 is a volatile memory that forms part of the main memory. RAM 1013 temporarily stores programs required for processing by the processor 1011 and data required for executing the programs. RAM 1013 functions as the working memory of the processor 1011.

[0036] Local storage device 1014 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Local storage device 1014 non-transitorily stores the program executed by processor 1011 and the data required to execute the program. Hereinafter, the program, including the data required for execution, will be simply referred to as such. That is, the program includes the data required for execution. The program stored in local storage device 1014 will be described later.

[0037] Operation key 1015 is an input device that receives instructions from the user, such as having multiple push keys assigned to various functions, and receiving instructions from the user via key operation.

[0038] The touch panel 1016 is an input device that receives instructions from the user through touch operations based on fingers or styluses.

[0039] The display 1017 is an output device that displays information to the user; more specifically, it is a display device that displays information to the user. Examples include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic EL displays.

[0040] For example, the touch panel 1016 and the display 1017 are arranged overlappingly, and the display function of the display 1017 and the input function of the touch panel 1016 are used in combination. The touch panel 1016 and the display 1017 constitute an input / output device.

[0041] The scanning input unit 1018 is a device that performs a scanning function, reading images from original documents. The scanning input unit 1018 includes, for example, an original document glass and a reading module. The reading module reads images from original documents placed on the original document glass or from original documents sent to the original document glass via an original document transport device. The reading module illuminates the original document being read with illumination light, and converts the reflected light into a digital signal by receiving it through an image sensor. Thus, the reading module reads images from the original document.

[0042] The print output unit 1019 is a device that performs printing functions, printing images of data onto paper conveyed by a paper transport device based on supplied printing data. The printing data may be, for example, image data read from the original document by the scan input unit 1018. Alternatively, the printing data may be image data sent from an external device separate from the image forming apparatus 1001 and received via the fax input / output unit 1020. Alternatively, the printing data may be data (files) stored on an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 1001.

[0043] For example, the printing output unit 1019 forms a toner image on a transfer belt and transfers the toner image to paper, thereby printing an image on the paper. Alternatively, the printing output unit 1019 sprays ink onto the paper via an inkjet head, thereby printing an image on the paper. Furthermore, not limited to these methods, the printing output unit 1019 may also print images on paper in other ways.

[0044] The fax input / output unit 1020 is a device that performs fax functions, such as sending image data read by the scanning input unit 1018 to an external device or the cloud via a telephone line, or receiving image data printed by the printing output unit 1019 from an external device or the cloud.

[0045] The LAN transceiver unit 1021 communicates with external devices and the cloud via a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN can be configured in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the LAN transceiver unit 1021 transmits image data read by the scanning input unit 1018 to external devices or the cloud, or receives image data printed by the printing output unit 1019 from external devices or the cloud.

[0046] The USB device control unit 1022 is a device with a USB port that controls external devices connected to the USB port. External devices include USB memory, digital cameras, smartphones, etc. For example, the USB device control unit 1022 reads data (files) for printing from the printing output unit 1019 from an external device, or writes image data (files) read by the scanning input unit 1018 to an external device.

[0047] System bus 1023 is the communication path between processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, local storage device 1014, operation keys 1015, touch panel 1016, display 1017, scan input unit 1018, print output unit 1019, fax input / output unit 1020, LAN transceiver unit 1021, and USB device control unit 1022. Processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013, local storage device 1014, operation keys 1015, touch panel 1016, display 1017, scan input unit 1018, print output unit 1019, fax input / output unit 1020, LAN transceiver unit 1021, and USB device control unit 1022 can send and receive information, data, control signals, instructions, and responses via system bus 1023.

[0048] The processor 1011, ROM 1012, RAM 1013 and local storage device 1014 constitute a computer that controls the image forming apparatus 1001.

[0049] On local storage device 1014, an operating system (OS) 1031, an MFP control program 1032, a built-in application execution framework 1035, a built-in application 1036, a built-in application storage device 1039, and an MFP user information management table 1042 are installed.

[0050] Here, "application" is short for application program, meaning a software program that performs a specified task or purpose.

[0051] Operating system 1031 is system software that provides an action platform for applications.

[0052] The MFP control program 1032 is a program that executes various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001. The MFP control program 1032 also includes various files, setting information, etc. required for the execution of the program.

[0053] For example, the MFP control program 1032 includes scanning applications, printing applications, fax transmission applications, etc. The scanning application controls the scan input unit 1018 to perform the scanning function. The printing application controls the print output unit 1019 to perform the printing function. The fax transmission application controls the fax input / output unit 1020 to perform the fax function.

[0054] MFP control program 1032 also includes direct printing application 1033. Direct printing application 1033 is a software program for printing documents from an external device connected to USB device control unit 1022 without going through an intermediate device such as a computer. Direct printing application 1033 displays a list of documents from the external device on the USB direct printing screen, accepts the selection of the document to be printed from the list of documents via the USB direct printing screen, and instructs the print output unit 1019 to print the document selected in the USB direct printing screen.

[0055] The MFP control program 1032 also includes a login authentication application 1034. The login authentication application 1034 is a software program used to authenticate users logging into the image forming apparatus 1001. The login authentication application 1034 compares the user information entered on the login screen with the MFP user information management table 1042; if the user information is appropriate, login is permitted.

[0056] Built-in application 1036 is a software program that performs other functions in cooperation with various functions of image forming apparatus 1001. Built-in application storage 1039 contains metadata of built-in application 1036, including various files, setting information, etc. required for the execution of built-in application 1036.

[0057] For example, the built-in application 1036 includes a cloud delivery application, an email sending application, etc. The cloud delivery application controls the LAN sending / receiving unit 1021 to perform cloud delivery of processing object data of the collaborative source application with which it cooperates. The email application controls the LAN sending / receiving unit 1021 to perform email sending of processing object data of the collaborative source application with which it cooperates.

[0058] Built-in application 1036 also includes conversion application 1037. Conversion application 1037 is a software program used to collaborate with direct printing application 1033 and utilize the file format conversion service provided by cloud server 1004. Conversion application 1037 sends conversion source files that do not correspond to the printing function of image forming apparatus 1001 to cloud server 1004, requests conversion from cloud server 1004 to conversion target files corresponding to the printing function of image forming apparatus 1001, and receives conversion target files from cloud server 1004.

[0059] Built-in application 1036 also includes access token acquisition application 1038. Access token acquisition application 1038 is a software program used to obtain authentication information, i.e., an access token, for accessing cloud server 1004. Access token acquisition application 1038 requests the distribution of access tokens from cloud server 1004 and obtains the access tokens from cloud server 1004.

[0060] The built-in application storage 1039 stores the user association table 1040 and the access token 1041. The user association table 1040 contains information that associates MFP users and cloud users in the form of a table. The access token 1041 is authentication information obtained by the application 1038 through the access token for accessing the cloud server 1004.

[0061] MFP User Information Management Table 1042 contains management information for users of the image forming apparatus 1001 in tabular form. For example, MFP User Information Management Table 1042 includes identification information and the allocation of execution permissions for each user. Identification information includes, for example, user ID and password.

[0062] The built-in application execution framework 1035 controls the built-in application 1036 based on the information in the MFP user information management table 1042.

[0063] The program installed on the local storage device 1014 is provided to the image forming apparatus 1001, for example, via a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be stored on a server on a network and provided to the image forming apparatus 1001 by download.

[0064] For example, when the computer starts up, the processor 1011 executes the boot program in ROM 1012 and starts OS 1031. Under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 monitors input instructions, external device connections, etc. In addition, under the control of OS 1031, the processor 1011 sets up program and data areas in RAM 1013.

[0065] For example, the processor 1011 executes various function control applications stored in the local storage device 1014 into the RAM 1013, thereby controlling the individual devices of the image forming apparatus 1001 and controlling the image forming apparatus 1001 as a whole.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the processor 1011 executes various functions of the image forming apparatus 1001, such as printing, direct printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, by loading various built-in applications stored in the local storage device 1014 into the RAM 1013.

[0067] (Direct printing)

[0068] Direct printing will now be explained. Here, an example of connecting a USB memory as an external device to the USB device control unit 1022 of the image forming apparatus 1001 will be described.

[0069] If a USB memory is connected to the USB device control unit 1022 of the image forming apparatus 1001 and the direct printing function is selected, a USB direct printing screen will be displayed on the display 1017 of the image forming apparatus 1001. Figure 3 An example of a USB direct printing screen displayed on the display 1017 of the image forming apparatus 1001 is shown. The USB direct printing screen displays an overview of folders and files within the USB memory. Each folder can be expanded, and each file can be selected. By touching the "Print" icon, the printing of the selected file is initiated.

[0070] For example, the printing function of the image forming apparatus 1001 is compatible with mainstream file formats; files in these formats can be printed. However, it is not compatible with newer file formats, and files that do not conform to these formats cannot be printed. Compatible file formats include .PDF, .JPEG, .XPS, .PRN, and .PS. Furthermore, non-compatible file formats include .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .psd, and .ai.

[0071] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of direct printing in the image forming apparatus 1001. The direct printing application 1033 of the MFP control program 1032 determines the printable file (…). Figure 3 In the operation screen, select the file to see if it is the corresponding file format.

[0072] In detail, as described below, the direct printing application 1033 of the MFP control program 1032 sends a file format conversion request to the built-in application execution framework 1035. The built-in application execution framework 1035 determines the file format of the printing object file. However, for convenience, it will be described here as the direct printing application 1033 determining the file format of the printing object file.

[0073] As a result of the judgment, if the printable file is a file of the corresponding file format, the direct printing application 1033 will directly output the file to the printing output unit 1019. The printing output unit 1019 will then print the printable file of the corresponding file format that it has accepted.

[0074] On the other hand, if the printing object file is a file that does not correspond to the file format, the direct printing application 1033 and the conversion application 1037 of the built-in application 1036 cooperate to utilize the file format conversion service provided by the cloud server 1004.

[0075] Direct printing application 1033 outputs the printing object file to conversion application 1037. Conversion application 1037 sends the printing object file to cloud server 1004, requesting conversion to a corresponding file format. Cloud server 1004 converts the printing object file to the corresponding file format according to the request and returns the result to conversion application 1037. Conversion application 1037 outputs the converted printing object file (the converted file) to direct printing application 1033. Direct printing application 1033 outputs the converted printing object file to printing output department 1019. Printing output department 1019 prints the converted printing object file.

[0076] exist Figure 5 This shows an example of file format conversion provided by cloud server 1004. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the file formats and extensions of the source and target files in file format conversion. As an example, Figure 5 This demonstrates the file format conversion for converting Office documents to PDF files.

[0077] Because the conversion application 1037 is installed and works in conjunction with the direct printing application 1033 and utilizes the file format conversion service provided by the cloud server 1004, the range of printable file formats is expanded. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the USB direct printing screen, Word format files (docx files) are also displayed in the list as candidate files for printing.

[0078] (MFP User Information Management Table)

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 6 This section provides an example of an MFP user information management table. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of MFP user information management table 1042.

[0080] MFP User Information Management Table 1042 contains information used in user authentication within the image forming apparatus 1001 in table form. MFP User Information Management Table 1042 has column headers for User ID, Username, Password, and MFP Function Execution Permission Assignment. User ID is the user's identification code, Username is the user's name, Password is a secret string, and MFP Function Execution Permission Assignment is information about the execution permissions of MFP functions assigned to the user.

[0081] The MFP user information management table 1042 is managed by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 and is referenced when a user logs into the image forming apparatus 1001. For example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1001 can access the image forming apparatus 1001 from a personal computer 1002 using a browser function to manage (edit / update, etc.) the MFP user information management table 1042.

[0082] (User Association Table)

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 7 An example of a user association table is provided, which includes information about the association between MFP users and cloud users. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of user association table 1040 between MFP users and cloud users.

[0084] User association table 1040 contains information about the association between MFP users and cloud users, as well as information used in cloud user authentication on cloud server 1004. User association table 1040 has column headers for MFP user ID, cloud user ID, cloud username, and access token. MFP user ID is the identifier for the MFP user, cloud user ID is the identifier for the cloud user, cloud username is the name of the cloud user, and access token is the authentication information distributed to the cloud user.

[0085] User association table 1040 is stored in built-in application storage 1039, which is accessible to built-in application 1036. The conversion application 1037 of built-in application 1036 refers to this table information when utilizing the services of cloud server 1004. User association table 1040 is managed by conversion application 1037.

[0086] (Cloud User Management Table)

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 8 An example of a cloud user management table is provided. Figure 8 It is shown by Figure 1A diagram illustrating an example of a cloud user management table managed by cloud server 1004.

[0088] The Cloud User Management table contains information used for user management within cloud server 1004. It has column headers for Cloud User ID, Cloud Username, Password, and File Conversion Function Execution Permission. The Cloud User ID is the user's identifier, the Cloud Username is the user's real name, the Password is a secret string, and the File Conversion Function Execution Permission indicates whether the user has the permission to execute the file conversion function. The Cloud User Management table is referenced when a cloud user logs into cloud server 1004 and when the user executes the file conversion function.

[0089] Cloud user management table through Figure 1 The administrator of cloud server 1004 is managed. Furthermore, the administrator of image forming apparatus 1001 is... Figure 1 Personal computer 1002 uses the browser function to access cloud server 1004 and apply for changes to the cloud user management table, etc.

[0090] (Access token acquisition sequence)

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 9 An example illustrating the timing of obtaining an access token for a cloud server is provided. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of obtaining an access token for cloud server 1004.

[0092] First, the user enters a username and password as user information to log in to the image forming apparatus 1001 (ACT101).

[0093] Next, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) compares the username and password with the MFP user information management table 1042 (ACT102).

[0094] If the user information exists and the verification is successful, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) grants login permission and displays the login success on the display 1017 (ACT103).

[0095] Next, the user launches the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) (ACT104) by operating the touch panel 1016.

[0096] Next, upon receiving the operation from the touch panel 1016, the MFP control program 1032 requests the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) to be launched (ACT105) from the built-in application execution framework 1035.

[0097] Next, the built-in application execution framework 1035 launches the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) (ACT106).

[0098] After the built-in application 1036 (access token acquisition application 1038) is successfully launched (ACT107), the built-in application execution framework 1035 performs URL redirection (ACT108) and displays the login screen of cloud server 1004 on display 1017 (ACT109).

[0099] Next, the user enters their cloud username and password (which serve as their cloud user information) on the login screen of cloud server 1004 to log in to cloud server 1004 (ACT110).

[0100] Cloud server 1004 compares the cloud username and password with the cloud user management table to perform cloud user authentication and authorization (ACT111).

[0101] If authentication is successful, cloud server 1004 issues an access token (ACT112), which is then passed to the built-in application (ACT113) by calling the callback URL of the built-in application 1036 via the built-in application execution framework 1035.

[0102] Built-in application 1036 stores the accepted access token 1041 in built-in application storage 1039 (ACT114).

[0103] Then, the built-in application updates the user association table 1040 in the built-in application storage 1039. (ACT115)

[0104] (Direct printing sequence)

[0105] Next, refer to Figures 10A-10C An example illustrating the timing of files directly printed on a USB storage device. Figures 10A-10C This is a diagram showing the timing of files printed directly onto a USB storage device. Figure 10A This shows the beginning of the timing sequence for direct printing. Figure 10B The sequence of direct printing is shown. Figure 10A The following part, Figure 10C The sequence of direct printing is shown. Figure 10B The following part.

[0106] Figures 10A-10C The timing requires obtaining an access token 1041 from the cloud server 1004 before execution and storing it in the built-in application storage 1039. Therefore, regarding Figures 10A-10C In terms of timing, through Figure 9 The sequence of events, after obtaining the access token of cloud server 1004, is executed.

[0107] First, the user enters a username and password as user information to log in to the image forming apparatus 1001 (ACT201).

[0108] Next, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) compares the username and password with the MFP user information management table 1042 (ACT202).

[0109] If the user information exists and the verification is successful, the MFP control program 1032 (login authentication application 1034) grants login permission and displays the login success on the display 1017 (ACT203).

[0110] Next, the user connects the USB memory to the USB device control unit 1022 and, through the operation of the touch panel 1016, switches to the USB direct printing screen (ACT204). The order of connecting the USB memory and switching to the USB direct printing screen can also be reversed.

[0111] Next, the MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) obtains file information on the USB memory connected to the USB device control unit 1022 (ACT205) and displays a list of files on the USB memory on the USB direct printing screen (ACT206).

[0112] Next, the user selects one or more printable object files (ACT207) from the list of files on the USB storage device displayed in the USB direct printing screen.

[0113] Next, the user submits a print job execution request (ACT208) for the print object file.

[0114] The MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) sends a file format conversion request (ACT209) to the built-in application execution framework 1035.

[0115] The built-in application execution framework 1035 checks the file format of the printing object file to determine whether it is a file format that can be printed in the image forming apparatus 1001, that is, whether file format conversion (ACT210) is required by the cloud server 1004.

[0116] When a file format conversion is required by the cloud server 1004, the built-in application execution framework 1035 sends a file format conversion request (ACT211) to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037).

[0117] When file format conversion is required, the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) works in conjunction with the direct printing application 1033. The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) refers to the user association table 1040 and obtains the access token (ACT212) distributed to the cloud user associated with the MFP user ID based on the MFP user ID.

[0118] Next, the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) sends an access token and the source file for conversion to the cloud server 1004, and issues a file format conversion request (ACT213) to the cloud server 1004.

[0119] The cloud server 1004 verifies the access token received from the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT214).

[0120] If the access token is invalid, for example, if the access token has expired, the cloud server 1004 returns an invalid token error message to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037). The built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) passes the received invalid token error message to the built-in application execution framework 1035, which in turn passes it to the MFP control program 1032. The MFP control program 1032 displays the invalid token error message on the display 1017.

[0121] In addition, if the access token is valid, for example, if the access token has not expired, the cloud server 1004 determines the cloud user based on the access token and verifies whether the cloud user has the execution permission for file format conversion processing (ACT215).

[0122] If execution permissions are granted, cloud server 1004 performs file format conversion processing (ACT216) and sends the converted print object file (converted file) to built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) (ACT217).

[0123] Built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) transmits the converted files (ACT218, ACT219) to MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) via built-in application execution framework 1035.

[0124] The MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) outputs the accepted converted document to the print output unit 1019, and the print output unit 1019 performs a printing task on the converted document (ACT220).

[0125] If printing is successful, the MFP control program 1032 displays "Printing Success" (ACT221) on the display 1017. Conversely, if printing is unsuccessful, the MFP control program 1032 displays "Printing Failure" on the display 1017.

[0126] Furthermore, as a result of the execution permission verification (ACT215), if the cloud user does not have the execution permission for file format conversion processing, the cloud server 1004 returns a permission-unavailable error message (ACT222) to the built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037).

[0127] Built-in application 1036 (conversion application 1037) passes the received no permission error message to built-in application execution framework 1035 (ACT223), built-in application execution framework 1035 passes the received no permission error message to MFP control program 1032 (ACT224), and MFP control program 1032 displays execution error message (no permission error message) (ACT225) on display 1017.

[0128] Furthermore, as a result of the determination (ACT210) of whether file format conversion by cloud server 1004 is required, if file format conversion is not required, that is, if the file format is printable by image forming apparatus 1001, the built-in application execution framework 1035 passes the unconverted print object file to MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) (ACT226).

[0129] MFP control program 1032 (direct printing application 1033) outputs the accepted unconverted print object file to print output unit 1019, and print output unit 1019 performs printing tasks on the unconverted print object file (ACT227).

[0130] If printing is successful, the MFP control program 1032 displays the printing success on the display 1017 (ACT228). Conversely, if printing is unsuccessful, the MFP control program 1032 displays the printing failure on the display 1017.

[0131] (Effect)

[0132] According to the embodiment, the printable file formats for direct printing functionality can be easily expanded without remaking or reinstalling the system ROM of the image forming apparatus 1001. That is, an image forming apparatus and its control program are provided that have direct printing functionality capable of supporting new file formats without requiring updates to the control program.

[0133] Furthermore, for each user using the image forming apparatus 1001, the account of the image forming apparatus 1001 is associated with the account of the cloud server 1004 for management purposes. Therefore, the use of the file format conversion function of the cloud server 1004 is limited to legitimate users with the necessary execution permissions. This restricts inappropriate use of the cloud server 1004 and limits its use to legitimate applications.

[0134] The program described in this embodiment can be transferred either as stored in an electronic device or as stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network or as stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium is any medium capable of storing a program and being readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0135] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention described in this application and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a direct printing function for directly printing documents stored in an external device, the image forming apparatus comprising: The storage device stores a direct printing application that performs the direct printing function, and a conversion application that utilizes the file format conversion function provided by the cloud server; and The processor executes the direct printing application and the conversion application. The processor executes the direct printing application, providing the user with a selection environment to choose printable files from the files stored on the external device. The processor executes the conversion application, requests the cloud server to convert the file format of the print object file selected by the selection environment to the corresponding file format of the direct printing function, accepts the converted file from the cloud server, and prints the converted file.

2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processor, via the selection environment, displays a list of files within the external device and accepts the selection of the printable file from the list of files.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage device stores login authentication applications for authenticating users who log in to the image forming apparatus, and first user management information for the image forming apparatus. The processor executes the login authentication application, using the first user management information to perform login authentication for the image forming apparatus.

4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The storage device stores an access token acquisition application that obtains an access token for accessing the cloud server, and second user management information for the cloud server. After successful login authentication, the processor executes the access token acquisition application. Request the access token of the logged-in user from the cloud server. Obtain the access token from the cloud server. The user's access token is stored in the second user management information.

5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, After successful login authentication, the processor executes the direct printing application. Provide the selected environment to the logged-in user. For the print object file selected via the selected environment, determine whether file format conversion based on the cloud server is required.

6. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The processor determines whether file format conversion is needed based on the file format of the printed object file.

7. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The processor executes: Determine whether the printed object file is a file of the corresponding file format. If the file to be printed is in the file format corresponding to the direct printing function, then it is determined that no file format conversion is required. If the printable file is a file in a format that does not correspond to the direct printing function, then it is determined that the file format conversion is required.

8. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The processor executes: Without requiring the file format conversion, the direct printing application is executed to print the print object file. If the file format conversion is required, the conversion application is executed to obtain the user's access token from the second user management information, send the access token and the printed object file to the cloud server, and request the file format conversion from the cloud server.

9. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The processor executes the conversion application. If the verification result based on whether the access token of the cloud server is valid is that the access token is invalid, an invalid token error message sent from the cloud server is accepted and the invalid token error message is displayed.

10. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The processor executes the conversion application. If the verification result based on the access token of the cloud server is that the access token is valid, then... As a result of verification based on the access token of the cloud server, whether the user has the execution permission for the file format conversion, If the result is that the user has the execution permission, the converted file is received from the cloud server after performing the file format conversion on the printing object file based on the cloud server, and the converted file is printed. If the result indicates that the user does not have the execution permission, an "unauthorized error message" sent from the cloud server is accepted and displayed.

Images